USA TODAY 10Best
Best cruise ship for families? 10Best readers say Carnival Vista!
Best Cruise Ship for Families (2017)
Thanks to their excellent travel value, more and more families are turning to cruising when planning their vacations. These 10 cruise lines, nominated by our panel of cruising experts and voted the best by 10Best readers, cater to young passengers in many ways, including family friendly at-sea experiences (bumper cars, bowling and waterparks to name a few), family cabins and kid-approved dining options.
The top 10 winners in the category Best Cruise Ship for Families are as follows:
Photo courtesy of Matt Stroshane / Disney Cruise Line
No. 10: Disney Magic - Disney Cruise Line
The Disney wand waved in 2013, turning Disney Magic into a modern member of the sailing Mickeys. AquaLab’s splashy play park plus two water slides boost Magic’s fun quotient. Even more cool: kids can train as superheroes at Marvel Avenger Academy. Magic also added the adults-only AfterHours bars and nightclub, making Magic sweeter for everyday heroes – mom and dad.
Photo courtesy of Royal Caribbean International
No. 9: Allure of the Seas - Royal Caribbean International
One of the world’s largest cruise ships features one of the most robust and diverse kids programs. A highlight for young passengers is the DreamWorks Experience, where kids can interact with their favorite characters from Shrek, Kung Fu Panda and the penguins of Madagascar. Amazing acrobatics at the AquaTheater, surf simulators, an old-fashioned carousel, two rock climbing walls, a zip line, mini golf and classic carnival games at the Boardwalk Arcade mean kids can kiss boredom goodbye.
Photo courtesy of Chloe Rice / Disney Cruise Line
No. 8: Disney Fantasy - Disney Cruise Line
On the Disney Fantasy, kids programs are Disney-crafted and predictably high-quality; the older set loves bulleting down 4-deck-drop AquaDuck water coaster. Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique delights kids with princess or pirate makeovers. Mom and Dad can refresh at Quiet Cove Pool.
Photo courtesy of Kent Phillips / Disney Cruise Line
No. 7: Disney Dream - Disney Cruise Line
Aboard the Disney Dream, Donald gets his due with AquaDuck, a 4-deck-drop water coaster (the first at sea) that zips riders through transparent tube. The host of Disney-themed kids programs get points for their organization; costumed characters–Mickey, Minnie and friends–keep the pre-school set happy. Character greetings and Broadway-style productions (with a Disney twist of course) make this 4,000-passenger vessel a hit with the young and the young at heart.
Photo courtesy of Princess Cruises
No. 6: Royal Princess - Princess Cruises
Royal Princess, launched in 2013, is Regal’s twin, with many of the same kid-centric features, like the thrilling SeaWalk, glass-bottomed walkway over ship’s edge. While it might be a tie with its sister ship from a kid's perspective, Royal is a foodie ship, so while the little ones are off having fun, mom and dad could plan a WineMaker’s dinner onboard or sip a crisp white at Vines.
Photo courtesy of Princess Cruises
No. 5: Regal Princess - Princess Cruises
A favorite feature among kids aboard the Regal Princess is the SeaWalk, a glass-bottomed walkway extending 28 feet over ship’s edge. The ship's youth and teen center has teamed up with the California Science Center for some interactive edutainment at sea. The three kids spaces are excellent, and teens even have their own outdoor hot tub.
Photo courtesy of AP Photo/Carnival Cruise Lines, Andy Newman
No. 4: Carnival Dream - Carnival Cruise Line
Carnival Dream was a pioneer in at-sea fun, and kids have lots of activities to choose from, including Seuss at Sea, Hasbro, the Game Show, Camp Ocean and the WaterWorks waterpark. Cherry on Top, a well-stocked candy store complete with an ice cream counter, caters to young travelers with a sweet tooth.
Photo courtesy of Carnival Cruise Lines
No. 3: Carnival Magic - Carnival Cruise Line
The 3,690-passenger Carnival Magic draws fun-lovers of all ages with two water slides to slosh kids silly. Sports-pumped SportsSquare is a home run, along with the popular harnessed SkyCourse, a ropes course at sea. Well-organized Camp Ocean keeps kids entertained, while parents can get some well-deserved R&R at the Serenity Adult Only Retreat.
Photo courtesy of Carnival Cruise Lines
No. 2: Carnival Breeze - Carnival Cruise Line
Breeze is a breath of fresh air for cruising parents. Kids have a blast at Camp Ocean in hang-outs lively with activities, and tweens and teens love the thrill of plummeting down the 320-foot Twister Waterslide at WaterWorks. While the youngins are enjoying thrills at the SportsSquare ropes course or the 5D Thrill Theater, parents can indulge in some R&R at the Cloud 9 Spa.
Photo courtesy of Carnival Cruise Line
No. 1: Carnival Vista - Carnival Cruise Line
Carnival elevated its already very family-friendly offerings with the debut of Carnival Vista, the newest ship in the line. Kids can ride a bike through the sky, go mini bowling or play ping pong at SportSquare, and the onboard water park is the largest in the fleet. Kids love the Cherry On Top candy store and ice cream counter, and parents will appreciate the Family Harbor staterooms equipped with board games, family movies and video games.
A panel of experts partnered with 10Best editors to picked the initial nominees, and the top 10 winners were determined by popular vote. Experts Don and Heidi Bucolo (EatSleepCruise.com), Anita Dunham-Potter (ExpertCruiser.com), Danielle Fear (Cruise Miss), Carrie Finley Bajak (CruiseBuzz.net), Linda Garrison (TripSavvy), Sherry Laskin Kennedy (CruiseMaven.com), Jason Leppert (Popular Cruising), Chris Owen (ChrisCruises.com), Doug Parker (CruiseRadio.net), Aaron Saunders (From the Deck Chair) and Ming Tappin (Your Cruise Coach Consulting) were chosen based on their knowledge and experience of the cruise industry.
Congratulations to all these wining cruise companies!
About 10Best Readers' Choice Awards
Nominees are submitted by a panel of experts. 10Best editors narrow the field to select the final set of nominees for the Readers’ Choice Awards. Readers can vote once per category, per day. For any questions or comments, please read the FAQ or email USA TODAY 10Best.
The Experts
Aaron Saunders
Aaron Saunders is the founder of From the Deck... Read More
Aaron Saunders is the founder of From the Deck Chair, an online site dedicated to cruising. He writes weekly about cruises in his Ports and Bows column, which is syndicated across seven different newspapers in Canada, and is the author of three books on cruising and maritime history, including the Frommer’s 2017 EasyGuide to Cruising. He is based in Canada.
Aaron Saunders
Aaron Saunders is the founder of From the Deck Chair, an online site dedicated to cruising. He writes weekly about cruises in his Ports and Bows column, which is syndicated across seven different newspapers in Canada, and is the author of three books on cruising and maritime history, including the Frommer’s 2017 EasyGuide to Cruising. He is based in Canada.
Anita Dunham-Potter
Anita Dunham-Potter is a cruise journalist whose... Read More
Anita Dunham-Potter is a cruise journalist whose articles offer advice and insight for travelers. She is editor-in-chief of ExpertCruiser.com and has penned numerous columns for Porthole Magazine, MSNBC.com, USA Today Travel Alliance, Smarter Travel, Tripso, Miami Herald, Boston Globe, Dallas Morning News, Frommers, Fodors, and others.
Anita Dunham-Potter
Anita Dunham-Potter is a cruise journalist whose articles offer advice and insight for travelers. She is editor-in-chief of ExpertCruiser.com and has penned numerous columns for Porthole Magazine, MSNBC.com, USA Today Travel Alliance, Smarter Travel, Tripso, Miami Herald, Boston Globe, Dallas Morning News, Frommers, Fodors, and others.
Carrie Finley Bajak
Carrie Finley is a cruise travel writer who lives... Read More
Carrie Finley is a cruise travel writer who lives in Southern California. Carrie cruises around the world and reports about her adventures on CruiseBuzz.net and via social media where she shares cruise news, tips and insight from the ships and ports. Carrie has curated small ship and river cruise experiences for AFAR.com and is frequently a guest Blogger-at-Large for cruise lines.
Carrie Finley Bajak
Carrie Finley is a cruise travel writer who lives in Southern California. Carrie cruises around the world and reports about her adventures on CruiseBuzz.net and via social media where she shares cruise news, tips and insight from the ships and ports. Carrie has curated small ship and river cruise experiences for AFAR.com and is frequently a guest Blogger-at-Large for cruise lines.
Chris Owen
Chris Owen is a photojournalist from Florida... Read More
Chris Owen is a photojournalist from Florida charged with sharing frank, inside information about cruise vacations with travelers. Also certified a Master Cruise Counselor by the Cruise Lines International Association, Chris offers a unique perspective; tapping his behind-the-scenes working knowledge of cruise vacations. Beginning his cruise history as a family vacation option, Chris has written his way through a variety of cruise lines, ships and itineraries. His goal is simple: to never forget that travel has a positive impact on our world, and to introduce cruising to as many people as possible.
Chris Owen
Chris Owen is a photojournalist from Florida charged with sharing frank, inside information about cruise vacations with travelers. Also certified a Master Cruise Counselor by the Cruise Lines International Association, Chris offers a unique perspective; tapping his behind-the-scenes working knowledge of cruise vacations. Beginning his cruise history as a family vacation option, Chris has written his way through a variety of cruise lines, ships and itineraries. His goal is simple: to never forget that travel has a positive impact on our world, and to introduce cruising to as many people as possible.
Danielle Fear
Danielle Fear is one of the UK’s most recognized... Read More
Danielle Fear is one of the UK’s most recognized and trusted cruise bloggers and is better known to her audience as CruiseMiss. As well as maintaining an award-winning cruise blog, she also works as a freelance writer, content manager and social media professional covering all aspects of sea travel. Having embarked on more than 75 sailings, including 2 world cruises, it’s fair to say that Danielle knows a thing or two about cruising.
Danielle Fear
Danielle Fear is one of the UK’s most recognized and trusted cruise bloggers and is better known to her audience as CruiseMiss. As well as maintaining an award-winning cruise blog, she also works as a freelance writer, content manager and social media professional covering all aspects of sea travel. Having embarked on more than 75 sailings, including 2 world cruises, it’s fair to say that Danielle knows a thing or two about cruising.
Don and Heidi Bucolo
Don and Heidi Bucolo are the husband and wife team... Read More
Don and Heidi Bucolo are the husband and wife team behind EatSleepCruise.com. Their love for cruising began after taking their first cruise together back in 2007. Having spent over 180 days at sea on more than 30 cruises with various cruise brands, they have learned a thing or two about planning and executing the perfect cruise vacation. The couple was voted as one of Porthole Cruise's Top 10 Cruise Influencers and is featured in the new book Cruising Interrupted. You can find them on the web and social media sharing detailed cruise ship reviews, port guides, packing tips and planning tips to help travelers "sea the world, one port at a time."
Don and Heidi Bucolo
Don and Heidi Bucolo are the husband and wife team behind EatSleepCruise.com. Their love for cruising began after taking their first cruise together back in 2007. Having spent over 180 days at sea on more than 30 cruises with various cruise brands, they have learned a thing or two about planning and executing the perfect cruise vacation. The couple was voted as one of Porthole Cruise's Top 10 Cruise Influencers and is featured in the new book Cruising Interrupted. You can find them on the web and social media sharing detailed cruise ship reviews, port guides, packing tips and planning tips to help travelers "sea the world, one port at a time."
Doug Parker
Doug Parker is the creator and executive producer... Read More
Doug Parker is the creator and executive producer of Cruise Radio, a weekly podcast that shares cruise reviews and other cruise news.
Doug Parker
Doug Parker is the creator and executive producer of Cruise Radio, a weekly podcast that shares cruise reviews and other cruise news.
Jason Leppert
Jason Leppert is a San Diego-based cruising expert... Read More
Jason Leppert is a San Diego-based cruising expert with more than 150 sailings under his belt and a fresh, millennial perspective on the industry. He has been cruising since before he was two years old, thanks to his parents’ shared passion for traveling and their desire to experience all journeys together as a family. Now, he regularly sails and writes “he said, she said” cruise columns with his wife Heidi. He is the founding editor of Popular Cruising, producer of the successful Popular Cruising YouTube channel and Cruise Editor for TravelAge West. He also contributes to Cruise Travel, Porthole and Cruise Business Review magazines; USA Today 10Best; Oyster.com; MiceChat.com and the Cruise Radio podcast.
Jason Leppert
Jason Leppert is a San Diego-based cruising expert with more than 150 sailings under his belt and a fresh, millennial perspective on the industry. He has been cruising since before he was two years old, thanks to his parents’ shared passion for traveling and their desire to experience all journeys together as a family. Now, he regularly sails and writes “he said, she said” cruise columns with his wife Heidi. He is the founding editor of Popular Cruising, producer of the successful Popular Cruising YouTube channel and Cruise Editor for TravelAge West. He also contributes to Cruise Travel, Porthole and Cruise Business Review magazines; USA Today 10Best; Oyster.com; MiceChat.com and the Cruise Radio podcast.
Linda Garrison
Linda Garrison has sailed over 150 times and spent... Read More
Linda Garrison has sailed over 150 times and spent more than 1100 days on ships of all types, sizes, and price categories. Linda has enjoyed cruise destinations on all seven continents and visited hundreds of ports of call from a ship. Linda's MBA in accounting helps her analyze various cruise options and the importance of getting great value for your vacation dollars. She was responsible for the About.com Cruises site from July 2000 to May 2017 when the content was transferred to TripSavvy.com. Linda continues to contribute to TripSavvy and other cruise travel outlets and lives in the Atlanta area.
Linda Garrison
Linda Garrison has sailed over 150 times and spent more than 1100 days on ships of all types, sizes, and price categories. Linda has enjoyed cruise destinations on all seven continents and visited hundreds of ports of call from a ship. Linda's MBA in accounting helps her analyze various cruise options and the importance of getting great value for your vacation dollars. She was responsible for the About.com Cruises site from July 2000 to May 2017 when the content was transferred to TripSavvy.com. Linda continues to contribute to TripSavvy and other cruise travel outlets and lives in the Atlanta area.
Ming Tappin
Residing in New Brunswick, Canada, Ming has been... Read More
Residing in New Brunswick, Canada, Ming has been in the cruise industry for 27 years. Ming spent over 20 years in the retail travel sector, working with travel agencies in marketing initiatives, cruise training, and promoting cruise vacations to their clients. In 2015, Ming created Your Cruise Coach and transitioned into travel writing, preaching the merits of cruising via her partnerships with Canadian travel trade publications as well as consumer media outlets. An avid cruiser since 1991, Ming has sailed on nearly 60 cruises and has experienced over 20 ocean and river cruise lines.
Ming Tappin
Residing in New Brunswick, Canada, Ming has been in the cruise industry for 27 years. Ming spent over 20 years in the retail travel sector, working with travel agencies in marketing initiatives, cruise training, and promoting cruise vacations to their clients. In 2015, Ming created Your Cruise Coach and transitioned into travel writing, preaching the merits of cruising via her partnerships with Canadian travel trade publications as well as consumer media outlets. An avid cruiser since 1991, Ming has sailed on nearly 60 cruises and has experienced over 20 ocean and river cruise lines.
Sherry Laskin
Sherry hasn’t set foot on an airplane in more than... Read More
Sherry hasn’t set foot on an airplane in more than 25 years. Instead, she relies on cruise ships, river ships, trains and road trips to travel the world. In that time, she’s been on more cruises than she can count and includes her solo cruise and travel adventures on her website, CruiseMaven.com. Her articles have been published in major newspapers and magazines - in print and online. During a year and a half of living in Alaska, Sherry has cruised and spent time at every port in the Last Frontier except for Nome. She’s become an avid transatlantic cruiser since 2005, as that is the only way for her to get to Europe without flying. Sherry hopes to inspire and encourage her readers to travel slow and travel solo, experience new cuisines and cultures.
Sherry Laskin
Sherry hasn’t set foot on an airplane in more than 25 years. Instead, she relies on cruise ships, river ships, trains and road trips to travel the world. In that time, she’s been on more cruises than she can count and includes her solo cruise and travel adventures on her website, CruiseMaven.com. Her articles have been published in major newspapers and magazines - in print and online. During a year and a half of living in Alaska, Sherry has cruised and spent time at every port in the Last Frontier except for Nome. She’s become an avid transatlantic cruiser since 2005, as that is the only way for her to get to Europe without flying. Sherry hopes to inspire and encourage her readers to travel slow and travel solo, experience new cuisines and cultures.