best ncl cruise for families

6 Best Norwegian Cruises for Families in 2024 – Complete Guide

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Norwegian Cruise Line has some of the best cruise ships for families. In fact, NCL is known for its family friendly cruises and advantageous “Kids Sail Free” promotions.

As somebody who has cruised with Norwegian as a kid with my own family, I have a unique perspective on what are the best Norwegian cruises for families.

With that being said, here are the 6 best Norwegian cruise ships for families, as well as the answers to some frequently asked questions.

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6 Best Norwegian Cruise Ships For Families

1. norwegian joy.

The Norwegian Joy is a large cruise ship which launched in 2017. This cruise ship can hold over 3,800 passengers and is known for having great activities that the whole family can enjoy.

Whether you’re cruising with older kids or younger kids, there will never be a dull moment on the Norwegian Joy. This cruise ship has plenty of onboard activities and some of the best entertainment at sea!

If you’re cruising with family members between the ages of 5-17, there is a youth program that is free of charge. Splash Academy is for kids between that ages of 5-12 and the teen club Entourage, is for teenagers ages 13-17.

Activities Onboard the Norwegian Joy:

• Video Games and Virtual Reality Arcade
• Basketball Court
• Water Slides
• Miniature Golf Course

The cool thing about Norwegian cruise ships is that they have plenty of places to eat, from casual dining to excellent specialty restaurants.

One of the ways Norwegian Cruise Line is different than other cruise lines is that although they have one main dining room, there are so many other great dining options. In fact, the main dining room menu is offered in the Manhattan Room, the large dining room, as well as the Savor and Taste restaurants.

Please note that some are included in the price of your cruise , and others (specialty restaurants) have an additional charge.

Here’s a list of the dining options onboard the Norwegian Joy.

Dining Options Onboard the Norwegian Joy:

• Savor & Taste
• Manhattan Room
• The Garden Cafe Buffet
• The Local Pub
• Ocean Blue (specialty dining)
• The Teppanyaki (specialty dining)
• The American Diner (specialty dining)
• Cagney’s Steakhouse (specialty dining)
• Food Republic (specialty dining)
• La Cucina (specialty dining)
• Le Bistro (specialty dining)
• Q Texas Smokehouse (specialty dining)

Overall, the Norwegian Joy is one of the best cruise ships for families . With the large selection of dining options and endless activities, this cruise is a fun vacation that the entire family will enjoy.

Tip: Room service is free on Norwegian Cruise Line before 10:00 AM.

2. Norwegian Encore

The Norwegian Encore is a popular cruise ship which launched in 2019. This is the sister ship to the Norwegian Joy , Bliss and Escape.

This ship has two pools, multiple hot tubs and two water parks which kids love. If you’re looking to relax, there is the observation deck, an area where you can sit, watch the ocean and get some great pictures.

When it comes to the entertainment on a cruise, Norwegian Cruise Line is known for having some of the best shows. On the Norwegian Encore you’ll find the Broadway hit, Kinky Boots, which is about following your dreams and acceptance.

When it comes to dining and activities onboard the Norwegian Encore, it is very similar to the Norwegian Joy as they’re both newer ships.

Tip: Cruising during school holidays tends to attract other families with younger children.

Related: Norwegian Cruise Line’s Free at Sea Perks Explained

3. Norwegian Epic

When the Norwegian Epic debuted in 2009, it was one of the biggest ships in the world. As a kid, I remember seeing this ship in port and wishing I was on it! Those waterslides looked so cool.

However the Norwegian Epic remains popular and has a fan following of cruisers who love this ship, and some of it’s more unique features.

In 2020, Norwegian refurbished the Haven on the Epic, making it one of the biggest Haven complexes in Norwegian’s fleet.

Activities Onboard the Norwegian Epic:

• Rock Climbing
• Bowling Alley
• Sports Complex
• Video Arcade

When it comes to dining, the Norwegian Epic has plenty of choices. Whether you want to eat the complimentary food or try some specialty dining restaurants, there is something for everyone.

Dining Options on the Norwegian Epic:

• Atrium Cafe & Bar
• O’Sheehans Neighbourhood Bar & Grill
• Spice H2O Pool Grill
• The Manhattan Room
• Shanghai Noodle Bar (specialty Dining)
• Cagney’s (specialty dining)
• Moderno Churrascaria (specialty dining)
• Teppanyaki (specialty dining)
• Yakitori & Sushi (specialty dining)

Overall, the Norwegian Epic has a lot to offer for families. Since it is an older ship, keep an eye out for great deals !

Related: 20 Ways to Save on Your Family Cruise

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4. Norwegian Escape

The Norwegian Escape launched in 2015 and is the first ship from the Breakaway Plus-Class. This ship has over 4,200 passengers and over 1,500 crew members onboard.

The Norwegian Escape is known for its water slides, ropes course and awesome parties. This ship is extremely fun for older teenagers and young adults .

Activities Onboard The Norwegian Escape:

• Ropes Course with Zip Line
• Large Pool & Hot Tubs
• Sports Course

The Norwegian Escape has over 25 dining options and 14 bars, so there are endless options when it comes to eating. Many of the restaurants are the same as those on the Norwegian Epic and the Norwegian Joy as well.

5. Norwegian Breakaway

The Norwegian Breakaway is one of the best cruises for families, and one of my personal favorite ships at sea. This cruise ship is full of life and has so many activities to do.

If you’re looking for a family friendly cruis e, the Norwegian Breakaway is an amazing choice. This ship can fit nearly 4,000 passengers and it was recently refurbished in 2018.

Activities Onboard The Norwegian Breakaway:

• Bungee Trampoline
• Rock Climbing Wall
• Ropes Course

When it comes to food choices, the Norwegian Breakaway offers similar options to the Norwegian Joy and the Norwegian Epic. Some of my favorites include O’Sheehans Bar & Grill, The Manhattan Room and Garden Cafe.

Related: Norwegian Cruise Line Dress Code: What to Wear on a Freestyle Cruise

6. Norwegian Bliss

The Norwegian Bliss is a large ship that fits over 4,000 guests. Since it first launched back in 2018, the Norwegian Bliss is known for being a great cruise for the whole family.

If you have an adventurous family, then this cruise is perfect for you. With so many fun activities and different dining options onboard, the Norwegian Bliss makes for an awesome family vacation.

Activities Onboard the Norwegian Bliss:

• Aqua Racer Water Slide
• Golf Simulator
• Ice Skating Rink

When it comes to onboard restaurants, the Norwegian Bliss has some great options. Here are the dining options onboard the Norwegian Bliss:

Dining Options Onboard the Norwegian Bliss:

• Taste And Savor
• The Local Bar & Grill
• Garden Cafe
• The Haven Restaurant (exclusive for Haven guests)
• Coco’s (specialty dining)
• Los Lobos (specialty dining)
• Le Bistro (specialty Dining)
• American Diner (specialty Dining)
• Starbucks (additional cost)

The Norwegian Bliss is a fun and beautiful cruise ship, which will provide you with great family getaway.

Related: Norwegian Cruise Line Beverage Packages: What’s Included and is it Worth it?

Frequently Asked Questions

Here’s a few frequently asked questions about Norwegian Cruise Line:

Which Norwegian Ship Has Go-Karts?

The Norwegian Joy, Norwegian Encore and the Norwegian Prima (coming soon) have a race track onboard the ship. Races last for approximately 8 minutes and the cars can go up to 30 MPH. Each Go-Kart race costs $15 per person or $200 for unlimited races throughout the cruise.

Is Norwegian Kid Friendly?

Norwegian is one of the most kid friendly cruise lines in the world. Onboard a Norwegian cruise ship, there are plenty of activities that are well suited for younger kids. Additionally, NCL has Splash Academy for kids between the ages of 5 to 17, which is the kid’s club onboard all Norwegian cruise ships.

Are Kids Free on Norwegian Cruise Line?

Norwegian Cruise Line has a promotion called “free at sea”, where one of the frequent offers is a kids sail free promo (or at reduced rates). Rates can be as low as $99 when sailing in the same cabin as adults. This is a great way to cruise as a family at an affordable price.

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Final Thoughts on Best Norwegian Cruises for Families

Well there it is, the best Norwegian cruises for families!

Norwegian Cruise Line is known as a family friendly cruise line with endless activities and high quality entertainment. Cruising with Norwegian makes for the ultimate family vacation that everyone will enjoy!

In this post, I shared the best Norwegian cruises for families and answered some frequently asked questions.

Are you planning your first family cruise? Please let me know in the comments below.

Happy Cruising!

P.S. If you found this helpful, please don’t keep it to yourself ;-). Please share on Facebook or PIN to your favorite Pinterest board (share buttons at the top). Thanks so much!

Author Bio: Ethan Schattauer writes about fashion, travel and college advice on the website WhatToWearMen.com . As a frequent cruiser, Ethan shares his unique perspective on what cruising is like for teens and young adults.

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7 Best Cruise Lines for Families (and Their 12 Most Kid-Friendly Ships)

By: Author Elizabeth Ciobanu

Posted on Published: 07/18/2023  - Last updated: 07/20/2023

Traveling to new places is always a thrill, but it can come with some challenges. For example, which side of the road are you supposed to drive on ?

Cruises simplify the bulk of your vacation planning and transportation, as everything you need is in one convenient package.

A family cruise line will keep your children entertained day and night. I’ve rounded up seven of my favorites, which I’ll share in the first part of this guide.

Then I’ll recommend the most kid-friendly cruise ships for booking your next vacation.

The 7 Best Family-Friendly Cruise Lines

1. disney cruise line.

Discover how enchanting life at sea can be on a Disney Cruise Line.

Entertainment of all kinds awaits you. If you want to splash and play on your family vacation, you can ride the AquaDunk or AquaDuck water coasters, romp in Donald’s Pool or Goofy’s Pool, or enjoy the sparkling pool at Mickey’s AquaLab.

Pools are also divided for guests of varying ages, such as the Quiet Cove Pool for guests 18 and older, splash pads for kids three and under, and Satellite Falls for adults.

Live performances and musicals give each night a magical feel, while karaoke, trivia, and Disney character meet and greets ensure every minute aboard is exciting.

There are even kids’ clubs to give parents a break to enjoy nightclubs, fitness facilities, or the adults-only pool.

Your cruise will stop at Castaway Cay if visiting a Caribbean or Bahamian island. This island is exclusively for cruise line guests. Your day at Castaway Cay will include food and refreshments, beach access, pools and water slides, trails, and yoga classes.

Oh, and there’s all-you-can-eat ice cream, which will delight children of all ages.

The family-centric staterooms offer television with in-room movies, a fridge, plenty of storage, and split bathrooms so the family can maintain its privacy.

Disney Cruise Lines can take you across the Transatlantic, South Pacific, Panama Canal, Pacific Coast, Australia, New Zealand, Mexico, Hawaii, Europe, the Caribbean, Canada, Bermuda, Alaska, and the Bahamas.

» MORE: How Long Is Summer Break in Canada?

2. Norwegian Cruise Line

Take the family vacation of a lifetime on the Norwegian Cruise Line.

Its Freestyle Cruising allows you to plan your vacation just the way you like it. Enjoy long-running, Tony Award-nominated musicals or top-notch concerts.

Family fun awaits at every turn, such as arcades, pinball, water slides and pools, rock-climbing walls, mini golf, and plenty of other organized sports like soccer, baseball, basketball, and bowling.

The ThrillPlex offers activities that will make your kids smile from ear to ear. How does a rousing game of family laser tag sound? Or maybe you want to climb a ropes course or race on a track to see who’s the fastest? The ThrillPlex has all that and more.

Eat well no matter the cuisine you and the family crave, from simple burgers to Brazilian steakhouses, Japanese food, seafood, or global cuisine. Some establishments offer buffet-style dining, and others are open 24 hours so you can always fill your belly.

The sizable suites and staterooms are family-friendly and accommodate larger groups of up to eight. Your room includes concierge and butler service, large rooms for privacy, and a balcony you’ll love to look out from.

Norwegian Cruise Lines visit Asia, New England, Florida, Alaska, the Bahamas, Canada, the Caribbean, the Panama Canal, Europe, and Hawaii. You can also take special cruise tours or music-themed cruises.

3. Royal Caribbean International

Experience the world’s wonders on a Royal Caribbean International cruise line.

You won’t want for much, as the various ships under the Royal Caribbean umbrella promise fun and excitement from the moment you step onto the ship until you disembark.

You can take dance classes, check out a virtual concert, strategize to get out of an escape room, and eat to your heart’s (and stomach’s) content.

The youth programs feature an Imagination Studio for kids to explore and express their creative sides. Older kids can become junior scientists at the Adventure Science Lab, while the Teen Lounge keeps similarly-aged kids entertained.

Activities like story time, theater, art, and science will enchant the young’uns, who you will definitely want to bring, as kids sail free.

Cruise the world on a Royal Caribbean ship, including the Bahamas, Alaska, New England, the Caribbean, New Zealand, Asia, Canada, Mexico, Latin America, the Panama Canal, Hawaii, the Transpacific, Transatlantic, South Pacific, or Pacific Northwest.

» MORE: How Long Is Summer Break in Australia?

4. Carnival Cruise Line

It’s time to get away on a Carnival Cruise Line.

This vacation experience can be anything you want, from relaxing and rejuvenating (with adult-only retreats and spas) to exciting with breathtakingly tall water slides, Family Feud Live, and the SkyRide overlooking the ocean.

The kids can hop around and burn off energy at the bungee Sky Zone, make a new friend at the Build-A-Bear Workshop at Sea, play mini golf, spend the day at the arcade, or compete in a friendly game of basketball.

Camp Ocean keeps kids between 2 and 11 years old busy, and Circle “C” is for older kids between 12 and 14.

Of course, with a ropes course, IMAX theaters, and a space program for kids 2 to 11, there’s always something for families to do together.

A stateroom or suite can accommodate your entire brood, whether there are only a few of you or a larger group. The rooms have an extra bathroom, a TV, and climate control.

Some rooms even connect so your kids can feel independent while you keep a watchful eye over them.

A Carnival Cruise Line vacation can take you across Greenland, the Panama Canal, Asia, the South Pacific, the Transatlantic, New Guinea, the South Pacific, New Zealand, the Panama Canal, Hawaii, New England, the Bahamas, Canada, Alaska, Europe, the Transpacific, Bermuda, and the Bahamas.

5. Princess Cruises

Perhaps a vacation on a Princess Cruise Line is what your family needs.

Onboard activities for all tastes are available. Princess and Discovery have an immersive, unique Discovery at SEA Enrichment Program that lets you see this planet and its inhabitants in engaging ways.

The Festivals of the World Program will introduce your family (especially the kiddos) to new cultures as they celebrate Mexican fiestas, Carnaval de Panama, Celtic Festival, and more.

Take a dip in a pool, chill out in a hot tub, play every sport imaginable (from shuffleboard to mini golf), and catch a tan at the Reef Family Splash Zone, a mini water park with games, pools, and water features.

So where would you and the family like to go?

You can take a short excursion that lasts between three and six days or visit such parts of the world as the South Pacific, Panama Canal, Europe, Tahiti, Asia, Hawaii, Mexico, the Caribbean, New England, Antarctica, Japan, South America, Canada, New Zealand, the Pacific Coast, Australia, and California.

World cruises are also available. 

» MORE: How Long Is Summer Break in Japan?

6. MSC Cruises

Immerse yourself in coastal wonder on an MSC Cruise.

You and your family will find it exceptionally easy to plan your itinerary both day and night. How does a family disco sound after dark, or a family game show that includes selfie, music, and dance challenges?

That’s only scratching the surface! The 4D cinema experience makes you feel like you’re racing on a freeway or experiencing other immersive scenes without leaving your seat. The Robotron is a thrilling amusement ride, and the Flight Simulator lets you take to the skies while still safely on the ship.

The kids can also play at the arcade, practice driving in the F1 simulator, or play some sports. Live entertainment abounds, with options for just the adults or the entire family.

The family-friendly staterooms include buffet access and a discounted drink package so you can feed the family for less.

An MSC Cruise will take you across New England, Asia, South Africa, South America, Abu Dhabi, Saudi Arabia, Northern Europe, the Mediterranean, Canada, Bermuda, the Bahamas, and the Caribbean.

7. Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity Cruises are catered to families, with excursions, programs, and activities for kids and adults. They even offer autism-friendly activities, which are highly inclusive.

Imagine the look on your children’s faces when swimming with dolphins, exploring inactive volcanoes on foot, or seeing an exotic country from thousands of feet up in a plane! Celebrity Cruises makes it possible.

The kids and teen programs include Camp at Sea for kids between 3 and 12. Participants have themed parties, play sports, do arts and crafts, and engage in treasure hunts.

The Teen Club offers culinary classes, parties, and video game competitions.

The Retreat is the most family-friendly lodging option, as it includes more than 2,500 square feet of lounge space, an ample veranda, and a private sundeck.

Celebrity Cruises stop at more than 300 cruise ports, including Africa, New Zealand, Alaska, New England, Galapagos, the Caribbean, Europe, Bermuda, Asia, the Mediterranean, the Panama Canal, the Transatlantic, Mexico, the Pacific Coastal, South America, and the Transpacific.

The 12 Most Kid-Friendly Ships

You have some great ideas for where to book your next family cruise, but now the question is which ship specifically is right for your group?

I’m here to help you make this all-important choice by reviewing 12 of the best cruise ships for kids.

1. Disney Dream

Disney magic comes to life on the Disney Dream, an enchanting cruise experience.

The warm, opulent common areas add extravagance to your vacation, while kid-friendly activities and amenities will keep the young ones entertained.

Treat them to Vanellope’s Sweets, a candy shop with walls of candy as far as the eye can see. Disney entertainment comes to the big stages as only this brand can, with costumed characters singing, dancing, and entertaining guests all day or evening.

The staterooms have portholes that allow the kids to glance out at the ocean whenever they wish, and with family-centric amenities at every turn, you might not want to disembark!

2. Wonder of the Seas

The Royal Caribbean’s Wonder of the Seas embarks from Cape Canaveral and island hops the entire cruise, including a stop at Perfect Day at Coco Cay, the Royal Caribbean’s own private island only for cruise guests.

Kids will fall in love with the Wonder Playscape, which offers puzzles, games, climbing walls, and slides. Pool decks throughout will let you take a much-needed load off.

Perhaps you and the family are brave enough to try the 10-story Ultimate Abyss water slide!

Some staterooms overlook the majesty of the sea, and others have a virtual balcony. All rooms include Wi-Fi, spa features, and room service.

3. Disney Magic

You have so many ways to experience the wonder of a Disney Cruise Line vacation, including the Disney Magic.

This inviting ship is the home of D Lounge, the family-friendly hangout zone with dance parties, games, and hours upon hours of fun.

The kids can manage the Avengers during the Avenger’s Academy ride, visit the Mickey Mouse Club, receive a makeover at the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique (knights for boys and princesses for girls), or ride dizzying, spiraling water slides.

The nautical-themed staterooms are cozy and spacious for families, and split bathrooms, portholes, and private verandas also set the mood.

4. Symphony of the Seas

Calling itself “The Sound of Wonder,” the Symphony of the Seas through the Royal Caribbean is new and improved for families.

Hit up Sugar Beach and buy some candy, ride three water slides in one on The Perfect Storm, or learn to hang ten on the FlowRider. You’ll spend the days in the most fun ways possible.

Wonderland has whimsical food the kids will go gaga over. There are cocktails for the parents that are just as inspired.

Snuggle up to the Ultimate Family Suite, which boasts a private game room, a hot tub, table tennis facilities, and karaoke.

5. Mardi Gras

Carnival’s Mardi Gras is one of its latest and greatest creations, so you should expect the ultimate in entertainment.

Take a ride on the Bolt sea coaster for some exciting thrills. You can also spend a sunny day at the WaterWorks water park with a dumping bucket and countless water slides, then close out the day by seeing a show. It’s all waiting for you.

The Family Harbor Staterooms in the Family Harbor Lounge is where you need to be. Kids eat free at most restaurants in the lounge, and you can take advantage of entertainment like board games and movies. Babysitting is also available. 

6. MSC Meraviglia

Departing from Florida, the Bahamas, and Bermuda, set sail for a world of adventure aboard the MSG Meraviglia. This ship sails to New England and Canada and delights the entire voyage.  

Stroll through the 315-foot Galleria Meraviglia promenade, shopping, grabbing a bite to eat, or simply enjoying the beauty of it all.

Dive into the Horizon pool, which is open day and night (although there are dances and parties at night, so maybe visit sans kids).

Your kids will adore the F1 simulators, full-sized bowling alley, sportsplex, and Polar Aquapark with its sloping, looping enclosed slides.

Mini and Juniors Clubs give the kids a safe and fun place to play if you need to drop them off, as the rooms are bright, colorful, and full of toys.

7. Disney Wish

The Disney Cruise Line collection has recently expanded, adding Disney Wish to the ever-growing fleet. This ship has some claims to fame you’ll only find here, such as theatrical Frozen or Avengers -themed dining experiences.

Be one of the first to experience the Disney Unchartered Adventure, an immersive water experience with more than 700 feet of tubes and music, animations, special effects, and lighting. The experience ends by riding down a lazy river, so dress to get wet!

The Hero Zone is another standout the kids should love. They can compete with one another gameshow-style, play on the game floor or playground, and see who’s victorious on the sports court.

8. Carnival Panorama

Set sail to the Transpacific and Mexico on the Carnival Panorama through a Carnival Cruise Line. The 1,055-foot ship that weighs over 133,000 tons will put the whole family in a festive mood.

Laugh until you cry at The Punchliner Comedy Club, which also offers entertainment for adults.

The Carnival Panorama has plenty of Dr. Suess-themed entertainment the young ones will love, such as Dr. Suess Bookville, the Suess-a-palooza Parade, the Suess-a-palooza Story Time, and the Green Eggs and Ham Breakfast.

Zumbini is a Zumba class for kids two to five that will have their little bodies moving and grooving. There’s also a Night Owls overnight stay for the children, which is like one big sleepover!

9. Allure of the Seas

Royal Caribbean International invites families to sail away on the Allure of the Seas, an award-winning ship for family entertainment.

Included with your stay are kids and teen programs and access to the H2O Zone Water Park. The park boasts waterfalls, water cannons, pools, and sculptures the kids can climb. Geysers send water high into the sky, splashing down and refreshing your children all afternoon.

Dry off and play table tennis, ride a zipline, partake in an interactive game show, or watch an outdoor movie under the stars in the pool. The projector screen is 220 feet so there isn’t a bad seat in the house!

10. Norwegian Joy

The Norwegian Joy starts in the Mexican Riviera and wraps up its journey at the Panama Canal but alternately travels from Miami to the Caribbean. The ship is nearly 1,100 feet long and weighs more than 160,000 tons, so she’s quite heavy.

Fostering family togetherness on a ship like the Norwegian Joy is simple. You can take the twists and turns behind the wheel of the Joy Speedway, play a heart-thumping game of laser tag, or tee off at mini golf.

There’s so much more here. The Galaxy Pavilion offers a thrilling race-themed dark ride. Get your kicks at the Aqua Park, a water park for tweens and teens. The Norwegian Joy even has a Kids’ Aqua Park for the little ones.

11. Celebrity Equinox

Make your next family vacation something truly special on the Celebrity Equinox through the Celebrity Cruise Line. Deck 15 has all the amenities a family needs.

For instance, you and the kids can learn how to blow glass at the Hot Glass Studio, which is not something you see on every cruise ship.

How about some croquet or bocce on the Lawn Club? The kids’ club will watch your children between three and 12, offering lunch, dinner, and overnight stays if needed, and the ship even offers babysitting services in your cabin.

12. Norwegian Encore

Traverse the world on the Norwegian Encore, traveling from Alaska to Seattle or from the Caribbean to Miami. Adventure calls on the Encore, including many of the fun activities for families featured on other Norwegian cruise ships.

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The Best Cruises for Families

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Taking a cruise as a family is a great way to allow everyone to have a bit of freedom while maintaining togetherness, since everyone doesn’t need to be together 100% of the time.

Ships on any cruise line offer a variety of activities for almost every age group and a multitude of dining options for even the pickiest of palates. Also, many ships have places where kids can go and participate in activities or just hang out with other kids, allowing the adults some time alone.

When you’re seeking a cruise for your family, consider:

The itinerary: Does this cruise go where you want to go? Are shore excursions available that meet your family’s needs?

The cabin: Will everyone fit comfortably in the cabin you choose?

The activities: What types of activities are available for your kids? Are there places that are just for the adults?

The dining options: Are the types of foods available that your family likes? Can you eat when you want?  

Keep in mind most cruise lines require children to be at least 6 months old at the time of sailing; however, the minimum is 1 year old for some sailings.

Since kids will often be separated from their parents, most cruise lines issue wristbands to children listing their muster station and other information so staff knows where to take them in case of a shipboard emergency.

Here’s a starting point to help you decide the best cruises for your family.

Disney Cruise Line

When you think of family activities, Disney usually comes to mind. Disney Cruise Line has six ships, each painted in the red and black colors inspired by Mickey Mouse. Even the ship’s horn plays the first seven notes of “When You Wish Upon a Star.”

The ships bring a lot of the Disney experience on board with character interactions, immersive experiences and themes.

There are live shows for kids, fireworks, pools, splash pads, deck parties and more.

Some of the cabins are designed for families with a split bath-and-a-half design that includes a sink and bathing area in one room and a sink and toilet in another room.

Once the kids are on board, there are a variety of activities for them in Disney's Youth Clubs. These feature several distinct physical spaces and activities that are based on the child’s age and vary by ship.

The Oceaneer Club is for kids ages 3 to 10, and the experiences are different on each Disney ship. 

Edge is for tweens ages 11 to 14 and is a hangout space offering age-specific activities. 

Vibe is for teens 14 to 17 and has an exclusive physical space as well as activities like dance parties and karaoke. 

The “it’s a small world” nursery is for the little ones 6 months to age 3. There is a fee for this service, and space is limited. 

In-room babysitting isn't available.

Don’t worry, Disney ships aren't just about the kids. The ships have areas that are for adults only. Certain nightclubs and lounges are only for adults, as are some pools, the spa and at least one restaurant.

» Learn more: The best travel credit cards right now

Royal Caribbean

Royal Caribbean has 28 ships ranging in size from the smaller Rhapsody of the Seas, which holds 2,416 passengers on 12 decks, to the new Icon of the Seas, which can have 5,610 passengers on 20 decks. There really is a wide variety with something for everyone.

The ships are often colorful and are built for fun with all kinds of onboard activities like rock-climbing walls, surfing simulators, pools and splash pads, while the newer and bigger ships have water parks, indoor parks, ice rinks, bumper cars and more. Sometimes, you might even forget you’re on a ship and think you’re either at a resort or an amusement park. It’s fun to see the kids around the ship with their new friends enjoying activities like costume parades, scavenger hunts and more.

All ships have a variety of dining options, including a main dining room, specialty restaurants and other casual options for all kinds of diners.

Royal Caribbean’s Adventure Ocean kids club has a variety of activities, many with an adventure and science theme, making the vacation fun and educational. The program is divided by age. Aquanauts is for kids ages 3 to 5, Explorers is for kids 6 to 8, and Voyagers is for kids 9 to 12, and the activities and physical spaces are age-appropriate. There are also programs for tweens and teens with hangout spaces and arcades.

The Royal Babies & Tots program is for the younger set, ages 6 months to 3 years, and is on most ships. There is a cost for nursery services, and some even allow parents to drop off their kids outside of set program times.

For parents who want to get out and have some late-night fun, the Late Night Party Zone for kids and teens offers extended hours after 10 p.m. with special programming for a fee.

As for dining, Royal Caribbean offers My Family Time Dining for families with kids ages 3 to 11. This dining option plans that kids will finish their meal in 45 minutes. Then, staff from Adventure Ocean picks up the kids for evening activities, leaving the adults to linger over the rest of their meal.

Sometimes, the cruise line has a promotion where kids 12 and younger sail free.

» Learn more: The pros and cons of cruises

Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) has 19 ships divided among nine classes.

Many ships have waterslides, racetracks, laser tag, bowling, mini golf, splash pads and more. Youth programs offer age-appropriate activities on all ships except for the Norwegian Spirit, and the activities vary by ship. Youths are divided into two groups, based on age: Splash Academy is for ages 3 to 12 and Entourage is for teens 13 to 17.

Splash Academy has a variety of activities for kids, like creative play and games, that are offered only when the ship is at sea. Entourage has a hangout area and offers activities for teens that can take place around the ship. The area often becomes a teen dance club at night.

For the little ones, there is no set drop-off program. According to NCL, the Guppies Open Play area “offers a play space for parents to interact with their infants/ babies/toddlers 6 months to 3 years old and/or children in diapers.”

One-on-one babysitting isn't available. If parents want some late-night fun, group babysitting is available for a fee for kids ages 3 to 12.

On certain cruises, the third and fourth passengers in a cabin sail for free.

» Learn more: The best cruise lines

Carnival Cruise Line

Carnival Cruise Line has 26 ships most have activities like sports zones, water parks, ropes courses and mini golf. A few ships have Bolt, a roller coaster that allows passengers to control how fast they go. All Carnival ships have a video arcade with a variety of games. Some of these activities are included in the fare, while others have an additional fee.

Carnival’s youth program is fleetwide and is divided into groups based on age ranging from 6 months to 17.

Turtles: The Turtles program is for kids 6 months to 2 years. A fee applies, and times vary. 

Camp Ocean: Camp Ocean is for kids who are a little older and are further divided into three categories — Penguins for ages 2 to 5, Stingrays for ages 6 to 8 and Sharks for ages 9 to 11. Kids play together in organized age-appropriate activities and eat meals together. 

Teen programs: Two programs are for tweens and teens. Circle “C” is for kids ages 12 to 14, and Club O2 is for ages 15 to 17. The C in Circle “C” stands for cruise, chill and connect. Circle “C” is an onboard hangout place and activity space. Club O2 is a hangout place with teen activities like movies, video games and karaoke. 

For adults who want time alone, the Night Owls program is for kids ages 6 months to 11 years. It is available each evening from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m., and there is an hourly charge per child. The Camp Ocean space takes on a slumber party feel with movies, arts and crafts, snacks and more.

One-on-one babysitting isn't available. As for dining, kids menus are offered in most dining venues on board.

MSC Cruises

MSC Cruises has had a large presence in Europe for many years and is growing in North America and the Caribbean.

The fleet has 22 ships with European-inspired touches that travel to more than 200 destinations around the world. The line has won awards for family cruises.

Ships have water parks, 4D cinemas, arcades, bowling, simulators and more.

The kids clubs are divided by age, and care for babies and toddlers under 3 is included in the fare.

Mini Club is for ages 3 to 6, Junior Club is for ages 7 to 11, Young Club is for ages 12 to 14 and Teen Club is for ages 15 to 17. Activities range from sports and dance to video games, theme parties and more.

For dining, MSC ships have a variety of options for kids, including special menus, specific areas of the buffet with kid-friendly items, places where kids can eat with other kids, as well as “Happy Dinners,” where staffers will take kids to the kid clubs after they’re finished eating, allowing the adults to finish their meals at their leisure.

MSC sometimes has sales where kids sail free.

Celebrity, Holland America and Princess

Other cruise lines like Celebrity Cruises , Holland America Line and Princess offer kids programs, but they’re not as well known for amenities on the ships like waterslides, go-karts and roller coasters. The ships often aren't as colorful or playful as other cruise lines' ships.

These lines can be great for multigenerational cruises because they often have programs targeted for mature passengers. You can often find things like lectures and card games. And they also have kids programs. Celebrity’s program is called Camp at Sea. Holland America’s is the Kids Club. The kids club on Princess is Camp Discovery.

The amount and frequency of activities can often depend on how many children are on each sailing.

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The 11 Best Cruise Lines and Ships for Families and Kids in 2024

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Family-friendly Cruise Amenities

Cruise types and destinations, 1. disney cruise line, 2. royal caribbean, 3. carnival cruise line, 4. norwegian cruise line, 5. msc cruises, 1. celebrity cruises, 2. the ritz-carlton yacht collection, 3. lindblad expeditions, 4. paul gauguin cruises, 5. hapag-lloyd cruises, 6. adventures by disney river cruises, final thoughts.

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Cruising has long been a popular way for people to travel, especially for those that are retired. There’s something about getting to enjoy an endless amount of food, drinks, and onboard activities while the ship takes you from one destination to another. It’s surely a tempting way to see the world.

As cruise lines including Carnival and Royal Caribbean continue to introduce show-stopping attractions that kids love, such as roller coasters and laser tag, families are getting more and more into cruising, too.

However, as with any vacation parents and families consider taking with kids, we have to ask: what are the best cruise lines for families?

The answer is, it depends.

Just like when you choose a hotel, families look for certain amenities for a cruise vacation.

Entertaining kids on any vacation is usually top of mind when planning a trip. A kid-friendly cruise line will have entertainment for its youngest sailors . Kids’ and teens’ clubs, pools, and water slides are just a few of the kid-specific amenities that you’ll find on a lot of the cruises on this list.

Higher-end cruise lines like expedition cruises offer robust educational programs for kids as well as adults. A family-friendly cruise might also have a place for the adults to relax such as a spa or adults-only area.

The cabin size matters, too, just as it would at a traditional hotel or resort .

Larger families may prefer a suite over an inside cabin. But either way, the square footage matters — even more so if you’ll spend quite a bit of your time onboard the ship.

And lastly, food might be a factor in deciding what cruise line would be best for your family. Luxury cruise lines such as Regent Seven Seas and The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection will no doubt have a superb menu, but they may not be expert kid-pleasers like Disney Cruise Line when it comes to food.

There are 3 types of cruises to choose from — ocean, river, and expedition cruises.

Ocean cruises are what most people have in mind when they think of taking a cruise. Most cruise lines have at least a few ocean cruise ships in their portfolio and they most popularly frequent the Caribbean, Mediterranean, Alaska , and Hawaii.

River cruises have traditionally been more popular with older cruisers but are now appealing to the younger crowds as well. River cruises can be found throughout Europe, Asia, and Africa. Most cruise lines don’t have kid or family programs and some outright don’t allow kids under 18, though Adventures by Disney and AmaWaterways have partnered to offer river cruising for families (more on that later).

And finally, expedition cruises take adventure-seekers to curious and far-flung destinations like the Arctic, Antarctica , the Galapagos , and the Amazon. Expedition boats are much smaller than ocean liners, and the offerings on board are usually more tailored to history and education on expedition cruises .

With all of that in mind, here are the best cruise lines for families and kids.

Hot Tip: Consider our guides to the best websites to book cruises at the cheapest prices , and make sure to use one of our recommended credit cards for booking cruises .

The 5 Best Cruise Lines for Families and Kids

Destinations :

• Australia and New Zealand
• Pacific Coast
• Panama Canal
• South Pacific

Number of Ships : 5

Disney Cruise Line is at the top of this list because it does a really fantastic job of catering to every member of the family. It has managed to bring the magic of Disney theme parks to the middle of the ocean — even the fireworks shows.

There are only 5 ships in Disney Cruise Lines’ portfolio, but Disney has plenty of cruise itineraries to choose from. It sails to popular destinations as well as unique places that families might not have considered, such as the Norwegian Fjords .

Sailings feature character experiences just like at the Disney theme parks. You’ll also find live shows, a spa, nightclubs, and lounges. Each ship also has various kids’ clubs for passengers as young as 3 years old (a fee-based nursery is available for kids under 3), as well as pools with waterslides and aqua play areas. Older kids can enjoy a little independence in spaces designed just for them where they can play video games, watch TV, and meet other kids their age.

Dining options aboard Disney cruises include main and casual dining as well as adult-exclusive dining options. There are almost a dozen restaurants, cafes, and snack shops on each ship. Some nod to beloved Disney movie characters, like Lumiere’s on Disney Magic and Tiana’s Place on Disney Wonder.

Within each ship, there are 4 categories of staterooms: Inside, Oceanview, Oceanview with Verandah, and Concierge. Within most categories are family rooms with bunk beds as well as accessible rooms.

Shore excursions include private tours, culinary adventures, and accessible excursions in more than 25 countries. Guests especially love Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay , when cruising select Caribbean itineraries.

Destinations:

• Arabian Gulf and North Africa
• North America
• South America

Number of Ships:  27

Royal Caribbean has a whopping 27 cruise ships in its portfolio with another, Utopia of The Seas, scheduled for delivery in 2024.

The cruise line features the world’s largest ships and the tallest water slide at sea . From arcades to roller coasters, there is never any shortage of thrill-seeking activities to find on board any Royal Caribbean cruise.

If you and your family want to make the most of a Royal Caribbean cruise, you’ll want to check out Royal Caribbean’s Oasis Class and Amplified ships . These classes of ships feature even more exciting attractions including glow-in-the-dark laser tag and several on-deck pools.

Alternatively, there are places on every Royal Caribbean ship where you can get away from the excitement and relax. In the Solarium, where kids under 16 aren’t allowed, soothing music helps you to decompress while lounging on a daybed or hanging out in a hot tub.

Royal Caribbean also has a private island exclusively for its guests . Coco Cay is located in the Bahamas and features a 13-slide water park as well as the region’s largest wave pools and freshwater pools.

Kids always sail free on Royal Caribbean cruises.

• Australia and the Great Barrier Reef
• Canada and New England
• New Zealand
• Papua New Guinea

Number of Ships : 24

Carnival Cruise Line has a reputation for being a party cruise line. However, the prices can rarely be beaten, which a lot of family travelers can appreciate.

Similar to Royal Caribbean, Carnival likes to wow its guests with nonstop fun. The onboard attraction Bolt Ultimate Sea Coaster — the first rollercoaster at sea — can be found on 2 of its ships: Mardi Gras and Carnival Celebration .

There are 4 standard cabin types on Carnival cruise ships: Interior, Ocean View, Balcony, and Suite. There are also specialty rooms on select ships.

Family Harbor staterooms and suites are located near Family Harbor Lounges and come with a free evening of Night Owls babysitting, among other perks. Cloud 9 Spa staterooms and suites offer Elemis toiletries, spa-branded bathrobes and slippers, and priority spa reservations. And lastly, Havana staterooms and suites are located close to the Havana Bar and Pool. Some suites come with hammock chairs in the outdoor area.

New Orleans native and Food Network star Emeril Lagasse is the newest Chief Culinary Officer for all 24 ships with 3 original restaurants. There are plenty of dining options to choose from across the fleet with cuisines including Italian, Creole, burgers, and teppanyaki.

Onboard activities include Family Feud Live, waterslides, karaoke, and The Punchliner Comedy Club. Most but not all activities are included in the cruise fare. The IMAX theater and a few other attractions incur an additional cost.

Family-friendly excursions and tours include a wildlife safari and beach bonfire on an Alaskan cruise, panoramas and painting in Grand Turk, and a stingray adventure in the Bahamas.

Carnival has a private island that it shares exclusively with Holland America called Half Moon Cay.

Destinations

• Mediterranean

Number of Ships : 19

Norwegian Cruise Line is best known for being the most innovative cruise line . Notably, it has done away with traditional cruise concepts such as inflexible dining schedules and even dress codes.

Among the Norwegian Cruise Line fleet there are 8 different classes of ships of varying capacities and offerings. The class of ship that tends to be most popular with families is the Breakaway Class . The 2 ships in this class, Norwegian Getaway and Norwegian Breakaway , each have a capacity of about 4,000 passengers. Between the 2 of them, they sail all over the world.

What makes this class of ships on Norweigan Cruise Lines so appealing to families is that it feels like a floating resort. These are the second-largest ships in Norwegian’s fleet. Activities on either ship include multiple pools, a waterpark, and even a full-size ropes course.

The stateroom categories aboard both the Norwegian Getaway and the Norwegian Breakaway include Studio, Inside, Oceanview, Balcony, Spa, Club Balcony Suite, and The Haven.  Within those categories are another 30 stateroom types to choose from, including a 2-bedroom family villa . The Haven is an exclusive set of staterooms at the top level of the ship that features a 24-hour butler, concierge service, and sundeck.

In addition to room service, guests aboard Breakaway Class Norwegian Cruise Line ships can enjoy almost 2 dozen restaurants and bars. Not every restaurant is included in your cruise fare. Specialty dining options include seafood restaurant Ocean Blue, Brazilian steakhouse Moderno Churrascaria, and French restaurant Le Bistro.

In addition to excursions that you can book for an additional fee, Norwegian Cruise Line has a private island, Great Stirrup Cay, in the Bahamas.

• Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Qatar
• Northern Europe
• South Africa

Number of   ships : 19

MSC Cruises is a European-based cruise company with a growing footprint in North America and the Caribbean. It’s known for offering an affordable cruise option without a lot of the fluff of other cruise lines.

Even without a rollercoaster that jets out over the sea, MSC Cruises is still a popular option for family travelers.

For family cruisers in particular, MSC offers family excursions with special pricing for kids, and tours designed to be interactive as well as educational . There are also kids’ clubs aboard their ships in addition to the LEGO Experience on Board, which is a day dedicated to LEGO activities for the whole family.

Select ships feature a fully-immersive virtual reality experience, a movie theater, and an arcade room.

Passengers can expect the typical array of dining options aboard MSC Cruises as well as a special kids’ corner available at the buffet. There’s also a dessert corner and a wellness corner.

There are simply 4 stateroom categories aboard most MSC ships: Interior, Oceanview, Balcony, and MSC Yacht Club. Within the highest category of staterooms, MSC Yacht Club, guests can expect 24-hour butler service, complimentary access to the Thermal Suite in the MSC Aurea Spa, relaxation amenities, and more.

The 6 Best Luxury Cruise Lines for Families

For some families, a megaresort — or in the case here, a mega ship — just isn’t the way you’d like to spend your time on vacation.

There are more upscale and low-key cruise lines that cater to more discerning travel habits while also considering the needs of your youngest family members. In the luxury cruise category, you’ll find expedition and river cruises.

Luxury cruise lines come with a higher financial investment than the cruise lines listed above, but in return, you’ll find more inclusions, often better food, and far fewer onboard guests .

They also admittedly don’t offer as many action-packed attractions on board and some do not cater to especially young children. However, the cruise lines on this list each have unique kids and teens programs that you should be aware of.

Here are the best luxury cruise lines for families.

Number of Ships : 16

Celebrity Cruises features large ships but aims to provide a more high-end experience than you’ll find on cruise lines like Royal Caribbean and MSC Cruises. It also does a great job of catering to multi-generational cruisers .

Camp at Sea is Celebrity Cruises’ kids’ club for kids 3 to 17 years old. Camp is open every day from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. and is broken into 4 age groups. Activities range from arts and crafts for the youngest age group to video game tournaments, scavenger hunts, and movie nights for older kids.

Family-friendly excursions include cultural tours, water sports, volcano and glacier hikes, and swimming with dolphins.

There are 4 classes of cruise ships offered by Celebrity Cruises: Edge Class (its newest and most innovative), Solstice Class, Millenium Class, and Galapagos Vessels.

Hot Tip: Cruisers say that Celebrity Equinox is the most family-friendly Celebrity ship thanks to 2 kids’ programs only available on this ship as well as over 100 adjoining cabins.

An array of staterooms exist to choose from on Celebrity Cruise ships, including family verandahs that sleep 5. Celebrity Cruise ships also feature staterooms that cater to solo travelers as well, so when traveling with a group, no one has to feel obligated to share a room.

There are a dozen dining options across each ship such as the French restaurant Normandie or the Mediterranean eatery Cyprus Restaurant. Specialty dining options include Le Voyage by Daniel Boulud, Raw on 5 Restaurant serving fresh seafood, and Fine Cut Steakhouse.

• Northern Europe and the Baltic

Number of Ships : 1

The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection struggled to set sail when its first yacht was delivered during the height of the pandemic. But Ritz-Carlton hotel loyalists, eager to experience the 5-star hospitality at sea, waited patiently for the first yacht to embark. That finally happened late last year.

Its solo yacht Evrima , which is the Greek word for “discovery,” will be joined by Ilma in 2024.

Guests aboard a Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection vessel can expect the same service they would on land, including the Ritz Kids program. At Ritz Kids, children ages 4 to 12 years old have the opportunity to participate in unique activities based on where they’re traveling . Programming mainly focuses on sustainability, marine life, sailing, and arts and culture.

There’s not an expectation for the yachts to frequently be teeming with children, but the cruise line expects to host more young passengers during summer and holiday school breaks.

The all-suite Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection features ocean views from every room, as well as 6 restaurants and in-suite dining. Guests can enjoy Southeast Asian cuisine from contemporary restaurant Talaat Nam or check out Mediterranean restaurant Mistral.

Ritz-Carlton is a Marriott Bonvoy brand and as such, you can earn and redeem Marriott Bonvoy points when sailing the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection . You’ll earn 5 points per $1 spent on the price of your cruise and hotel package and 1 Elite Night Credit per night of your sailing. Redemptions start at 180,000 Bonvoy points to save $1,000, followed by 90,000-point increments to save $500. Redeeming points this way is a tough sell, but the earning isn’t too bad, especially paired with a Marriott Bonvoy credit card ..

• Central America
• French Polynesia
• Vietnam and Cambodia

Lindblad Expeditions aims to be the premier expedition cruise line. Its National Geographic Global Explorers program offers exclusive and family-friendly programming for kids and teens.

Expedition cruises are all about exploring remote destinations like Antarctica, the Galapagos Islands, and the Amazon. Expedition passengers can expect expert-led educational tours and excursions, and smaller ships that cater to less than 100 people .

With the National Geographic Global Explorers program, kids and teens get hands-on experience collecting and analyzing samples, learn how to take field notes, and even learn how to take slow-motion and timelapse videos to document their findings. The National Geographic Global Explorers program can be found on cruises to Antarctica, Alaska, Baja California, and Galápagos.

Lindblad Expeditions ships carry as few as 28 guests and at most 148. As such, cabins and suites vary across the company’s fleet of ships. It’s a little difficult to find out on your own which suites would accommodate more than 2 people or if you can get connecting cabins, though they do exist, as well as standard double-occupancy suites. As a tip, the best way to book a Lindblad Expedition cruise with your family may be to work with a travel advisor to ensure that you’re making the right investment.

Expedition cruisers seem to be less concerned about the dining options, however, Lindblad does boast that the dining is delicious and sustainably sourced.

• Cook Islands
• Society Islands

Paul Gauguin Cruises specializes in luxury cruises in Tahiti, Fiji, and the South Pacific. With just 1 cruise ship in its fleet, Paul Gauguin takes cruisers to ports that larger cruise ships can’t access.

The Gauguin has a limited capacity of 330 guests . Featuring a spa, 3 dining venues, and an onboard watersports marina, the ship is mostly informal luxury.

The Moana Explorer Program , in partnership with marine education and conservation foundation “Te mana o te moana,” teaches kids ages 7 to 15 about the wonders of the South Pacific.

Only available on summer and holiday sailings, the free program includes activities such as naturalist-led island and beach excursions, crafts, and science. Other fun ways that kids can spend their time aboard The Gauguin are with treasure hunts, stargazing, and designing their own Polynesian tattoos.

All 3 of the dining venues aboard The Gauguin offer a well-thought-out menu with both formal and informal dining options. La Veranda offers alfresco dining inspired by the destinations the ship sails to, Le Grill serves a buffet breakfast, grilled lunch favorites, salads, and tropical fruits, and L’Etoile is the main dining option and serves a fine dining menu with complimentary wine pairings.

• Middle East
• Pacific and South Seas

Hapag-Lloyd Cruises has been called “the most luxurious cruise line you’ve never heard of” by Cruise Critic and is frequently featured on lists of the best cruises for families.

The cruise line claims to pay the same amount of attention to the children and teenagers onboard as the adults. Cap’n Knof, Hapag-Lloyd’s mascot, welcomes each family on board every sailing and participates in games with guests.

Childcare offers vary across the 5 ships. However, sailors can expect a kids’ club for children as young as 4 years old on Europa and Europa 2, the cruise line’s 2 ocean liners. Activities include language classes, unique children’s excursions designed around the interests of the kids onboard, and even spa treatments for kids as young as 8 years old.

Unfortunately, there is no kids program on the cruise lines’ 3 expedition ships: Hanseatic Nature, Hanseatic Inspiration, and Hanseatic Spirit .

Children 11 years old and younger sail free on Hapag-Lloyd Cruises and receive reduced pricing on arrival and departure packages.

• Danube River
• Rhine River
• Seine River

Number of Ships : 4

In partnership with AmaWaterways, Adventures by Disney River Cruises offer families an opportunity to experience river cruising that caters to them.

AmaWaterways is a leader in luxury river cruising, with destinations that include the Nile River in Egypt and the Mekong River in Vietnam and Cambodia, in addition to its European river cruises.

Adventures by Disney River Cruises feature local experts that tell the story of each location. What makes river cruises most attractive to some travelers is that you can travel slowly through a destination and spend more time learning about where you are . Disney’s river cruises are no exception with cultural immersion part of every day of the itinerary.

Hints of Disney can be found throughout the ship just as on Disney Cruise Line ocean ships. Mouse-shaped treats and Disney-themed karaoke are just a few of the features you’ll find on board.

Stateroom configurations range from inside to suites and can accommodate between 2 and 4 guests. Dining on board varies depending on the ship that’s sailing. This information can be found on the highlights page of each sailing’s itinerary.

Hot Tip: Adults who love Disney but prefer to travel without kids can sail on Adventures by Disney adult-exclusive sailings.

If a family cruise vacation is on your list, you’ve got plenty of options to choose from. Whether you prefer nonstop energy and lots of things to do or a more laid-back and low-key vibe with luxury amenities and excursions, there is a cruise line for you and your family.

Thrill seekers and budget-conscious travelers will find a great balance on cruise lines like Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and MSC Cruises. And luxury travelers interested in expeditions and educational cruising with their families will be delighted to cruise with Lindblad Expeditions, Celebrity Cruises, and the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection. Those interested in river cruising can also bring the kids along on Adventures by Disney River Cruises in Europe.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is royal caribbean or carnival more kid-friendly.

Though Royal Caribbean and Carnival cater to families, they differ in several ways. Carnival is more affordable and offers more family-friendly amenities. Royal Caribbean offers a slightly higher-end experience and thrilling, adventure-filled activities and attractions onboard.

What is the highest quality cruise line?

The best cruise lines in the world are ranked each year and categorized by type of ship, not exactly the highest quality. This would depend on the type of cruise you’d like to take. In 2022, Conde Nast Traveler’s Reader’s Choice Awards ranked Royal Caribbean as the best mega ship and Norwegian Cruise Line as the best large ship. Viking Ocean Cruises and Viking River Cruises won for best medium ship and best ocean ship, respectively. And, lastly, Ponant won for best Expedition cruise.

Are cruises family-friendly?

Whether a cruise is family-friendly depends on the type of cruise you’re taking and with which cruise line. The cruise lines listed above all have special programming for kids and guests of all ages.

What age group cruises most?

According to Cruise Critic, the general age range of cruisers is 30 to 80 years old. You’re not likely to find a cruise line or ship that exclusively caters to 1 age group.

Is it worth taking kids on a cruise?

This depends on what you like to do as a family. The right cruise will offer activities for adults as well as kids to ensure that everyone has an enjoyable trip.

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About Ashley Onadele

Ashley discovered a love for travel in college that’s continued as her family has grown. She loves showing parents how they can take their families on trips using points and has contributed to numerous publications and podcasts.

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Norwegian Cruise Line's Family-Friendly Fun

Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian Cruise Line’s 14 ships are floating resorts, known for their innovative freestyle dining and a multitude of eateries (Chinese noodle bar, a Brazilian steakhouse, and Japanese hibachi and sushi), high-quality onboard entertainment, and an abundance of unique recreational options. The newest ships in the Breakaway class ( Breakaway , Getaway , and Escape ) feature especially fabulous water parks and fun sports options (bungee trampoline, climbing frames, ropes course).

In 2014 and 2015, NCL launched the second Breakaway-class and first Breakaway Plus-class ships. The 4,000-passenger  Norwegian Getaway  offers weekly sailings to the Eastern Caribbean out of Miami. The Norwegian Escape  is based year-round in Miami offering seven-night Caribbean cruises.

There's an excellent array of family-centered offerings , including supervised children’s clubs for ages 3 to 17 years. The two-story Splash Academies on Norwegian Escape , Breakaway, and Getaway  are NCL's largest children's spaces at sea, brimming with high-tech games, a circus school, and even a small cinema.  Splash Academy breaks kids into three age groups: Turtles for ages 3 to 5; Seals for ages 6 to 9; and Dolphins for ages 10 to 12. Programming includes learning to juggle and do other circus tricks, arts and crafts, and Nintendo Wii competitions. For teens ages 13 to 17, Entourage offers sports, movie nights, and a hip clubhouse packed with foosball, air hockey, Wii and other games.

Infants and toddlers ages 6 to 35 months can participate in the Guppies activity program, but they must be accompanied by a parent. There is supervised group childcare available during limited hours, but no private in-room babysitting.

Were your kids hoping to take part in one of the onboard Nickelodeon or Nick Jr. experiences? Unfortunately, NCL's collaboration with Nickelodeon to provide Nick-themed entertainment aboard select ships ended in late 2015.

The Breakaway -class ships are shiny and beautiful, with a more subdued, sophisticated color palette than NCL’s other ships. Highlights for families include: the multi-story AquaPark with multiple slides, pools and hot tubs; sports complex with the largest ropes course at sea, mini golf, rock climbing, and more; more than two dozen dining options (most at an extra cost, however); The Waterfront, an oceanfront promenade with shops and eateries; a large number of family and connecting stateroom options.

Best Bargains

The newer ships get more attention, but Norwegian’s older ships offer many of the same features at substantially lower prices. They can be an ideal choice for first-time cruisers. NCL can be an aggressive discounter, and past promos have included $99 children’s fares, complimentary onboard credit, and rock-bottom (as low as $25-a-night) fares. If you are flexible with dates, last-minute sailings (within two to three months of booking) can be a terrific score.

Good to Know

There’s more onboard nickel and diming on NCL than on some other cruise lines. While several dining rooms and buffets are complimentary, you have to pay extra to take advantage of the dozens of tempting dining options for which the line is known. On the other hand, the wide variety of dining options and flexible scheduling is ideal for families who don't want to be beholden to strict dining times and venues.

While some entertainment options are kid-friendly (Blue Man Group), others are decidedly more grown-up and edgy (cue risqué Broadway show, “Rock of Ages”).

Norwegian introduced a new ship in the Breakaway Plus class called Norwegian Bliss in early 2018.

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Best Cruise Lines for Families

Finding a cruise vacation that meets the needs of every family member can be tough. While you may be in search of some

Finding a cruise vacation that meets the needs of every family member can be tough. While you may be in search of some peace and quiet, the kids will probably be eager to play. To help you find a cruise that fits your family's needs, U.S. News ranked the best cruise lines for families using a methodology that factors in health ratings, reputation among experts and approval among families with both younger and older kids.

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Disney Cruise Line

From its signature Mickey's Sail-A-Wave Party to its pirate-themed dinners, Disney attracts passengers looking for a full roster of entertainment options. Passengers can enjoy kid-friendly dining venues and amenities, plus visits from Disney characters like Mickey, Minnie, Goofy and Pluto. The line's cruise ships also offer adults-only dining areas, quiet pool spots and nightlife options.

• 4.46 Overall Rating
• 5 Ships in Fleet

Royal Caribbean International

Royal Caribbean offers onboard amenities and a variety of sailings that cater to cruisers of all ages. Some of the line's cruise ships feature rock climbing walls and ice rinks, while others boast zip lines, bumper cars and waterslides. Every ship also hosts fun and educational programs for kids and teens, plus a variety of evening shows, bars and lounges for older travelers.

• 4.17 Overall Rating
• 25 Ships in Fleet

Carnival Cruise Line

Carnival's frequent sales and budget-friendly fares mean you and your cruising crew can save some money on a voyage filled with family-friendly perks. Cruise ships are outfitted with water parks, basketball courts and ropes courses to entertain kids of all ages. Meanwhile, grown-ups can head to the spa, the casino or the Serenity Adult-Only Retreat.

• 3.90 Overall Rating

Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian greets families with colorful cruise ships, ample onboard amenities and children's clubs. While adults are relaxing at the spa or gambling at the casino, kids can attend supervised youth programs where they can learn to juggle, enjoy arts and crafts or attend themed parties. Plus, children's menus are available in all of the line's restaurants, including specialty eateries.

• 3.97 Overall Rating
• 19 Ships in Fleet

MSC Cruises

MSC Cruises' ships feature kids and teen clubs with activities like LEGO games, dance classes and sports tournaments. What's more, the whole family can enjoy onboard swimming pools and waterslides (on select ships). Families can also purchase the MSC Fun Pass to access special amenities like flight simulators, a bowling alley and the XD Interactive Cinema.

• 3.79 Overall Rating
• 22 Ships in Fleet

Disclaimers about ship ratings: A ship’s Health Rating is based on vessel inspection scores published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). If a ship did not receive a CDC score within 22 months prior to the calculation of its Overall Rating, its Health Rating appears as N/A; in such a case, the ship’s Overall Rating is calculated using the average Health Rating of all CDC-rated ships within the cruise line. All ship Traveler Ratings are based on ratings provided under license by Cruiseline.com.

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Family Travel: Top 6 Best Norwegian Cruise Ship for Families

Are you ready to explore the seas and go on a cruise? Consider family-friendly cruises with the Norwegian Cruise Line. It offers a variety of activities from youth programs, to golf and mermerising broadway shows.

Having a family vacation on a cruise is enjoyable and relaxing, especially when traveling with little ones. Rather than jumping on a bus or car for many hours a day, cruising allows your to explore different places while having fun at the same time. 

Imagine having your luggage travel with you at all times, saving you from packing and unpacking all the times. You also don't have to worry about meals and entertainment. Everything is all catered for.

Read on to find out more about Norwegian cruises.

You can also find information on the best Carnival cruises for families here.

Perhaps you are considering Royal Caribbean cruises, click to find out more.

Which Norwegian Cruise Line is Best for Kids?

There are various factors to consider before booking your Norwegian cruise and one of the first things to decide is the destination.

A refreshing experience that everyone will surely love. Whether you are a frequent cruiser or a first-timer on a cruise ship, our selection below will help you better choose your dream vacation.

Norwegian Joy

This is a Norwegian cruise line ship known for its family-friendly activities which include a go-kart track, aqua park, and a virtual reality recreational zone that both you and your kids can try while onboard. It is a perfect choice if you want to go on a cruise with your little ones.

It is dedicated to offering kids' clubs and activities for different age groups, which is also a great advantage in case you want to relax and let your child mingle with other kids on the cruise ship. This type of activity can also help them to explore new things and develop their communication skills at a very young age. It has a balanced set of amenities for kids and adults

The Norwegian Joy has established destinations around Miami, Bahamas, the Caribbean, Cozumel, and Costa Maya. Some of the amazing tourist spots that you will enjoy once you book a cruise with this ship.

Sails To: Miami, Florida Sails From: New York Duration: 12 days

Norwegian Encore

If you and your family prefer a ship that offers an impressive water park that comes with amazing waterslides, a lazy river, and a kids' splash area, the Norwegian Encore can be a top option for you.

This ship is a stunner and can give its guests a good time while in the middle of the ocean. Just like the Norwegian Joy, the Encore also offers activities that are specifically for your little ones such as the kids' club, a teen club, and family entertainment amenities. Considering all these things that you can do while onboard, this could be your best vacation yet!

Sails To: Alaska, Canada Sails From: Seattle, Washington Duration: 7 Days

Norwegian Epic

Looking for a video arcade and water park during your cruise? booking your trip with the Norwegian Epic is the answer! You have a lot of things to do on this cruise ship that will also allow your kids to enjoy the kid’s club.

It has expanded amenities that everyone may experience not to mention the onboard activities for kids. If you want to move and find your groove, there are trivia and dance classes at an extra-fee bowling alley near O'Sheehan's.

In case you prefer outdoor activities in Norwegian Epic and the kids are the heart of your vacation, there are shuffleboard, Ping-Pong, basketball, and pool games for you to choose from.

Sails To: Barcelona, Greece, Italy Sails From: Marseille, France Duration: 11 Days

Norwegian Escape

 The fun-fueled Norwegian Escape boasts an extensive aqua park with waterslides, a kids' club, and dedicated teen areas. You can have fun activities with your family while meeting new people.

Families can also enjoy various dining options such as specialty restaurants and experience the main dining rooms inside the ship. Most restaurants offer overflowing meals and drinks for everyone. This ship checks all the boxes and more!

Sails To: Rhode Island, Maine, and Canada Sails From: New York Duration: This ship currently offers 5 to 7 days trip

Norwegian Breakaway

This Norwegian ship offers a ropes course, mini-golf, and a range of family-friendly entertainment options, including Broadway-style shows. There are also various kid's clubs and activities that are perfect for playtime.

It has a balanced set of amenities for your little ones and at the same time, for grownups too. So, if you're heading out to explore Europe, then the Norwegian Breakaway is one of the best NCL ships for the entire family.

You will never experience a shortage of family-themed activities onboard and everyone is bound to have a great time while cruising the ocean.

Sails To: Greece, Malta and Italy Sails From: Rome, Italy Duration: 10 days

Norwegian Bliss

If you love going to the water park and playing laser tag with your kids, Norwegian Bliss is a good option for you! These are just some of the really interesting and fun activities onboard that offer truly unique vacation experiences to all the passengers of this ship.

It also offers family-friendly entertainment, including Broadway-style shows and virtual reality experiences which cannot be found on other cruise lines. This ship will give you a good time while in the middle of the ocean.

So, if you're heading out and want to explore the Caribbean with your kids, then the Bliss is one of the best Norwegian ships for the entire family.

Sails To: Bahamas, Caribbean Sails From: Miami, FL Duration: 9 days

Is Norwegian Cruise Line Kid Friendly?

Yes, it is kid-friendly because your little ones can do several things onboard, from pools, kids' clubs, and programs. The NCL fleet also offers an amazing opportunity for families to allow their kids to experience the sea and go to places without being bored while inside the cruise ship.

Taking this adventure of a lifetime will allow your kids to sail free on a large cruise ship with the whole family. You will experience a Norwegian getaway with the best cruise ships that provide everything you need for your getaway.

Other NCL cruise ships that are not on the list but still considered kid-friendly are Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Sky.

Can a Baby go on a Norwegian Cruise?

Yes, your little ones can join you on your next family cruises with the Norwegian Cruise Line. Be mindful that your little one will have to be at least six months of age at the time of cruising.

On the other hand, for voyages that offer three or more consecutive days at sea, it is a regulation that your child must be at least 12 months old. So, make sure to double-check your itinerary before booking. We made the mistake of booking a cruise not realizing the itinerary had multiple days at sea and unfortunately had to cancel our cruise.

Which is the Best Kid Friendly Norwegian Cruise?

Splash Academy caters for children from 3-12 years old. Norwegian cruise lines offer Splash Academy fleetwide. It is a program that offers parent-child play area and activities. If you are looking for programs for 6 months to 3 years, enquire about the Guppies. Only Norwegian Escape offers the Guppies Nursery so it is considered the best kid friendly Norwegian Cruise.

Does Norwegian Cruise Line Provide Cribs?

Norwegian Cruises provides cribs for your little ones. It is always best to submit your request before sailing to ensure a crib is available during your cruise. If you do plan to have a crib in your stateroom, consider choosing a bigger stateroom as space is fairly limited in standard staterooms.

You may choose to bring your own crib to ensure your little one has a familiar space for sleep time. Sometimes, you just never know what type of crib you will end up getting when you request a crib from the cruise line.

Do You Have to Pay for a Baby on Norwegian Cruise?

No, Norwegian Cruise Line is known for its amazing deals for families. It also allows third and fourth guests to cruise free on some voyages. Most cruise lines, including Norwegian cruise ships, allow kids under one year old to sail for free when they book a stateroom or family room with two paying adults. A great deal if you are always traveling with your kids.

Should I Take a Stroller on a Cruise?

Yes, having a stroller with you on your cruise comes in handy. Cruises are generally quite big and require a decent amount of walking. Having the ability to push your child in the stroller is much easier than carrying them all day. You can also explore ports or go on excursions with your stroller.

Bear in mind that you have to store your stroller inside your stateroom, so it is best to bring an ultra compact stroller for travel , instead of your all-terrain stroller.

Some cruise lines offer strollers for rent while onboard. Check with the cruise company prior to your vacation.

Does Norwegian Cruise Line Have Family Rooms?

Yes, Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) offers family balcony staterooms and suites designed to accommodate families. Your choices may also vary in terms of area, space, and configuration.

The type of NCL cruise ship that you will choose will also be another factor to consider especially if you prefer a particular setup in your accommodation. Some have their own private balcony while others have oceanview windows.

In case you are still undecided on which ship is the most suitable for you, always consider your family's preferences and the destinations that you want to visit. Then, you can narrow down the Norwegian cruise line ships best for your family vacation.

Pick Your Best Norwegian Cruise Ship for Your Family

Norwegian cruises offer a lot of perks for families and kids, but the specific amenities and activities can vary; rock climbing, mini golf, specialty restaurants, sports courts, just to name a few. You will not be bored or even worried if your kids will enjoy your cruise.

We hope this article gives you an insight towards cruising as a family. Happy planning.

Considering a Disney Cruise? Read here for more information.

You can also read about the top 10 best family cruise lines.

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Cruise Tips For Families & Single Cruisers

Things to Know Before You Cruise

Ncl Ships Ranked: Best To Worst!

As I set sail on my first Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) adventure, I couldn’t help but feel like a bird soaring through the open sky. The bright blue ocean stretched out in front of me like an endless horizon, and the warm sun beamed down on my face.

I was about to embark on a journey that promised to be everything I had ever dreamed of – a luxurious escape from the mundane, a chance to explore the world, and an opportunity to let go of all my worries.

But with so many NCL ships to choose from, how was I to know which one would be the best fit for me? That’s where this article comes in.

Based on customer reviews from popular travel websites, we’ve ranked the NCL ships from best to worst and provided an overview of each ship’s features and entertainment.

So join me as we set sail on a journey through the NCL fleet, and discover which ship is the perfect fit for your next cruise vacation.

• Norwegian Bliss is the highest-ranked NCL ship according to customer reviews.
• Norwegian Prima is the newest and most luxurious ship in the fleet.
• Norwegian Sky is the best ship for adults who enjoy partying, while Pride of America is ideal for exploring Hawaii.
• Choosing the best NCL ship depends on personal preference and who you’re sailing with, as newer ships offer more onboard activities while older ships are smaller and more relaxed.

Top NCL Ships

I personally found it interesting to learn that the Norwegian Bliss is the best NCL ship according to customer reviews. It’s closely followed by the Norwegian Escape and Norwegian Jewel, making them top choices for couples and families alike.

The Norwegian Bliss offers a range of family-friendly options, including a water park and go-kart track. Meanwhile, Norwegian Escape excels in providing a premium ship experience with its upscale dining options and elegant design.

For couples looking for a romantic getaway, the Norwegian Jewel aims to be a couples ship, with its intimate spaces and luxurious amenities. And if you’re looking for something even more premium, the Norwegian Prima is the first in the Prima Class and offers a truly premium ship experience.

Overall, NCL’s top ships offer something for everyone, whether you’re looking for family fun or a romantic escape.

Overview of NCL Fleet

Embarking on a Norwegian Cruise Line adventure means choosing from a fleet of ships, ranging from smaller, more intimate vessels to larger, more modern ships like the newest and nicest Norwegian Prima. The ships are divided into different classes, each with its own unique features and amenities.

Here’s a quick overview of the NCL fleet:

Breakaway Class: this class includes Norwegian Breakaway, Norwegian Getaway, and Norwegian Encore. These ships offer a variety of entertainment and dining options, as well as a great kids and teens club.

Gem Class: Norwegian Gem and Norwegian Jade belong to this class. These ships offer more dining choices and a good mid-size cruising experience.

Jewel Class: Norwegian Jewel is the only ship in this class, and it aims to be a couples ship.

Prima Class: Norwegian Prima is the first in this new class and offers a premium ship experience.

Other notable ships include Norwegian Bliss, known for its exceptional customer reviews, and Norwegian Sky, which is the best ship for adults who like to party.

All of the ships have something unique to offer, making it important to choose based on personal preference and who you’re sailing with.

Each ship in the fleet offers a variety of amenities, including a go-kart track on some of the newer ships, a great casino on Norwegian Escape, and live entertainment on Norwegian Joy.

Whether you’re looking for a more intimate experience or a larger, more modern ship, Norwegian Cruise Line has something for everyone.

Ship Features and Entertainment

Exploring the Norwegian Cruise Line fleet means discovering a variety of ship features and entertainment options to suit any traveler’s preferences.

The ships offer a range of activities diversity, from go-kart racing on the Norwegian Joy and Norwegian Encore to Broadway-style shows on the Norwegian Breakaway and Norwegian Epic.

Guests can also enjoy a variety of dining options, including specialty restaurants like Teppanyaki and Cagney’s Steakhouse, as well as buffets and casual eateries.

For those looking for a more relaxed cruise experience, the smaller and older ships like the Norwegian Jade and Norwegian Star offer a quieter atmosphere with fewer crowds.

However, the newer ships like the Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Encore offer more modern amenities and features, such as virtual reality experiences and laser tag.

With so many options available, guests can tailor their cruise experience to their individual preferences and interests.

Choosing the Best Ship

When selecting a Norwegian Cruise Line ship, it’s important to consider personal preferences and the needs of fellow travelers. Here are three factors to keep in mind when making your choice:

Ship Size: If you prefer a more relaxed and intimate atmosphere, consider sailing on one of the smaller ships like Norwegian Jewel or Norwegian Sky. On the other hand, if you’re traveling with family or friends and want more options for entertainment and activities, go for one of the larger ships like Norwegian Encore or Norwegian Prima.

Itinerary: Think about the destinations you want to visit and choose a ship that offers the itinerary you’re looking for. For example, if you want to explore the islands of Hawaii, Pride of America is the best option. If you’re interested in cruising the Caribbean, any of the NCL ships will do, but Norwegian Escape and Norwegian Getaway are particularly popular for this region.

Onboard Amenities: Consider what you and your fellow travelers enjoy doing when at sea. If you’re a fan of go-karting, Norwegian Joy or Norwegian Prima are your best options. If you love a good casino, Norwegian Escape is the ship for you. And if you want a ship with exceptional live entertainment, Norwegian Joy and Norwegian Breakaway are your top choices.

Ultimately, the best NCL ship for you will depend on your personal preferences and who you’re sailing with.

What is the average cost of a Norwegian Cruise Line ship?

I’ve found that the cost of a Norwegian Cruise Line ship varies depending on factors such as the length of the cruise, destination, and stateroom type. However, NCL offers affordability options such as early booking discounts and promotions.

Are there any all-inclusive options available on Norwegian Cruise Line ships?

Oh, all-inclusive options on Norwegian Cruise Line ships? Sure, just pay for a deluxe beverage package, unlimited dining package, and internet package to enjoy the benefits of an all-inclusive experience. Packages, deals, and discounts available. Availability varies.

What is the average length of a Norwegian Cruise Line itinerary?

I’ve found that the average length of a Norwegian Cruise Line itinerary varies based on popular destinations, with most ranging from 7-14 days. Itinerary customization is available for those seeking a more personalized experience.

What is the dress code for Norwegian Cruise Line ships?

Oh, the joy of packing for a cruise! Dress code tips? Don’t worry, NCL’s "Freestyle Cruising"means no formal attire required. But bring some nice outfits for specialty restaurants and shows.

Are there any age restrictions or requirements for certain activities on Norwegian Cruise Line ships?

I have found that Norwegian Cruise Line ships do have age restrictions and activity requirements for certain activities. It’s important to check with the specific ship and activity to ensure compliance.

Which Cruise Ship Cabin Category Should Your Family Book?

Update: Some offers mentioned below are no longer available. View the current offers here .

If you've never cruised before, you may assume that most cabins aboard a ship are created equal. But, that's not true -- especially for families. Cabin selection for families is a bit more complicated because of the number of people that may need to be accommodated, potentially in sleeping arrangements that allow little ones to get some shut-eye while the adults can still enjoy part of the living space. Then there are amenities you might want like a crib, sleeper sofa or even a bathtub.

Related: Find Out How Carnival, Disney and Royal Caribbean Stack Up for Families

The average cruise line has dozens of cabin categories, and figuring out how they differ can make your head spin. Generally speaking, you'll find the following categories -- with slightly differing names -- on most mainstream ships like those from Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line, Carnival Cruise Line and the Disney Cruise Line.

Some lines have designed categories specifically for families. The rooms are usually larger and can accommodate additional passengers or are connecting accommodations. Look for category names that include the word "family." For example, Norwegian Cruise Line offers categories that include: Family Inside, Family Oceanview, Family Balcony, Family Mini-Suite with Balcony, Family Suite and Two-Bedroom Family Suite in addition to all types of options in The Haven ship-within-a-ship suite complex.

One Cabin, Two Connecting Cabins or a Suite?

When it comes to selecting the perfect cabin for your crew, you need to determine if you want to book one cabin that will accommodate everyone, go for connecting cabins, seek out a stateroom that's been designed specifically for families or pony up the big bucks for a suite with enough space and extra perks to help your family make the most of a cruise.

There is no single right answer to what you should do and it's truly a family-by-family decision. The benefit of two connecting staterooms is that you'll have two bathrooms instead of one -- especially important on a port day when everyone is vying for the shower before heading out for the day. Two connecting rooms are also terrific so the kids can go to sleep and mom and dad can keep the door open a crack but still stay up and talk or walk a movie in their cabin. Booking two connecting cabins can also be less expensive than booking a larger room or suite in a higher cabin category (more about those cabin categories in a second). If booking connecting cabins sounds interesting, here's how to book two staterooms for the price of one .

Alternatively, you may decide that a suite -- with all its perks like priority boarding, free specialty restaurant reservations and access to VIP-only areas of the ship -- may be worth the price for your family to share on room instead.

To help you make the right choice, we'll review the various types of cabins your family can book. It should then be a bit easier to pick which one might be right for your group.

Like the name suggests, this is a bare-bones cabin in the interior of the ship without a porthole, window or balcony. Interior cabins are usually pretty small. For example, an Interior on Royal Caribbean's Harmony of the Seas that technically accommodates four people is 149 square feet with two twin beds that can convert to a king and a double sofa bed. If you've got two little ones who can share the sofa bed, that can work -- but it will be (very) tight.

Interior Pricing: $913 per person for a seven-night Eastern Caribbean voyage aboard Harmony of the Seas out of Port Canaveral in July 2020 in an Interior that accommodates four.

Related: How to Book a Cruise Using Miles and Points

Note that some cruise lines do sell some cabins with a picture window overlooking the ocean but still categorizes them as Interior staterooms. An example of this is with Carnival Cruise Lines. Carnival Sunshine offers an Interior with Picture Window category where some windows have a view of the deck's walkway with the ocean beyond, while others have a partially obstructed view.

Interior With Virtual Window

Some cruise lines, such as Royal Caribbean and Disney Cruise Line, have pioneered the concept of a "virtual" window in some of its interior cabins. The window is really a screen that shows a live feed from a camera onboard the ship and is meant to approximate the feeling of an ocean-view cabin without charging you for one. Disney Fantasy's 169-square-foot Standard Inside Staterooms feature the cruise line's Magical Porthole with real-time views and can accommodate four via a queen bed, single sleeper sofa and upper-berth pull-down bed. Royal Caribbean takes it a step further with its Virtual Balcony staterooms, like the ones aboard Ovation of the Seas, that truly give you the feeling of a balcony via floor-to-ceiling displays showing scenery in real time.

Virtual Window Pricing: $1,044 per person for a seven-night Alaska Glacier voyage aboard Ovation of the Seas out of Seattle in July 2020 in an Interior with Virtual Balcony that accommodates four.

Interior With a Courtyard View

On some of today's largest vessels, like Royal Caribbean's Allure of the Seas, you'll find some interior rooms that have a window overlooking a courtyard area of the ship. On Allure, you can book a 191-square-foot Promenade View Interior that accommodates five with two twins that convert to a king, a double sofa bed and a pull-down bed. A bowed window affords views to the Royal Promenade.

Courtyard View Pricing: Seven-night Western Mediterranean itinerary aboard Allure of the Seas out of Barcelona in July 2020 in a Promenade View Interior from $1,086 per person based on four; $1,091 per person for a Central Park View Interior based on four.

Plenty of cruise ships offer ocean view rooms; what differs ship to ship is the size of the window. Look for language like "picture" or "panoramic" window. Aboard Norwegian Encore, look at the Family Oceanview with Large Picture Window. This cabin ranges from 240 to 372 square feet, depending on ship location. It can sleep up to five people with two twins that convert to a queen and additional bedding for three more. Some also have a bathtub -- a rarity for entry-level cabins.

Ocean View Pricing: $1,324 per person for a seven-night Bermuda voyage aboard Norwegian Encore out of New York in July 2020 in a Family Oceanview with Large Picture Window that accommodates four.

Balcony/Veranda

If you can swing it, a balcony cabin -- also sometimes called a veranda -- can be a boon to a family. It gives you more natural light, the option for fresh air when you want it via a sliding-glass door and an additional place to sit and relax when in the cabin.

Since size is often key, note that balcony staterooms tend to be a bit larger than interiors or ocean view cabins. (For example, Princess Cruises' Regal Princess offers balcony cabins that range from 214 to 222 square feet.) Cabins in this category also sometimes have a curtain that separates the bed from a living area that usually has a sofa, coffee table and chair.

The balcony is usually outfitted with a small table and two chairs. Not all balcony cabins accommodate third and fourth passengers, so be sure to check the deck plan carefully before picking a specific cabin number. Better yet, you might want to rely on a travel agent that specializes in cruises and can help you find the absolute best cabin for your family.

Balcony Pricing: From $3,549 per person for the first two people and from $1,649 per person for passengers three and four for a 12-night British Isles voyage aboard Regal Princess out of London in July 2020 in a Balcony cabin that accommodates four.

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Spa cabins took the industry by storm a few years ago and many ships offer cabin categories that package together special access to the spa with healthy in-room amenities like flavored water, herbal teas and fragrance infusers. If you've got little kids, spa cabins probably don't hold much appeal -- but they might if you have teens who love a visit to the spa's thermal suite.

Concierge Class

As you flip through cruise line brochures and research ship deck plans, you'll see some cabins designated as "concierge." This means passengers in those accommodations get the benefit of a concierge to assist with things like dining and spa reservations. Additional perks are usually also conferred to those staying in a concierge category stateroom such as an earlier booking window for dining and shore excursions, priority boarding, a minibar stocked with water and soda, a pillow menu so you can choose the right option for each family member, bathrobes and slippers for onboard use and even free Wi-Fi. There may also be an additional concierge lounge available to these passengers. Some concierge rooms are suites, but not all concierge rooms are actually suites.

Disney Wonder offers one- and two-bedroom concierge suites with a veranda and even a splashed-out 1,029-square-foot Concierge Royal Suite that features two bedrooms, two full bathrooms and a half-bath. It accommodates up to seven people.

Concierge Pricing: $5,230 per person for a seven-night Alaska voyage aboard Disney Wonder out of Vancouver in July 2020 in a Concierge Family Overview Stateroom with Verandah for four.

What exactly is a suite? Technically, it's an accommodation with a physical barrier between the sleeping and living areas. The barrier can be a wall or other type of partition that makes it easier for families to enjoy two spaces in the cabin at the same time without bothering each other (think someone sleeping in the bedroom while others watch a movie in the living area). Note that "junior suites" usually aren't true suites with that type of separation and also don't always include additional perks that the larger suites do.

Real suites tend to be larger than regular cabins and are packaged with a range of extras like a pre-departure lounge at the cruise terminal, some free meals in specialty restaurants that normally charge a per-person or a-la-carte fee, butler service and even VIP areas on the ship such as Celebrity Cruises' Michael's Club (a lounge) and Luminae, a restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch and dinner -- but only to suite passengers.

Suite Pricing: $1,942 per person for a seven-night Western Caribbean voyage aboard Royal Caribbean's Symphony of the Seas out of Miami in July 2020 in a Junior Suite for four; from $2,775 per person in a One-Bedroom Grand Suite.

Family-Friendly Zones

Carnival has a neat concept aboard Carnival Vista and Carnival Horizon: Family Harbor. This is a specially designed "family zone" that includes family-friendly cabins and suites as well as a lounge -- complete with large-screen TVs and games -- that serves breakfast and snacks. There is also a "family concierge" who can help you book shore excursions and make onboard dining reservations. The Family Harbor Suite accommodates five people and has one full bath with shower plus one with a sink and shower combo only. Passengers in the Family Harbor section get one free evening of Night Owls babysitting and kids eat for free in most onboard specialty restaurants.

Carnival Family Harbor Pricing: From $904 per person for a seven-night Western Caribbean voyage aboard Carnival Vista out of Galveston in July 2020 in a Family Harbor Interior for our; from $1,015 per person in a Family Harbor Deluxe Ocean View; from $1,270 per person in a Family Harbor Suite.

Ship-Within-a-Ship

Some cruise lines have gone an additional step to create expansive VIP areas on ships and those areas can sometimes make sense for certain families. If you're staying in this section of a ship, your keycard will not only let you onto the deck of VIP cabins but also open doors to special sun decks, a pool or other designated areas. This is the case on Norwegian Cruise Line ships that offer The Haven, a complex of suite accommodations and heavy-hitting perks including butler service, its own restaurant that serves all meals, seating at shows, preferred dining reservations and more. You'll find one- and two-bedroom family suites and villas within The Haven. The Haven is available on the Breakaway and Breakaway Plus-class ships, Jewel class and Norwegian Epic.

The Haven Pricing: We'll caution you that this experience comes with a hefty price tag. We priced out a seven-day Western Caribbean cruise from Miami aboard Norwegian Breakaway in June 2020 for four people. Fares for The Haven started at $2,399 per passenger. A Free Extra Guests promotion brought that price down to $1,864 per person for a Forward-Facing Penthouse with Balcony. (A drink package, shore excursion credit, all specialty dining and Wi-Fi were included in the package.) Tack on about $310 in gratuities and $685 in port fees and taxes and that's a pretty expensive one-week vacation. However, some families may feel that the price -- $300 per person per day for a family of four -- is reasonable considering all of the extra perks and amenities.

MSC Cruises offers a similar concept with its Yacht Club that features VIP-level cabins, a lounge, a restaurant and a pool. You'll find the Yacht Club aboard MSC Fantasia, Splendida, Divina, Preziosa, Seaside, Meraviglia and Seaview. Perks include priority embarkation, a butler, included drinks and more.

Tip: Cabins That Help Ward Off Seasickness

If you or someone in your family is prone to seasickness, forget about almost everything else and focus on booking a cabin on the lowest deck possible that is midship. You'll be at the ship's fulcrum and that means you'll feel less movement here than if you were far forward or all the way aft. When you are feeling seasick, it helps to look out over the horizon so -- in addition to a location on a lower deck and midship -- make sure the stateroom you pick has at least a porthole, if not a larger ocean-view window or balcony.

How to Pay for Your Cruise Fare

No matter which cruise line or cabin category you choose, think carefully about how to book and pay for your voyage in order to maximize your points earning potential. Review TPG 's how to book a cruise with miles and points . Be warned that cruise line cobranded credit cards are rarely your best bet when paying for a cruise, so if you're looking to maximize points earned, pay with a mainstream credit card that rewards you for travel expenditures. Two cards that come out on top in this regard are the Chase Sapphire Reserve and Citi Premier® Card. Both award 3x points per dollar spent on travel: Ultimate Rewards points for the Chase card and ThankYou points on the Citi card. The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card and Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card are also wise choices since they award 2x earnings per dollar spent.

Bottom Line

There is no one answer to the question: Which type of cruise ship cabin should my family book? The answer is dependent on your family makeup, the personalities and preferences of each member of your family, the length of your cruise, itinerary, budget and so much more. After reviewing the types of accommodations cruise lines offer, however, you should be in a much better position to make the right choice.

Thinking of take your family on a cruise? Here's more advice:

• Cruise Line Showdown: Comparing Carnival, Disney and Royal Caribbean for Families
• These Are the Best Cruise Lines for 2019
• Are River Cruises Right for Kids?
• MSC Cruises Is Coming to the Cayman Islands
• One of the World's Biggest Cruise Ships Is About to Get a Massive Makeover

7 Best Cruises to Alaska, According to Travel Experts

Book a once-in-a-lifetime trip to see glaciers, national parks and wildlife!

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While some travelers dream of lounging on a beach in the Caribbean, others might be itching to put on hiking shoes and explore the great outdoors. If glaciers, wildlife and picturesque coastline have long been on your bucket list, consider booking a cruise to Alaska. The northernmost American state offers an activity for everyone's interest and level of adventure. You can take a thrilling helicopter flight to explore a glacier on foot or observe miles of Alaska’s lush scenery and spy whales from a comfortable seat on a boat.

Princess Cruises

A top choice for multi-generational families and larger groups seeking on-board experiences for a wide age range, Princess will sail seven ships to Alaska in 2024 — more than any other line. Princess also offers the most departure cities , potentially saving you money on airfare. Alaska sailings range from 4 to 22 days, though a week is the sweet spot. The line is also only one of seven permitted to enter the magnificent Glacier Bay National Park (shown); check out the tips at the end of the story for details.

Good Housekeeping Contributing Travel Editor Karen Cicero and her daughter recently sailed on Majestic Princess, a Family Travel Awards Winner , and raved about the ship's amenities, especially the Hollywood Pool Club. She described it as “an indoor space with a heated pool, plush loungers, and cabana-like spots that are free for all guests to use.” Cicero was also impressed with the entertainment and activities suitable for all ages, the excellent dining options and a supervised kids’ club for ages 3 to 12. "We saw grandparents and grandkids on the dance floor, at the shows, on the excursions — bonding moments were everywhere," Cicero said.

In 2024, Majestic Princess and Discovery Princess, the line's newest Alaska ship, will both sail roundtrip from Seattle. "You can't beat Princess if you're looking for an experience that will please all ages," said Cicero.

Departure Cities: Los Angeles; San Francisco; Seattle; Vancouver; Whittier, Alaska Cruise Ships: Crown Princess (2024 only); Grand Princess, Caribbean Princess (2025 only), Royal Princess, Sapphire Princess, Discovery Princess, Majestic Princess (2024 only), Crown Princess, Coral Princess (2025 only)

Norwegian Cruise Line

Passengers are loyal to Norwegian for its beautiful ships, top-notch service and innovative amenities. The cruise line pioneered the concept of “freestyle cruising," which includes a flexible dining time. Flexible cruising continues to be a major selling point , according to our testers who recently sailed roundtrip from Seattle to Alaska on the Norwegian Encore (pictured). "We enjoyed not having to rush back to the ship after an excursion because we had a dinner reservation," said our tester who sailed with her spouse.

They also frequented the Encore’s Observation Lounge, where they were able to cozy up and spend hours searching for marine life from floor-to-ceiling windows. Activities and entertainment, like go-karting, slides and laser tag, are abundant. For a premium experience, consider booking a stateroom in The Haven. The Encore's most luxurious accommodations feature spacious rooms — the bathrooms are nearly double the size of those in standard staterooms — a private sundeck and a concierge.

The variety of sailings to Alaska is also another reason to choose Norwegian. "If Hawaii is also on your bucket list, Norwegian is one of the only cruise lines to offer a 16-day cruise departing from Honolulu that sails through both Hawaii and Alaska so you explore two dreamy destinations on one vacation," said Cicero. She added that Norwegian sails to Alaska until late October — about a month longer than most cruise lines.

Departure Cities: Honolulu; Seattle; Seward, Alaska; Vancouver; Whittier, Alaska (2025) Cruise Ships: Norwegian Encore, Norwegian Bliss, Norwegian Jewel (only in 2024), Norwegian Spirit (only in May 2024), Norwegian Sun, Norwegian Jade (only in 2025), Norwegian Joy (only in 2025)

EXPLORE NOW

Disney Cruise Line

Disney lovers will have the time of their lives sailing roundtrip from Vancouver to Alaska aboard the Disney Wonder. "It was the best experience ever," said a mom of two young adults who sailed on the ship in May 2023. "We felt like it was a great combination of Disney and Alaska."

On-board experiences brilliantly align with the destination. For instance, Disney characters are dressed in special outfits for Alaska and are on deck during the days at sea. "We were able to get incredible photos with the glaciers behind the characters," said the mom, who also noted that you can order Mickey Mouse ice cream bars from room service. Cicero added, "Disney has the best kids' and teen clubs of any cruise line. They're enormous, filled with epic activities like superhero training and are a great place for kids and teens to make friends."

If you want an equal dose of Disney and Alaska, this is the cruise for your crew. Sailings range from five to nine nights. All routes head to Stikine Icecap so guests can observe stunning glaciers, cliffs, waterfalls and wildlife.

Departure City: Vancouver Cruise Ship: Disney Wonder

Royal Caribbean International

Royal Caribbean doesn’t only sail to the Caribbean. This global cruise line whisks passengers to Alaska from popular ports such as Seattle and Vancouver. You can choose a classic seven-night itinerary or a 13-night land-and-sea getaway.

Cruise enthusiasts at the Good Housekeeping Institute are fans of Royal Caribbean for its state-of-the-art ships, exceptional service and high-quality entertainment. "Royal Caribbean had the first rock-climbing wall and ice-skating rink on a cruise ship," said Cicero. "Since then, they've brought so many other epic activities to sea." For instance, Royal Caribbean’s Quantum Class, which includes Quantum of the Seas, Anthem of the Seas and Ovation of the Seas, offers skydiving, a surf simulator and a robot bar. "This line is an especially good fit for families with tweens, teens and young adults ," said Cicero, who sailed on Royal Caribbean with her teen daughter.

Departure Cities: Seattle; Seward, Alaska; Vancouver Cruise Ships: Quantum of the Seas, Anthem of the Seas, Radiance of the Seas, Brilliance of the Seas (only in 2024), Ovation of the Seas (only in 2024), Serenade of the Seas (only in 2025)

National Geographic Lindblad Expeditions

For an incredible small-ship experience, look no further than the Lindblad Expeditions–National Geographic team-up. The largest of its ships that sail to Alaska can accommodate no more than 138 passengers — just a sliver of the 4,900 or so that Royal Caribbean's Quantum of the Seas can hold. " Being on a smaller vessel means that you’ll be able to sail right up to less frequented glaciers, waterfalls and fjords, " said Cicero.

Of course, an intimate experience comes at a higher price tag — its eight-day Alaskan adventure starts at about $6,200 per person, though you won't need to pay extra for excursions. "Voyages tend to be themed and stress the educational component," said Cicero. For instance, one focuses on coastal wildlife while another explores native cultures. A Good Housekeeping staff member who sailed the line to the Galápagos Islands (a providence of Ecuador) raved, "The ship was beautiful! I was super impressed with the staff and the service felt above and beyond.”

Departure Cities: Juneau, Alaska; Ketchikan, Alaska; Seattle; Sitka, Alaska Cruise Ships: National Geographic Quest, National Geographic Venture, National Geographic Sea Bird, National Geographic Sea Lion, National Geographic Resolution

Holland America Line

Holland America has a well-earned reputation for bringing guests to new destinations for more than 150 years. Its ships tend to be mid-sized — larger than Lindblad's offerings but smaller than the Quantum ships from Royal Caribbean. While Holland attracts an older demographic, its Alaskan cruises are often filled with multi-generational families.

One of the cruise line’s most popular itineraries is the Seven-Day Inside Passage, which takes you through Glacier Bay National Park, the Inside Passage, Tracy Arm Inlet and several must-visit port towns. But for adventure seekers curious to see as much of Alaska as possible, you’ll find tons of extended itineraries including a robust 28-day voyage that crosses the Arctic Circle.

Holland America is the only cruise line permitted to serve glacier ice, using it for cocktails like the Blue Iceberg and Juneau Gin & Tonic. The line also launched a new Alaskan-themed brunch menu offered once per cruise.

Departure Cities: Anchorage, Alaska (for land-sea tours only); Fairbanks, Alaska; Seattle; Vancouver, Whittier, Alaska Cruise Ships: Eurodam, Koningsdam, Nieuw Amsterdam, Noordam, Zuiderdam, Zaandam

Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity is popular with adults and couples looking for a premium onboard experience, including delicious cuisine, luxurious staterooms and a high-end spa . We can’t imagine a better way to rest and relax after spending a day exploring the Alaskan wilderness. Our travel experts suggest choosing one of Celebrity's many Alaska itineraries that sail through the Inside Passage and up to Dawes Glacier or Hubbard Glacier, two of the state’s gems.

Of the three Celebrity ships that sail to Alaska, we recommend the Celebrity Edge for those new to cruising or seeking a more contemporary experience. Launched in 2018, the ship features standout innovations like Eden, a multi-level bar with panoramic views, and the Magic Carpet, a multi-purpose floating space suspended directly above the sea.

Departure Cities: Seattle; Seward, Alaska; Vancouver Cruise Ships: Celebrity Solstice, Celebrity Summit, Celebrity Edge

Tips for booking your cruise to Alaska

✔️ Check your itinerary. The itinerary you choose is key on an Alaskan cruise. If you have your heart set on visiting Glacier Bay National Park, make sure that your cruise line has it listed on the schedule. "Only seven lines were awarded the Glacier Bay contract by the National Park Service ," Cicero said. If you're not sure whether the cruise you have in mind will go through Glacier Bay, double-check with the cruise line or your travel agent.

✔️ Book shore excursions well in advance. Alaskan cruises generally sail from April to October. Because of the shorter season, your ship will likely be close to capacity and several ships may overlap in ports. Excursions will book up quickly. To secure your spot, book excursions well in advance or as soon as they're available.

✔️ Focus on family. Alaskan cruises are best for kids who are at least 5 years old. "Keep in mind that cruise lines don't allow kids who aren't potty-trained to be in pools, even if they're wearing a swim diaper," Cicero said. It's also worth noting that most cruise lines don't permit babies under 6 months or pregnant passengers who are 24 or more weeks along. Cicero advises families with school-age children to look for on-ship amenities, such as an indoor heated pool, a supervised kids' club and a variety of family-friendly nighttime entertainment. "Before you sail, you should also find out which non-alcoholic beverages are complimentary," Cicero said. "Many cruise lines charge extra for soft drinks, but milk and juice are usually included." Free room service is another big perk for families, she notes, so see if that's offered on the line you're considering.

✔️ Check your passport. Even if your cruise starts and stops in a U.S. port like Seattle, there's a high chance your ship will dock in Canada at some point throughout your trip. Also, " some of the excursions in Alaskan ports venture into Canada and will require a passport," explained Cicero. For instance, you may take the White Pass & Yukon Route Railway from Skagway into Yukon, a Canadian territory. Your passport will need to be valid for at least 6 months following the cruise.

✔️ Pack layers. This is especially crucial if you're traveling in Alaska's shoulder season — May and September. While May tends to be drier, temperatures remain relatively chilly. Likewise, September marks the end of the summer season and welcomes cooler temperatures and more rainfall. Because you'll be spending a lot of time outdoors, it's important to prepare for all weather scenarios, including windy conditions common to sailing cruise ships.

✔️ Book next summer's cruise soon. To get the best staterooms and excursions, start looking for a 2025 cruise in 2024, Cicero said, noting that many ships start to fill up at least 6 months in advance. And don't forget about major sale days. "Last year, cruise lines had fantastic Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals," she said.

Why trust Good Housekeeping?

Good Housekeeping Institute Writer and Product Analyst Olivia Lipski covers everything from tech to travel, fitness, outdoor, home and more. Not only does she have years of product review experience under her belt, but she’s also a travel enthusiast who has been on more than 20 cruises (and counting)!

The former travel editor at Parents magazine, Karen Cicero specializes in travel, children's book, lifestyle and food coverage. She manages the experience portion of the Good Housekeeping Family Travel Awards. She has sailed on four cruise lines with her family and toured several others. She recently was a featured speaker at several travel industry conferences, including PRSA, Mid-Atlantic Tourism Alliance and the Family Travel Association.

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How these cruise passengers missed boarding, got stranded in Africa

Both Americans and Australians were left at port after an excursion ran long.

After what seemed like a dream trip, several American travelers were left stranded at port in West Africa mid-cruise while traveling from Cape Town, South Africa, to Barcelona, Spain.

Jay and Jill Campbell told ABC News Myrtle Beach affiliate WPDE that they were in the first week of a three week voyage aboard Norwegian Cruise Lines when they stopped just off the coast of West Africa.

The couple and others opted to tour the nearby island of São Tomé and Príncipe on the afternoon of March 27, and when the excursion ran late, they said they brought it to the guides' attention.

"We were like, 'our time is getting short,'" Jay Campbell recalled, at which point he said the guide let them know, "'No problem we can get you back in an hour.'"

Upon their return, the passengers said cruise officials refused to let them aboard the ship, even as the local Coast Guard had ferried the group to the anchored vessel.

"The harbormaster tried to call the ship. The captain refused the call. We sent emails to NCL the customer service emergency number," Jay Campbell said. "They said the only way for us to get in touch with the ship is via email. They're not responding to our emails."

The Campbells say they were left stranded along with four other Americans and two Australians -- of whom one is a paraplegic, one has a heart condition and one is pregnant. Some did not have credit cards or medication that was left on board.

Cruise expert Stewart Chiron, known as The Cruise Guy, told ABC News that "the bottom line was, they were hours late, the ship was ready to go."

MORE: Norwegian Cruise Line passengers claim Antarctica voyage was rerouted mid-trip

"More than likely that the anchor was already up, and the ship was already possibly moving," he said.

He continued, "Any operation at that point to get these passengers back on the ship would have caused tremendous delays, and safety would have been a major concern."

In a statement to ABC News, a spokesperson for Norwegian Cruise Lines said, "On the afternoon of March 27, 2024, while the ship was in São Tomé and Príncipe, an African island nation, eight guests who were on the island on a private tour not organized through us missed the last tender back to the vessel, therefore not meeting the all aboard time of 3 p.m. local time."

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They continued, "While this is a very unfortunate situation, guests are responsible for ensuring they return to the ship at the published time, which is communicated broadly over the ship's intercom, in the daily communication and posted just before exiting the vessel."

The spokesperson added that the passports for the passengers who did not return at the all aboard time "were delivered to the local port agents to retrieve when they returned to the port, as per the regular protocol."

"Our team has been working closely with the local authorities to understand the requirements and necessary visas needed for the guests to rejoin the ship at the next available port of call," they said.

The Campbells said that their eight person group spent 15 hours traveling through six countries in an attempt to rejoin the Norwegian Dawn ship in Banjul, Gambia, on April 1. However, the ship couldn't dock due to low tide, so they are now trying to get to Senegal where the ship is meant to dock on Tuesday.

The Norwegian spokesperson said, "Unfortunately the ship was unable to safely dock in the destination due to adverse weather conditions, as well as tidal restrictions that require specific timing for safe passage. While we share in our guests' disappointment, this modification was made with great consideration for their safety and that of our crew, which is our top priority."

The cruise line contacted the guests "regarding this itinerary adjustment and provided them with authorization to rejoin the ship at Dakar, Senegal on April 2, 2024."

In light of the "series of unfortunate events outside of our control," the spokesperson said Norwegian Cruise Lines "will be reimbursing these eight guests for their travel costs from Banjur, Gambia to Dakar, Senegal" and are still in communication with the guests to provide additional information as it becomes available.

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In a separate, unrelated situation that took place coincidentally on the same day of the voyage, the spokesperson said, "An 80-year-old woman was medically disembarked after being evaluated by our onboard medical team, who thought it best that she receive further assessment and treatment as needed from a local hospital."

"In instances such as these, as the guest was released from the hospital and in a coherent state, our protocol is to contact the guest directly, as we would not have the authority to share any medical details with anyone else without their expressed consent," the spokesperson added, saying they worked with the port agent to receive updates.

"The guest has since been escorted on a flight to Lisbon, Portugal, and then put in the care of airport staff to continue her journey to the United States, where she has now made a safe return," they said.

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Americans stranded by Norwegian Cruise save elderly passenger, family says: Ship 'left her to die'

N orwegian Cruise Line forced an 80-year-old woman, who suffered a stroke and possible heart attack, to "medically disembark" on an African island and "left her to die," her family said.

That was on Wednesday, March 27, and the cruise line never called Julie Lenkoff's emergency contacts and had one conversation with the family between Wednesday and Monday without providing any answers, her family said. 

Coincidentally, two days later, on March 29, six Americans and two Australian passengers were stranded on the same African island of São Tomé by Norwegian Cruise Line after their tour guide-led excursion ran late, and the ship's captain wouldn't let them board.

Jay and Jill Campbell, a South Carolina couple, were among the group of eight left behind. "They're heroes," Lenkoff's son-in-law, Kurt Gies, told Fox News Digital. "They saved our mother."

AMERICANS STRANDED BY NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINE, LEFT WITHOUT MONEY, VITAL MEDS: REPORT

Authorities on the island told the group that another American was left behind without money or ID, according to Gies. 

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

That's when the Campbells found out Lenkoff was in some medical facility, and took it upon themselves to pay medical bills, food, a hotel and connect her with her family, Gies said. 

"It was like our mother didn't exist," said Gies, calling the cruise line's lone statement issued over the weekend "false propaganda that Norwegian Cruise Line is pushing."

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"The bottom line is Julie Lenkoff was not part of the group of people who were late getting back to the ship," he said. "They consistently lumped her into the rest of the group as being late to the ship all while not taking any responsibility for her care.

"All they did is send her to a local clinic who completely misdiagnosed her condition, releasing her to fend for herself."

"They didn't need to help her. They're scared to death, trying to get back to the ship, and they could've easily walked away," Gies said. "Instead, they took on a complete stranger and made sure she was safe."

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While the Campbells and the six other passengers, including a pregnant Delaware couple, sorted through their own debacle about how to catch up with the ship, they worked with Gies and his wife to get Lenkoff back to the U.S. 

The best of all bad options, Gies said, was a 30-hour flight from São Tomé to Lisbon, Portugal, to Toronto to Stanford Hospital in California "that no one was sure she would even survive."

But Lenkoff, described by her family as "the toughest, most independent woman," made it home and was admitted into the hospital, where she was still in doctors' care Monday night while Gies spoke to Fox News Digital.

He said she's doing better, but she couldn't see while she was in Africa and had trouble with her right side. 

Lenkoff, a visitor to 120 countries who can speak 10 languages, resorted to French while she was in the medical facility on the African island, and they couldn't understand her and didn't even know she was an American, Gies said. 

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She was treated and released about 24 hours later, according to Gies, who said that's when she was "luckily" cared for by the Campbells and the rest of the stranded group of eight.

"SHE IS BACK AND SAFE!!!! Having an EKG right now," Lenkoff's daughter, Lana Lenkoff Wilken-Gies, wrote on Facebook shortly after 2 a.m. Monday. "She is definitely much more like her old self! Getting better everyday! Thank you for all of your prayers!"

Lana and Kurt's "relaxing" Easter trip to enjoy the California sun was interrupted by the cruise debacle and days of radio silence. 

Even the company's original weekend statement to news outlets about the stranded eight made no mention of Lenkoff's situation. 

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"They (Norwegian Cruise Line) originally said, ‘Sorry. There’s nothing we can do,' and that was it," Gies said when they first made contact with the cruise line. 

"They had no answers to what happened, why her emergency contacts weren't called, who's taking care of her, where she is."

The only ones who cared were the Campbells, said Gies, who called them "heroes."

"This whole situation, we saw the two sides of humanity. Jill and Jay saved our mom when they didn't have to. But a mega-corporation with all the funds to help our mom and bring her home did nothing. They couldn't even give us answers."

Lenkoff had a goal of seeing 130 countries, and saved up for this $20,000 trip before COVID shut down travel.  

"She was so excited about this," he said. "She lives to travel, but this is it. It was her last trip."

Gies and his wife were furious when Norwegian Cruise Line did not acknowledge Lenkoff for days.

Norwegian Cruise Line released a statement over the weekend that said they left the Campbells, a pregnant Delaware woman and her husband, and four other passengers because they returned late from their excursion. 

Even though the ship was still on the island and the island's Coast Guard brought the passengers to the ship, it's technically Norwegian Cruise Line's right to deny them entry to keep the three-week trip on time.

But that statement, included below, never mentioned the 80-year-old woman with a medical emergency that the cruise left behind.

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Fox News Digital received statements early Tuesday morning, 24 hours after asking questions about both situations. 

"During the same sailing, on March 27, 2024, a separate and completely unrelated unfortunate event occurred regarding a guest who was evaluated by our onboard medical team and later thought it best for her to be disembarked to receive further assessment and treatment as needed from a local hospital," the cruise line said in an email. 

An unnamed, 80-year-old woman "was medically disembarked after being evaluated by our onboard medical team, who thought it best that she receive further assessment and treatment as needed from a local hospital."

"Following her disembarkation from the ship, our Care Team was immediately activated to provide support to the guest," the cruise line said in its statement. 

"We attempted to call the guest several times, and as we were unable to reach her, we worked directly with our port agent in São Tomé and Príncipe, an African island nation, to receive updates about the guest. 

"In instances such as these, as the guest was released from the hospital and in a coherent state, our protocol is to contact the guest directly, as we would not have the authority to share any medical details with anyone else without their expressed consent.

"The guest has since been escorted on a flight to Lisbon, Portugal, and then put in the care of airport staff to continue her journey to the United States, where she has now made a safe return."

Lana thanked everyone for their caring posts about her mom. 

"Thank you all for your posts. (Regarding my previous post about my mom)," Lana wrote. "São Tomé is very primitive and doesn’t have hospitals that could treat her properly. She was on a group tour sponsored by the cruise line of a museum and collapsed and was unconscious. 

"How or who was contacted to get her to the limited medical clinic we do not know. We just know that she was left by Norwegian Cruise Line without as much as calling her emergency contacts, or leaving her with her wallet, credit cards, or travel insurance papers at the clinic or maybe a note for her to read when she came to."

When she finally regained consciousness, Lana said she didn't remember anything that happened but was helped by "good Samaritans" that they later learned were Jay and Jill Campbell. 

The two couples have been in communication with each other over the last few days. 

"While this is a very unfortunate situation, guests are responsible for ensuring they return to the ship at the published time, which is communicated broadly over the ship’s intercom, in the daily communication and posted just before exiting the vessel.

"Guests are responsible for any necessary travel costs to rejoin the ship at the next available port of call. When the guests did not return to the vessel at the all-aboard time, their passports were delivered to the local port agents to retrieve when they returned to the port.

"Our team has been working closely with the local authorities to understand the requirements and necessary visas needed if the guests were to rejoin the ship at the next available port of call. We are in communication with the guests and providing additional information as it becomes available."

Original article source: Americans stranded by Norwegian Cruise save elderly passenger, family says: Ship 'left her to die'

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Top Things to do in Tokyo, Japan

Are you planning a cruise to Tokyo, Japan , but don't know what to do while there? Luckily, Norwegian Cruise Line wants to help you make the most of your vacation, so we've crafted this helpful list of top things to do in Tokyo.

Tokyo is a hub of modern skyscrapers and bustling nightlife, with many opportunities to experience this stunning city's ancient history and new-age amenities. Whether you want to relax in an onsen, visit the Imperial Palace, or immerse yourself in a one-of-a-kind foodie experience enjoying mouthwatering global cuisine, there are plenty of things to do to make any adventurer happy. Keep reading to explore some of the top things to do before or after your cruise vacation in Tokyo, Japan .

Ready to start planning? Explore all Tokyo cruises .

Visit the Tokyo National Museum

The Tokyo National Museum focuses on Japanese and Asian history. It combines the Independent Administrative Institution National Museum and the Independent Administrative Institution Research Institute of Cultural Properties. This dual focus allows the museum to direct its conservation, preservation, and education efforts. With a variety of permanent and ever-changing exhibitions, there's something new to see every time you visit.

The museum is open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Be sure to look up any local holidays or special events, as the museum often closes during those times.

Relax at the Miharashi no Yu Hot Springs

Whether you have chronic pain or stiffness or just want a unique experience, the Miharashi no Yu hot springs is just the ticket. The hot springs offer a unique insight into the Japanese way of life. Since they stay at a steady 117.5 degrees Fahrenheit, they can relieve chronic pain, muscle stiffness, and other issues.

Miharashi no Yu is open from 10:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. daily but is often closed to the public on Tuesdays. It's open for most holidays. Another important thing to note is that the genders in the bathrooms change on odd and even days. In Japan, it's important to follow certain etiquette requirements at hot springs, including showering before entering.

RELATED CRUISES: 11-Day Asia from Seoul to Tokyo: Osaka, Kochi, Jeju & Nagoya 14-Day Japan to Manila: Osaka & Hong Kong 18-Day from Vancouver to Tokyo: Hubbard Glacier, Skagway & Juneau

Get a Taste of Japan at Kioicho Fukudaya

Kioicho Fukudaya began as an inn in 1939 and can boast housing Nobel-prize winners, including Yaunari Kawabata and Hideki Yukawa. While the inn eventually moved, the delicious cuisine moved with Fukudaya to deliver a Michelin-starred experience. The restaurant is open from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. for lunch and 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. for dinner, so be sure to make reservations well in advance to get a taste.

Seasonal special course menus include tasty treats, such as deep-fried pufferfish, Sanpo mochi, miso soup, and grilled blackfin seabass. If you don't want to wait for a reservation, Fukudaya also offers home delivery and a takeaway option, so you can get a Michelin experience without leaving the comfort of your hotel room.

Take Time To Reflect at Senso-Ji Shrine

As the oldest temple in Tokyo, Senso-Ji Shrine is a religious hub that draws over 30 million worshippers each year. There are many yearly events to join in, such as the first temple visit of the year that happens between Jan. 1 and Jan. 7 or the celebration of the Bodhisattva Kannon's appearance on March 18. There are 10 different sites to see - not including the pleasure walks in between each gate and building - such as Yogodo Hall, Awashimado Hall, and Niten-mon Gate.

Enjoy a Tokyo Cruise Tour

If you want to hand the planning reins over to someone else but still have memories to last a lifetime, you can sign up for a hassle-free Tokyo cruise tour to enjoy a four-day, three-night land tour with a Tokyo cruise. Other items that might be on your itinerary include the Meiji Shrine, a drive to the Imperial Palace Plaza, Sensoji Temple, Nakamise Shipping Street, and a trip to the Tokyo Tower.

You don't have to worry about lodging, as it's included in these tours. When booking your cruise tour, be sure to verify if the tour includes transportation to your ship so you can embark on your cruise vacation without worrying about how to get there.

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Planning Your Tokyo Adventure

Tokyo, Japan, offers a plethora of activities and otherworldly experiences that'll have you and your family talking about your Japan getaway for years. Planning an unforgettable vacation doesn't have to wait until you step aboard your cruise ship; you can start making memories before your cruise vacation. Japan offers historic landmarks, exciting city life, and gourmet food, so there's something for everyone in Tokyo to explore.

Whilst you're deciding which cruise holiday is right for you, be sure to sign up for emails to get the latest cruise deals and special offers delivered right to your inbox. Where are you cruising next? Tell us in the comments!

An 80-year-old had a stroke during a Norwegian cruise excursion. After the ship left her behind on an African island, her family tracked her journey home using an Apple AirTag.

• Julie Lenkoff had a stroke during a Norwegian cruise-sponsored tour on an African island, her son-in-law said.
• The cruise continued sailing, and the tour company said they left her with other stranded cruisers.
• The family said Norwegian failed to contact them while Lenkoff was abroad. They used an AirTag to track her journey home.

It wasn't a surprise to Julie Lenkoff's family that she was going on another cruise.

The 80-year-old has visited 120 countries, speaks 10 languages, and has been on countless cruises. Lenkoff is an experienced traveler, so no one batted an eye when she boarded a 21-day Norwegian cruise along the coast of Africa by herself on March 20, Kurt Gies, Lenkoff's son-in-law, told Business Insider.

But her family was shocked when another cruise passenger phoned Lenkoff's daughter, Lana Gies, to tell her they were with Lenkoff, Kurt said. She had been released from a hospital, could hardly speak, was losing her vision, and was on the African island of São Tomé and Príncipe.

Kurt told BI Lenkoff had a stroke during a cruise-sponsored excursion and that the tour operator and cruise company left her at a hospital, where she was later discharged and left to figure out her own way home.

Kurt said a group of stranded tourists helped Lenkoff return to the US, where she remains in serious condition at the Stanford Medical Center.

"We had the means, the technology, and the ability to navigate this massive network to get her home," Kurt said. "I can only imagine if a family didn't or if that person was truly by themselves. What would've happened?"

The family says they have other stranded cruisers to thank for Lenkoff's return

On March 27, day eight of the Norwegian cruise, passengers disembarked the ship to explore São Tomé and Príncipe.

Kurt said Lenkoff joined a cruise-sponsored excursion with the tour company Navetur Equatour. During the tour, she passed out and fell, Diogo Beirão, the chief operating officer of the tour company, confirmed to BI. When Lenkoff regained consciousness, he said she couldn't speak English and had lost feeling in the right side of her body.

At the time, Beirão said the main concern was if Lenkoff had broken a bone or experienced a concussion. Kurt said doctors in the US later confirmed that Lenkoff had a stroke.

Beirão told BI that his tour guides brought Lenkoff back to the dock, where he says a nurse from the Norwegian cruise evaluated her on the pier.

In a statement sent to BI, a Norwegian cruise representative said that "on March 27, 2024, an 80-year-old woman was medically disembarked after being evaluated by our onboard medical team, who thought it best that she receive further assessment and treatment as needed from a local hospital."

Beirão said Lenkoff was transported to the closest hospital, which was "not very comfortable" because it "had no private rooms, just curtains." However, Beirão said he believes it was the right decision not to let her reboard the cruise.

Kurt said Norwegian brought Lenkoff the belongings from her room; however, her credit cards and cash were lost. He added that the tour company later found the missing wallet in a tour van, which was brought to Lenkoff more than 24 hours after she was released from the hospital.

Kurt said he and the rest of Lenkoff's family had no idea this was happening since Norwegian hadn't contacted them.

Meanwhile, a group of eight people were on a separate, private tour of São Tomé and Príncipe. BI previously reported that the tour ran into issues, and the group missed the ship's boarding deadline .

The group was stranded on the island without cash or medications and with one working credit card, which passengers Jill and Jay Campbell owned. The group found a hotel, contacted the closest American consulate, and planned to meet the ship at its next port in the Gambia.

As all this was happening, Kurt said, Lenkoff was released from the hospital.

Beirão said he was unaware that Lenkoff had a stroke, but he visited her at the hospital, and "she was not totally functional" but "could speak very well." While Lenkoff could communicate, Beirão said she often forgot what she was trying to say mid-sentence.

In Norwegian's statement, the representative said: "We attempted to call the guest several times, and as we were unable to reach her, we worked directly with our port agent in São Tomé and Príncipe, an African island nation, to receive updates about the guest."

"In instances such as these," the statement continued, "as the guest was released from the hospital and in a coherent state, our protocol is to contact the guest directly, as we would not have the authority to share any medical details with anyone else without their expressed consent."

Kurt said there are no phone or WhatsApp records of Norwegian reaching out on her cellphone, and he believes that family members should've been contacted in this instance since the company could not reach Lenkoff to confirm she was in a coherent state.

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After being discharged, Kurt said the tour company connected the Americans with Lenkoff.

"You have people figuring out how they're getting off this island, and they're given the responsibility to take care of an 80-year-old woman who just had a stroke," Kurt said.

At the time, Lenkoff had no way to pay for anything, so the Campbells provided Lenkoff with food and a place to sleep, Kurt said.

"I truly believe sometimes we're put in certain places for a reason, and I believe we were put in this place for the 80-year-old woman who was left alone. God forbid what would have happened to that lady if we were not here," Jay Campbell told North Carolina's WRAL .

Kurt said Lenkoff was still having trouble speaking and had started to lose her vision.

Using Lenkoff's phone, Jill Campbell called Lenkoff's daughter to tell her what happened. Around the same time, the American consulate called, though Kurt said the family was unsure how the consulate learned about Lenkoff's state.

Kurt said he and Lana attempted to reach Norwegian multiple times but couldn't connect with anyone at the company.

"It was decided that we need to get Julie off that island," he said. "No one at Norwegian was going to take responsibility for it."

The Norwegian representative told BI Lenkoff had been "escorted on a flight to Lisbon, Portugal, and then put in the care of airport staff to continue her journey to the United States, where she has now made a safe return."

Kurt said all of Lenkoff's travel arrangements were "made by her family" and that it wasn't Norwegian who escorted her, adding that the "airlines took responsibility for ensuring she got safely on each plane segment during her journey home."

He said Lenkoff flew to Lisbon, then to Toronto, and finally to San Francisco.

Thankfully, he said, Lana had sent her mom with an Apple AirTag so the family could watch Lenkoff make the trip back to the US.

The Apple product has become popular for tracking everything from missing suitcases to lost golfing equipment and a magician's sound equipment . Some parents are even using them to keep track of their children . According to Benzinga , Apple sold $1 billion worth of Airtags within two years of releasing the tracking device.

Kurt said he and Lana used the AirTag to follow Lenkoff in Lisbon as she reached her next gate.

"We were able to track her movement across the world as she was coming home, and that was a huge relief for us," he said.

Once Lenkoff arrived in California, Kurt said she was medically evacuated to the Stanford Medical Center.

"They pull her out on a gurney and this huge smile comes across her face as she sees her daughter for the first time," he told BI.

Today, Lenkoff is in critical condition

Since arriving at the hospital in California, Kurt told BI that Lenkoff has undergone numerous tests and scans. He said doctors believe she may have also had a heart attack, and while she was at the Stanford Medical Center, she experienced a second stroke.

Kurt said Lenkoff remains in a serious condition.

Meanwhile, the Gieses have continued to try to reach Norwegian. Kurt said two junior staffers have reached out to learn more about what happened, but he said no one from the cruise line had taken responsibility for not contacting Lenkoff's emergency contacts.

Kurt said the experience has taught him and his family that they should not rely on cruise companies to keep passengers safe.

Kurt heard from the Campbells that the group made it back on the ship on Wednesday. When everyone is healthy and back in the US, he said they plan to meet with the Campbells to thank them.

"We truly believe that our mother would've died had she been left to her own devices," Kurt said. "The Campbells are now members of our family. They are the true heroes of this story."

Do you have an experience to share about cruising? Business Insider would like to hear from you. Email [email protected] .

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