Take a look at our These are the only staterooms that fit five. So we thought we needed to create the guide to picking a cruise ship cabin for families. Family Balcony: These cabins sleep up to four with two lower beds converting into a queen and a single sofa bed and one Pullman bed. Princess Cruises: Princess offers the California Science Centre where young ones can take part in chemistry experiments while Pete's Pals youth programme teaches children about endangered species. Now it depends on the nature of said little angels doesn't it? Cruises in the winter are the cheapest, but youll need to wrap up warm. Best Cruise For Active Families: Hurtigruten, MS Santa Cruz II Best Overall Cruise For Families: MSC Cruises, MSC Seascape The MSC Seascape features 11 dining venues, 20 bars and lounges. slightly older than some of the other family-friendly cruise lines. Are any staterooms designed with actual families in mind? It sleeps five in a master bedroom with a queen bed and a living area with a double pullout sofa and a single bed that pulls out of the wall. Meals (bar speciality dining), accommodation, entertainment and activities are included. Would you like to receive these? That said, on our most recent cruise on Anthem of the Seas, my five-year-old loved the iFly skydiving simulator, the North Star observation pod and the bumper cars, while his seven-year-old sister was a huge fan of the rock climbing wall. Find and plan your next 7 day family cruise by selecting from a variety of dates, departure ports and . Top up on family time with mini golf, pizza-making and mocktail workshops. Anthem of the Seas is perhaps the most impressive of the fleet so far with a RipCord skydiving experience, FlowRider surf simulator and cocktails shaken by robot bartenders. Whilst you may think that a Norwegian Fjords cruise is all about sitting back and admiring the scenery, thats not necessarily the case. Yes! This is a great choice for single relatives who want to travel with the family, yet have their own space. Accommodation comprises a double bed, four bunks in a separate room (with individual TV screens) and a sofa bed, and there are two bathrooms. Stay safe and healthy when travelling abroad. Flat-screen cabin TVs have Cartoon Network, as well as pay-per-view movie options. Family Veranda Stateroom: These spacious 575-square-foot suites are available on all Solstice-class ships. policy. No, Family-friendly cruise lines that cater for big and little broods are hard to come by. Choosing the best cruise destination for your family will depend on the age of your children and what you like to do. Kids menus are available via complimentary room service. Aboard Oasis of the Seas, for example, the Royal Loft Suite (the largest of all lofts) connects to the adjacent Crown Loft Suite to create an enormous living space that can sleep 10. There's a queen bed, double convertible sofa and upper pull-down bunk bed. These suites include four bathrooms (two masters and two bedrooms with twin beds convertible to kings and pull-down bunks), spacious living and dining areas, and huge balconies with alfresco dining tables, hot tubs and wet bars. Family Ocean View Staterooms: Available on Radiance-, Voyager-, Freedom- and Oasis-class ships, these cabins feature a picture window and accommodate up to six people, in the same bed configurations as the Family Interiors. For ultimate family cruise experience Disney are often the first family cruise line to come to mind. These 184- to 214-square-foot cabins feature "Magic Portholes" aboard Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy. Here I am with Mickey and Minnie on the Disney Wish. In addition, the line offers quad configurations on select inside, oceanview and balcony cabins. Considered by many to be the gold standard among family cruise lines, Disney pioneered the simple addition of the privacy curtain (dividing the sleeping and living room area) and the family-friendly bath-and-a-half concept -- a sink and toilet in one and shower/tub combo and sink in the other. If you click and buy a product, we may earn revenue. At Hays Travel we promise to respect your privacy and we will not Packages include entertainment, various dining options including 24-hour in-room dining, kids and youth club and Castaway Cay (on most Bahamian and Caribbean cruises). Many of the ports of call are cities, so youll find lots of history and culture. You can call one of our cruise specialists on 0330094 8387or fill out our short contact form and we will get back to you asap. Kids will particularly love the occasional Disney character that pops up on the screen. Youll pay extra for alcoholic drinks, adult-exclusive dining and tips. Adults can unwind in the spa, kitted out with a sauna and whirlpool, while kids can meet the captain and splash about in their own separate pool. Can you fit a crib in your cabin if you're also using the sofa bed? Royal Family Suite: If you have more money to spend, these 560- to 580-square-foot two-bedroom suites (available aboard Voyager-, Freedom-, Oasis- and Quantum-class ships) hold eight people -- two bedrooms with two twin beds that can be pushed together for a king bed and a living area with a sofa bed that pulls out to a double bed. Cruises include meals (bar speciality dining), shows and activities. break, which you should avoid as it would be like taking your children on an Princess Cruises are around mid-range in terms of price. NCL ships are colourful and packed with fun. Most Celebrity ships have, on average, 60 to 80 connecting rooms with a variety of configurations. And yesthey rival the best all-inclusive resorts for families ! Dance classes, use of the sports deck and most of the kids clubs activities, entertainment and full-board food are included. Hi, I'm Jenni. Here are the best family-friendly cruise lines to book with for your next big break. And P&O Cruises is one of the only cruise lines to allow babies and toddlers wearing swimming nappies to use the swimming pools. Many cabins that sleep five and up are not actually designated Family Cabins. Zoom across deck on a zip line, score a lucky strike at the bowling alley and enjoy Broadway shows every evening. Included are meals (bar speciality dining), coffee bar, kids clubs, entertainment and poolside activities. Take a look at my article to find out how much a Disney cruise costs. Norwegian Cruise Line's newest ships feature kid-size furniture in the buffet restaurants, and plenty of larger and connecting cabins. Aboard Pride of America, Family Suites include a living room with two lower beds that convert to a queen and a double sofa bed, a separate bedroom with two lower beds that convert to a queen, and additional bedding for two more passengers. Loft Suites: The newer Royal Caribbean ships feature stunning two-story Loft Suites that, while not specifically geared to families, can sleep up to six with one or two bedrooms and sofas that convert to double beds. Are any staterooms designed with actual families in mind? When planning a family cruise, choosing the best destination is just as important as choosing the best cruise line and the best ship. We've got some of the best cruises for kids around, thanks to a helping of family-friendly facilities. MSC Seascape also has a VR 360-degree flight simulator, VR motorcycles and high-tech gadgets for teens. Look out for the occasional Kids Sail Free promotion offering third and fourth guests complimentary cruise fares. The clubs are split into 4 separate age groups:- Splashers age 2-4, Surfers age 5-8, Scubas age 9-12 and HO 13-17 and are organised by well qualified 'Reef Rangers' who have extensive training and experience in planning a wide range of age specific play and leisure activities. Now in its third decade of operation, Disney Cruise Line consistently tops the list of best cruise lines for families. Carnivals newest ships have amazing facilities such as the SkyRide (which is a bit like riding a bike around a track in the sky). All suites on Norwegian ships include the added perk of butler and concierge service. Its usually mainly Brits on board. Its newest ship, Koningsdam (debuting in 2016), will be its first to offer cabins that sleep five. Some family cruise lines have lots of activities for parents and kids to do together, whereas others have fantastic kids clubs that your children wont want to leave. The dining room offers a special baby menu for children aged 6-12 months and pushchairs are available to hire free of charge. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 20 cruises. All cabins feature Disney's bath-and-a-half, with most having a bathtub in one of the bathrooms. The master bedroom has a queen bed and the second bedroom has a single bed. There is a serious amount of things you can do on an NCL ship, including aqua parks with multiple exciting water slides (some of which are aimed at younger guests), immersive VR experiences, bowling, and even go-karting on some of the newest ships. Member Review: Miriamd123. 1. 3. These are flat-screen TVs made to look like a porthole window, which display views of what's happening outside (as seen by cameras mounted on the exterior of the ship). Each issue brings you destination inspiration and the travel tips you've been looking for to book your dream holiday. Celebrity cruises offer a 5-star cruising experience on board modern and luxurious ships. The line's well-designed family staterooms provide plenty of privacy and space. Best Overall Cruise Line For First Timers: Marella Cruises Why is Marella Cruises the best overall cruise line for first timers? But you can filter your search based on price, region, traveler type and brand to find the best ship and itinerary for you. Prices are cruise only, per person, double occupancy, and are provided by our partners. Created specifically for multigenerational families, the four-deck ship features spacious cabins with bunk beds and an age-appropriate toy box, two decent pools and a free kids club. Cruise ship pharmacies generally sell other basics but they can be a bit pricey. Here's why we rate them and what to expect. short cruises, you may find a lot of groups, particularly during college spring Disney Cruise Line. Whilst many of these are only suitable for older children, there are some good options for younger ones too, such as funicular railway rides and pushchair-friendly hiking trails. Read this first. Celebrity's staterooms are considered some of the most spacious at sea. River cruise guests generally prefer a quieter sailing so dont expect a boisterous crowd the kids can have fun but they wont be able to run amok. Family Oceanview: Most Norwegian ships sleep four in this category, but aboard Escape, Getaway and Breakaway, this cabin sleeps five people, with two lower beds that convert to a queen, a double sofa bed and a Pullman-style bed that drops down from the wall. Allure of the Seas. Older kids will love the watersports and snorkelling, looking at the tropical fish and turtles. * All selected offers are from prices per person. P&O Cruises offer both family and adults-only ships. Planning a family cruise can be tough, and one of the main problems that families face is being overwhelmed by all the options. racing car simulator and the arcade are chargeable, so youll need to budget Carnival isn't known for over-the-top luxurious suites, but families on a budget will be glad to find almost 200 quint cabins aboard Carnival Dream, Magic and Breeze. Do a couple of cruise lines from this list take your fancy in particular? The ships offer a variety of family activities and venues, plus kids clubs. Youll find so many things to do with kids in Rome so its a good idea to plan your itinerary for each day before you go. Family Harbor Suites have two bathrooms, a full one with a shower, sink and toilet, and the second bathroom with only a sink and shower/tub combo. There are family-friendly restaurants, lots of kids activities from waterslides to mini-golf while staterooms boast pull down beds. Concierge Family Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah: All Disney ships now offer larger family suites that offer additional perks -- priority boarding and tender service, 24-hour concierge, access to a private sun deck and delivery of entire meals from the restaurants via room service. The ships will appeal most to fans of contemporary decor. I'm so sorry that this post wasn't useful for you! These are the 9 best cruise lines for families for 2023/2024 and why! 1. Princess Pelicans, ages 3 to 7, Shockwaves, ages 8 to 12 and Remix, designed for teens aged 13 to 17. Not all cruise lines are good for intergenerational groups so it's important to do your research. The Concierge Family Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah measures 306 square feet (including the balcony) and sleeps five with a queen bed, double convertible sofa and upper pull-down bunk bed. Themed night accessories - if you're sailing with such cruise lines as Disney which offer themed nights it's worth reading up in advance and packing some relevant accessories to help your kids look the part. Be the first to rate this post. The newest ship, Koningsdam, will offer 150 connecting cabins. You could also choose to cruise from European ports such as Amsterdam or Copenhagen. Note to parents: The two regular twins cannot convert into one queen-size bed if both bunk beds are used, as it would block ladder access to one bunk. Marella Family Cruise Deals There's never been a better time to go on a family cruise with us. Norwegian offers families that all-important flexibility with no set dining or entertainment slots. information by email. The lounge is designed as the ultimate family hangout with large-screen TVs, games and complimentary breakfast and snacks. Please enter your details below and we'll get back to you at your preferred time, Cruising is a holiday the whole family can enjoy, and with the facilities onboard specifically geared towards families and children, they are surpassing those that will be found at, Choose a departure range of up to 1 month if you have not selected a specific cruise lineorChoose a departure date range of up to 3 months if you have selected a specific cruise line. Holland America's current fleet does not offer any designated family cabins; Koningsdam will offer the first. MSC Cruises can be really cheap. Towel clips - these are useful for preventing towels from blowing away from your sunbed. Family cruises are a brilliant opportunity for everyone to come together and enjoy a getaway - this is our complete guide to family cruise holidays. Unlike other cruise lines, Carnival Cruise Line bans children in swimming nappies from the spray parks as well as the pools, so these ships arent great for toddlers. During school holidays there are free kids clubs for children aged four to 15. With Carnival Cruises, the emphasis is on fun. P&O, Celebrity Cruises, Cunard and more cruise lines as rated by guests. From two-night taster cruises to 14-night sailings around the Mediterranean, theres something for everyone. As cruise ships average around 23 miles per hour, a round trip will take approximately two weeks. Top Family Cruises Deals HOT Highlights of Scandinavia from Southampton 01 September 2023 792 pp LAST CHANCE! The older ships arent quite as fun, but waterparks and slides feature heavily and theres definitely a kid-friendly vibe across the whole fleet. On sailings from the UK you can expect a lot of British travellers, whereas, on Caribbean sailings, the passengers will be mostly American. Whats included? Youll enjoy themed deck parties, character meet and greets, award-winning live shows and 3D Disney movies. You cant sail from the UK with A-ROSA, as their family cruises take place on the Danube, Rhine, Seine and Rhone rivers, so youll need flights. And for more advice on choosing the best cabin, read our tips on booking a cruise room for the whole family. Celebrity's 11 ships serve a more upscale crowd and are known for having more sophisticated cuisine, amenities and activities than its sister line, Royal Caribbean. Youll be entertained from dawn to dusk on MSC ships, which feature award-winning facilities designed to keep the whole brood happy. Royal Caribbean has plenty of different suite configurations that sleep four if you simply want more space. 111. That said, most places have great options for children of all ages from babies to teens. A variety of cabins are available for singles, couples, and families,. There are two bathrooms with showers and two TVs. Look for these near the kids club on Deck 12. Family Ocean View Stateroom: Koningsdam's 32 quint staterooms range from 222 to 231 square feet and feature two bathrooms, one with a bathtub and shower. Dont expect anywhere near the facilities that you would get on an ocean cruise ship. Theres normally quite a mix of nationalities on an A-ROSA river cruise, including guests from around Europe and also from the US. On a Spring cruise to the Mediterranean with Norwegian Cruise Line, prices start from 906 per person, based on a family of four sharing a Balcony Stateroom. Celebrity Cruises Vs Carnival: Which is Better? For most cruises, the child price depends on the age of the child. Norwegian, for example, sells basic and premium options for one, two, and four devices, starting at $25.50 a day if guests buy online and about $30 a day if they buy on board, according to its . Fred Olsen's Balmoral in Olden. Costa doesnt offer any sailings from the UK instead youll need to fly to Europe, where there are many different departure ports to choose from. Royal Caribbean International has 27 ships with more being built all the time. Exploring the Galpagos with Hurtigruten aboard the newly refitted expedition ship MS Santa Cruz is an ideal family cruise. Thanks to smart wearable devices in Princess Medallion Class youll be able to track down exactly where family members are at the touch of a button as well as order food and drink to anywhere on the ship. Aqua Theater Suites: Oasis-class ships keep families entertained with suites that overlook the Boardwalk area and AquaTheater water-based performance venue. Here I am with Mickey and Minnie on the Disney Wish. There's a veranda and two bathrooms, one with a bathtub and one with a shower. MSC Virtuosa features the Teens Lab, an immersive, tech-filled room created especially for older kids, a silent disco and a jukebox. But choosing the perfect room (or set of rooms) for a large family or one with young children is even harder. Disney Channel and Disney movies are available on stateroom TVs. Oasis-class ships also feature 290-square-foot Family Ocean View Staterooms with Balconies, which also sleep up to six. They have two bedrooms, a large veranda, one bathroom and a living area with a pullout double sofa. Certain cabins aboard Norwegian Dawn, Star, Sun and Jewel feature dividing curtains, to give Mom and Dad privacy after the kids have gone to sleep. S.S. catherine, Uniworld Boutique River Cruises. Registered Office:Gilbridge House,Keel Be sure to join my email list for my best cruise tips and handpicked deals each week. Complimentary Pack 'n Plays are available on request. Choosing the right family cruise ship cabin can be tough! The nationality of passengers varies depending on the Such activities will keep them occupied and give the adults an opportunity to enjoy some quiet time, too. Every cabin on a Disney ship could be considered a family cabin, but some are specifically flagged as family-focused accommodations. This themed cruise is all about the Disney brand and ideal for those who want to mingle with Mickey. A week's worth of diapers and wipes can be delivered to your cabin for an additional charge. Older children might get a bit bored with the lack of variety when they want to hang out with their friends, although if your teens enjoy relaxing by the pool then they might enjoy the atmosphere. Family Ocean View Staterooms: An affordable option for families of five, these outside cabins are available on Carnival's Dream-class (Dream, Magic and Breeze) and Conquest-class ships (Glory, Valor, Freedom), as well as Carnival Splendor. Sailing Date: 18/06/2023 change. Uniworlds known for being a favourite among luxe lovers, so its a pleasant surprise that its also family friendly. Including a Circus school and DJ's mixing station on Ventura. Because of this, all the announcements and signage are in six different languages and the entertainment often doesnt include much speaking think acrobats rather than comedians. Outside, a wraparound balcony features lounge and dining areas and uncrowded viewing of the shows and scene below. It's a space exclusively for families, with its own suites, staterooms and a lounge just for guests staying in the family cabins. Singapore to Hong Kong with Stays 27 February 2025 2,779 pp Western Mediterranean from Southampton 14 October 2023 693 pp A cruise holiday can be a great way to educate older children with trips to famous European landmarks such as the Colosseum, the Leaning Tower of Pisa or the Acropolis. Royal Caribbean has a fair few trump cards over other cruise lines when it comes to family fun; rock climbing, ice skating and zip lining being the key highlights. Family-friendly facilities on a modern cruise ship surpass anything you would find at a land-based resort with 24-hour dining, exciting all-day entertainment, and large swimming pools and water parks. The free-of-charge kids clubs for three to 12-year-olds are out of this world. Best for: British families with younger kids. Complimentary Pack 'n Plays are available upon request. The bathroom is shower-only. A-ROSAs newest ship, A-ROSA SENA is the first river cruise ship built with families in mind, so this is definitely the best ship to choose out of the fleet. Cabins offer ample storage space, including functional box-shaped seats that double as storage. With increasing fees for carry-ons and luggage, this is a huge perk if you're flying! Some examples of a week-long family cruise are as follows: Carnival Cruise Line offers seven-day autumn/winter Caribbean cruises on Mardi Gras in interior cabins starting at $479 (352) per person. We would also like to send you exclusive promotions, competitions and content from The Times and Sunday Times and selected partners. Carnival cruise ships are best suited for children aged eight and over. Should your family of five squeeze into one room or book two adjoining cabins? Their innovative ship, Mardi Gras, has the largest youth spaces in the fleet with hangout areas for three different age groups. Before you cruise, you should be sure to look up the best museums and family-friendly attractions to visit in each port. These cabins are in the front of the ship, which means you'll feel more motion and may not be best for family members prone to seasickness. MSC also makes sure parents get their portion of adult time with romantic dinners for two and spa visits. Aboard Millennium, Family Veranda Staterooms fit five, have one bathroom with a shower, but unlike the Solstice class ships, they do not connect with any other cabins. Partnerships with LEGO and Chicco ensure that children have lots of fun on board and my two loved their time in the kids club. Actor: Top Gun. Ports (4): La Coruna, Gij. Be sure to join my email list for my best cruise tips and handpicked deals each week. Sun protection - pack high SPF sun cream to prevent and prevent sunburn on both adults and children alike. There are kids clubs and babysitting as well as family-friendly cabins - family suites includes two interconnecting staterooms and sleeps up to eight on select ships. We will get back to you ASAP. Princess Cruises are very popular with multi-generational families who want to cruise with kids, parents and grandparents all together. The ships are brightly coloured with a real American feel. And if you're a family of just three or four on a budget, Disney has worked its magic on interior cabins. Most Caribbean cruises depart from Florida, from ports such as Miami, Port Canaveral and Port Everglades. Could you please tell me how I can improve it? Royal Caribbean: World's largest ship Wonder of the Seas coming to Europe in 2022, Everything you need to know about family cruises. The Bahamas can be rainy, particularly in summer, but its driest in late winter and early spring. Covid-related restrictions may be in place. Cabin fever is kept at bay with extra roomy staterooms and a family lounge, and the huge projectors on the top deck are perfect for getting together to watch movies under the stars.