Kid-Friendly Cruise Lines

The contemporary cruise lines – Royal Caribbean, Carnival and Norwegian, have many programs focusing on child entertainment.  Disney Cruise Line, of course, is a niche market focused on families.  Some niche/luxury cruise lines do allow older children, but do not have children's programs, so you must plan accordingly.

CONTEMPORARY CRUISE LINES:

• Royal Caribbean. Ships: Anthem, Harmony, Allure and Oasis of the Seas
• Norwegian Cruise Line. Ships: Norwegian Escape, Breakaway, Getaway and Epic
• Carnival Cruise Line. Ships: Carnival Vista, Breeze, Dream and Magic
• Costa Cruises. part-shark, dolphin and walrus - is the icon for the Squok Club, which is divided into four age groups. Mini Club, for children aged three to six, lays on stories and arts and crafts, while activities in the Maxi Club, ages seven to 10, include treasure hunts, pizza parties, pool games, jogging, aerobics and even Italian language classes.
• MSC – This line caters to families with their Kids Sail Free policy, for children under age 11 staying in a stateroom with two paying adults.

PREMIUM CRUISE LINES

• Holland America Line:  Has Club HAL for children 3-17
• Princess Cruises. Camp Discovery youth and teen clubs focuse on children 3-17.
• Celebrity Cruises.  Complimentary youth and teen programs are designed to keep everyone smiling. Kids can spend their time on board with crafts, toys, video games, music, karaoke and more. Activities are divided into four groups by age. There's the Fun Factory for younger kids plus the X Club, a supervised hangout for tweens and teens.

NICHE CRUISES

• Disney Cruise Line. Just the name Disney will tell you it is all about families.  All of Disney ships are focused on family activities.

LUXURY CRUISE LINES

Regent Seven Seas Cruises

The world’s most all-inclusive luxury line, Regent offers the Club Mariner program, which is split into age groups (5-8, 9-12 and 13-17) on selected departures in Europe. On some of these cruises in 2013, predominantly in the Baltic and Mediterranean, kids can sail for a reduced fare. Seven Seas Voyager and Mariner have among the most expansive pool decks found on luxury ships, with outdoor hot tubs and table tennis.

Crystal Cruises

This award-winning cruise line offers a huge range of family-friendly activities for kids 3 - 17. Kids-only play areas, including Fantasia, host games, crafts, televisions equipped with gaming consoles, and computers, while Waves is like an old-fashioned video arcade. Guests are also able to organize scavenger hunts, cooking classes, fashion shows, trivia, and sports to keep the little ones busy.

Paul Gaugin Cruises

Created in collaboration with Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ocean Futures Society, the Ambassadors of the Environment Youth program introduces kids 9 - 17 to the amazing ecological wonders of French Polynesia and Tahiti. Junior Ambassadors are able to hike through rainforests, investigate ancient Polynesian temples, and explore coral reefs.

Seabourn

A spokesperson said Seabourn attracts families during certain periods, usually on seven-day Med cruises in the northern hemisphere summer. At that time, the line employs youth counsellors to organize ‘mocktail’ parties, scavenger hunts and performances of plays and concerts. The ships also have Wii consoles and board games.

Silversea

Although it is does not have any kids clubs or child care staff, a spokesperson said Silversea welcomes families and it is becoming “quite common” for multi-generational groups to cruise together.

RIVER CRUISE LINES - tend to be less friendly than ocean, especially with young children.  There are no children's facilities or programs for their entertainment. 

AMA Waterways.  River Cruises with Adventures by Disney on the Danube and Rhine Rivers. Minimum age is 6, suggested age is 8+.

Uniworld Boutique*
The minimum age requirement for Uniworld’s river cruises is 4 years old; however, the recommended age is 8 or older. The company features a few multigenerational cruises throughout the year. Children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult 21 or older at all times. Uniworld offers a few Multigenerational river cruises during summer and winter school vacations. Packages are available for 3 itineraries: 1) Castles Along the Rhine; 2) Paris & Normandy; and 3) Classic Christmas Markets.

• Discounted Fares for Children: Yes, 50%
• Special Programs: Yes, special onboard and onshore activities are planned to cater to parents and grandparents traveling with young people.
• Facilities for Children: Yes

Tauck*

Tauck Bridges’ itineraries are recommended for children who are at least 3 years old. All shore excursions have a minimum age rating assigned to them. Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian during all Tauck journeys for young travelers.

There are 3 Tauck Bridges’ packages available: 1) Castles on the Rhine: Family Riverboat Adventure; 2) Blue Danube: Family Riverboat Adventure; and 3) Bon Voyage! France Family River Cruise.

Discounted Fares for Children: No

Special Programs or Facilities for Children: Yes for Tauck Bridges’ cruises. No for children’s facilities onboard the ship.

Viking River Cruises

The minimum age requirement for Viking River Cruises is 12 years old. Children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult who is over the age of 21. The company states that it reserves the right to limit the number of passengers who are younger than 18 years old.

• Discounted Fares for Children: No
• Special Programs or Facilities for Children: No

Avalon Waterways

Children must be at least 8 years old to travel with Avalon Waterways. Children under the age of 18 must be supervised at all times by an adult who is at least 21 years old.

• Discounted Fares for Children: No
• Special Programs or Facilities for Children: No

American Queen Steamboat Company

American Queen Steamboat Company will allow children as young as 6 months old; however, the company does not provide a crib or sleep accommodations for young travelers.

• Discounted Fares for Children: No
• Special Programs or Facilities for Children: No

*Offer a few family-friendly river cruises during the summer and winter school vacations.

Contact Travel, Tour & Cruises to plan your dream vacation.