USA TODAY 10Best
10 best cruise lines that offer fun and adventure for the whole family
Best Cruise Line for Families (2024)
Thanks to their excellent travel value, more and more families are turning to cruising when planning their vacations. These 10 cruise lines — voted by readers and chosen as the best in the industry by our panel of cruising experts — cater to young passengers in many ways, including family-friendly at-sea experiences (bumper cars, bowling, and water parks, to name a few), family cabins, and kid-approved dining options.
- Quasar Expeditions
- Norwegian Cruise Line
- Royal Caribbean International
- Disney Cruise Line
- Princess Cruises
- Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic
- Holland America Line
- Margaritaville at Sea
- Carnival Cruise Line
- Adventure Canada
Photo courtesy of Quasar Expeditions
No. 10:
The 16-guest yacht Grace and the 32-passenger Evolution offer the kind of personalized Galapagos experience you'd expect from a small luxury cruise, and that includes family-friendly guides who will introduce kids to the unique flora and fauna that helped inspire Charles Darwin's pioneering work on evolution. Activities that will build lifetime memories include swims with sea turtles, sharing beaches with seals, and add-on family safaris to Patagonia.
Photo courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line
No. 9:
Adults who want to build some "me time" into their family vacation will appreciate Norwegian's special kids programs, while a wide range of on- and off-ship activities guarantee plenty of bonding opportunities, too. Norwegian's "freestyle" cruising concept includes activities like a go-kart racing track on deck, the ThrillPlex activity zones on Breakaway Plus and Breakaway class ships, water parks, climbing walls, and exclusive family accommodations in The Haven.
Photo courtesy of Imgorthand / E+ Getty Images
No. 8:
Royal Caribbean International has a full fleet of ships that are dedicated to family fun. With water parks, swimming pools, tons of entertainment, and family-friendly dining that will suit even the pickiest of eaters, these vessels are made for family vacations. And you can trek around the globe with sailings far beyond the company's tropical home waters to destinations in Alaska, Asia, North America, and the South Pacific.
Photo courtesy of ozgurcankaya / E+ Getty Images
No. 7:
A family cruise with Disney is kind of a no-brainer, and a trip with Disney Cruise Line offers much more than meetings with Mickey and Minnie (though character encounters are definitely in the mix). Onboard activities include waterslides and kids clubs, plus a taste of the Magic Kingdom with live Disney shows and fireworks at sea. Films like "Frozen" and "Star Wars" provide inspiration for unique dining experiences, and Caribbean itineraries include a stop at the Castaway Cay private island with its family beach, snorkeling lagoon, water park, and other sunny activities.
Photo courtesy of Princess Cruises
No. 6:
Cruising with a big family? The interconnecting Family Suites onboard Princess Cruises ships can accommodate up to eight, and in-room amenities include full-size bathtubs. You can also request fresh pureed baby food in restaurants. Camp Discovery features kids clubs for ages 3-7 and 8-12, while teens get their own beach house to hang out in. Discovery at SEA educational programs like stargazing and Shark Week activities are popular with all ages, and kids and adults alike will enjoy a culinary journey as onboard restaurants highlight food from every destination visited.
Photo courtesy of David Vargas, Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic
No. 5:
Partnering with National Geographic, Lindblad Expeditions mounts family-centric trips to destinations like the Galapagos and Alaska, taking its small ships to places big cruise lines dare not venture and transferring to small Zodiac inflatables to get parents and kids even closer to exotic wildlife, glaciers, and other natural wonders. Cross-country skiing in Antarctica, visiting sea lion colonies, and spotting bears and bald eagles are among the guided outings that will earn bragging rights back home.
Photo courtesy of Holland America Line
No. 4:
The premium experience aboard Holland America Line's mid-sized cruise ships includes programs for kids ages 3-17, with activities like pirate treasure hunts for the little ones, theme parties for 'tweens, and teen-friendly activities like gaming tournaments and poker nights. Family-friendly excursions range from whale watching and kayaking to glaciers to zip lining and encounters with penguins and green monkeys.
Photo courtesy of Margaritaville at Sea
No. 3:
The "booze in the blender" may be for adults only, but Margaritaville at Sea is first and foremost about lighthearted fun, and that includes guests of all ages. Of course, there's plenty of Caribbean-themed live music in the onboard entertainment mix, but also game shows, karaoke, kids clubs, theater shows, and a Cheeseburger in Paradise Burger Bar. Passengers can also enjoy stingray encounters and dolphin swims on two- and three-night cruises to Grand Bahama Island.
Photo courtesy of Carnival Cruise Line
No. 2:
Cabins accommodating up to five guests (plus connecting rooms for even more space), 24-hour room service, kid-friendly dining options like burger joints and Mexican restaurants, and kids clubs catering to toddlers, 'tweens, and teens makes Carnival a great choice for a family cruise trip. And that's not even mentioning the ever-expanding range of onboard entertainment options aboard these "Fun Ships," including water parks, game rooms, ropes courses, and a deck-circling SkyRide.
Photo courtesy of Steve Rose
No. 1:
If your intent is to offer your kids the experience of a lifetime, look no further than Adventure Canada, which cruises to the vast wonders of the north with a mix of sailing yachts and ice-defying exploration vessels. Expert-led excursions introduce young travelers to everything from archaeology and botany to the science of glaciers through interpretive hikes, photography outings, and other unique programs.
About 10Best Readers' Choice Awards
Nominees are submitted by a panel of experts. 10Best editors narrow the field to select the final set of nominees for the Readers’ Choice Awards. Readers can vote once per category, per day. For any questions or comments, please read the FAQ or email USA TODAY 10Best.
The Experts
Ben Souza
Ben Souza is a world traveler who has visited 40+... Read More
Ben Souza is a world traveler who has visited 40+ countries, taken over 70
cruises, and flown nearly one million miles. He serves as the editor of
Cruise Fever.
Ben Souza
Ben Souza is a world traveler who has visited 40+ countries, taken over 70
cruises, and flown nearly one million miles. He serves as the editor of
Cruise Fever.
Doug Parker
Doug Parker is the creator and executive producer... Read More
Doug Parker is the creator and executive producer of Cruise Radio, a weekly podcast that shares cruise reviews and other cruise news.
Doug Parker
Doug Parker is the creator and executive producer of Cruise Radio, a weekly podcast that shares cruise reviews and other cruise news.
Ilana Schattauer
Ilana Schattauer is a cruise travel expert behind
Ilana Schattauer is a cruise travel expert behind Life Well Cruised, a popular website and YouTube channel that provides valuable insights into the world of cruising. As a seasoned writer and content creator, she shares valuable cruise tips and travel guides. Her platform is dedicated to sharing cruise advice, destination tips and firsthand experiences to help travelers plan their cruises with ease.
Ilana Schattauer
Ilana Schattauer is a cruise travel expert behind Life Well Cruised, a popular website and YouTube channel that provides valuable insights into the world of cruising. As a seasoned writer and content creator, she shares valuable cruise tips and travel guides. Her platform is dedicated to sharing cruise advice, destination tips and firsthand experiences to help travelers plan their cruises with ease.
Jason Leppert
Jason Leppert is a San Diego-based cruising expert... Read More
Jason Leppert is a San Diego-based cruising expert with more than 140 sailings under his belt and a fresh, millennial perspective on the industry. He has been cruising since before he was two years old, thanks to his parents' shared passion for traveling and their desire to experience all journeys together as a family. Now, he regularly sails and writes "he said, she said" cruise columns with his wife Heidi. He is the founding editor of Popular Cruising, producer of the successful Popular Cruising YouTube channel and Cruise Editor for TravelAge West.
Jason Leppert
Jason Leppert is a San Diego-based cruising expert with more than 140 sailings under his belt and a fresh, millennial perspective on the industry. He has been cruising since before he was two years old, thanks to his parents' shared passion for traveling and their desire to experience all journeys together as a family. Now, he regularly sails and writes "he said, she said" cruise columns with his wife Heidi. He is the founding editor of Popular Cruising, producer of the successful Popular Cruising YouTube channel and Cruise Editor for TravelAge West.
John Shallo
John Shallo is the founder and editor of Cruise... Read More
John Shallo is the founder and editor of Cruise Addicts, a premier online community for cruise travelers. His love for cruising began after his first cruise in 1989. He later established Cruise Addicts in 1999 to share his passion for cruise travel with others, and it has become an award-winning destination for self-professed Cruise Addicts looking for the latest cruise industry news, forums, ship reviews, and travel tips. You can find him on the web and social media, sharing his latest cruise ship review, video, travel tips, and port guides. He hopes to continue sharing his experiences and inspiring others to enjoy cruise travel to its fullest.
John Shallo
John Shallo is the founder and editor of Cruise Addicts, a premier online community for cruise travelers. His love for cruising began after his first cruise in 1989. He later established Cruise Addicts in 1999 to share his passion for cruise travel with others, and it has become an award-winning destination for self-professed Cruise Addicts looking for the latest cruise industry news, forums, ship reviews, and travel tips. You can find him on the web and social media, sharing his latest cruise ship review, video, travel tips, and port guides. He hopes to continue sharing his experiences and inspiring others to enjoy cruise travel to its fullest.
Ming Tappin
Residing in New Brunswick, Canada, Ming has been... Read More
Residing in New Brunswick, Canada, Ming has been in the cruise industry since 1994. Ming spent over 20 years in the retail travel sector, working with travel agencies in marketing initiatives, cruise training, and promoting cruise vacations to their clients. In 2015, Ming created Your Cruise Coach and transitioned into travel writing, preaching the merits of cruising via her partnerships with Canadian and American travel trade publications as well as consumer media outlets. An avid cruiser since 1991, Ming has sailed on over 70 cruises and has experienced over 25 ocean, river, and expedition cruise lines combined.
Ming Tappin
Residing in New Brunswick, Canada, Ming has been in the cruise industry since 1994. Ming spent over 20 years in the retail travel sector, working with travel agencies in marketing initiatives, cruise training, and promoting cruise vacations to their clients. In 2015, Ming created Your Cruise Coach and transitioned into travel writing, preaching the merits of cruising via her partnerships with Canadian and American travel trade publications as well as consumer media outlets. An avid cruiser since 1991, Ming has sailed on over 70 cruises and has experienced over 25 ocean, river, and expedition cruise lines combined.
Nathan Diller
Nathan Diller covers cruises and travel news for Read More
Nathan Diller covers cruises and travel news for USA TODAY. His work has also appeared in the Washington Post's travel vertical, By The Way, DCist and elsewhere. He is a graduate of Columbia Journalism School. He can be found on X and Threads.
Paul Thornton
Paul’s just completed book, The Joy of Cruising... Read More
Paul’s just completed book, The Joy of Cruising Again, is his fourth and follow-up to the fun, upbeat, award-winning Amazon bestseller The Joy of Cruising, and Cruising Interrupted. The books are anthologies of passionate cruisers with fascinating stories and have included a TV star, Grammy winners/nominees, a Poker Hall of Famer, entrepreneurs, and global cruise personalities, but mostly “ordinary” cruisers with extraordinary stories. Readers can learn more about The Joy of Cruising trilogy here. Besides continuing to cruise as much as possible, Paul hosts The Joy of Cruising Podcast, a weekly conversation with one of the dozens of passionate cruisers featured in the books as well as other global cruise personalities. Paul is originally from Brooklyn and Long Island, New York. After serving in the US Army and simultaneously earning a bachelor's degree in business, he attained his MBA and then spent concurrently, 17 years in corporate management, and 23 years in small business ownership. After leaving corporate, he started a career in higher ed. He earned a doctorate, attained tenure as a business professor, and subsequently moved into administration in Dean or Executive Director positions before retiring in 2021. Paul lives in Mooresville, North Carolina with his wife Cheryl and considers cruising with their children and grandchildren life’s ultimate escape. Paul longs to cruise as much as the people he writes about in The Joy of Cruising Trilogy.
Paul Thornton
Paul’s just completed book, The Joy of Cruising Again, is his fourth and follow-up to the fun, upbeat, award-winning Amazon bestseller The Joy of Cruising, and Cruising Interrupted. The books are anthologies of passionate cruisers with fascinating stories and have included a TV star, Grammy winners/nominees, a Poker Hall of Famer, entrepreneurs, and global cruise personalities, but mostly “ordinary” cruisers with extraordinary stories. Readers can learn more about The Joy of Cruising trilogy here. Besides continuing to cruise as much as possible, Paul hosts The Joy of Cruising Podcast, a weekly conversation with one of the dozens of passionate cruisers featured in the books as well as other global cruise personalities. Paul is originally from Brooklyn and Long Island, New York. After serving in the US Army and simultaneously earning a bachelor's degree in business, he attained his MBA and then spent concurrently, 17 years in corporate management, and 23 years in small business ownership. After leaving corporate, he started a career in higher ed. He earned a doctorate, attained tenure as a business professor, and subsequently moved into administration in Dean or Executive Director positions before retiring in 2021. Paul lives in Mooresville, North Carolina with his wife Cheryl and considers cruising with their children and grandchildren life’s ultimate escape. Paul longs to cruise as much as the people he writes about in The Joy of Cruising Trilogy.
Sarah Christie and Donna Christie of Cruising Kids UK
Sarah Christie and Donna Vallance are experienced... Read More
Sarah Christie and Donna Vallance are experienced cruise and travel writers and cruise enthusiasts specializing in cruising. They have a passion for exploring new destinations and have dedicated themselves to sharing their knowledge and insights with fellow travelers. They provide valuable information, tips, and recommendations for all cruisers. They strive to make cruising accessible and enjoyable for everyone, regardless of their interests, budgets, or accessibility needs. Their articles and reviews are well-researched, comprehensive, and written to help readers make informed decisions and have unforgettable cruise adventures. Find them over at Cruising For All.
Sarah Christie and Donna Christie of Cruising Kids UK
Sarah Christie and Donna Vallance are experienced cruise and travel writers and cruise enthusiasts specializing in cruising. They have a passion for exploring new destinations and have dedicated themselves to sharing their knowledge and insights with fellow travelers. They provide valuable information, tips, and recommendations for all cruisers. They strive to make cruising accessible and enjoyable for everyone, regardless of their interests, budgets, or accessibility needs. Their articles and reviews are well-researched, comprehensive, and written to help readers make informed decisions and have unforgettable cruise adventures. Find them over at Cruising For All.
Sherry Laskin
Sherry hasn’t set foot on an airplane in more than... Read More
Sherry hasn’t set foot on an airplane in more than 25 years. Instead, she relies on cruise ships, river ships, trains and road trips to travel the world. In that time, she’s been on more cruises than she can count and includes her solo cruise and travel adventures on her website, CruiseMaven.com. Her articles have been published in major newspapers and magazines - in print and online. During a year and a half of living in Alaska, Sherry has cruised and spent time at every port in the Last Frontier except for Nome. She’s become an avid transatlantic cruiser since 2005, as that is the only way for her to get to Europe without flying. Sherry hopes to inspire and encourage her readers to travel slow and travel solo, experience new cuisines and cultures.
Sherry Laskin
Sherry hasn’t set foot on an airplane in more than 25 years. Instead, she relies on cruise ships, river ships, trains and road trips to travel the world. In that time, she’s been on more cruises than she can count and includes her solo cruise and travel adventures on her website, CruiseMaven.com. Her articles have been published in major newspapers and magazines - in print and online. During a year and a half of living in Alaska, Sherry has cruised and spent time at every port in the Last Frontier except for Nome. She’s become an avid transatlantic cruiser since 2005, as that is the only way for her to get to Europe without flying. Sherry hopes to inspire and encourage her readers to travel slow and travel solo, experience new cuisines and cultures.
10Best Editors
USA TODAY 10Best provides users with original,... Read More
USA TODAY 10Best provides users with original, unbiased and experiential travel coverage of top attractions, things to see and do, and restaurants for top destinations in the U.S. and around the world.
10Best Editors
USA TODAY 10Best provides users with original, unbiased and experiential travel coverage of top attractions, things to see and do, and restaurants for top destinations in the U.S. and around the world.
