carnival cruise family of 5

7 Best Carnival Cruises for Families in 2024- Complete Guide

Sharing is caring!

Are you planning a Carnival Cruise and wondering about the best cruise ships for families? As someone who has cruised with Carnival with my own family, I know first hand which Carnival cruise ships are best.

Choosing a cruise for a family vacation, isn’t one size fits all. Carnival is known for having some of the best cruise lines for families and kids. However, you’ll want to find the best Carnival cruise ship to fit your needs, budget and vacation preferences.

With that being said, here are the 7 best cruises for families.

This post contains affiliate links which means if you click and buy that I may make a commission, at no cost to you. Please see my disclosure policy for details.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

7 Best Carnival Cruises for Families

1. Carnival Vista

The Carnival Vista is a fun ship for every member of the family. This cruise first set sail back in 2016, and has been a popular favorite ever since!

Since the Carnival Vista isn’t super new anymore, it’s going to be more affordable than newer ships. This is great is you’re cruising on a budget or just trying to save some money on your family vacation .

The Carnival Vista has some great restaurants onboard including: Guy’s Burger Joint, BlueIguanna Cantina, and you can’t forget the main dining room!

Some unique attractions on the Carnival Vista are the IMAX theatre, the SkyRide, the ropes course and water play areas. Kids and young adults who enjoy fun thrills will absolutely love these cruise ship attractions!

Carnival Kid’s and Teen Club Information:

The great thing about all Carnival Ships is that they have kids clubs which are separated by age group.

Camp Ocean is for younger kids ages 2-11
Circle C is for young teens ages 12-14
Club O2 is for teenagers ages 14-17

When I was a younger kid, I would spend my days hanging out at the kid’s club, making new friends and having a good time. There are activities for kids 17 years and under, going on throughout the day and in the evening.

Activities like scavenger hunts, sports games, movie nights and dance parties are always fun. There’s also an area to hang out, a dance floor and an area to play video games, which every kid likes!

2. Carnival Mardi Gras

The Carnival Mardi Gras is a fan favorite, which gets a lot of repeat cruisers. The Mardi Gras is one of the largest ships and newest ships in Carnivals fleet, with over 5,200 passengers onboard!

The Carnival Mardi Gras cruise ship has 26 total dining options. You can bet that there is something for everyone to eat on this cruise ship!

Whether you’re cruising with young children, teens or young adults , this cruise is fun for the whole family.

The Mardi Gras is one of the best cruise ships at sea for families , as there is so much to do for every member of the family. Whether it’s hanging out by the pool, playing in the waterparks or relaxing in the hot tubs, the Carnival Mardi Gras makes for an awesome family vacation.

The main attraction on the Carnival Mardi Gras is the Bolt Roller Coaster, which is the first roller coaster at sea. This does have an additional cost, however going on a roller coaster at sea is not something you do everyday!

3. Carnival Panorama

The Carnival Panorama is the sister ship to the Carnival Vista and Carnival Horizon. This cruise ship first set sail back in late 2019, and is known for having plenty of cruise ship activities and attractions.

Some of the attractions on the Carnival Panorama include the SkyRide, Sky Zone (trampoline park), a ropes course, an enclosed basketball court, mini golf and an outdoor exercise area. This cruise ship is amazing for teenagers !

There are also two water slides called Red Fun (raft slide) and Blue Fun, which is a standard water slide. If you’re cruising with older children who are afraid of water slides, there is a splash park which is also really fun.

Onboard the Carnival Panorama there are also plenty of bars, places to eat at and a Casino. In the evening time, there are parties going on around the ship.

There is a great kid’s club on Carnival, so you leave your children in the kids club (there is a fee after 10 pm) and let loose for the evening!

There is so much included on a Carnival cruise , which makes it a good time and great value for everyone.

Related: Carnival Cruise Packing List – The Ultimate Guide

4. Carnival Sunrise (Refurbished)

The Carnival Sunrise is a mid-size ship that is known for it’s shorter sailings (2-5 days). If you’re looking for a short family getaway, the Carnival Sunrise is perfect.

This cruise ship holds over 2,700 passengers and was originally built in 1999. The Carnival Sunrise was recently refurbished in 2019, so the look of this cruise ship is pretty modern and new looking.

The Carnival Sunrise has two waters slides, a splash park and a ropes course. There is also a nice pool area, which has fun activities and games going on throughout the day.

By the pool, you’ll find is a giant screen that will play movies and shows throughout your cruise. This is a great place to take it easy with the family and spend some quality time together.

Since this cruise was recently refurbished, the kids clubs and teens club looks super modern. If you’re cruising with kids , good luck getting them out of the teens club or kids club!

Related: 50 Popular Cruise Essentials from Amazon

Get The Ultimate Cruise Planner

Regular price: $27 now just $17.

5. Carnival Horizon

The Carnival Horizon is the sister ship to the Carnival Vista and the Carnival Panorama. Unlike the Carnival Panorama, this ship does not have a SkyZone, however it does have an IMAX theatre.

Like its sister ships, the Carnival Horizon has a ropes course, SkyRide and water slides.

If you like fine dining, then you will love the wide variety of specialty restaurants onboard the Carnival Horizon. Please note that specialty restaurants do have an extra charge.

Carnival Horizon Specialty Restaurants:

JiJi Asian Kitchen
Seafood Shack
Cucina Del Capitano
Bonsai Teppanyaki
Guy’s Pig & Anchor Smokehouse

Overall, the Carnival Horizon is a fun ship for the whole family. A Carnival cruise is quite affordable, which is one of the reasons why cruising is the best family vacation!

Related: How to Save Money on a Cruise: 27 Tips, Tricks & Hacks

6. Carnival Dream

The Carnival Dream launched back in 2009. However it was refurbished a few years ago in 2017. The ship received the Fun Ship 2.0 upgrades, which includes new restaurants like Guy’s Burger Joint, BlueIguanna Cantina, the Alchemy Bar and Bonsai Sushi.

This Carnival cruise ship has multiple pool areas, water slides and serenity, which is the adult only area. Serenity is a great place to relax while your kids are on the water slides or at the kids club.

In the evening time, there are family friendly shows, as well as adult only shows. The Punchliner Comedy Club is a great spot to go see some hilarious comedians onboard the Carnival Dream.

The Carnival Dream has something for everyone, so expect the whole family to love this cruise.

Related: 27 Cruise Packing Tips All Cruisers Need to Know

7. Carnival Celebration (coming soon!)

The Carnival Celebration looks like it might be the best Carnival cruise ship yet! The Carnival Celebration is a new cruise ship that will set sail in November 2022, in celebration of Carnival Cruise Line’s 50th anniversary.

Some of the highlights on the Carnival Celebration include it’s 6 zones to explore: Celbration Central, The Gateway, Summer Landing, 820 Biscayne, Lido and The Ultimate Playground.

You’ll have The Bolt, the world’s fastest, and first (along with Mardi Gras) roller coaster at sea. The kids and all family members will love Waterworks, an incredible water slide and water park area onboard the ship.

You’ll also experience some of the best entertainment onboard Carnival cruise ships, including the popular Family Feud Live game show.

This Carnival Celebration is a sister ship to the Carnival Mardi Gras, so it has similar restaurants and onboard activities. Although the Carnival Celebration is similar to the Mardi Gras, they did add three new restaurants.

New Restaurants on the Carnival Celebration:

The Golden Jubilee
Emeril’s Bistro 1397

Going on new cruise ships are usually more expensive than cruising on ships that are a few years older. If you want a really special cruise for the whole family, consider the Carnival Celebration for a vacation no one will forget.

However if you’re on a tight budget, consider waiting a few years before booking the Carnival Celebration and choose one of the slightly older cruise ships.

Related & Popular Posts:

What’s Included on a Carnival Cruise – Everything You Need to Know
7 Best Cruise Lines for Families – Complete Guide
15 Matching Cruise Shirts for Families, Couples & Groups
50 Must-have Amazon Cruise Essentials
17 Cruise Cabin Essentials Every Cruiser Needs
30 Cruise Cabin Hacks for Families
The Ultimate Guide to Cruise Gratuities

Final Thoughts on Best Carnival Cruises for Families

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

When it comes to a family cruise, it’s hard to beat the value you get with Carnival. The endless entertainment, amazing attractions and plentiful food options makes Carnival one of the best cruise lines for families.

When are you booking your Carnival cruise? 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.

Let’s connect:

Follow me on Facebook at Life Well Cruised
Follow me on YouTube at Life Well Cruised
Follow me on Pinterest at Life Well Cruised
Follow me on Instagram at Life Well Cruised

Additional menu

The Family Vacation Guide

8 of the Best Cruises for a Family of 5

posted by Charmaine Cortes on January 5, 2023 // last updated on January 11, 2023

Cruise vacations are excellent for relaxation and exploring new destinations. They are also very convenient for planning as cruise ships provide transportation, accommodation, and entertainment.

That said, finding the right cruise vacation can be challenging, especially when trying to cater to a bigger family. If you are searching for a cruise for a family of 5, read our list below and find the one that best fits your family’s needs.

Royal Caribbean

Disney cruise line, princess cruise line, carnival cruise line, norwegian cruise line, msc cruises , costa cruises, celebrity cruises.

The Royal Caribbean cruises are designed for family vacations providing amenities and activities for guests from multiple generations. The ships from Royal Caribbean offer fun and educational activities for kids and teens as well as many evening shows and events for adult cruisers.

With Royal Caribbean, you don’t need to worry about planning a vacation, as each ship provides dining options, activities for all ages and preferences, and outstanding entertainment.

Activities on board

Each cruise ship offers so much to do to fill your days with fun while onboard. The cruisers can play on the water slides, participate in laser tag battles, play mini golf, and do much more. There is also a surf simulator and zip lining for adventurers.

The cruisers can also try rock climbing, go-karts, ice skating, playing an escape room game, and jumping on the trampolines. The activities vary from one ship to another, but each one offers many activities for the cruisers.

Entertainment

During the night, the Royal Caribbean cruise provides musicals and shows that you can enjoy with your whole family. From productions from Broadway and ice skating shows to aqua theater shows, such cruises provide a variety of entertainment.

The full-scale productions happen every night on every cruise and feature award-winning shows.

Dining

To fuel your body between the adventures and the onboard activities, Royal Caribbean has restaurants providing delicious meals from a variety of cuisines across the world. There are dining and beverage packages, complimentary dining, and specialty dining venues with a broad selection of foods.

Cruise rooms

The Royal Caribbean ships have modern cruise rooms designed with every type of guest in mind. The cruise rooms are stylish and offer plenty of room and comfort, making their ships suitable for larger families.

There are spacious interiors and connecting rooms to accommodate larger families and staterooms for couples. You can also opt for luxury cruise suite accommodations that will elevate your vacation experience to another level.

If you would like to surprise your family with a magical vacation experience, the Disney Cruise Line might be the best option for you. The cruise ships from Disney combine fun and relaxation, providing activities for the whole family.

The Disney Cruise Ships never disappoints when it comes to entertainment, dining venues, and amenities for the guests and this cruise line attracts plenty of travelers every year.

The Disney Cruise Line is known for meet and greets with Mickey Mouse, Disney princesses, and other popular Disney characters.

Every day is an adventure on the Disney Cruise Ships, which offers fun activities for the whole family, making the journey very exciting.

Aside from Disney character experiences, the cruisers can also expect themed deck parties and 3D Disney movies.

The imaginative youth clubs allow the children to learn and play in large play spaces, while the adults-only areas on the ship include many bars and pubs.

The Disney Cruise also features pools and recreation activities, including waterslides, a spa and salon, and sports and fitness centers.

Throughout the voyage, the family-friendly cruise ships offer live musicals for the whole family and magnificent firework shows.

The Disney Cruise Lines have many live shows based on classic Disney movies that are suitable for guests of all ages.

The Disney Cruise Line offers many dining options for the cruisers, including themed restaurants, poolside snacks, and 24-hour room service.

The food is prepared by renowned chefs who are known to accommodate customers with different dietary restrictions. There are also themed nightclubs and lounges for the adult cruisers

Their spacious cabins can easily accommodate a family of 5, and they typically come with two bathrooms, allowing more people to get ready at the same time.

The largest Concierge-level suites can accommodate up to 7 people, so you can easily find a stateroom for your needs by providing the number of guests while booking.

Princess offers cruise vacations for every generation. You can choose from popular cruise destinations and participate in fun activities to spend quality time with your family. The Princess Cruise Lines are also known for excellent food and service.

This American cruise line hosts numerous passengers every year and their family-friendly ships such as the Caribean Princess offer plenty of fun activities for the children including a youth and teen center, a splash zone, HD movies under the stars, and a lot more.

What differentiates Princess cruise vacations from so many others is that the ships provide destination-themed activities such as traditional live performances, dance lessons, and local dishes served at the restaurants.

Among the fun ship activities are festival celebrations and multimedia presentations provided by local destination experts.

The adults on the cruise can also learn to prepare gourmet specialties, do wine tasting, participate in world-class gaming, and attend art history lectures.

During your Princess cruise voyage, you can also take a dip in the sparkling freshwater pools or relax in the hot tubs. The Princess ship cruises also have activities for sports enthusiasts and allow the guests to participate in fun dance classes.

Princess also offers unique activities such as Discovery and Animal Planet shore excursions. One of their kid-friendly cruises, Caribbean Princess, includes Camp Discovery Youth and Teen Center and HD Movies Under the Stars.

There is also a Reef Family Splash Zone that features an interactive water playground with a splash pool.

The Princess Cruise Lines feature plenty of dazzling live shows from performers around the globe. The cruise ships provide plenty of hit production shows.

Apart from the shows, the cruisers can also participate in game shows such as Deal or no Deal, and The Voice of the Ocean, based on the popular singing competition, and attend magician and comedian shows, watch movies at the poolside movie theater, and more.

The chefs from the Princess Cruise Lines offer many tasty dishes that tell stories of their own. You can opt for a formal dinner or order from casual eateries with your family.

Moreover, the guests can order their favorite foods and drinks and have them delivered with free delivery.

Room suites

The room suites from the Princess Cruise Line can easily accommodate large family groups. The cruisers can choose from inside cabins, ocean-view cabins, balcony cabins, and suits, depending on the cruise ship and their needs and preferences.

The Carnival Cruise Line is an excellent option for those looking for an affordable cruise for a family of 5. The ship cruises feature spacious cabins for larger families and various onboard attractions.

The family-friendly ships offer some of the most entertaining voyages for children and adult cruisers and offer affordable prices for the amenities.

With the Carnival Cruise Line, you can explore great destinations and join popular onboard activities such as ‘Family Feud Live’, Waterworks, and Skyride.

The adults can also join a Cloud 9 spa and the serenity adult-only retreat. The carnival Cruise ships also include parties, shops, fitness, and more.

The adult cruisers can also have a fun night in the nightclubs, join themed parties or visit the casino.

On such a cruise, the whole family can have an excellent time during the vacation and enjoy live music and comedy shows. The cruising ships also feature karaoke, a theater, and a piano bar.

The guests on the cruise have several dining choices, such as a steakhouse, a sea day brunch, a seafood shack, and many restaurants, which makes it a fantastic cruise line afloat. Aside from the various dining choices, the Carnival cruise ships also have themed bars for adult cruisers.

The Carnival Cruise Line caters to all types of passengers. Hence, they have many options when it comes to accommodation. Larger families can choose from flexible staterooms, connecting rooms, and suite rooms with an extra bathroom.

Aside from the large cabins with enough space for up to five passengers, you can also book a family harbor suite and get a family lounge with Wi-Fi, snacks, movies, games, and other essentials.

If you and your family would like to experience new fun activities on board, you can look into the Norwegian Cruise Line deals. From music mania, ropes course, and laser tag to waterslides, Broadway musicals, and live performances, these cruise ships have something to offer for every passenger.

The Norwegian Cruise Line is known for their fun water parks, slides, and activities for cruisers of different generations. The children can join the splash academy and showcase their artistic skills.

They can also enjoy themed parties and gaming, burn energy in the dynamic zone or relax in the chill zone; one thing is for sure, the activities make sure that no passenger gets bored during their vacation.

The newer Norwegian Cruise ships also offer VR experiences, bowling, and go-karting. Aside from the thrilling race track, the cruisers can also hang the largest ropes course, do rock climbing, and participate in other fun activities.

The cruisers can also relax on a chaise lounge, rejuvenate at the spa or have an energizing workout at the fitness centers. The Norwegian Cruise line also offers shore excursions for the cruisers.

The Norwegian Cruise Line provides award-winning entertainment for the guests. During the night, the guests can enjoy watching musicals and shows, attending live music performances, or joining themed parties.

The cruise ships also provide game and comedy shows as well as a variety of other exclusive entertainment.

The Norwegian Cruise line is very flexible when it comes to the dining system, so many eateries onboard allow families to plan their meals according to their liking and provide them with many food options.

The cruisers can enjoy various complimentary, specialty, and family dining options that will satisfy even the pickiest eaters.

All of the cruising ships offer crafted menus with every guest in mind. The guest can visit the Main Dining Rooms, go to the Buffets, or choose food from casual eateries. Their renewed chefs offer original dishes made with the finest ingredients, ensuring an incredible dining experience.

The Norwegian Cruise line has family mini-suites, balconies, oceanviews, and inside staterooms. Also, most of their ships have 2-bedroom family suites near the kids’ area.

The ship’s ocean-view cabins are suitable for larger families, but you also have the option to connect cabins or book a family suite for extra space and access to a private pool and a restaurant.

MSC Cruises has one of the largest glamorous cruises offering excellent family deals. Given their partnership with LEGO, their cruise ships ensure that the children have a lot of fun on board.

With MSC Cruises, you can visit amazing destinations and have an exciting vacation with your family. The MSC Cruises are also suitable for families with babies. Many of their ships have baby areas, special baby menus, and push chairs.

The cruise ship activities provided by MSC Cruises ensure fun times during the day and at night. From the F1 simulator, bowling, and billiard room to arcade games and 4D cinema, there are plenty of activities to do and spend quality time with your family.

The MSC Cruise lines also have a kid’s club devoted to LEGO building. Among the activities they offer is a Family Game Show, which is a competition for the whole family to dance and do selfie challenges. The passengers who like dancing can also join the Family Disco for a special disco time.

For those passengers who enjoy outdoor activities, the Italian cruise line has zip lines, waterparks, swimming pools, and others, such as taking a skywalk on the Himalayan bridge and witnessing breathtaking ocean views.

MSC Cruises offers Broadway shows with international artists to entertain guests. The cruisers can also enjoy watching Carousel Production Sea shows with dance and live music, acrobatics, and innovative technology, offering world-class entertainment.

When it comes to dining, MSC Cruises offers packages from various cuisines, including Mediterranean and Asian. The packages offer many dining options suitable for everyone’s taste.

You also have the option to book specialty dining packages in advance for a discounted price and enjoy an incredible dining experience. There are also drink packages for everyone, offering cocktails, premium drinks, alcohol-free packages, and minor packages.

The MSC Cruises have spacious ocean-view cabins for larger family groups. However, you can also choose from the variety of connecting family cabins suitable for accommodation for up to 10 people. There are also duplex suites, grand suites, royal suites, and other cruise accommodations.

With Costa Cruises , you can explore destinations across the world from a different perspective. With bright and sophisticated rooms, delicious food, and plenty of family-friendly activities, there is something for everyone’s taste on these cruises.

For the athletic cruisers, there are also equipped gyms, sports activities and tournaments, swimming pools and hot tubs, and massage and beauty treatments.

With Costa Cruises, your cruise holiday can be filled with a lot of fun. The ships feature slides and waterparks, shows at the theater, game rooms, and more. Their cruising ships feature an Aqua Park dedicated to children where they can safely play water games.

There is also a Rope Garden Adventure Park for adventurers, an Outdoor Peppa Pig Area for family gathering moments, and a mini golf area for exciting challenges. The cruises have activities and games intended for every age group.

There is also a Squok Club for arts and crafts with their entertainers and a teen zone offering board games, table tennis, and many sports tournaments.

Certain Costa Cruise ships, such as Costa Esmeralda and Costa Toscana, also have babysitting services for families traveling with babies.

The cruise lines offer entertainment throughout the day and the night. In the evening, the guests can enjoy watching shows and live performances at the theater, making the holidays an unforgettable experience.

From comedy shows, musicals, games, acrobats, and more, the shows are designed for passengers of different age groups and preferences.

The Costa Cruising ships not only provide an exploration of different places but also offer flavors from different regions of the world.

The renowned chefs make a signature dish every night and offer destination dishes that represent the destination you are about to visit.

The cruise ships have various themed restaurants. There are also wine bars for adults, ice cream parlors, and chocolate bars the whole family can enjoy.

Each of the suites on the Costa Cruises has its style, but they are all designed with modern touches. You can also book suites featuring a balcony allowing you to enjoy a scenic view while relaxing. Costa Cruises offers different suites, including large ones for families with multiple children.

Celebrity Cruises boast large and luxurious cruising ships with technology features for an exclusive holiday experience. This is a cruise line designed for people with older children who value comfort and style while traveling.

These cruise lines are also designed for passengers with mobility issues in mind, and their attentive crew is always ready for assistance. The cruise lines provide a unique, comfortable, and fun experience, no matter your destination.

Activities on board

These cruising ships’ activities enable you to create memories and spend quality time with your family.

Celebrity Cruises offer adventurous excursions on land and plenty of onboard activities, such as Xbox stations for video game tournaments, swimming in pools, archery tournaments, hot glass classes, and more.

The cruise ships also provide spa and wellness treatments specially designed for teens. Moreover, they have autism-friendly ships with many products, services, and menu options. The ships also offer photography packages and cruise shopping.

Celebrity Cruises don’t disappoint when it comes to unique entertainment. The guests can gather for a movie night under the stars or participate in silent disco parties. There are also live music performances during the day and night and unpredictable parties that will make your voyage even more exciting.

This cruising line also has an entertainment center and a program for children and teens. The Camp at the Sea program schedules activities based on the interest of the cruisers. The program covers art, recreation, culinary, and S.T.E.M. and has designed more than 500 activities.

The adult guests can also view main-stage productions with music, incredible acrobatics, and acting. On such a cruise ship, you can play Deal and no Deal, inspired by the popular game show, or play Bingo Express.

The delicious food also contributes to an amazing vacation experience. Hence, the renowned chefs from Celebrity Cruises offer appetizing scents and flavors. Here you can find specialty restaurants, various bars and lounges, and exclusive signature dishes. There is also an in-room kid’s menu with many delicious options.

Staterooms and suites

Celebrity Cruises have luxurious accommodations suitable for both solo travelers and bigger families with multiple children. The spacious styling rooms have exquisite bedding and offer picturesque views for the guests. All of their rooms have a modern style.

If you are looking for a cruise for a family of 5, cruise lines such as the ones we have reviewed in this post can be an excellent option for your next holiday. Such cruise ships have spacious cabins for large families and offer various onboard activities for passengers of all age groups.

The cruises also offer dining specialties from different cuisines and offer entertaining shows during the evenings.

Cruising makes for a unique cruising experience to spend with your family and have quality time together.