Best Cruises for Families With Children

Why it landed on our list: It has four kid clubs, which are divided by age. Kids enter by slide. Once inside, they immerse themselves into themed spaces, like Star Wars, fairy tales, Marvel, and more. There’s also a Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique onsite to give your little on a princess or pirate makeover. There is also a splash area for toddlers, and the restaurant will accommodate little eaters by providing pureed baby food.

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Why it landed on our list: The Disney Wonder features themed kids' clubs like Disney's Oceaneer Club, which includes the Marvel Super Hero Academy and Star Wars: Millennium Falcon area. Your kiddos will love the character meet-and-greets, and movie screenings. The Mickey Pool, AquaLab, and the Twist 'n' Spout waterslide will be a favorite of smaller children. Themed restaurants like Animator's Palate and Tiana’s Place are also super fun for the little ones

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Why it landed on our list: The Norwegian Getaway offers a wide array of activities and amenities tailored for young passengers, like the Splash Academy (a youth program with age-specific activities) and Entourage (a dedicated teen lounge). The ship also offers a thrilling water park with multi-story slides and a kids' pool. Families can enjoy mini-golf, a ropes course, and interactive experiences like the video arcade.

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Why I landed on our list: The Norwegian Encore offers numerous activities designed to entertain young passengers like an expansive kids' club with age-specific zones—Splash Academy for younger children and Entourage for teens. The Encore also boasts an exciting water park with thrilling slides, a dedicated kids' pool, and the largest race track at sea. Families can enjoy interactive experiences like laser tag and the Galaxy Pavilion's virtual reality games.

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Why it landed on our list: This brand new ship features a six-slide water park. There is also a ropes course, surf simulator, rock climbing wall, and plenty of play spaces for kids of all ages. In addition to its family cabins and suites, you can also book the Ultimate Family Townhouse, which features a three-floor living space with a karaoke machine, in-suite slide, screening room, and even a backyard.

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Why it landed on our list: Royal Caribbean’s Anthem of the Seas comes packed with activities and amenities designed for young travelers. It features the Adventure Ocean youth program with age-specific activities, and the SeaPlex, the largest indoor activity space at sea, offering roller skating, bumper cars, and sports. The ship also boasts a splash-away water park and the RipCord by iFly, a thrilling skydiving simulator. Kids can enjoy the DreamWorks Experience with character meet-and-greets, too.

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Why it landed on our list: Kid-friendly ship Carnival Vista features the Dr. Seuss at Sea program, which has themed activities and character interactions. The ship also offers the Camp Ocean kids' club, offering age-specific entertainment. Little ones will also love the WaterWorks water park with slides and splash zones, a dedicated sports area, and an IMAX theater for family movie nights.

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Why it landed on our list: The Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of the Seas offers a wealth of activities for young passengers, like the Adventure Ocean youth program, Splashaway Bay water park with slides and splash zones, and the Ultimate Abyss, which is the tallest slide at sea. There’s a dedicated kids' pool just for the little ones. Families can also enjoy character meet-and-greets from DreamWorks, ice-skating, mini-golf, and a variety of dining options catering to all tastes.

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Why it landed on our list: This ship has a top-deck roller coaster, in addition to the Ultimate Playground where little ones can play mini golf, have waterslide races, shoot hoops, and try a ropes course.

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Why it landed on our list: This ship has a huge activity zone with nine different sections spanning three decks. Zones include hand gliding, climbing obstacle course, ropes course, splash zone, and sports court — just to name a few. Parents can also do drop off at family play spaces for kids ages 6 months to 7 years old.

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Why it landed on our list: It features the Robotron amusement park-style ride, race car simulators, virtual reality motorcycle racing, an arcade, and 4D movie theater, which will delight older kids. There’s also a waterpark with water slides, splash zone, and rope bridge for kids of all ages. There’s also a LEGO-themed kids club where parents can drop off.

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