Family Cruise Lines: How to Pick the Right One

Disney Cruise Line

I’ll be honest with you: Disney isn’t cheap. But if you’ve got little ones or this is your family’s first cruise? It’s worth every penny!

Everything just works on a Disney ship. The kids’ clubs are phenomenal (seriously, you might have trouble getting your kids to leave. I know we did!), the characters roaming around make it feel magical, and the deck parties are genuinely very special moments. I’ve had parents tell me they cried during the sail-away party, and I totally get it!

One of the things I love most is how multigenerational it is. Grandma’s having as much fun as your five-year-old, and you actually get to relax because you know your kids are safe and entertained. No hunting for kid-friendly spots because they’re literally everywhere.

Seeing and interacting with the characters onboard a Disney Cruise is magical!

Royal Caribbean

Want a lot of action? This is your line!

Royal Caribbean ships are basically theme parks at sea. Surf simulators, waterslides that’ll make your stomach drop, rock climbing walls, ice skating shows, and the list goes on and on. I send a lot of families with tweens and teens here because there’s always something happening and kids get that taste of independence while parents know they’re in a safe environment.

The variety is unmatched. Dad’s at the sports bar, Mom’s enjoying the spa, teens are at the escape room, and the eight-year-old is at the arcade. Everyone’s happy! You can find cabin configurations that work for bigger groups without everyone stacked on top of each other, too.

So much fun to be had for families onboard a Royal Caribbean ship!

Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian is my recommendation for families who don’t want to feel locked into anything.

No assigned dinner times, no formal nights, just show up and do your thing. The vibe is super chill, and on their newer ships, they’ve got go-karts, really solid waterslides, and game simulators. My kids enjoyed all of these during our Alaska sailing this past summer.

The freestyle dining means your picky eater can have pizza while everyone else tries the steakhouse.

This works great for families with older kids who want options or families who just prefer a more spontaneous approach to vacationing. Less structure, more freedom.

Norwegian’s newest ships also offer one, two, and three-bedroom family suites!

Norwegian Cruise Line Alaska Sailing

MSC Cruises

MSC doesn’t get enough credit. It’s a solid value play without feeling budget.

The ships are beautiful, the splash zones and waterslides keep kids busy, and the LEGO partnership means there are some really cool play areas and family activities too.

If you’re traveling with a bigger family, or watching your budget but still want nice amenities and spacious staterooms, MSC delivers. You’re getting a lot of “cruise” for your money here. We’ve really enjoyed our MSC sailings as a family.

Want to experience a more upscale and exclusive family cruise with MSC? Their Yacht Club experience is family-friendly, too!

Waterslides onboard the MSC World America

Carnival Cruise Line

Carnival is just fun. No pretense, no fuss, just a really good time!

The water parks are excellent, there's always something happening poolside, and the atmosphere is upbeat and social. It’s easy to meet other families, costs are manageable, and nobody’s stressing about dress codes or formality.

This is where I point first-time cruisers who want approachable and energetic. Carnival was my family’s first cruise vacation line, too. You’ll have a blast, your kids will have a blast, and you won’t break the bank doing it.

Carnival's Bolt Coaster

Explora Journeys

Now, if your family gravitates toward luxury resorts and you want something more elevated, let me introduce you to Explora Journeys.

This isn’t about waterslides and go-karts. This is about spacious suites, incredible dining, and a slower, more intentional pace. Their “Ocean State of Mind” philosophy focuses on connection and discovery. Kids’ programs emphasize creativity and culture over constant stimulation.

I send families here who want to spend quality time together, who appreciate refined experiences, and who would rather have meaningful conversations over sunset than race around a ship.

Their all-suite accommodations mean everyone has space to breathe. It’s elegant, it’s serene, and it’s perfect for families seeking something deeper than just “fun.”

Explora Journeys' Nautilus Kids' Club

So which one’s right for you?

It really comes down to your family’s personality and what you’re envisioning and wanting most for a vacation together.

I genuinely love matching families to the right cruise because when it clicks, it’s incredible and memorable. Every family deserves a vacation that actually fits them, not just what’s trendy or what their neighbors did last summer.

I highlighted six family-friendly lines, but there are more to consider as well. Want help figuring out your perfect match? That’s literally what I do! Whether you’re three people or fifteen spanning three generations, I’ll find your fit and handle the details so you can just show up and enjoy.

Let’s get you and your family on the water!

For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our cruises page.