As a family of gamers, adventurers, and snack enthusiasts, we’re always on the hunt for new ways to make our holidays fun, easy, and full of stories to tell. This year, we discovered something that ticked all the boxes: family-friendly cruises.
Cruises are basically the ultimate real-life side quest – one that blends travel, entertainment, and food without the stress of multiple hotel check-ins or long airport layovers. Whether you’re exploring hidden islands, levelling up your swim skills, or eating unlimited pizza with ocean views, there’s something for everyone. So if you’re curious about taking the plunge (see what I did there?), here’s everything we learned – and loved.
Why Cruises Are a Family Game-Changer
- Built-in Entertainment: From waterslides and climbing walls to arcades and interactive shows, most modern cruise ships are packed with activities for kids of all ages. Many even have dedicated clubs and zones for toddlers, tweens, and teens – which means the grown-ups get some quiet time too (win-win).
- No Packing and Repacking: You unpack once and still get to visit multiple countries or cities. It’s like fast travel – but with soft beds and buffet breakfasts.
- Stress-Free Meals: There’s always something on the menu, even for picky eaters (we see you, beige food lovers). And because most food is included, there’s zero arguing over restaurant budgets.
- Safe Exploration: Ports often offer family-friendly day trips like beach days, aquariums, wildlife tours, and more – all manageable with little ones in tow.
Top Family-Friendly Cruise Destinations
Here are a few standout destinations that are especially magical for kids:
- Mediterranean Adventures
- Think sandy beaches, gelato stops, and epic historical tales. Ports like Barcelona, Rome, and Mykonos offer a mix of sightseeing and seaside fun – perfect for families who want both culture and downtime.
- Caribbean Islands
- Turquoise waters, wildlife tours, and pirate legends? Yes please. From Jamaica to St. Lucia, the Caribbean is packed with outdoor activities and easy-breezy vibes.
- Norwegian Fjords
- For something totally different, a fjord cruise gives you fairytale scenery, waterfalls, and the chance to see dolphins or even the Northern Lights. Feels like sailing through a storybook.
Cruise Tips for Families
- Book a Balcony Cabin if You Can: It’s lovely to have your own private space for early mornings or post-bedtime stargazing.
- Check the Kids’ Clubs Before You Go: Some ships offer STEM sessions, video game lounges, and even escape room-style adventures.
- Bring a Lanyard for Room Keys: Most ships give everyone a pass for access and payments – lanyards help kids keep track of theirs easily.
- Pack Light – But Smart: Swimming gear, comfy shoes for excursions, and a few card games for downtime can make a big difference.
- Download the Cruise App: Many cruise lines have their own app to book shows, find food, and check activities on board.
Ready to Set Sail?
If you’re thinking about giving cruise life a go, I highly recommend checking out Cruise118. They have a helpful concierge service and a load of options that are perfect for families, including school holiday sailings, toddler-friendly routes, and larger cabins that won’t feel cramped after Day 3.
Cruising has totally changed how we think about family holidays – and honestly, it might be our new favourite kind of adventure. Level up your next break and let the ocean do the heavy lifting.