Good Cruises for Families: The Best Ships, Cruise Lines, and Ports to Consider

• Facebook
• Instagram
• Amazon
• Pinterest

Cruising isn’t for everyone, but I personally love a good family cruise. Especially because my kids love them. They love having the freedom to hang out without parents in the kids club and to eat as much ice cream as they want. And I love the all-inclusiveness that cruises offer. The best part? Many cruise lines now cater specifically to families, making it easy to find options that kids, parents, and even grandparents will love. Let’s dive into some of the top picks when it comes to good cruises for families—including the best cruise lines, ships with standout kid-friendly amenities, and the ports of call that are especially fun for families.

If you’re cruising with a family of 5, be sure to check out this post that weighs all the various options for larger families on each of the popular cruise lines.

Disney Cruise Line

It’s no surprise that Disney tops the list when it comes to family cruising. With characters onboard, Broadway-style shows, kids’ clubs that rival theme parks, and themed dining, there’s magic for all ages. Disney cruise ships might not have all the amusement-park extras that some of the mega-ships have, but the magical touches and the customer service are second to none.

• Best ships for kids: Honestly, you can’t go wrong on any. The Disney Wish and Disney Treasure are the newest ships. But each ship offers something unique. Some of the notable favorites on each of the ships are:
• ✨ Disney Magic – Rapunzel’s Royal Table: Families get dinner and a show all in one. Rapunzel, Flynn Rider, and the pub thugs actually perform around the dining room, so kids feel like they’re part of the Tangled story while parents enjoy a themed menu.
• ✨ Disney Wonder – Frozen, A Musical Spectacular: It’s Broadway-level theater with Elsa, Anna, and Olaf live on stage. Kids sing along to their favorite songs, while adults appreciate the stunning costumes and sets. The Wonder is a smaller ship, which offers good cruises for families looking for a more intimate cruising experience.
• ✨ Disney Dream – AquaDuck Water Coaster: A big family favorite, since you can ride the slide two at a time. It’s thrilling but not too scary, so even older kids and parents can enjoy together.
• ✨ Disney Fantasy – Star Wars: Command Post: Kids get to train with lightsabers, complete missions, and “hologram” chat with Star Wars characters. It’s one of the most immersive kids’ club experiences at sea—giving parents a little downtime while kids are off saving the galaxy.
• ✨ Disney Wish – AquaMouse: Disney’s first-ever attraction at sea combines a waterslide with animated Mickey & Minnie shorts. It’s basically like riding through a cartoon, which makes it magical for kids, and fun for parents too.
• ✨ Disney Treasure (2025) – Plaza de Coco: A dinner theater that brings Miguel’s story from Coco to life with live music, singing, and dancing right at your table. It’s especially fun for multi-gen groups, since abuelitas and little ones alike connect with the music and story.

• Why families love it: Disney customer service has much better reviews than other cruise lines. Also, this cruise line caters to families more than party-goers. No casinos or nightclubs on board.
• Extra perks: Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay, is a huge hit. Families can relax on beautiful beaches, bike ride around the island, and kids even get their own supervised play area right on the sand.

I share lots of Disney cruise resources in some of my other popular posts, such as:

• Is a Disney Cruise Worth It?
• What’s Included on a Disney Cruise?
• Best Time to Book a Disney Cruise
• 5 Disney Extras Worth the Splurge

Royal Caribbean

When considering good cruises for families, you may want something that delivers that “wow factor”, and Royal Caribbean does exactly that. Think surf simulators, ice-skating rinks, climbing walls, and even zip lines at sea. It’s definitely a cruise line that caters to families.

• Best ships for kids: The Wonder of the Seas and Icon of the Seas are practically floating resorts. They feature massive waterparks, family suites, and entire neighborhoods dedicated to kids.
• Why families love it: There is plenty to do on board! You’ll find waterslides galore, plus entertainment options for everyone. It’s impossible to do it all.
• Extra perks: Stops at Perfect Day at CocoCay, Royal Caribbean’s private island in the Bahamas, are a highlight. Families can choose between the thrill of the waterpark or a relaxing beach day.

See how the Royal Caribbean cruise line stacks up against the Disney Cruise line in this popular blog post.

Carnival Cruise Line – Offers good cruises for families without breaking the bank

Carnival makes cruising accessible and fun with plenty of family-friendly options that don’t break the bank.

• Best ships for kids: The Mardi Gras and Carnival Panorama have huge waterparks, ropes courses, and the first roller coaster at sea.
• Why families love it: Carnival is known for its casual, fun vibe and affordability. Ports like Cozumel are especially family-friendly, offering easy beach days, snorkeling, and cultural excursions.

Norwegian Cruise Line – Offers good cruises for families looking for all the extras

Norwegian offers flexibility (no set dining times) and plenty of family-friendly entertainment. One of the biggest perks for NCL is the packages they offer when booking. You can often choose between free drinks, free wi-fi, free excursions or free specialty dining when you book. And sometimes they offer deals where you can select all of the packages!

• Best ships for kids: The Norwegian Encore and Norwegian Joy feature go-kart tracks, laser tag, and virtual reality game zones that older kids and teens especially love.
• Why families love it: Family-friendly ports like Roatán and Harvest Caye in Belize offer adventure options such as zip-lining and wildlife encounters.

Good Cruises for Families: MSC Cruises

A lesser-known but increasingly popular choice for families is MSC Cruises. They partner with LEGO for their kids’ clubs, and kids often sail free or at a discount. MSC Cruise Line has some of the largest ships in the world, too.

• Best ships for kids: The MSC Seashore and MSC Meraviglia have impressive kids’ clubs, splash zones, and even a chocolate-themed restaurant.
• Why families love it: Many MSC itineraries stop at Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, a private Bahamian island where families can enjoy clear waters, snorkeling, and beach activities.

Best Family-Friendly Ports of Call

While the ship is a huge part of the experience, the ports of call can really make or break a family cruise. Some of the best destinations for families include:

• Castaway Cay (Disney’s private island): Stress-free, safe, and built with families in mind.
• Perfect Day at CocoCay (Royal Caribbean’s private island): Waterpark thrills and calm beaches all in one.
• Cozumel, Mexico: Easy beach days, snorkeling, and Mayan history tours.
• Grand Cayman: Famous for Stingray City, where kids can safely interact with stingrays in shallow water.
• Nassau, Bahamas: Families love day passes to resorts like Atlantis for water slides and marine life encounters.

Good Cruises for Families: Final Thoughts

When it comes to good cruises for families, there are so many options depending on your style and budget. Disney delivers the ultimate themed experience, Royal Caribbean brings the wow factor, Carnival offers affordability and fun, Norwegian appeals to adventure-loving kids, and MSC gives a unique international twist. Combine the right ship with family-friendly ports of call, and you’ve got the recipe for an unforgettable vacation where everyone—from toddlers to teens to parents—can find something they love.

Looking for more options? Check out my other posts: Is Holland America a Good Cruise Line for Families? and The Best Holland America Ships for Families.