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Family Friendly Cruises for Kids

Voyages of discovery and reconnection that everyone from grandkids to grandparents can share., best family cruise destinations, alaska cruise destinations and cruisetours.

See the Great Land’s glaciers, wildlife, and national parks.

Caribbean Cruise Destinations

Walk along sun-kissed beaches in laid-back style.

European Cruise Destinations

Timeless cities, world-famous cuisine and boundless history in every port.

Australia & New Zealand Cruise Destinations

The Great Barrier Reef, stunning coastlines and relaxed charm are calling.

Cruise Activities for the Whole Family

Princess makes sure there are a variety of family friendly cruise activities so you have plenty of ways to spend quality time together

Adventures every member of the family will enjoy

Unique and immersive travel experiences, including more time in more ports, Discovery™ and Animal Planet™ shore excursions, and award-winning onboard programs, have earned Princess the distinction of "Best Cruise Line for Multi-Generational Family Travel" in the  Porthole Cruise Magazine 2018 Readers' Choice Awards.

Princess MedallionClass®

Get more from family time with the MedallionClass experience on all ships. Easy embarkation and customizing dining preferences, including pace, means fewer meltdowns. Interactive games and the fast, reliable MedallionNet® Wi-Fi keep the gang entertained. And you’ll always be able to find the kids (or the adults!) anywhere on board. Connect with what matters most – each other – on your Princess MedallionClass cruise.

Get in the family zone

New on the Caribbean Princess®, the Reef Family Splash Zone is the perfect place to relax, have fun and enjoy the water. An interactive splash pad with giant whale feature will entertain kids of all ages with showers, sprays and a water jet from the whale's spout! Oversized backyard games in the all-ages game zone set the stage for some good natured family competition. Celebrate after with playful mocktails for the kids and refreshing cocktails for the parents at our kid-friendly bar area. When you need a break from the sun, head to the comfy loungers and sheltered shade canopies.

Discovery™, Discovery Family™ & Animal Planet™ shore excursions

Welcome to enriching, immersive, once-in-a-lifetime experiences your whole family will never forget — especially on unique Discovery™ and Animal Planet™ Exclusive Tours that can't be booked independently, and are available only through Princess Cruises.

Voyage to the stars

Princess enables everyone in the family to find their place among the stars. With top-deck stargazing, an indoor planetarium with real-time views of planets, stars and galaxies, Camp Discovery activities, expert insights through Encounters with Discovery at SEA, engaging stateroom content and more, there are many unique experiences for every family to enjoy.

Animal Planet™ invites local animals onboard

Many of the most fascinating inhabitants of the ports you'll visit aren't human at all. Introduce them to your family, as Animal Planet™ presents some of the wildest meet-and-greet gatherings at sea — including  Puppies in the Piazza  on Alaska cruises, and  Parrots in the Piazza  in the Caribbean.

Meet Stanley

Make friends with the cuddliest bear at sea. Interact with Stanley throughout the voyage — at photo ops, story time, bear games, and crafts! You can even get your own Stanley exclusively on board and bring him home as a reminder of your special journey. And don’t forget to share your adventures on social media with #StanleyAtSea.

Immersive Princess entertainment

The thrill of being part of a live-theater audience is something family members will relive for years. And Princess-exclusive, Broadway-caliber stage shows from award-winning composer Steven Schwartz are a dazzling way to bring everyone together. You'll also find plenty of opportunities for audience participation with  The Voice of the Ocean  musical competition, the  High Seas Heist  mystery challenge and  Can You Survive?  game show.

So many fresh ways to dine together

Eat dinner every night as a family and try new regional foods together. Satisfy everyone's personal tastes with a delicious variety of casual dining options, special kids' menus in the Main Dining Room, and the ability to cater to individual dietary preferences upon request. Princess does the cooking and cleaning so you can spend more time focusing on what matters most.

Family cruise celebration vacations

The heart of a celebration is spending time with those you love. But what if one person you love is 17, and the other is 71? It’s hard to pick an activity that appeals to everyone. A Princess family cruise is a perfect chance to celebrate together while enjoying the hundreds of amazing activities taking place on Princess ships from morning to night.

Family-friendly cruise lodging

Princess makes it easy to sail together in comfort. ‭In addition to comfortable Mini-Suites and spacious Suites, ‭larger groups can ‭opt for a Family ‭Suite which includes ‭two interconnecting ‭staterooms and ‭sleeps up to eight on select ships.

Explorers Come in All Ages. And Princess Inspires Their Imaginations

Uniquely themed centers host engaging activities specially designed to help them play, huddle, create and discover.

Exciting youth & teen clubs

In partnership with Discovery™, Princess has developed engaging new youth programming and wonder-filled centers designed for our youngest guests.

• Places for young explorers to learn about the world and discover new interests.
• Invitations to meet new friends and enjoy memorable experiences while sailing.

Kids Cruise Activities — Ages 6 Months - 2 Years

Making our youngest voyagers feel right at home.

Princess welcomes babies, toddlers and preschoolers to the world of cruising with services and amenities that make life easier for their families as well. These young guests are welcome in Camp Discovery when accompanied by a parent. Mini-Suites and Full Suites offer full-sized bath tubs, and wash bins for showers are available. Staterooms with balconies are perfect for naptime. You can request high chairs, booster seats and cribs. We also provide complimentary jarred baby food. And fresh, pureed foods (fruits, veggies and rice) are available in the main dining room, specialty restaurants, and Horizon Court or World Fresh Marketplace.

Kids Cruise Activities — Ages 3-12

The treehouse — ages 3-7.

This bright, whimsical, forest-themed center for children features hands-on activities and programs surrounded by captivating creatures.

The Lodge — Ages 8-12

Inspired by the great outdoors, this cozy center is filled with sports activities and comfortable places for kids to explore, hang out and lounge.

Sports, games, physical activities

• Scavenger hunts, group games, basketball tournaments, ping pong competitions, dodgeball, skeeball, dance parties and more!
• Try your skills on PlayStation®, Nintendo Wii™, and XBOX Kinect consoles, board games, air hockey and ping-pong.
• Join dance classes and engage in friendly competitions.
• Enjoy sports including basketball, mini golf, yoga and miniature Olympics.

Places, Animals, Science

• Mythbusters Jawsome Sharks program: Try hands-on challenges, featuring Tori Belleci from the show.
• Animal Planet™ uncovers ferocious secrets in  Shark Attack , and learn squid anatomy in  Just Squiddin’ Around .
• Learn the science of magic or become an engineer for a day with programs from the  California Science Center , home of the  Endeavour  space shuttle.
• Inspire a love of nature from the regions we sail with Animal Planet Endangered Species and Glacier Bay Jr. Ranger programs.

Fun interactions with peers

• NEW!  Rhythm of the Caribbean : Caribbean music, dance, trivia and crafts light up the night for the whole family.
• Wild Alaska Festival : Celebrate Alaskan nature at this family theme night.
• Discovery at Sea™ theme days with activities inspired by  Shark Week  and Animal Planet.
• Talent Shows showcase singing, dancing, musical skill, and jokes.
• Theme Nights include Pirate, Mexican Fiesta and competitive Challenge themes.

Arts, crafts, inventions

• Compete: Join the Klutz® paper airplane challenge or Lego boat-building contest.
• JrCHEF@Sea: Learn cake decorating and enjoy the results with your family.
• Make Animal Planet puppets, masks and paintings inspired by regional wildlife.
• Klutz® Art Projects: Craft bracelets, velvet art, jewelry and more.

Teens Cruise Activities — Ages 13-17

The beach house — ages 13-17.

This contemporary beach-themed lounge is "the" place for teens to hang out, socialize and connect.

You won't want to miss our  Rock the Boat Party . It’s the occasion to dress up, stroll down the red carpet and flash your VIP badge, then enjoy an evening of mocktails, awards and celebrating with your friends.

Competitions

Give your skills a workout in our video game tournaments. Play to win in air hockey, foosball and ping-pong. Or compete in outdoor sporting activities like dodgeball and basketball tournaments.

Dance classes

Perfect your moves with guidance from one of our crew dancers, then show what you’ve got at dance competitions and parties.

Movies & more

Get your scream on at  Scary Movie Night , or catch some recent hits at  Late Night Movies . Or cast yourself in a whole new light with teen makeovers and glitter tattoos.

Youth & Teen Program Registration

Registration Form with Youth Guidelines & Safety Measures (PDF)  or  Register Online

Registration Form with Teen Guidelines & Safety Measures (PDF)  or  Register Online

Please note:  During voyages with a high number of families onboard, we will make all efforts to accommodate interested parties. However, participation in our program cannot be guaranteed. Hours of operation may change to better serve our guests.

Hours of Operation:  Sea days 9:00am to 12:00 pm | 1:00pm - 5:00pm | 6:00pm - 10:00pm. Port Days 8:00am - 5:00pm | 6:00pm - 10:00pm. Depending on the itinerary, port hours may be expanded. Check the schedule once onboard. The program is complimentary during port days and advanced bookings are not required.

Kids and Youth center facilities vary across Princess cruise ships.

Parents Night Out

Where kids can play while you're away.

Rest assured, whether you've planned a day of exploring or a romantic night out, the group kidsitting at our Youth Centers offers your children between the ages of 3 and 12 plenty to look forward to. It's the perfect place for them to relax or play games with their friends. And the charge is just $5.00 USD per hour per child.

Dinner events exclusively for kids

Children and adults alike get the chance to enjoy dinner on their own with a variety of opportunities for kids to eat with their friends and Princess Youth Staff. They'll find kids-only dinners on select evenings, a teens-only dinner on a formal night in an exclusively reserved section of the dining room, as well as ice cream and pizza parties held throughout the voyage. Please be sure the Youth Staff members know about any food allergies your child may have.

Cruise Activities for Young Adults — Ages 18-20

Imagine a secret society. Only those invited can join. Guests ages 18-20 will learn the secret handshake and be granted a special code word to unlock an exclusive list of Club1820 events made just for them. No parents, no little siblings, no official hosts.

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Cruise line, departure date, best cruises for kids in australia and the pacific.

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Cruising is becoming increasingly popular with families, particularly ones with young or teenage children. Today’s big cruise ships offer an amazing array of kid-friendly activities, entertainment and shore tours – and if you’re looking for a budget-friendly holiday that doesn’t involve taking a long flight, there’s more choice of cruises in our region than ever before.

Some of the most family-friendly ships sail from Australian ports year-round – P&O Cruises’ Pacific Dawn, Pacific Jewel, Pacific Pearl, Pacific Aria and Pacific Eden; and Carnival Cruise Line’s Carnival Legend and Carnival Spirit.

Other lines send ships to Australasia for the summer season, which runs from October to April – these include Celebrity Cruises, Holland America Line (HAL), Princess Cruises and Royal Caribbean. While Celebrity, HAL and Princess ships are well-suited to couples of 50-plus and multi-generational cruisers and offer kids’ clubs and activities, Royal Caribbean is a standout in terms of its ships’ onboard attractions and dedicated areas for active children and teens.

If you’ve never cruised with kids before, it’s a good idea to check out some shorter itineraries. Ships get booked up quickly during school holidays so you need to do some advance planning – also, when you book early you’ll have more choice of accommodation.

The most popular cruises are to the Pacific Islands and all the cruise lines mentioned above sail there. Itineraries range from seven to 14 nights; some include visits to Fiji and New Zealand and all go to Vanuatu and New Caledonia. You’ll find several cruises to New Zealand and lots that sail around the Australian coast – P&O Cruises home-ports its ships in Adelaide, Brisbane, Cairns, Fremantle, Melbourne and Sydney.

What will you find aboard the ships sailing from Australia year-round? Carnival Legend and Carnival Spirit offer three age-specific kids’ clubs: the Penguin Colony (two to five), Stingrays (six to eight), Sharks (nine to 11), Circle “C” (12 to 14) and Club O2 (15 to 17). These are free of charge and each club has its own special features – from miniature play igloos for the youngest cruisers to interactive gaming stations for the older kids.

Outdoor fun includes the Green Thunder waterslide, billed as the steepest at sea; WaterWorks aqua park, which has the Twister ride and Splash Zone for younger kids; three pools; mini-golf and a basketball court. In the evenings you can watch movies on the giant outdoor screen by the pool – complete with popcorn and blankets.

Real-life Dr Seuss characters pop up all over the ships – kids can meet Cats in Hats, Fish Red and Blue and Things One and Two, in parades, hosting interactive story time and at special breakfasts when Green Eggs and Ham are on the menu. Hasbro The Game Show is another drawcard for family members of all ages.

Eating onboard Carnival Spirit and Legend is a breeze – kids’ menus are served in the Camp Ocean clubs and eateries include Guy’s Burger Joint, Freshie’s Corner, which serves fish and chips among more sophisticated seafood dishes, and the Lido’s Pizza Pirate pizza station and Swirls ice cream bar. Save the Cherry On Top lolly shop for special occasions (if you can).

P&O Cruises’ five ships range in size from 1500 passengers (Pacific Aria and Pacific Eden) to the 2000-passenger Pacific Dawn. All ships feature the P&OEdge Adventure Park, which boasts 19 exciting activities on the top deck. Activities include a flying fox, funnel climb, Segway obstacle course and bungee trampolining; on Pacific Dawn you can ‘walk the plank’ and climb to the Crows Nest Viewpoint. There are charges for each activity, so if your family is planning to use them a lot, it’s worth buying a P&O Adventure Pass that lasts for the whole cruise.

The ships host four age-specific kids’ clubs: Turtle Cove (two to six), Shark Shack (seven to 10), HQ (11 to 14) and HQ+ (15 to 17) as well as talent shows, karaoke, Teen Jam music sessions and movie-making workshops. Deck games such as golf-putting, quoits, table tennis and good old-fashioned shuffleboard are available and each ship has two pools.

Kids’ menus are served in the Waterfront Restaurant every day and Plantation offers a kids-only dinner each evening, which includes special appearances from TC and Skipper, the mascots from Turtle Cove and Shark Shack.

Royal Caribbean’s ships are renowned for their rock-climbing walls, ice rinks, FlowRider surf simulators and even more outlandish activities on its newest, biggest ships. Of the four regular visitors Down Under (Explorer, Voyager, Radiance and Legend of the Seas), Explorer and Voyager are both fitted with FlowRiders and ice-skating rinks.

Ovation of the Seas, which will be the newest ship ever to cruise in Australia when it arrives for a short season in December 2016, takes onboard entertainment to a whole new level. Ovation is the third Quantum-class ship and its famous features include a skydiving simulator, the NorthStar viewing capsule rising 90 metres above sea level, bumper cars, circus school and rollerskating – and two FlowRiders.

Kids’ clubs on Royal Caribbean ships start with Aquanauts (three to five years) and move up the age range to Explorers (six to eight), Voyagers (nine to 11), Navigators (12 to 14) and Guests (14 to 17). Entertainment for 12 to 14-year-olds include rock-climbing competitions, dodgeball, talent shows, open-mic nights and Scratch DJ Academy. Older teens have organised basketball comps plus their own theme nights, dinners and karaoke competitions. Younger children will also enjoy meeting DreamWorks characters from Shrek, Madagascar and Kung Fu Panda on board Voyager and Ovation.

Kids’ menus are available and each ship has a wide range of restaurants and cafes where you’ll find something to suit every member of the family, however fussy they are. Windjammer Café is the buffet option and specialty restaurants such as Johnny Rockets will appeal to the teens.

When you’re planning a family cruise, make sure you spend some time researching the shore excursions on offer to get the best value from your holiday dollar. It can be worth doing your own thing. If the organised tour is to an island beach, for example, and you have small children sometimes you’ll have more fun staying on the ship on port days because there will be fewer people in the pools, aqua parks and adventure playgrounds.

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Best Family Cruises

Kid friendly cruises.

Every P&O Cruise is kid friendly! You'll enjoy an all-inclusive, affordable family holiday with plenty of room, delicious food, endless activities, amazing entertainment, travel to amazing destinations and four age-specific kids clubs.

A P&O cruise is a great family holiday idea. We offer some of the best family-friendly holiday experiences. Whether you’ve got little ones, teens, or a whole extended family coming along, cruising with your kids is a fun, safe and convenient way to holiday as a family.

With an endless array of activities for all ages, from adventure parks to tropical island shore tours, kids menus in all restaurants, special dining time in The Pantry and parties for all ages, the whole family is catered for. 

A P&O cruise is guaranteed to keep the whole family happy.

The benefits of cruising with kids

Cruising with your kids is the perfect combination of relaxation, adventure, and family time, all while being transported from one stunning destination to the next. From kids vs kids-at-heart games, to enjoying an Island Adventure show together, there are endless activities to try - you can even take a shore tour and explore a different world. Plus, with four great age-specific Kids Clubs, it can be date night, every night! And when it’s time for rest? We have rooms to suit every taste and budget, from spacious Suites to Interconnecting rooms to budget friendly interior rooms . You’ll rest easy knowing everyone’s close by, but still has their own space to relax.

• Stress-free travel
• Kids Clubs & family dining
• Family activities & entertainment
• All-inclusive deals & no expensive surprises
• Accommodation options for everyone

1. Fun & engaging Kids Clubs 

Our Kid’s Clubs activities will keep your kids happy and engaged with the perfect combination of fun and learning. With the guidance of professional childhood academics, we’ve developed a diverse range of fun daily activities specifically designed for kids. From arts and crafts to sport and music, our Kids Clubs offer specialised activities for specific age groups in a safe and supportive environment:

●      Turtle Cove (2 years – 5 years)

●      Shark Shack (6 years – 9 years)

●      HQ (10 years – 13 years)

●      HQ+ (14 years – 17 years)

Travelling with teens? They’ll have lots to do too! When they’re not hitting the pool or Edge Adventure Park, our HQ and HQ+ youth staff provide lots of great activities for guests aged 10 - 17. Kids can also hang out in their own special lounge with movies, video games, music, and more. It’s a great place to chill out and meet new friends!

2. Waterslides, adventure parks & sports

Every P&O cruise offers an amazing array of kid-friendly activities and adventures. Kids of all ages love our waterslides and pools on all ships and the interactive waterpark on Pacific Explorer - and so do parents! Or, if your kids are looking for some extra action, they can explore  more at the P&O Edge Adventure Park, available on all our ships.  Family passes are available. There are plenty of ways to stay active onboard. If your kids are the sporty kind, challenge them to an array of deck games and find your family champion.

3.Talent time, music lessons & shows

Travelling with a young musician or mini movie star? Then get your cameras ready! Every P&O cruise offers the chance for your kids to get creative, learn something new, perform on stage or simply sit back and enjoy a good show.

Our Time To Shine Talent Show gives your kids the chance to receive specialised coaching by our professional performers onboard. The Talent Show is a great opportunity to see your kids channel their inner star and take centre stage. For older kids, our Teen Jam program is the perfect place to test out a range of instruments and learn some new music skills - plus they can perform their jams for an audience!

For the little ones, TC & Skipper's Island Adventure Show will have them laughing in seconds as our hilarious mascots perform the fun TC & Skipper’s Island Adventure production show.

4.Shore Tours to new worlds

From meeting adorable baby turtles to exploring waterfalls in the jungle, your kids will be amazed by our range of P&O Shore Tours . Even better, it’s all organised for you - simply book through Cruise Control , and let us take care of the rest! Some Shore Tours offer discounted prices for kids aged 2 - 12 years, while infants aged less than 2 years sitting on a parent’s lap are not charged for the tour. Plus, on small group tours of less than 25 people, guests can choose to be transported in their own private vehicle for ultimate flexibility and comfort.

To find out more, read the 5 Steps to Planning a Group Cruise .

Are there age restrictions for children on cruises?

We welcome kids 6 months and over on Australian Domestic and New Zealand Domestic cruises. For all other itineraries, children must be 12 months and over to cruise. Any little ones under two years will need to remain with their parent or guardian at all times.

How do I register my child for Kids Club?

We’ve introduced a new Kids Club registration process in Cruise Control, allowing you to easily register your child before you board. Simply log into  Cruise Control  and head to the Manage Booking section to access Kids Club registration for each child on the booking. Online registration is available up until three days before your cruise departure.

Registration can also be done in person at Kids Club once you get onboard if you miss the online cut-off time.

School Holiday & Family Cruise Deals

Check out our best kid-friendly group cruise deals below for a fun, convenient and affordable family holiday option:

For extra room, consider a Suite

Does your family need a little extra room? Book a Suite! With a spacious balcony with views, separate sitting area, priority embarkation and complimentary laundry service, you and your kids will love the extra room to move - and extra special treatment.

Priority treatment

Book your next family cruise today

Planning a P&O family cruise is easy - you can book online. School holiday periods can be very popular and sell out early - so get in quick and book soon!

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Family Cruises

Make memories that will last a lifetime.

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From fun activities on board to adventurous excursions on land, our award-winning cruises offer unforgettable experiences for the whole family to enjoy. Kids, parents, and grandparents will find plenty of opportunities to spend quality time together and create memories that will remain long after your vacation ends.

Gather everyone for a movie night under the stars. Enjoy theater shows and live music. Splash with your kids on the beach or go on thrilling shore excursions with adventurous teens. There’s something for everyone to love on our fun-filled family cruises.

Kids and Teen Programs

The fun starts at Camp At Sea, our onboard entertainment center and program designed exclusively for kids ages 3 to 12. Open every day from 9:00am - 10:00pm, Camp at Sea offers kids the opportunity to participate in a number of entertaining activities, including treasure hunts, arts and crafts, sports, and theme parties, all under the supervision of our experienced youth staff. For our teen cruisers, the Teen Club is the place to be. At the Teen Club, they can make new friends and participate in events like video game competitions, teen parties, and culinary classes. Activities are overseen by our team of teen counselors and offered throughout the day, allowing teens to come and go as they please.

Entertainment On Board

There’s no shortage of entertaining venues on board. Spend the day swimming in the pool with the kids, then watch the sunset while relaxing in one of our elevated hot tubs. Gather on board for movie night under the stars, silent disco parties, hot glass classes, and archery tournaments —so many activities to share. Don’t miss the views from the Lawn Club or the Resort Deck, which provides the ultimate backdrop for a picture-perfect family photo.

One of the top reasons we’re one of the best cruise lines for families is because we offer an array of family-friendly shore excursions at over 300 port destinations. With activities varying from cultural tours to thrilling water sports, families will have no trouble finding a number of exciting excursions such as swimming with dolphins, hiking up volcanoes or glaciers, and strolling through ancient Mayan ruins.

Family Luxury at The Retreat

The Retreat is the ultimate luxury vacation experience on board. Families staying at The Retreat will not only enjoy a private sundeck*, but also spacious suite accommodations with expansive verandas and large lounge areas, where the whole family can comfortably relax and spend time together. Those traveling with multiple family members can stay at our Penthouse Suite or book one of our breathtaking Iconic Suites, which span over 2,500 square feet.

*The Retreat Sundeck available on Edge Series and Revolutionized ships.  

Unforgettable Family Cruise Destinations

With over 300 destinations on our itineraries, there are plenty of exciting places waiting to be discovered. Tropical islands, cosmopolitan cities, seaside villages, and rustic towns are all on the agenda.

Take the family on a cruise to Alaska, where you’ll sail through the famous Inside Passage and witness the magic of towering glaciers and the stunning wilderness of the Last Frontier. If you’re looking for a little bit more culture, head on one of our European journeys, where you’ll stroll past ancient buildings, feast on exquisite cuisine, and stop by picturesque towns. As for a sun-soaked vacation, it doesn’t get much better than a cruise to the Caribbean, where white sand beaches and turquoise waters await.

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Family Fun for Everyone

Cruises are the perfect opportunity for multigenerational family members to bond. Spend the day together at the pool, sign up for any number of group activities, and enjoy nightly family meals at our main dining room. If you want to try something different, then plan a skip-generational vacation, where parents stay at home and grandparents are free to spoil their grandkids during an unforgettable trip.

Summer Cruises

What better way to enjoy the warm, balmy weather of summer than by sailing to a sunny destination with the family? Spend a week visiting Caribbean beaches, chase adventure during a cruise to Alaska, or discover the best of Europe while on a Mediterranean journey—our summer cruises are what vacation dreams are made of.

Spring Break Cruises

Take advantage of spring break and spend seven days at sea with the kids. Even though school’s out, there are still plenty of opportunities for learning on board. At Camp at Sea, children can take art classes, participate in sports activities, and sign up for special STEM-based programs focused on marine biology and environmental conservation.

Holiday Cruises

Celebrating the holidays with family is easy while aboard one of our cruises. Even if you’re far away, you’ll feel right at home with our festive decorations and delicious traditional holiday meals. Get into the holiday spirit by hearing Christmas carols or taking in a holiday show at our theater. And don’t worry, Santa always makes a surprise appearance bearing gifts for the kids.

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Best Family & Kid Friendly Cruises

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10 Night Cruise to Asia

• You want big ship features on a smaller, manageable scale
• You appreciate having plenty of choice when it comes to food
• You want accomodations with private balconies for lounging
• You want a cruise ship with a real party atmosphere by night
• You are bringing kids, and want amenities like waterslides

19 Night Cruise to Around the World

• You want that Princess style on a smaller, less-crowded ship
• You like having public rooms with bright, oversized windows
• You appreciate a classy, more traditional style of cruising
• You want a ship that screams nonstop-action at every turn
• You're expecting thrilling amenities like themed splash parks

12 Night Cruise to Asia

• You want an upscale cruise on a classy, well-maintained big ship
• You appreciate well-decorated public rooms with great views
• You want a cruise devoid of gimmicks like bumper car tracks
• You are travelling with kids and need ample children’s facilities
• You expect the same "wow" factor as Celebrity’s newer ships
• You want a truly upscale, all-inclusive cruise experience

28 Night Cruise to Australia & New Zealand

• You like all-inclusive Seabourn cruising on the luxury line's dedicated expedition ships
• You want access to a wide selection of expedition toys encompassing submarines and more
• You wish to visit harder-to-access destinations navigable by a small vessel
• You seek a less expensive, non-luxury alternative cruise holiday
• You prefer larger ships with lots of onboard activities
• You look for lavish entertainment offerings at sea

7 Night Cruise to Hawaii

• You want to sail on the only big ship operating from Honolulu
• You like plenty of dining and entertainment options onboard
• You want a good quality cruise around the Hawaiian Islands
• You don't want to sail to Hawaii; this ship is here year-round
• You are on a budget; these sailings can be quite pricey

7 Night Cruise to Alaska

• You want a big-ship experience with plenty of classy spaces
• You appreciate good cuisine, wine and beverage offerings
• You enjoy a more upscale cruise experience on a big ship
• You always cruise on ships that are brand-new and innovative
• You want the latest technological advances and features
• You aren’t interested on longer, more unique itineraries

10 Night Cruise to the Mediterranean

• You like your ships and entertainment options super-sized
• You are travelling solo and want dedicated single cabins
• You are looking to stay in Norwegian's Haven suite area
• You want a standard oceanview room; there are none onboard
• You like ships small and intimate, with quiet spaces galore

11 Night Cruise to Hawaii

• You want an upscale cruise experience at a decent price
• You like having plenty of options for dining and entertainment
• You appreciate cruise ships with plenty of innovative amenities
• You are looking for a truly all-inclusive cruise holiday
• You typically only cruise on the latest and largest ships

5 Night Cruise to Transatlantic

• You want to dine at any time and wherever you want, at no extra cost
• You want gratuities included in the cost of the cruise
• You'd like to get a tattoo onboard your cruise ship
• You don't like vibrant and late-night nightlife
• You are travelling with anyone under the age of 18
• You want a cruise longer than five nights

14 Night Cruise to Alaska

• You like having plenty of choices on a classically styled cruise
• You want numerous bars, lounges and speciality restaurants
• You appreciate a laid-back cruise that's steeped in traditions
• You dislike crowds; lines and bookings are inevitable
• You need a cutting-edge ship with the latest technology
• You want a big ship with lots of classy fun for all ages
• You enjoy live music and plenty of enrichment activities
• You're happy with good quality service and a relaxing vibe
• You enjoy strolling on a true wraparound promenade deck
• You miss the more intimate feeling of the line's smaller ships

10 Night Cruise to Hawaii

• You want to do it all, from bumper cars to skydiving and surfing
• You travel with family and want a ship that will amaze all
• You want to sail in Asia with an international passenger base
• You don't enjoy having to make bookings for most activities
• You want full freedom over when and how you choose to dine

14 Night Cruise to the Baltic Sea

• You want to sail on the most lavish luxury ship Seabourn offers
• You appreciate a multitude of dining experiences and options
• You want an adult-oriented experience in charming surroundings
• You prefer the smaller passenger count of Seabourn's older ship
• You need pampering butler service; there are none onboard

21 Night Cruise to the Baltic Sea

• You want a classic cruise experience on a thoroughly modern ship
• You love food and want plenty of high-quality restaurants
• You like scheduled activities but don't need anything crazy
• You're looking to read a book on a true open promenade deck
• You want a ship that has elaborate facilities for children

6 Night Cruise to the Western Caribbean

• You want to sail on the largest cruise ship in the world
• You want lots of choices for both dining and activities
• You like big, busy ships with theme-park-style diversions
• You dislike crowds; lines and congestion are still a reality
• You want a quieter cruise on a smaller, more intimate ship
• You care about visiting unique, off-the-beaten-path ports

11 Night Cruise to the Eastern Mediterranean

• You want a classy, adult-oriented cruise on a gracious ship
• You enjoy having plenty of big-ship amenities and features
• You want an upscale cruise experience at an affordable price
• You dislike paying extra for drinks, gratuities and excursions
• You are looking for a true luxury cruise ship experience
• You want the latest and most technically innovative ship
• You want to sail aboard one of the newest cruise ships at sea
• You prefer ships with spaces designed for constant stimulation
• You see the cruise ship as the destination first and foremost
• You want a cruise to more off-the-beaten-path ports of call
• You prefer the nonstop activities on other, bigger ships

7 Night Cruise to the Bahamas

10 night cruise to the eastern mediterranean.

• You want to sail on one of Norwegian's slightly smaller but more spacious next generation of ships
• You seek the greatest selection of activities, bars, dining (al fresco included) and entertainment options
• You like a refined social atmosphere with places to escape to like a traditional observation lounge
• You prefer a smaller ship with fewer fellow passengers
• You are turned off by The Haven exclusives separate from public amenities
• You want even more included without the need to pay for extras

8 of the best kid-friendly cruises from Australia and New Zealand

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Seeking the ultimate family escape? Oceania's ports have you covered. Photo / Supplied

These family-friendly cruises depart from popular Australia and New Zealand ports and offer plenty of fun for everyone in your crew, not just the kids, writes Tiana Templeman.

Airlie Beach Cruise | Carnival Cruise Line

Carnival has recently been certified as “sensory inclusive”, making this affordable line a good choice for adults and kids with sensory and invisible disabilities. On a four-night round-trip cruise from Brisbane to Airlie Beach on Carnival Luminosa, there are “fun for all” activities like sail-away parties and dive-in-movies, plus there’s also time for the kids to have a ball at Camp Ocean, Circle C or Club O2, depending on their age. If you want an adults-only evening out, Night Owls offers a late-night programme for kids under 12 from 9pm to 12am for a small fee. Priced from NZ$545 pp. carnival.com.au

Disney Magic at Sea Cruise | Disney Cruises

Immerse yourselves in all things Disney on a three-night “Disney Magic at Sea” sailing from Auckland. There are no ports on this itinerary, so you’ll have time to make the most of all the Disney magic onboard, from hanging out with your favourite characters to themed dining experiences or catching one of the ship’s spectacular shows. If you would prefer to depart from another port, identical three-night Disney Wonder cruises are also available from Sydney , Melbourne and Brisbane. Priced from NZ$2885 pp. disneycruiseline.com

New Zealand Cruise | Celebrity Cruises

With a bunch of activities for the whole family, what’s not to love about a 12-night cruise in your own backyard? This round-trip 12-night cruise from Sydney offers a relaxing way to travel around New Zealand in December without the hassle of fighting your way through the school holiday traffic. If you’re keen on an adventure, climb aboard your kayak and paddle out into the waters of Lake Rotoiti in Tauranga before arriving at a Glow Worm Cave , or travel off the beaten path for a high-country off-road explorer and jet boat adventure in Christchurch. Priced from NZ$2085 pp. celebritycruises.com.au

Bounty Discovery Cruise | P&O Cruises

In between zooming down the flying fox on the P&O Edge Adventure Park and making new friends at the kids club, your children can learn the story of the Mutiny on the Bounty and why the descendants of the mutineers ended up in a tropical paradise on a 10-night round-trip cruise from Auckland on Pacific Explorer. Check out the sunny delights of popular South Pacific ports like Noumea, Lifou and Port Vila and join the kids for a hands-on history lesson exploring the convict ruins on Norfolk Island. The sailing ends with a relaxing beach day at Mystery Island before the ship returns to Auckland. Priced from NZ$1645 p.p. pocruises.co.nz

Sampler Cruise | Royal Caribbean

It’s all aboard from Brisbane on Quantum of the Seas for a three-night cruise where having fun together onboard is the name of the game. With no port stops, this trip is perfect for families with adventurous kids and parents who love to stay active . There’s plenty of free fun to be had at the SeaPlex, a multi-purpose venue that offers everything from bumper cars to roller skating, archery and big screen video game challenges. Out on deck there’s the FlowRider surf simulator, North Star viewing capsule and iFly virtual skydiving. After dark, the place to be is Two70 where you can watch mega production shows featuring aerialists, as well as video and digital scenery. Priced from NZ$595 pp. royalcaribbean.com

New Zealand Cruise | Princess Cruises

Kick off the new year with a 13-night round-trip school holiday cruise from Auckland on Princess Cruises’ Royal Princess and explore the best of New Zealand with a jaunt over the ditch to Sydney. Not only do you get to sail into one of the world’s most spectacular harbours, you can also stock up on duty-free goodies thanks to this international port stop in Australia. Calling at the Bay of Islands , Fiordland, Dunedin, Christchurch, Wellington and Rotorua, there’s plenty to see and do along the way before your ship returns to Auckland. Priced from NZ$3620 pp. princess.com

New Guinea Island Encounter | P&O Cruises

Visit the islands of one of New Zealand’s Pacific neighbours the easy way on a family-friendly seven-night round-trip Papua New Guinea cruise from Cairns on Pacific Explorer. Girls in particular, will appreciate the way things work on the Trobriand Islands where it’s a matriarchal society and women make the rules. You and the kids can play Trobriand cricket with the locals in a game where cheering and yelling the loudest earns your team extra points, or watch a traditional Sing Sing performance with singing, dancing and warrior canoes. On board there’s a kids club for children aged 3 to 17 and high-energy shows to enjoy as a family. Priced from NZ$1150 p.p. pocruises.co.nz

Tangalooma - Moreton Island Cruise | Carnival Cruise Line

If you’re travelling with tots and want a little couple’s time, children as young as 2 can participate in the kids club programme onboard Carnival ships. Your little one doesn’t need to be potty trained either, as staff change nappies on this cruise line . Youngsters of all ages will enjoy a glass bottom boat ride to see the tropical fish swimming in the clear waters of Moreton Bay in Queensland. Older kids can join their parents on a guided snorkelling tour around the wrecks or zip along the beach on a Segway. With one sea day on the way to and from the island, you can also soak up the sun on the pool deck. Priced from NZ$512 p.p. carnival.com.au

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FAMILY CRUISE DEALS

Keep everyone entertained on your next holiday.

DISCOVER UNLIMITED FUN ON THE HIGH SEAS DURING SCHOOL HOLIDAYS!

At Carnival, a family cruise package is more than just a holiday – it's an adventure of a lifetime. Spend your school holidays sliding down water slides, splashing in pools, or simply relaxing on deck. Our family cruises offer a wide range of entertainment for the whole family, day and night.

And what's a proper family cruise package without some quiet alone time for the parents? With our fully supervised parent-free events and cruise activities for kids of all ages, you can enjoy some well-deserved relaxation in our relaxation pods in Serenity.

On top of all the fun onboard, a family cruise package can take you to some amazing ports, allowing you to explore what Australia and the South Pacific has to offer.

Departing from Brisbane and Sydney, our family cruises will give you all a getaway to remember.

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Entertainment

There’s nothing quite like a live show after a fun filled day. Kickback and let us entertain the socks off you.

DINING & BARS

Every meal will be the adventure of a lifetime for your tastebuds. Our talented chefs and bartenders will bring out your inner foodie.

When was the last time that you really relaxed? A visit to our Spa & Fitness centre will leave you in seventh heaven.

We put the fun into Family Cruise Packages

In order for any family holiday to be a success, you need to find generational activities that’ll delight any age group. And that is easy and fun to do on a Carnival cruise. Life as a parent is busy and that’s something the Carnival Cruise Line team understands.

So, why not book a spa therapy or night out while our friendly onboard take care of the kids’ clubs. We even have a teen club, 12-14 years with Circle ‘C’. When you’re done, reunite in the water park or at the mini-golf while a hit movie unfolds on the big screen out on deck. For family dining options, head to Guy’s Burger Joint for juicy burgers or be tempted at Masala Tiger.

As ever, the journey is the destination onboard your family-friendly cruise holiday with Carnival.

Commonly Asked Questions

How to get the best deal on a family cruise.

Finding an affordable family-friendly holiday that suits old and young children, and is perfect for mum and dad, is no longer a problem with a family cruise deal from Carnival. Have fun every day, and relax in style, with one of our great value favourite family cruises. To find the best family cruise deals, simply choose your:

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What is the best cruise for families in Australia?

Well, we are a tad biased, but if you’re looking for family cruise deals from Sydney and family cruise deals from Brisbane that will create life-long memories, then you can stop clicking. Carnival family cruises give you and your family everything you could ever want in one place – from spa treatments and swimming pools to playlist productions and arts and crafts . And that doesn’t even include the:

• Serenity Adult Only Retreat
• Activities for everyone
• Shore Excursions
• Video Games

Oh, and have we mentioned that the kids will be flat out all day and night with endless fun activities?

How much does a cruise cost for a family?

Finding a family cruise deal that’s right for you comes down to choosing a range of different options, including from our unique staterooms .

• Family Suite

Each room is perfect for family of 4 cruise deals, and we even offer adjoining rooms for that extra space and privacy. Not that you’ll be spending too much time there.

What is the cheapest month to go on a family cruise?

Find the great rates, exclusive offers and special deals and fit them in with your family’s schedule. When it comes to value for money, a family cruise deal has it all. With Carnival, you’ll find family cruises that suit your budget, whenever you want to sail. You can even organise an onboard credit prior to departing.

How to book a family cruise deal?

Simply find a family cruise deal and book online today. Family cruise deals offer you and your loved ones a cruise ship holiday like no other.

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All aboard… forget all-inclusive beach resorts, if you want your kids to have a trip of a lifetime then head to the seas.

More and more cruise ships are pulling out the stops to keep little ones happy: we’re talking water parks, themed entertainment, fairgrounds, children’s parades, live shows, video games arcades and ice skating. Not to mention facilities such as teen lounges and night clubs, dodgems and sky diving simulations for hard-to-please adolescents. Of course there is something for parents too, with many ships offering entertainment along the lines of casinos, cocktail bars, spas and onboard shopping. Simply put, cruise holidays are a stress-free and fun way for the entire family to experience some of the world’s most amazing destinations.

So, which cruise lines, ships and itineraries are the best of the best for families? Browse an array of cruises, hot deals, special offers and travel inspiration here.

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Calling all pirates, join Captain Pineapple on a Sydney Tall Ship

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Waterslides, mini golf, a 24/7 video arcade, live theatre shows, a tasty selection of restaurants.

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Kids of all ages 3-17 can find their happy place thanks to our complimentary youth programmes - Splash Academy and Entourage. Alongside our well-trained staff, your children will experience a wide range of exciting activities with kids and teens their own age. And whilst they're having the time of their lives, you can too, knowing they're in a safe and supervised environment.

Want to know more? Visit the Youth Programmes Frequently Asked Questions page.

NOTE: Guppies drop off is not available. Norwegian Spirit does not offer Youth Programmes. Operational hours are subject to change without advance notice per shipboard health and safety protocols. Splash Academy and Entourage services are offered on a first come, first served basis and require an onboard registration. We recommend you board as early as possible and register with the Youth Programmes Staff either at Splash Academy or Entourage facilities.

MAKE A SPLASH AT Splash Academy For Kids (Ages 3-12)

When the youngest cruisers are having a great time, you're having a great time. Sign them up for our complimentary youth programme programmes where they can enjoy creative play, active games, and more; the youth staff have a knack for this stuff.

Activities & Age Groups

6 Months - Under 3 Years Old (Parents required. Fleetwide)

• Sensory Play
• Music and Movement
• Colors of the Rainbow

Currently not being offered

3 - 5 Years

• Arts & Crafts and Painting
• Circus School (Tiger Act)
• Developmental Activities
• Storytelling
• Parades/Treasure Hunts

6 - 9 Years

• Circus Skills and Show (Scarf Juggling, Plate Spinning, Devil Sticks, and Rope Spinning)
• Theme Nights
• Sports/Games
• Team-Building Challenges
• Video Games

10 - 12 Years

• Entourage Take-Over
• Circus Skills and Show (Stilts, Ball Juggling, Chinese Yo-Yo, Plate Spinner, Devil Sticks)
• Scavenger Hunts
• Themed Nights (Survivor/Spy)
• Sports/Team Building
• Video Games and Challenges

Family Activities

Youth Counsellors and Cruise Staff come together to offer fun interactive activities for the whole family from Game Shows, Sports Challenges, Scavenger Hunts, and Trivias.

Splash Academy

A place where kids can choose their favourite activity and will never want to leave.

Be you at Entourage For Teens (Ages 13-17)

Run off and play whilst your teenagers hang out in a place filled with video games, movies, arts, music, sports and people their own age. From the coolest lounge at sea to the hippest dance club at night, there's always something going on at our teen centres. Best of all, it's all complimentary and supervised.*

*Some teen centres are used as a hangout when programme is not in session and may not be supervised but are under surveillance.

• Movies & Gaming

Express yourself! Teens can show off their creativity and personality with our crazy music jams through dancing, singing, or by just being artsy through creating balloon sculptures or graffiti masterpieces.

Game on! Experience the latest in gaming or kick back and relax with a movie.

Hit the court. It is time for dodgeball, soccer, basketball….you name it we play it. Test your skills against the Teen Counsellor!

Every night is a party! Dress to the nines and come in style. Check out College Night, White Hot Party, and Glow. Entourage is the place to be. The themes vary from ship to ship.

Take Advantage of Late Night

Drop off the kids so you can enjoy a romantic night out. Available every evening for children ages 3-12. Fees apply.

*Please refer to the FAQs for policies on children in nappies.

Want some alone time? Then drop off the little ones at Port Play for free. Only a small fee applies for the supervision of your child(ren) during breakfast, lunch, and dinner hours. Meal times are based on ship and itinerary.

Temporarily Not Available

Late Night Fun Zone

Planning a romantic dinner for two? Leave the children in safe hands any day of the week at Late Night Fun Zone. Small fee applies.

Hours: 11:00 p.m. - 1:00 a.m. If no children are registered or dropped off by 11:30 p.m., the centre will close for the evening. It is recommended that children be signed up by 8:00 p.m. the day prior.

With the first-ever Norwegian nursery on the Norwegian Escape, parents can rest easy knowing their tots ( 6months – under 3 years old) are being well looked after by our dedicated nursery staff. Featuring an active room with sensory-based activities, games and toys based on a daily theme, plus a quiet room for babies to sleep, parents can have the vacation they deserve while their little ones do too. Feel Free to use all 3 Nursery options:

Please refer to the Guppies FAQ's for more information on policies, procedures, and programs.

*Be sure to register your child and make reservations for the desired time block once onboard with the Nursery Attendant

Read Our Youth Programme Frequently Asked Questions

What are youth programmes.

Youth Programmes are the umbrella of programmes for children 3 to 17 years old which consists of:

Family Activities: The Cruise and Youth teams offer an array of engaging family activities that brings everyone closer together. Bring your competition and A-Game for Beat Your Bed Time, Music Mania, Compete Opposites, and Family Dodgeball. Who will rule? The parents or the children?

Guppies Open Play: For the littlest cruisers, the Guppies Open Play offers a play space for parents to interact with their infants/ babies/toddlers 6 months - 3 years old and/or children in nappies. Please refer to the onboard Guppies activity programme for the location, dates, and times. The timetable varies per ship and itinerary.

Splash Academy: A drop off programme for child ages 3 - 12 offering flexible programming, allowing children to explore and make their own interest-based choices throughout the sailing.

Entourage: The teen hang out for 13 -17 year olds. Refer to Entourage FAQ What does Entourage have to offer teens 13 -17 years old?

For Splash Academy and Entourage, it is recommended that parents register their child(ren) and teen(s) as soon as they board the ship. Any Youth Counsellor on board the ship is available to assist.

What ages are eligible for Splash Academy and Entourage?

SPLASH ACADEMY 3* - 12 years old

ENTOURAGE Entourage: 13* - 17 years old

*Age eligibility is based on the age of the child at the time of sailing, according to their birth certificate or passport reflected on the ships manifest.

A child must be 3 years old, completely potty trained (not in nappies or pull ups), to register for Splash Academy.

A child must be 13 years old to register for Entourage. Please refer to the birthday exception.

A child who turns 18 during the cruise is considered a legal adult and will not be able to continue participation in Entourage.

How do I register my children for the youth programmes Splash Academy and Entourage?

On all ships, a one-time digital registration form is to be completed by a parent or guardian (if child is not travelling with their parent) for each child/teen age 3 - 17. Children/teens can then participate as frequently as they choose during operating hours with space availability.

The registration form requires a primary parent or guardian to be named for the child(ren). This primary person is the only person who can make any changes to the child's registration form.

Norwegian Cruise Line requests that you let the Youth Staff know if your child has any food allergies and/or noted medical conditions by noting the information on the Registration Form to allow the Youth Staff to provide the best services for your child(ren) whilst in our care.

More Reasons to Choose Norwegian:

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5 Reasons Kids Are All About Royal Caribbean Cruises

By Evelyn Uslar-Pietri | Published on February 8, 2023

NON-STOP THRILLS

However your child defines top-notch adventure, they’re sure to find it on a Royal Caribbean cruise. Little minnows who love water will soak up the Splashaway Bay ℠ aqua park and H2O Zone℠ Water Park , where geysers, cannons, waterfalls and pools spell loads of sopping-wet fun.

Are you looking to book a cruise sailing out of Brisbane on Quantum of the Seas® or out of Sydney on Ovation of the Seas®? Onboard these incredible ships you’ll find a classic favourite: the Flowrider® surf simulator. With its 113,562 litres of rushing water, it’s the wave-carving thrill kids can’t get enough of!

If heights are their thing, your children are in for a fest-a-thon of high-flying choices. There’s the virtual skydiving exhilaration of RipCord® by iFly® , the first ride of its kind on a ship. And the Guinness Book award-winning North Star®, the highest viewing deck at sea. 

Ready to stay closer to deck without pumping the brakes on excitement? Look no further than the huge indoor SeaPlex® – a buzzing hive of thrilling bumper-car action, basketball, rollerblading and much more!

While activities vary by ship, the common denominator is bow-to-stern surprises that take your holiday to the next level.

FAMILY CHILL TIME

While you’ll discover endless ways for the youngest family members to burn off energy, there are also plenty of experiences so chill that even Great Nan can get behind them! Like chart-topping Broadway shows or dazzling multi-media original productions. Poolside movie nights which – if you are on an Australian cruise sailing to Polynesia – include the wonder of a star-studded South Pacific sky. And visiting cover bands playing live concerts with varied genres.

For great reads and good-old-fashioned board games, the library is the go-to family destination. Of course, taking a class with the kids is another wonderful way to create memorable bonding moments – and there are plenty to choose from, including cupcake or jewellery-making and scrapbooking. There is even a Trapeze School for airborne daredevils looking to pick up circus-ready moves (sorry Great Nan).

AGE-APPROPRIATE ADVENTURES

Kids just want to have fun – and there’s tons to be had in our award-winning Adventure Ocean® Youth Program (AO) for 3-12 year olds! Aquanauts (ages 3-5), Explorers (ages 6-8) and Voyagers (ages 9-12) enjoy a wide variety of activities, from experiments to games, and puzzles to themed parties. As a matter of fact, if one of your children is having a birthday, you can coordinate a cool celebration with AO staff, all of whom have degrees in recreation or education!

There are also wonderful programs for babies and tots under the care of highly experienced and trained staff, as well as interactive classes you can take with your little ones. Older kids will gravitate towards the teen-only lounge or teen-only nightclub, and showcasing their skills at karaoke or the the arcade.

CRAVEABLE CREATURE COMFORTS

Because, just like mum and dad, children crave their creature comforts, we go the extra nautical mile (!) to ensure that our food offerings and accommodations hit top marks with young guests.

Located next to the children’s pool, Splashaway Café is an eatery conceived especially for pint-sized epicureans. Here kids can tuck into such classics as chicken tenders, sesame fried chicken and mini hot dogs, or explore Asian entrees like Bao Buns, thought to be the world’s original hamburger!

A restaurant children find especially enchanting (parents too!) is Wonderland Imaginative Cuisine. The fun begins brushing the menu with water to reveal dinner options, and continues as picture-perfect plates are presented – fanciful creations like Baby Vegetables in the Garden with “soil” and “pebbles”. Experience this standout when you book a cruise onboard Quantum of the Seas® or Ovation of the Seas®. .

Although we’ve singled out two eateries popular with little foodies, most restaurants onboard Royal Caribbean either provide children’s menus or, in buffet style services, incorporate a wide array of kid-approved selections.

Accommodations are also a big deal with the little ones and nothing wins more raves than the incredible two-storey Ultimate Family Suite – packing its own game room, movie theatre, in-suite slide, balcony with jacuzzi and much more. But even interior staterooms can offer chill surprises, including virtual balconies with real-time views of the ocean and destinations!

EXCEPTIONALLY EXCITING EXCURSIONS

When planning your 2023 cruise, check out shore excursions . You’ll find such kid-pleasing options as lessons in gladiator combat – part of a tour back in time through the Roman Forum and Colosseum. Or the children can step into Christopher Columbus’ shoes, sailing out of Madeira, Portugal, onboard a magnificent replica of the 15th-century Santa Maria…

Depending on where around the world your cruise takes you, other kid-pleasing excursions include treasure hunts, snorkelling, jet-skiing, paintballing, and many others. If you happen to book a cruise to Cozumel, Mexico, don’t pass up laser tag in the jungle battling Mayan guards amid ancient ruins!

From Adventure Ocean® to the ultimate wow-worthy accommodations, and chill family-bonding experiences to the most thrilling rides at sea, this is kid-friendly sailing at its finest. Welcome to the cruise line voted Best Overall 19 years running by Travel Weekly readers!

Cruise from Sydney on 

Ovation of The Seas

Starting from 

Sail to New Zealand on 

Using the Royal Caribbean Cruise App or Cruise Planner, acquaint yourselves as a family with all the activities and shore excursions available on your holiday. Make a list of everything you’d like to try.

Check age and height requirements for the various experiences you are considering. Nothing is more disappointing to kids than getting excited about a ride only to be turned away as they attempt to get on.

Make reservations asap! Popular activities, programs and restaurants quickly fill up and you don’t want to miss out. Most reservations can be made via the app or Cruise Planner but some, like the baby program, require in-person sign-up. Consider doing so immediately upon boarding.

Written By EVELYN USLAR-PIETRI

Evelyn's passion for exploring the world, combined with her unforgettable travels onboard Royal Caribbean, shine through in her pieces for the cruise line. She also writes for Roar Media--a full-stack marketing agency based in Miami, Florida--as well as other travel and lifestyle-related brands.

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The best 5 family cruises for kids

Tips for travelling families

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•   Top 5 cruises
•   How to prepare
• search   Travel insurance

Planning your family’s highly anticipated annual trip? Cruises for families are now the go-to choice for those in search of excitement, convenience, and fun for all ages.

Family friendly cruise lines are rising to meet demand with comfortable cabins and amenities all families need, from kids clubs and enough on-board entertainment to ensure everyone gets to seize the day in the way that appeals most.

If an image of your family’s seaside odyssey is starting to form in your mind, know that not all cruises are created equal. For a stress-free holiday, choose a cruise that makes things effortlessly enjoyable for you and your kids or teenagers in tow. Here are the best cruises for kids and families from  RACV's cruise line partners .

Top 5 cruises

Disney Cruise Line

Highlight:  Experience all the magic of Disney, at sea. Family accommodation:  Disney family rooms offer room-dividing curtains, bunk beds with twinkle-light constellations and plenty of storage.

Disney’s  fleet of ships are an outstanding option for those travelling with youngsters. You can expect great facilities and never-ending entertainment including kids pools and theatres, themed events and parties all in the name of quality family time, with a touch of Disney of course.

Every vessel has a kids club for kids between 3 to 12, with additional themed play areas like the Marvel Super Hero Academy, Fairytale Hall, and even a mini sound studio. There’s also a nursery for the youngest cruisers ages 6 months to 3 years, at an additional cost.

Tweens and teens aren’t overlooked, with ‘Edge’, a tweens club for ages 11 to 14, and the teen club ‘Vibe’ for cruisers between 14 to 17.

Celebrity Cruises

Best for:  the variety of fun-filled activities for kids. Family accommodation:  well-designed family staterooms provide abundant space and privacy.

Part of the Royal Caribbean brand, Celebrity Cruises is a solid all-inclusive option for families looking for fun and entertainment. Think age-specific kids clubs, activities for both kids and families, and child-minding services available as an extra.

Kids activities range from treasure hunts to ice cream sundae making sessions and karaoke, and there’s even a Fun Factory where kids can play games, watch movies, enjoy arts and crafts arts, and story time.

Meanwhile, Club X is the ultimate hangout for teens, with social activities, gaming consoles, sports, and late-night dances. When the whole family’s together, you can burn energy versing each other in basketball or ping-pong, and can even challenge the pool officers to a game of pool volleyball.

Princess Cruises

Highlight:  Movies Under The Stars® on deck and partnership with Discovery™. Accommodation:  family suites include two interconnecting staterooms and sleep up to eight on select ships.

Princess Cruises  expansive programs, facilities, and accommodation options make them a top choice for families looking for an all-inclusive experience.

With ‘Treehouse’, ‘Lodge’, and ‘Beach House’ kids clubs for ages 3 to 17, alongside large pool decks and poolside cabanas, everyone can spend their high seas adventure exactly how they please. The huge outdoor theatre ‘Movies Under the Stars’ is always a hit, playing poolside features on the top deck after sunset.  

Princess also partners with Discovery, which means kid and teen-friendly spaces on several of its ships feature vibrant and playful decor. What’s more, anyone can partake in fleetwide fun and educational activities born from the partnership. 

Norwegian Cruise Lines

Best for:  fun for the whole family in a casual atmosphere. Family accommodation:  staterooms built for families of us to six, interconnecting staterooms, and suites.

Norwegian Cruise Lines  knows a thing or two about putting kids’ energy to good use. From treasure hunts and circus school to dodgeball and scavenger hunts, the age-specific kids clubs have been creatively imagined for maximum enjoyment.

But the fun doesn’t end there. Most boats boast an excellent aqua park with scream-worthy slides, a bunch of interactive pool games, basketball and tennis courts. There's also everything from game shows to pizza-making classes made for participation from the whole family.

Parents hoping for a little time away from the kids can arrange for a babysitter before clinking glasses at one of the ship’s bars or being pampered in style at the luxurious day spa.

Royal Caribbean

Best for:  educational kids club activities and shows. Family accommodation:  very generous family cabins available with multiple configurations, plus suites and staterooms for bigger families.

From glow-in-the-dark laser tag battles, to the FlowRider® surf simulator, a round of mini golf and next-level shows, being onboard a Royal Caribbean ship makes the journey as bold as the destinations you’ll visit.

The standout kids’ program ‘Adventure ‘Ocean’ goes above and beyond to not only keep kids of all ages entertained, but also teach them something new. Programs feature science labs where experiments take place, theatres where youngsters rehearse before putting on mini-production, plus a variety of classes and games from finger-painting to pool parties.

Royal Caribbean excels at looking after parents too, with group babysitting, in-cabin sitters and childcare drop-off facilities for toddlers. When dining as a family, parents can even organise to have their kids picked up after they've finished eating so they can enjoy the rest of their meal kid-free.

Book your next cruise vacation with  RACV Travel and Experiences

We work closely with trusted cruise lines to get access to the best deals in market. On top of this, as an RACV Member you get extra savings on ocean cruises – the more you spend, the more you save.

Why do I need travel insurance?

Whether you are cruising through the Pacific or exploring Australia’s coastline ,  travel insurance  is an essential part of your family cruise. It protects your possessions on board, provides cancellation cover if the unexpected happens and covers emergency and medical expenses – and we all know kids will be kids. Most importantly though, it gives you peace of mind, so that you can enjoy your trip without worrying about the ‘what ifs’.

Wherever your next cruise adventure takes you, be sure to pack  travel insurance . RACV offers a great range of premium domestic and international travel insurance   policies to suit every family, offering you the security and insurance cover you need wherever you are heading. Discover the  policy that’s right for your next cruise , now.

How to prepare

Before you and your family  set sail  there are a few things you’ll need to take care of:

• Make sure you’ve packed all the essentials including your travel documentation,
• Check out your shore excursions and book if you can,
• Take out  travel insurance , and
• Notify your bank that you’ll be travelling overseas. 

More cruising guides

Solo Cruises Australia: Top Cruises for Solo Travelers

Finding a great solo cruise can be tricky. We’ve rounded up the top cruises for solo travellers including information on their solo supplements.

Packing for cruises

Working out what to take on a cruise can be overwhelming. RACV has put together a simple packing list so you can remember all the essentials. Learn more.

Travel Insurance for Cruise Ships

A cruise can be a once-in-a-lifetime experience, so you want to make the most of it. Give yourself some peace of mind with RACV Travel Insurance for cruises.

The information provided is general advice only. Before making any decisions please consider your own circumstances and the Product Disclosure Statement and Target Market Determinations . For copies, visit racv.com.au. Royal Automobile Club of Victoria (RACV) Ltd AR 001243563 is an authorised representative of the issuer and receives commission for each policy sold or renewed. RACV Travel Insurance issued by Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance Co., Ltd ABN 80 000 438 291 AFSL 246 548. Terms & conditions apply, refer to the PDS.

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