Best Cruise Line for Families (2026)
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Thanks to their excellent travel value, more and more families are turning to cruising when planning their vacations. These 10 cruise lines — nominated by our panel of cruising experts and voted by readers as the best — cater to young passengers in many ways, including family-friendly at-sea experiences (bumper cars, bowling, and water parks, to name a few), family cabins, and kid-approved dining options.
No. 10: Celebrity Cruises
With access to over 300 ports of call, Celebrity Cruises routes and excursions are sure to be every family's dream come true. Families can relax together during movie nights, compete in archery tournaments and pickleball matches, and take turns choosing where to enjoy the next meal. Celebrity's Camp at Sea will keep the kids entertained with activities, arts and crafts, and parties, and there are lots of ship-wide accommodations and activities for family members with autism.
No. 9: A-ROSA River Cruises
Families of up to five can share the spacious cabins aboard A-ROSA's river cruise ships — a great environment for introducing the kids to the beauty and culture found along the Rhine, Danube, Seine, and other European rivers. The intimacy of these ships encourages bonding, as the maximum occupancy is around 280 guests. Plus, an onboard kids' club offers age-appropriate activities, and shore excursions are designed with families in mind.
No. 8: Royal Caribbean International
Royal Caribbean International's fleet is dedicated to family fun. With water parks, swimming pools, tons of entertainment, and family-friendly dining that will suit even the pickiest of eaters, these vessels are made for the ultimate family vacation. Traverse the globe with itineraries far beyond the company's tropical home waters to destinations in Alaska, Asia, North America, and the South Pacific.
No. 7: Disney Cruise Line
Deciding whether or not to go on a family Disney cruise is a no-brainer — Disney Cruise Line offers much more than mere meetings with Mickey and Minnie. Onboard activities include waterslides and kids' clubs, plus a taste of the Magic Kingdom with live Disney shows and fireworks at sea. Films like "Frozen" and "Star Wars" provide inspiration for unique dining experiences, and Caribbean itineraries include a stop at Castaway Cay, Disney's private island with a family beach, snorkeling lagoon, and water park.
No. 6: Carnival Cruise Line
Cabins accommodating up to five guests, connecting rooms, 24-hour room service, kid-friendly dining options, and clubs catering to toddlers, tweens, and teens are some of the things that make Carnival Cruise Lines a great choice for families. Plus, there's an ever-expanding range of onboard entertainment aboard these "fun ships" including water parks, game rooms, ropes courses, and a deck-circling SkyRide.
No. 5: UnCruise Adventures
Hawaii, Alaska, the Galapagos, and Baja California are UnCruise Adventures' specialty, and families will love the wealth of excursions this line curates. In Alaska, families can hike, kayak, paddleboard, and search for bears and orcas. Snorkel at night with giant Pacific manta rays, hike volcanoes, and enjoy feasts and musical jam sessions on Hawaii cruises. UnCruise Adventures offers a $500 discount for kids under 18.
No. 4: Holland America Line
The premium experience aboard Holland America Line's mid-sized cruise ships includes programs for ages 3 to 17, with activities like pirate treasure hunts for little ones, themed parties for tweens, and teen-friendly activities like gaming tournaments and poker nights. Family-friendly excursions include whale watching, kayaking to glaciers, zip-lining, and encounters with penguins and green monkeys.
No. 3: Uniworld Boutique River Cruises
Uniworld offers all-inclusive river cruises that the entire family will love. From dynamic shore excursions to onboard activities just for kids, there's something for every member of the family aboard these ships.
No. 2: Margaritaville at Sea
While the booze is for adults only, Margaritaville at Sea is first and foremost about lighthearted fun for guests of all ages. There's plenty of Caribbean-themed live music as well as game shows, karaoke, kids' clubs, theater performances, and a Cheeseburger in Paradise Burger Bar. Passengers can also experience stingray encounters and swimming with dolphins.
No. 1: Adventure Canada
If your intent is to offer your kids the experience of a lifetime, look no further than Adventure Canada, which cruises to the vast wonders of the North on a mix of sailing yachts and ice-defying exploration vessels. Expert-led excursions introduce young travelers to everything from archaeology and botany to the science of glaciers through interpretive hikes, photography outings, and other unique programs.
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