When summer comes to an end and you start to dread the fast approaching winter blues, it may be a sign to plan a winter family vacation. Instead of a ski getaway, kid-friendly cruises offer a convenient and cost-effective alternative with plenty of activities that appeal to both parents and children. Many cruise lines boast action packed itineraries and exotic destinations that entice any voyager.
The tricky part is choosing a cruise line that fits the family because there’s plenty of options out there and it can get overwhelming fast. To make it easier, we narrowed it down to X of the best kid-friendly cruises to consider this winter.
Disney Cruise Line
Now in its third decade of operation, Disney Cruise Line consistently ranks as one of the best for kid-friendly cruises. The Disney Magic was the first ship launched in 1998 and Disney Wonder launched just one year later. The two are considered pretty small these days with a full capacity of 2,400 passengers. Newer Disney cruise ships are known as the Disney Dream Class Ships. They are 40% larger than the classics and can carry a maximum of 4,000 passengers.
With the many options, deciding between the Disney cruises alone can be overwhelming. Your first consideration should be the port. The Disney Fantasy always leaves from the Port Canaveral cruise ports and sails on seven-day itineraries in the Easter and Western Caribbean. The Disney Dream also leaves from Port Canaveral but on shorter journeys for three or four day itineraries.
The other two ships, the Disney Wonder and the Disney Magic, typically travel around a little more but the itineraries change year by year. You can never go wrong with Disney and if that’s what your heart is set on for one of the best kid-friendly cruises, see here for a full breakdown on itineraries.
Carnival Panorama
The Carnival Panorama is one of Carnival Cruise Line’s newest ships and one of the best for families. The Panorama offers high-energy activities, kid-friendly food for even the pickiest eaters and opportunities to make new friends. The ship has supervised kids programs categorized by age groups. Some of these include a massive aqua park, the popular SkyRide aerial attraction, SkyCourse ropes course, and the first SkyZone trampoline park at sea. Every kid’s dream, right?
SportsSquare is one of the many activities that gets the family moving together. It features space for mini-golf, volleyball, basketball, ping-pong, foosball and some high-flying activities. Get the competitive juices flowing with your older kids. If you have younger travelers, Panorama provides a host of Dr. Seuss activities from SEUSS-A-PALOOZA Storytime to Dr. Seuss’ Bookville and more. Your child can engage in a library with colorful wall characters and whimsical furniture.
MSC Seaside
All MSC cruises are great for families with many thrilling places onboard geared towards kids. There are kids clubs and activities, babies and toddlers services, and a lego experience where you can try your hand at building your own MSC ship with legos!
MSC Seaside is the cruise line’s newest and largest ship that’s especially ideal for families traveling with children. It’s considered a high tech cruise ship with a theater, bowling alley, adventure trail, multi-storey water park featuring 5 slides, and more. If you’re looking for adult time, your children can stay onboard and enjoy the kids club facilities while you explore the ports. Teens have their own space separated by age groups: 12 to 14 year-olds and 15 to 17 year olds. They can participate in group activities like lip synch battles and sports tournaments or chill watching tv, playing board games or video games.
Every restaurant aboard the MSC Seaside has a dedicated kids menu. The ship also offers a dining option called Happy Dinners so parents can enjoy starters while children eat their dinner and are escorted back to the kids club by the entertainment staff. Keep your eye out for their “Children Cruise Free” promotion that welcomes passengers 18 and younger to sail free!
Symphony of the Seas
The 6,680-passenger ship is one of the newest in Royal Caribbean’s Oasis fleet. The Symphony of the Seas features 18 decks packed with activities and heart-pounding fun. Your kids will enjoy a surf simulator, an indoor ice skating rink, two 40-foot rock walls, a zip line and a 10-story slide. Meanwhile, you can relax and unwind at the spa, sip cocktails or stroll through a Central Park inspired neighborhood. For real.
Royal Caribbean overall has built a notable reputation for providing some of the best things to do while aboard their ships. The Symphony itself is most known for its kid friendly activities and shows. Adventure Ocean is the heart of children’s programming and is divided into three age-appropriate groups from ages 3 to 11. Adventure Ocean is complimentary, but kids need to be registered beforehand to take part in activities.
Tweens and teenagers have their own club that they’re free to come and go to as they want. Royal Babies and Tots Nursery is offered to children up to 36 months old. Parents have a drop-off option in the daytime and evening, while always maintaining an optimum staff-to-child ratio.
What are you waiting for? Start planning the ultimate kid-friendly winter cruise to create a lifetime of memories with your family! If you’re looking to stay on land, check out our top Florida winter destinations.
