Cruising has become increasingly popular for families. It’s a great way to explore multiple destinations in one trip, and the ships themselves offer many different family activities that appeal to kids of all ages. With complimentary kids’ clubs, pools, shows, and other thrilling activities, right on board, it’s no surprise that families are seeking this type of vacation.
Are you considering a family cruise vacation but unsure where to start? The cruise itinerary is the most important thing to begin with, and then look at ships after you’ve decided on a general itinerary. Our guide is focused on newer ships, although many older ships offer similar amenities.
Check out our guide to the best family-friendly cruises.
Disclosure: We’ve received complimentary/discounted trips with these cruise lines, but not on these ships. All opinions are my own.
Check out our guide to the best family-friendly cruises.
Royal Caribbean Icon of the Seas
Royal Caribbean is known for its huge, colorful ships with exciting family activities. The Icon of the Seas, launched in early 2024, is currently the largest ship at sea. It’s the first ship in a new Icon class.
It offers Category 6, the largest waterpark at sea, Royal Bay, the largest pool at sea, and the Frightning Bolt, the tallest waterslide at sea. There’s also Surfside, which includes a carousel and Playscape.
When the kids are in the kids’ club, head up to Swim & Tonic, the largest swim-up bar at sea. The Hideaway section of the ship is the adult-only area, similar to Hideaway Beach at Perfect Day at CocoCay.
The Icon of the Seas offers seven-night Caribbean cruises departing from Miami.
Royal Caribbean Utopia of the Seas
The Utopia of the Seas is the newest Royal Caribbean ship. It’s known as the World’s Biggest Weekend because it currently operates 3- and 4-night cruises out of Port Canaveral—perfect for a weekend getaway. It’s one of the largest ships at sea (but not quite as large as the Icon.
I had the opportunity to sail on Utopia of the Seas in late summer. If possible, I’d recommend the four-day trip because it’s a huge ship, and you’ll want to explore during that day at sea.
Like the other Royal Caribbean Oasis Class ships, Utopia of the Seas offers a zipline, FlowRider, Central Park neighborhood, and Boardwalk neighborhood. There’s also a kids’ club area divided by age and lots of activities for kids of all ages.
The Utopia of the Seas also offers entertainment, including a parade, an AquaShow, and an ice show. There is something to do every minute of the day.
If you’ve got some relaxing, adult-only time, head to the glass-covered Solarium, which is 18-plus. But don’t worry, there are plenty of pool areas for the kids, including the Perfect Storm waterslides and the 10-story Ultimate Abyss dry slide.
See our full review of Utopia of the Seas here.
Other Royal Caribbean Ships
Royal Caribbean offers over 25 ships, with many more on the way. In addition to the Icon and Utopia of the Seas, they introduced two ships since 2021 – the Odyssey of the Seas and the Wonder of the Seas.
One of my favorite ships, the Odyssey of the Seas, was the last of the Quantum Ultra-class ships introduced. This ship offers a SeaPlex (where you can ride bumper cars), RipCord® by iFLY (where you’ll feel like you are skydiving), FlowRider, and much more.
The Wonder of the Seas, introduced in 2022, is another Oasis Class ship, like the Utopia of the Seas. It offers many of the same activities and amenities, including the Ultimate Abyss, Solarium, pools, sports deck, zip line, and more.
Disney Wish
The Disney Wish is Disney Cruise Line’s newest ship and the first of the new Wish Class. Because of its beautiful theming, this ship is perfect for Disney-loving families.
There are both Marvel and Frozen-themed main dining rooms, Star Wars and New Orleans-themed bars, Star Wars, princess, and Marvel-themed kids’ club areas, and much more. Like with all of the other Disney Cruise Line ships, character greetings are offered with many popular Disney characters.
It also offers three stage shows, including a new production of the Little Mermaid. In addition, it has the first AquaMouse, a water-coaster that is part ride, part attraction with animated shorts.
The Disney Wish has the best theming I’ve seen at sea. While it does seem like it would appeal mainly to families with younger kids, my teenagers also love the magic of this ship.
Disney Wish offers 3-4 day Bahamian itineraries departing from Port Canaveral. Because of this, it’s a great option to combine with a Walt Disney World vacation for a Disney land and sea vacation.
Other Disney Ships
The Disney Wish is the newest Disney ship, but the Disney Cruise Line currently has four additional ships: the Disney Dream, the Disney Fantasy, the Disney Magic, and the Disney Wonder. They sail from various ports in the United States and beyond, including Fort Lauderdale, Europe, and Canada (sailing to Alaska). While these ships are older, they still offer fantastic theming and magic at sea.
Upcoming Ships in 2024 and 2025
Some new ships are launching in 2024 and 2025 that are bound to offer fantastic family experiences. Here are some of the few we are most looking forward to.
Disney Treasure
Launching in December 2024 is the brand-new Disney ship in the Wish class. The Disney Treasure will have a similar layout to the Disney Wish, but will have some different restaurants, shows, and more.
New things on the Disney Treasure will include a Disney Coco-themed restaurant, a brand-new Moana stage show, and Haunted Mansion, 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, and Jungle Book-themed bars. The ship will also offer an AquaMouse and a Worlds of Marvel-themed restaurant.
The Disney Treasure will offer 7-day itineraries in the Caribbean, departing from Port Canaveral.
Disney Destiny
The Disney Destiny will launch in November 2025. It will be another Wish class ship, but like the Disney Treasure, it will have different-themed shows, restaurants, and lounges.
New features on the Disney Destiny are a Hercules stage show, a Lion King-themed restaurant, a Haunted Mansion, 101 Dalmations, and Pirates of the Caribbean-themed lounges.
The Disney Destiny will depart from Fort Lauderdale and offer 4-5 night sailings to the Bahamas and Western Caribbean.
Royal Caribbean Star of the Seas
Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas, the second icon-class ship, will arrive in the summer of 2025. This ship will offer seven-night sailings to the Caribbean, departing from Florida’s Port Canaveral.
MSC World America
The MSC World America, MSC’s newest cruise ship, will enter service in April 2025. This ship will offer many family-friendly activities and amenities, including some as part of a new partnership with LEGO. Families can expect to experience a new LEGO-themed parade at sea, a LEGO Family Game Show, and a master build area.
In addition, there’s The Harbour, an outdoor park and an 11-deck dry slide. The MSC World America will sail out of Miami on Eastern and Western Caribbean 7 and 14-night sailings.
Which of these ships are you most excited to experience with your family?
