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Cruising as a family? Check out the 10 best ships for a family vacation
Photo courtesy of Rawpixel // Getty Images
Cruising is becoming a top choice for family vacations due to the abundance of activities, excellent travel value and ease of planning. These 10 ships, chosen as the best in the industry by our readers, were designed with families in mind and offer plenty of family-friendly at-sea experiences, family cabins and kid-approved dining options.
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Photo courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line
No. 10: Norwegian Joy - Norwegian Cruise Line
Families cruising Alaska, the Mexican Riviera or the Panama Canal aboard Norwegian Joy enjoy a range of entertainment options at sea. Put the pedal to the metal at the two-story race track, play a game of outdoor laser tag, play five holes of mini golf or be entertained by Wall of Wonder, a 3D animated, interactive video screen inside the Galaxy Pavilion.
Photo courtesy of Royal Caribbean International
No. 9: Oasis of the Seas - Royal Caribbean International
Oasis of the Seas' kaleidoscope of fun ranges from Broadway-style "CATS" to super-soaked kids’ H2O Aqua Zone. Oasis swarms with activity-busy kids and teens surfing on two FlowRider simulators, zip lining across the deck, climbing one of two 43-foot rock climbing walls or hanging out with their favorite DreamWorks characters. Tech-savvy kids appreciate the fastest internet at sea.
Photo courtesy of Royal Caribbean International
No. 8: 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 Aqua Theater, 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.
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Photo courtesy of Kent Phillips / Disney Cruise Line
No. 7: 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 waterslides – boost Magic’s fun quotient. Even more cool: kids can train as superheroes at Marvel's Avenger Academy. Magic also added the adults-only After Hours bars and nightclub, making Magic sweeter for everyday heroes: parents.
Photo courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line
No. 6: Norwegian Bliss - Norwegian Cruise Line
The 4,004-passenger Norwegian Bliss specializes in sailing the wild of Alaska in summer and the Caribbean in winter. Kids onboard can face off on one of the largest race tracks at sea, tee off for a round of mini golf, play a game of laser tag under the stars, zip down the Aqua Racer waterslide or stop by the video arcade. The ship boasts dedicated spaces for teens, kids and the littlest passengers.
Who was voted the best?: Best River Ship (10Best Readers' Choice Awards 2022)
Photo courtesy of Kent Phillips / Disney Cruise Line
No. 5: Disney Fantasy - Disney Cruise Line
On the Disney Fantasy, kids' programs are Disney-crafted and predictably high-quality; the older set loves bulleting down four-deck-drop AquaDuck water coaster. Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique delights kids with princess or pirate makeovers. Parents can refresh at Quiet Cove Pool.
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Photo courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line
No. 4: Norwegian Encore - Norwegian Cruise Line
One of Norwegian’s newest ships also ranks among the best for families, thanks to amenities like the largest race track at sea, Atlantis-themed laser tag and a waterslide that suspends you 13 feet over the side of the ship. Kid-approved dining options include ice cream sundaes at Coco’s, sweet treats at The Bake Shop and relaxed comfort foods at The Local.
Photo courtesy of David Roark / Disney Cruise Line
No. 3: Disney Dream- Disney Cruise Line
Aboard the Disney Dream, Donald gets his due with AquaDuck, a four-deck-drop water coaster (the first at sea) that zips riders through a 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 Carnival Cruise Line
No. 2: Mardi Gras - Carnival Cruise Line
Providing fun for all family members, young and old, Carnival Cruises’ Mardi Gras ship offers “zones” – six areas of this ship, each with a different theme for eating, drinking and just having fun! Experience BOLT – the first and fastest roller coaster at sea, which offers terrific 360-degree ocean views; enjoy Water Works, with its spiraling slides, racing slides, dumping bucket, and more; or play a game of Family Feud Live on an authentic set.
Parents can enjoy a break from the kids at the Serenity Adult-Only Retreat, where they’ll find peaceful sea breezes, comfortable lounging and a nearby bar.
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Photo courtesy of Princess Cruises
No. 1: Regal Princess - Princess Cruises
A favorite feature among kids aboard the Regal Princess is the SeaWalk, a glass-bottomed walkway extending 28 feet over the 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.
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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
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."
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 140 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.
Jason Leppert
Jason Leppert is a San Diego-based cruising expert with more than 140 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.
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.
Catherine Smith
Catherine Smith, Readers' Choice Awards Production... Read More
Catherine Smith, Readers' Choice Awards Production Manager and Social Media Director for USA TODAY 10Best, has a special interest in unique culinary experiences and off-the-beaten-path adventures. Catherine is the founder of Her Bags Were Packed where she focuses on helping women release emotional baggage through solo travel and self-discovery.
Catherine Smith
Catherine Smith, Readers' Choice Awards Production Manager and Social Media Director for USA TODAY 10Best, has a special interest in unique culinary experiences and off-the-beaten-path adventures. Catherine is the founder of Her Bags Were Packed where she focuses on helping women release emotional baggage through solo travel and self-discovery.
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