Family Cruise Holiday Guide For Easy Planning

Let’s face it. Planning for a family cruise holiday - or a family trip of any kind - is never an easy task. From choosing the right destination to budgeting and how to efficiently pack for the family, there’s just too much room for questions.

What if we say it can just be as fun as the holiday itself? Our guide on family cruise holidays will cover all the essential details you need to embark on a hassle-free adventure with the little ones.

Make unforgettable memories onboard and ashore. Photo by Tamme - stock.adobe.com

Are Cruises Worth It For Family?

Yes. For the convenience it gives, a family cruise holiday is a really good choice. Your family can enjoy the pool or mini-golf together after breakfast. In the afternoon, the kids can join the kids' club while you relax at the spa or try your luck at the casino.

You can all get together again in the evening for a themed dinner or a family-friendly show. After the children go to bed or are babysat by an onboard babysitter, you can sip cocktails in the jazz bar.

Cruises are also amazing for families because cruise budgeting is more streamlined. You pay for a base fare that already includes most amenities like accommodations and dining. You don’t have to worry about where to eat, what to do, or how to get there as compared to regular independent travel. This is the game-changing factor for so many.

It’s an exciting way to experience new destinations with your family while enjoying endless onboard entertainment without the hassle of contemplating every little aspect of a family trip.

Our verdict: cruises are absolutely worth it for families!

How To Get To Departure Port

If your family lives right near the departure port, skip this part. But what are the chances, right?

It’s a whole story getting from your home to the first port of call in your journey. Many times you will have to travel a long way there, and many times, people often misplan this part. It doesn’t come up until everything is already planned and booked for.

Experience cruisers would fly in one day before. If you do so, there are fewer chances of flight delays/cancellations causing you to miss your cruises.

Most of the time, hotels and airports will provide a shuttle service straight to the departure port if they are nearby. If not, Uber/taxi/tram is another choice.

If you book the flight with the cruise lines via one big package, transportation should also be included. They may arrange for someone to take you from the airport to the port. Always call the cruise lines to ask for this.

Family Cruise Holiday Budgeting

Besides speciality dining, you can eat what’s included in the fare.

A family cruise holiday may be more cost-effective than other trips because you know what’s included and what’s not when you book a cruise package. It gives you a clear picture of how much money to save for and bring on board.

Still, additional costs like excursions, gratuities, and onboard activities can add up quickly. Let’s break down how much you can expect to spend on a family cruise to keep your budget under control.

How Much Does It Cost To Take A Family On A Cruise?

On average, you can find cruise deals starting from as low as £2,000 from up to £8,000+. There’s no exact amount unless we’re talking about a specific cruise line, destination, trip length, and cabin type.

This amount typically covers the base fare for accommodations, meals, drinks, basic services, certain activities, and sometimes youth programs for the little ones. Excursions, speciality dining, and Wi-Fi may not be included.

Family Cruise Holiday 1-Day Budget Breakdown

For a 7-day family cruise holiday of 4 people, here’s a general breakdown of how much you can expect to spend for one day:

• Meals: Basic meals are typically included in the base fare, but special dinners or premium drinks may cost around £10-£30 per day. 
• Excursions: These can range from £50-£100 per person a day, depending on preferences, destinations, and ages of the children. Some activities allow free admission for toddlers. 
• Onboard Entertainment: Basic activities are typically included, but special activities like spa and cinema can add £30-£50 a day. 
• Gratuities: some cruise lines include pre-paid gratuities in the base fare. Some charge £10-£15 per person daily. 
• Wifi: cruises have their own data packages, ranging from light internet use to premium. It might cost around £10-£15 per day per device, or £100-£150 for a 7-day trip. Some cruises have family packages with reduced costs.

Most things are paid in advance. Photo by Tamme - stock.adobe.com

Family cruise lines offer childcare services and youth programs. They include supervised activities designed to entertain and educate kids throughout the day.

• Childcare services: £5-£10 per hour for the first child. After-hour services may cost a bit more.
• Kids’ Clubs and Teen Programs: If you pay for family fare, most activities are included. Children can be registered to join any activity they like.

Our budget estimation is in GBP, so you can have an overall sense of how much it all costs. 

However, don’t forget that most cruises operate on a cashless system. Instead, you can pay with onboard credits or charge expenses with your cruise card, which is often linked to your actual credit/debit card.

Do Kids Pay Full Price On Cruises?

No. Kids can cruise for less compared to an adult fare.

Do they sail completely free? Most of the time the answer is no, unless there is a “kids sail free” promotion running. Cruise lines charge per passenger, regardless of age.

Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line have occasional promotions where kids under a specific age can board for free when accompanied by 2 paying adults. Many family cruises also reduce fares for children sharing a cabin with adults.

How To Choose A Family Cruise

Enjoying special moments on a cruise doesn’t have to be expensive. Photo by travnikovstudio on Adobe Stock.

With a sea of options out there, how do you find the one that will make everyone's holiday dreams come true? Here's a handy guide to help you pick the right one for your family cruise holiday.

Plan With Everyone In Mind

First, pick a place that you and your family want to go. Then, find a cruise with that itinerary. Research the cruises in as much detail as possible via YouTube, travel forums, reviews, etc.

Learn about what the ships offer. For instance, if your kids love being active, check whether the ship includes water parks, arcades, or sports facilities. Also, consider the size of the ship and its target demographic: some ships are better suited for younger families, while others might cater more to adults or the elderly.

Last but not least, don’t force anyone to do anything they don’t enjoy. Organise a few key group activities—like family dinners or group excursions—that bring everyone together. Beyond that, just say: “Here’s what we’re doing today, you can join us or just do anything you prefer”.

Consider Booking Through A Travel Agent

It’s no secret that planning for a group is tough, especially if this is your first time cruising. Most get overwhelmed and realise they forgot to book one thing or another too late.

A travel agent doesn’t cost much, and they will save you time and hassle. They may even find you some better deals or perks that you your otherwise would miss. Find a local one in your area that specialises in cruises, and you’re good to go. 

Buy Travel Insurance

Cruise insurance is a must. You never know when one of your family member will get sick and need immediate transportation to land or a trip cancellation due to inclement weather. Knowing that you and your loved ones are covered for a multitude of scenarios lets you enjoy your holiday without the nagging worry of 'what-ifs.'

Compare and Compromise

Don’t jump on the first option you’ve got. Don’t make decisions according to one person either. 

No family-friendly trip, family cruise holiday included, is 100% catered to every single member. The best perk of family cruise trips is that they have all the fun in one place, and then there are excursions as well. 

Compare all the options you have. Make pros and cons if you must. And most importantly, involve everyone in the planning, so you get to hear their opinions. 

Then find a balance — if the kids can choose the cruise with the kids’ clubs they love, then what can we sprinkle in our shore excursions for the adults? Or, vice versa.

Amenities To Look Out For

Make sure there is enough of everything for everyone to stay comfortable. Photo by PanHandHop - stock.adobe.com

What exactly is family-friendly on a family-friendly cruise? It’s not a tough question. It’s just a question with too many right answers.

Some might say that as long as they have a family restaurant and don’t serve alcohol to minors, it’s family-friendly enough.

Others believe that a truly family-friendly cruise line needs to have everything on earth that satisfies not only the children, but also the adults.

Well, regardless, the right family cruise is what works for everyone in your family. It lies in whether there are enough amenities for each member to enjoy in their own time as well as together.

It’s the core of a successful family cruise holiday. So, here’s what to consider when booking.

Consider the Kids' Clubs

The heart of any family cruise is the kids' club experience. Lines like Disney Cruise Line and Norwegian Cruise Line offer fantastic programs that cater to different age groups, ensuring that your little ones are not only taken care of but are having the time of their lives with activities that suit their interests.

Find Family Playing And Relaxing Zones

Some cruises have ice-skating rinks, a family sport zone, classes, workshops, and escape rooms that are worth a try. Many modern cruises, like Royal Caribbean Cruises, offer group VR experiences and surf and skydiving simulators.

Dedicated spaces for unwinding after playtime are also important. A family-friendly cruise should have family lounges (or quiet zones) for those low-energy moments when you just want to sit together, play board games, or watch a movie. 

Choose the Right Cabin

Accommodations can make or break a family cruise holiday. As a travelling family, you may benefit more from family suites. 

Love a cruise but they run out of family suites? Connecting rooms are an alternative. However, if the cruise you choose has neither available, your best bet is to go for another cruise unless your children are old enough to sleep in their own separate cabin.

CabinZero tip: It’s best to book through a travel agent who specialises in cruises. They may be able to arrange larger/connecting suites for families which you can’t book via website.

The pros of a cruise holiday is you can book everying in one go. Photo by Angelov - stock.adobe.com

Childcare And Babysitting Services

Most kid-friendly cruises will have babysitting services. For example, Carnival has a night babysitting program for kids from 2 to 11. Celebrity cruises have in-cabin babysitting, whereas Cunard, which is known for being quite generous with their babysitting policy, provides care but not food.

Dining Options for Everyone

Kids live their own schedules, most of the time. To be more convenient for both parents and the little ones, it’s better to find cruises that have flexible dining time and kid-friendly menus. Kids can dine first then head to kids’ club or babysitting services. Then parents can have more time dining afterwards.

Entertainment for All Ages

Besides being comfy, keeping kids entertained is also one important aspect of a successful family cruise holiday. Not all kids can be happy simply with the anticipation of the next land destination. Kid programs (or often called kids’ clubs) are designed for this particular reason.

They are very diverse in age range (toddlers, tweens, or teens) and colourful in activities. 

Cruises like Disney Cruise Line and Carnival offer magical experiences where kids can meet their favourite characters, from Disney princesses to Marvel superheroes, in events like parades and tea parties.

Many ships also have arts and crafts workshops as well as hang-outs for teens, like Norwegian Cruise Line’s Entourage lounge.

Top 9 Family-Friendly Cruise Lines

There are many cruise lines across the globe, but not all of them are created equal. If you’re looking for ships that can please all of your family members, from the youngest to the oldest, this list has got you covered. All you need to do is choose your favourite, pack once and see different parts of the world in one single trip!

1. Disney Cruise Line

Sail to new destinations on fun-packed cruises with your family. Tony Hisgett from Birmingham, UK, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Image resized.

Best for: Disney-obsessed kids who want to interact with friends of the same interests

Recommended ships for families: It’s hard to go wrong with any of them.

When it comes to the best family cruise ships, Disney Cruise Line always deserves a top sport on any list. On board, there are ample opportunities for character meets-and-greets, where kids can live their Disney fantasy right at the sea. Your kids will also grin from ear to ear while hanging out at the themed pools like Nemo’s Reef or Mickey Pool. The downside? The cost easily doubles or even triples that of other cruise lines on this list (or any other one out there).

2. Carnival Cruise Line

Best for: Wow factors for holidaymakers of all ages

Recommended ships for families: Carnival Vista.

Carnival offers fun and affordable cruises for a budget-friendly family cruise holiday. Carnival’s casual atmosphere is a great fit for families with older children and even the elders. The cruise line is among the most affordable ships afloat. Carnival ships depart from many ports in the US, including New York City, Miami, and Los Angeles, meaning they are within reach for American families.

3. Royal Caribbean International

Best for: Thrill-seekers and beach lovers 

Recommended ships for families: Royal Caribbean Anthem of the Seas and Icon of the Seas.

Royal Caribbean is for families who enjoy thrilling activities. You'll struggle to find a full package like this on any line: ice skating, rock climbing, zip lining, and surf simulators. The line is also known for their “kids sail free” promotions. The fun of shore excursions also never ends.

On your Perfect Day at CocoCay (on a private island in The Bahamas), don't miss 13 jaw-dropping waterslides, helium balloon adventures and, white sand beaches to bury your foot into.

4. Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian offers a wide range of shore excursions suitable for families. Photo by wondrouswanderer - stock.adobe.com

Best for: Freestyle concept that lets families cruise and dine their own way.

Recommended ships for families: Norwegian Getaway.

Norwegian’s Freestyle Cruising offers great flexibility, with no set dining times and a diverse bunch of onboard activities. The Entourage club is for teens to enjoy video games, movies, music, and arts, while younger kids can participate in creative games in the Splash Academy program. There are plenty of family-sized cabin options that are designed with convenience in mind.

5. MSC Cruises

Best for: Little Lego fans who don't want to leave their toys at home.

Recommended ships for families: MSC Seaside and MSC Divina

MSC Cruises offers a blend of European elegance with family-friendly services. Their base fare covers only the basic amenities. What’s more, they even have a partnership with Lego.

There is dedicated space for kids of 3 to 11 years to hang out and play with Lego bricks and equipment at the sea. There are dedicated family cabins that can accommodate up to 10 guests. There's no need to jam-pack into one room or stay far away from other members across the ship.

6. Princess Cruises

Best for: Old kids who will love a voyage of discovery

Recommended ships for families: Enchanted Princess, Discovery Princess and Sun Princess

While Princess Cruise Line is family-friendly, it definitely skews the older crowds. For families with young children who enjoy socialising with those of the same age, Royal Cruises might be a better fit. That said, the atmosphere is less chaotic, and the staff is exceptionally attentive.

In addition to the kid club, the ships also have dedicated spaces such as teen lounges, DJ Booths, late-night movies and teens-only “mocktail” parties. The Alaska cruise during summer is a particularly popular choice among families.

7. Celebrity Cruises

Autism-friendly films are a noteworthy initiative of Celebrity Cruise Line. Photo by Ivan Kurmyshov - stock.adobe.com

Best for: Older kids who no longer ask for waterpark thrills

Recommended ships for families: Celebrity Beyond.

Expect no splash or slides on Celebrity Cruises, as this line is not typically known for big doses of family fun. However, we highly value this line for its educational values and at least, more quiet holiday time that busy parents more than deserve. Celebrity is among the rare ships that offer STEM education. So, if you've got some budding biologists in the family, let them learn more about marine wildlife.

8. P&O Cruises Ships

Best for: British holidayers or those who simply looking for classic British cruising.

Recommended ships for families: Arvia, Azura, Britannia, Iona, and Ventura.

P&O Cruise Line has seven ships, five of which are incredibly kid-friendly and wallet-friendly. The line offers the best family cruise holiday for British vacationers, with cruises departing and arriving from Southampton. P&O Night Nursery will also let busy moms and dads have some downtime as a duo.

9. Holland America Cruises

Best for: Multi-gen getaways where kids are happy and grow-ups have plenty of downtime.

Recommended ships for families: Rotterdam, Koningsdam, and Nieuw Statendam.

We wouldn't say Holland America is a fit for adrenaline junkies as there are no zip lines or water parks on board. However, for families with multi-generations, there are plenty of opportunities to strengthen the bond on the ship. For kids ages 3 to 17, Holland has supervised kid programs with ice cream sundae parties, scavenger hunting, and arts and crafts. 

The menu of this cruise line is also a big hit. Cheesy and gooey mac & cheese can satisfy half of the clan on board, while pool-side pizza and gelato please the rest. All are available in half-portions (and half-priced for kids 12 years old or under in speciality dining restaurants).

Family Cruise Holiday Essentials Packing

Remember to invest in a day pack for shore excursions. Credits: jagoda_jagodarozen_parquetayrona

It’s not easy packing for a family cruise holiday, from toddlers to teens. While there’s no one-size-fits-all list of how to pack for a cruise, as a travelling family, consider these cruiseship essentials a good place to start:

• A capsule wardrobe: Choose lightweight clothes that can be layered, dressed up, or down depending on the event.
• Swim gear: Bring swimsuits, water shoes, and cover-ups for pool and beach days. Don’t forget snorkel gear if you plan to explore underwater.
• Medications and first-aid kit: Always carry a small first-aid kit with kids’ medications and seasickness remedies.
• Day bag essentials: Include sunscreen, hats, and refillable water bottles for on-shore excursions.
• Child essentials: Besides clothing, think of entertainment (toys and books) and even their favourite blanket. Children may be excited for a trip, but they also get bored quickly.
• Formal wear: If your cruise includes formal nights, make sure to pack one or two dressy outfits for each family member.

CabinZero’s tip: Use packing cubes and multi-use backpack. Packing cubes can help your belongings stay organised while on the move. 

Why you need a backpack for a family cruise holiday

A backpack is essential for a family cruise holiday. However, not just any backpack will do. You will need a sturdy but versatile one that can handle the gear as well as the adventures. 

For versatility, you can try a dry bag, that is both lightweight, waterproof and sleek looking on your shoulder. It saves you from the nightmare of having the straps digging into your skin, making enjoying the time with your little ones more memorable!

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FAQs

Below are answers to some of the most common FAQs about family cruise holidays to help your cruising be even more smooth-sailing.

1. Do Children Need Passports For Cruises?

Yes, they do need passports on international family cruise holidays. It’s pretty much the same as flying to another country.

In cases where it’s not legally required to (for example, closed-loop cruises for US citizens), children and adults should still have their passports for convenience. 

The passport check queue is often shorter than the line for other travel documents. Also, when you have a passport but your child doesn’t, the whole family typically has to queue in the other travel document line.

UK families planning to cruise to countries outside of Europe or into the Schengen Area will need to present valid passports for all family members. 

For within-Europe itineraries, a British Citizen ID card or travel document may suffice, but still, for the same reason above, children should carry their own passports.

2. What Is The Best Age To Start Cruising With Kids?

There is no universally agreed upon “best age” to go on a family cruise holiday. It varies from family to family.

As an advice, it’s best to go on a cruise with children older than 5 years old. At this age, they are old enough to enjoy onboard kids' clubs and various activities and adapt better to new environments.

However, most cruise lines will tell you the age limit for their passengers upon booking, which is typically 6 months of age minimum. Always check with your cruise line about the age limit before paying.

3. What Are Family Cruise Packages?

Amenities which are not included in the base fare can add up quickly. To save even more money onboard, you can consider cruise packages. 

These family packages typically include kid-friendly entertainment, such as youth programs and childcare services. Some packages are all-inclusive, so you only have to pay one time upon booking.

You can find cruise packages on the cruise line’s official website or through travel platforms like CruiseCritic and Expedia. 

CabinZero’s tip: While booking online is convenient, working with a travel agent can help you score even better deals. 

They can include little upgrades here and there and sometimes extra onboard credits. If your family prefers personalised service, then a travel agent works best. 

Ready For Your Family Cruise Holiday?

A family cruise holiday is amazing for families of all sizes, mixing between adventure and relaxation. With thoughtful planning and packing, you can happily go cruising with your family hassle-free.

For more travel tips and hacks like this, don’t forget to check out our blog and social media! 

Nguyen Tran Gia Khanh