Top 6 family-friendly cruise lines for 2025 & 2026

Family-friendly cruise lines make going away with the kids in tow oh-so-much more convenient, whether that’s thanks to the host of awesome activities onboard (VR racing? Meeting Wallace and Gromit? Ice cream parlours? You name it!) or the super ship kids clubs.

Sailawaze teamed up with travel agent Iglu Cruise to pick out six of the very best cruise lines for families this year and beyond.

Whether you’re after cruise lines with family suites or the best Caribbean cruise lines for families, our guide to cruising with the family has all the answers.

P&O Cruises

Are P&O cruises child friendly? Yes! There are five family-friendly P&O Cruises ships: Arvia, Iona, Britannia, Ventura and Azura.

P&O Cruises family activities

Kids can meet with cheese-loving hero Wallace and his trusty pooch Gromit as well as Shaun the Sheep thanks to the line’s Aardman partnership. Go (cheese and) crackers at the Welcome On Board party, arts and crafts activities, special character appearances, dance sessions for kids, and premieres of Aardman’s latest films. Just don’t wear the Wrong Trousers.

There’s more relaxing screen time to be had in P&O Cruises’ onboard cinemas for all ages. Enjoy the latest superhero movies and timeless classics on the big screen as a family. On Arvia and Azura, you can even watch open-air screenings.

For more showbiz glamour swing by Headliners Theatre. The two-deck auditorium hosts family-friendly shows with early evening performances, plus a variety of entertainment throughout the day during summer and Christmas cruises.

To blow (or should that be bubble?) off steam all P&O Cruises family-friendly ships feature pools for kids of all ages to have a splashing good time. Arvia offers Splash Valley while Iona has a Splash Zone with shaded areas, ocean views and open skies.

P&O Cruises kids clubs

P&O Cruises kids’ clubs cater for children ranging from six months right up to 17 years so your offspring will be well and truly entertained no matter what their age. This care gives parents free rein to let loose too. There’s even a night nursery for six months to four years.

• Nursery (6 months-2 years) offers age-appropriate toys, games and themed Turtle Tot activities.
• Splashers (ages 2-4) enjoy soft play, toys, books and activities [above, left].
• Surfers (ages 5-8) have access to computer games, movies, soft play, puppet shows and more.
• Scubas (ages 9-12) can play air hockey, computer games, pool or just relax with new friends, with a variety of activities available.
• H2O/Scene (ages 13-17) features a pool table, computer consoles, a retro arcade and plenty of beanbags and sofas for a chilled-out vibe.

P&O Cruises family accommodation

There are rooms on P&O Cruises family-friendly ships to suit families of many sizes as well as varying budgets thanks to price reductions.

Iona and Arvia provide a variety of family accommodations, including two special family suites at the front of the ship. Azura, Britannia and Ventura also offer family cabins with extra beds and have cabins that can accommodate a travel cot for infants aged over six months and under two years.

Heads up: in twin cabins, these extra beds are pull-down beds that your cabin steward will stow away during the day while in selected cabins on Arvia, Azura, Britannia, Iona and Ventura, sofa beds are available instead.

P&O Cruises is also expanding its family accommodation from summer 2026 with the introduction of new five-berth cabins on Arvia, Britannia and Iona. These include balcony cabins and conservatory mini suites designed for families of five, giving larger groups more choice and better value. A total of 50 five-berth cabins will be rolled out across the three ships, offering extra flexibility for multi-generational holidays.

Royal Caribbean

Every ship in the Royal Caribbean fleet caters for families so you can pick your destination of choice without worrying about what to do with the kids. There’s even the line’s private islands, Perfect Day at CocoCay and new Royal Beach Club Paradise Island, to kick back and relax on all together if you head to the Caribbean.

Royal Caribbean family activities

Each family-friendly Royal Caribbean cruise ship offers endless ways for the whole gang to enjoy their sea days. Plunge down the tallest slide at sea, battle loved ones in glow-in-the-dark laser tag battles, work on your water wings at sun-soaked pool parties, get gnarly on the surf simulator, perfect your swing at Mini Golf with sea views, or get high on the zipline ten stories above deck.

Other activities, depending on which ship you sail on, include rock climbing, escape rooms and dance parties. If you’re after some quiet time, stick a fab film on in your stateroom or check out the library – there are classic and popular family titles in a variety of languages to browse.

What’s more, every night, the whole family can enjoy top-notch entertainment, including original productions, Broadway favourites, high dives and aerial stunts at the AquaTheater, plus spectacular ice skating shows.

Royal Caribbean kids clubs

The Royal Caribbean Adventure Ocean youth programs ensure your children’s time onboard will be fun and educational. Aquanauts (ages 3-5) will enjoy conducting experiments and becoming Certified Jr. Adventure Scientists; Explorers (ages 6-8) can participate in exciting activities, including themed parties; and Voyagers (ages 9-12) will take part in a variety of activities that make learning “cool” again. Teens have their own great spaces to chillax in and have the freedom to come and go as they please.

The merriment doesn’t stop with sunset though – kids and teens can enjoy activities late into the evening with extended hours in the Adventure Ocean and teen-only spaces (with an hourly rate applied after 10pm). After a special family dinner on Royal Caribbean ships, children can spend the night partying with new friends at the Late Night Party Zone!

Babies are cared for, too. The Royal Babies & Tots program (ages 6-36 months) offers nursery drop-off sessions with age-appropriate activities and toys, all hosted by trained youth staff.

Royal Caribbean family accommodation

Royal Caribbean serves up spacious, family-friendly cabins. Choose from rooms with woah-look-at-that ocean views or suites with wrap-around balconies. Snug Interior rooms provide the most budget-friendly option, with Spacious Interiors and connecting rooms for larger families also perfect for groups.

For ultimate luxury, the Icon of the Seas offers the first-ever Ultimate Family Townhouse [above, left], featuring three tiers of incredible amenities along with direct access to the Surfside neighbourhood from a private patio. The kind of pad parents definitely wish they’d had as children.

Do kids pay full price on Royal Caribbean?

Yes, normal pricing applies to children of all ages although Royal Caribbean does occasionally run a Kids Sail Free promotion as well as offers for the third and fourth guest to go free.

MSC Cruises

MSC Cruises family-friendly cruises whisk parents and children away to over 200 thrilling destinations worldwide, including its exclusive private island, Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, in the Bahamas.

MSC Cruises family activities

MSC cruise ships are packed with activities for all ages, from relaxing in pools and zipping down waterslides to full-on LEGO experiences.

The LEGO Family Game Show lets kids and grown-ups team up for fast-paced build challenges, judged by the official LEGO Sailor Walkabout mascot. There’s also a LEGO Family Parade bursting with colour and character appearances on select ships including MSC World Europa, MSC Virtuosa and MSC Bellissima.

Music lovers can hit the DOREMIX Family Disco, with exclusive MSC soundtracks and dance competitions hosted by Doremi, the fleet’s DJing mascot. Meanwhile, new game shows BOXES and MSC BOOM bring a mix of physical challenges, tech fun and the chance to bag prizes.

Elsewhere, you’ll find MSC’s usual thrills: zip lines, VR zones, Formula Racing simulators, interactive XD cinemas, Broadway-style entertainment and the ever-popular LEGO Experience On Board day. Also rolling out across more ships this summer are Guinness World Records events, letting guests of all ages attempt record-breaking feats in front of a live audience. Competitive? Us?

Gaming fans can test their reflexes in the new PS5 F1 Sim Racing Tournament, while sporty teens can look forward to more events including silent discos, party nights and dedicated quiz sessions.

From January 2026 MSC Cruises will also expand family entertainment at Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve. New activities include a daily wellness and sports programme led by onboard coaches, an innovative Augmented Reality treasure hunt focusing on marine conservation and a colourful LEGO pop-up at the Welcome Pavilion featuring LEGO mascots and Doremi. These additions join existing island favourites like snorkelling, paddleboarding and jet skiing, giving families more ways to enjoy MSC’s private island.

MSC Cruises kids clubs

MSC’s specialised Kids Clubs provide an array of activities, with staff on hand from 9am until 10pm; plus each day a reserved time slot is open across all Doremiland areas for families for parents wishing to spend quality time with their kids in the onboard kids club. Additionally, once per cruise, there will be a big family party for parents and kids to enjoy together.

Dedicated baby care for infants as young as six months old (up to age two) is now on offer – previously available only for those aged one year and up – while Mini Club caters to children aged three to six on all ships and cruises, with activities like arts & crafts, baby dance, painting courses, treasure hunts and mini Olympics. Note, little ones under three can attend but must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times.

Junior Club offers dedicated activities, sports, parties and shows for kids aged 7 to 11, providing ample opportunities for fun and friendship while parents relax elsewhere.

Teen’s Club is tailored for teenage cruisers over 13, featuring entertaining activities like treasure hunts, group missions, talent shows, the Virtual World Arcade, trivia and dance contests, along with a newspaper for sharing experiences.

Want to boogie? Evening discos are available for younger cruisers and adults alike to throw some shapes, with Teen’s Club Live hosting lively events including music, live shows and group dancing.

Babysitting services are available for a fee both during the day and in the evening, with costs and availability to be confirmed onboard; it’s recommended to book early to secure a spot.

MSC Cruises family accommodation

MSC Cruises offers cabins and suites that enable the family to sleep all together or connecting rooms for those after a bit more privacy or room to spread out.

Family Cabins consist of two or more connecting cabins, each with its own bathroom, accommodating up to 10 people. Choose from various options such as Superfamily Plus, Superfamily + Ocean view or Balcony, Superfamily, Family Balcony, and Family Ocean view cabins. These options are available with the Fantastica Experience on MSC Virtuosa, MSC Grandiosa, MSC Bellissima, MSC Meraviglia, MSC Seaview, MSC Seaside, MSC Preziosa, MSC Divina, and MSC Opera.

Marella Cruises

Are Marella cruises child friendly? Yes! From kids’ clubs and child-friendly activities to buffet spreads catering to even the fussiest eaters, Marella Cruises family cruises keep everyone content, no matter what their age. What’s more, there’s special pricing for infants under two, and there’s no additional cabin supplement for children.

Marella Cruises family activities

Marella family-friendly ships are equipped to entertain both kids and adults day and night, featuring escape rooms, climbing walls, mini-golf courses plus indoor and outdoor cinemas. Children will also benefit from an onboard activity pack plus countless live shows. Oh, and it’s all-inclusive too which always helps.

Marella Cruises kids clubs

Children can participate in daily sessions at M Club, the free Marella Cruises kids’ club. Activities are designed for ages 3 to 11 and include arts and crafts, quizzes and mini-discos to name just a few activities. Parent-accompanied sessions are also available for children under three at Mini M Club and teens can relax at The Hideout.

• Mini M Club (0-3 years) runs daily from 9 am. Expect hour-long stay-and-play sensory sessions with activities including storytime and arts and crafts.
• M Crew (3-7 years) features interactive history hours and fancy dress competitions. Evening activities include film and pizza nights, mini-discos and kids’ shows.
• M Club (8-11 years) offers packed schedules for older kids who enjoy independence. Daytime activities range from pirate hunts to crazy golf challenges and silly science activities, while evenings feature movie nights, chocolate parties, and mini-discos.
• The Hideout (12-17 years) is a dedicated hangout area for teens, open daily from 9 am to 10 pm. It yields games consoles, comfy chairs, and activities such as air hockey tournaments, comedy shows and silent discos during peak season.

Marella Cruises family accommodation

Marella Cruises cabins are all equipped with fold-down beds or sofa beds to provide extra sleeping space. In addition, there are special family cabins that can accommodate up to seven people across separate living areas.

Norwegian Cruise Line

Is Norwegian Cruise Line good for families? Yes, it is! NCL is great for families seeking both adventure and relaxation. With exciting activities like go-kart racing, laser tag and high-rope courses, plus Broadway-style shows and endless dining options, there’s something for everyone. Parents can unwind at the spa (we’ll take a facial scrub), while kids and teens dive into the fun.

NCL family activities

Norwegian Cruise Line is where family cruising reaches new heights — and speeds! Towering waterslides, splash parks and interactive aqua zones make every day a water-filled adventure. Brave some of the fastest slides at sea or cool off in one of the many pools designed for kids and adults alike. Best pack several pairs of cossies!

Families can compete in sports tournaments, mini-golf or high-tech laser tag, or bond over trivia games, dance-offs and brain-teasing challenges like Beat Your Bedtime. Thrill-seekers can conquer the ropes course, zoom around the only race tracks at sea, or dare to step out on The Plank, suspended over the ocean. Eeek.

Ready to fuel up? From sushi and steak to tacos and cake, NCL dishes out a variety of cuisines for hungry little tums, including complimentary buffets, main dining rooms and Free Speciality Dining with Free At Sea. And the cherry on top? Kids under 12 eat free at speciality restaurants! No news on whether small adults can get away with the perk…

Come evening the entertainment options keep on coming: enjoy Broadway-style musicals like Beetlejuice or Jersey Boys, or get the family together for live game shows like The Price Is Right or Deal Or No Deal. No cheating, Dad!

NCL kids clubs

Norwegian Cruise Line’s kids clubs are designed to keep kiddies busy from six months to 17 years, ensuring every young cruiser has a blast while parents enjoy some well-earned downtime – so that’s a yes to “Is Norwegian Cruise Line family friendly?”!

The Guppies program (6 months-3 years) features nursery rhymes and sensory play with mandatory parent participation, though Norwegian Escape offers a paid drop-off nursery option.

Splash Academy serves children aged 3-12, divided into Turtles (3-5), Seals (6-9), and Dolphins (10-12), providing supervised activities like arts and crafts, sports, and theme nights. Teens aged 13-17 can enjoy Entourage, a dedicated space that offers video games, movies, and pool parties.

The kids clubs on on NCL family cruises operate from 9am to 10:30pm on sea days, 8pm to 10pm on embarkation day, and from departure until 10:30pm on port days. For safety, children under 12 must be picked up by parents, and all children wear Kids Crew ID bracelets containing essential information. Group babysitting is also available for ages 3-12 for an additional fee.

NCL family accommodation

Norwegian Cruise Line family cabins range from connecting staterooms to luxury suites. Family staterooms accommodate up to four guests and are strategically placed near children’s areas, while connecting Norwegian Cruise Line family balcony staterooms offer private outdoor space and additional room.

Family suites sleep up to six guests with a double bed, sofa bed, and Murphy bed, plus they include a living area, dining space, balcony, and butler service. Larger families can opt for a Norwegian Cruise Line 2-bedroom family suite featuring a king-size bed, separate room with convertible beds, dining area, and private balcony.

For the tip-top Norwegian Cruise Line family suite, consider The Haven, providing exclusive suites with access to a private sundeck, pool, restaurant, and 24-hour butler service.

Disney Cruise Line

Disney Cruise Line family cruises see the gang taking to elegant ships that combine modern comforts with timeless charm, offering varied dining options and activities for all ages (yup, that includes meeting iconic Disney characters. How’s it going Minnie?) and visiting delightful destinations.

Disney cruise family activities

Disney Cruise Line is bursting with family-friendly activities designed to create magical memories for diminutive guests (OK, and adult ones). The pool deck is a hub of fun, featuring water slides such as the AquaDuck and AquaMouse (ship-dependent), splash zones for little ones, and spacious main pools. Adults can relax on loungers with a refreshing drink or enjoy unlimited ice cream (hell yeah) while Disney movies play on the giant Funnel Vision screen.

As for mealtimes, Disney’s dining options please every taste. Rotational dining allows families to experience different themed restaurants each night, such as Animator’s Palate, where dinner comes to life with interactive magic. Buffets, quick-service spots and 24-hour room service ensure picky eaters and foodies alike won’t go hungry.

Elsewhere, families can participate in Broadway-style shows featuring Disney classics, deck parties with fireworks at sea (on select itineraries), and character meet-and-greets throughout the ship. Kids can explore imaginative spaces in the Oceaneer Club and Oceaneer Lab, tweens have their own Edge club, and teens can chill at Vibe with their peers. Parents aren’t left out either, with adult-only lounges, dining options and exclusive pool areas. Mojito, please!

A Caribbean cruise adds even more kicks with a stop at Disney’s private islands, Castaway Cay or the new Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point. Families can relax on pretty beaches, snorkel in crystal-clear waters, bike around the island or enjoy fun activities like beach games, water slides and character appearances. For sporty guests missing their slice of Park Run, Castaway Cay even offers a 5K run.

Disney cruise kids clubs

Disney Cruise Line provides age-specific clubs and activities for children from 6 months to young adults. The “It’s a Small World” Nursery serves infants and toddlers aged 6 months to 3 years, offering supervised play and rest areas in an internationally-themed environment.

Children aged 3-10 can enjoy the Oceaneer Club and Oceaneer Lab, where they experience immersive Disney-themed lands, meet characters, and participate in hands-on activities and adventures. Special programming is available for 3-4 year olds to combine learning with entertainment.

Tweens aged 11-14 have their own space called Edge for gaming, creative activities, and socialising, while teens 14-17 can relax in Vibe, a New York loft-inspired club featuring video games, music, and movies. The Hideaway caters to young adults 18-25, providing a casual atmosphere for karaoke, music, and socialising.

Disney cruise family accommodation

Disney cruise family rooms and tailored to provide comfort, convenience and a sprinkle of Disney magic. Standard staterooms sleep up to four guests and often feature split bathrooms, a signature Disney feature allowing multiple people to get ready simultaneously. Many staterooms are also conveniently located near kids’ activity areas for easy access to fun.

For larger families, Disney offers connecting staterooms for added space while keeping everyone close together. Family suites provide even more room, including separate living and sleeping areas, private balconies, and amenities like concierge service.

Want a Disney cruise family suite? For the crème de la crème, Disney’s Concierge Suites include spacious layouts, exclusive access to private areas like the Concierge Lounge and sundeck, and personalised concierge service to enhance your holiday. Now that’s what we’d wish upon a star for.