Take a Multigenerational Cruise in 2025
Maybe you have never taken a cruise. Maybe you cruise every year. Maybe your in-laws want to celebrate a special anniversary on a cruise ship. Maybe you are itching to visit somewhere new abroad on a river cruise or have an unforgettable adventure on an expedition cruise. Whatever your style and make up of your family, there’s a cruise out there for you.
Ready to say Bon Voyage? It’s time for our annual Taking The Kids Family Cruise Guide.
Cruise holidays especially appeal now to multigenerational travelers, according to the Cruise Line International Association’s newest State of the Cruise Industry Report. More than 30% of cruising families are traveling with at least two generations and 28% of cruise with three to five generations. We have seen that trend on mega ships, river cruises and adventure-oriented yachts and most recently, on a Hurtigruten ship chasing the Northern Lights in Norway.
It’s easy to see the appeal. You are paying one price for lodging, entertainment, and food (though specialty restaurants may be extra). Grandparents love that there are activities for all ages. Parents love the supervised kids and teen programs and activities designed for families to do together (think family game shows on board and some family-specific excursions). There are increasing numbers of solo and accessible cabins as well as activities for those with special challenges. Kids can try all varieties of food at no extra cost.
FUN FACT: 82 per cent of those who have cruised plan to cruise again.
FAIR WARNING: Don’t Sail Without Travel Insurance: From missed ports to onboard medical emergencies, their cruise insurance has got you covered. Don’t wait until it’s too late. You can compare policies (some insure kids free) at squaremouth.com or insuremytrip.com.
TIP: There’s no better time to book than WAVE season, which lasts from January through o March each year. with upgrades, included amenities and kids free deals. Be sure to follow your favorite lines on social media and join their loyalty programs to get extra perks on board.
This is also the time to work with a travel advisor, particularly one who is a cruise expert. They can help you find the best deals and the best ship for your family. And especially if you are putting together a family reunion trip, you won’t be on the hook if there are any snafus.
Cruises to The Caribbean or Alaska or The Med or for a Great Family Reunion
The Caribbean or Mexico? Alaska or the Mediterranean? Maybe you’re dreaming about a cruise with kids on an expedition trip to the Galapagos Islands, Japan or even Antarctica?
There are more choices than ever, from mega ships like Royal Caribbean’s Ikon of the Seas, the largest ship currently at sea with 5,610 passengers and 2,350 crew , to expedition ships like the one we cruised on an Abercrombie & Kent trip in the Arctic, sailing yachts that you can charter just for your family and river cruises, some offering special itineraries designed for families.
According to the Cruise Line International Association, traveler interest in booking an expedition cruise is higher than ever with the number of passengers Expedition and exploration are the fastest-growing sectors of cruise tourism, with a 71% increase in passengers traveling on expedition itineraries from 2019 to 2023. (Read about our family expedition cruise to Antarctica.)
The average age of cruisers is 46, with 36 per cent under the age of 40, making millennials the most enthusiastic cruise travelers of the future. Accessibility is key for many cruisers, with 45 per cent booking an accessible shore excursion.
Choose among new cruise itineraries with a focus on cultural and culinary experiences. Some mega ships have new programming for kids (even toddlers) and teens and are investing in private islands and beach clubs. Choose an itinerary that lets you cruise for a few days or a few weeks. If you are traveling without kids or with grown kids, choose a ship that doesn’t cater to families like Virgin Voyages (no one under 18!) Windstar is known for its sailing yachts or river cruises with a focus on wine or culinary.
Cruise Companies Increasingly Make Sustainable, Safe Cruising with Kids Possible
State of the art sustainability efforts aboard ship not only help the planet. They can teach kids and adults alike how to be better stewards of the environment. Cruise lines are increasingly offering environmental education and sustainable tour experiences as they highlight their environmental advances and efforts.
Up to 90 percent of fresh water is produced by scientific means, on board and at sea. Specialty designed hulls, propellers and noise suppression devices help reduce underwater noise. Some ships can repurpose 100 per cent of waste and they work to protect marine life.
Increasingly, food is locally sourced, supporting local business. More ships can plug-in while in port, greatly reducing emissions. CLIA claims that 60% of ships scheduled to debut by 2028 will rely on LNG fuel, the cleanest available.
Additionally, many of the public health protocols put into place during the pandemic not only help cruisers stay healthy but enhance the experience. You will see more complimentary restaurant options (more seating spreads out to the crowds.) Enjoy more outdoor space, more servers at buffets, more individual servings at meals and more shore excursions offered for smaller groups.
Carnival Cruise Line, with the most domestic ports, notes that half of Americans live within a five-hour drive of a port. That’s an easy way to save on airfare and avoid the aggravation of flying. It also cuts down on carbon emissions when your family doesn’t have to fly to a port of embarkation.
More immersive experiences are Trending for Cruises with Kids
As cruisers seek more immersive programming, cruise lines are responding with longer shore stays and shore excursions. Go to the local produce market and shop for supper with a Regent Seven Seas chef. Take a Greek cooking class with a local in Mykonos, as we did on a Celebrity shore excursion.
Princess Cruises and Holland America Line have added more immersive programming and a focus on locally sourced food, especially in Alaska.
River Cruises Are Increasingly Popular for Cruising with Kids
Younger families have discovered the serenity of slow travel on rivers. You can explore ports of call and local culture deeper with your loved ones. River cruise ships are small enough for kids to wander on their own, ideal with teens. Some river cruise lines including CroisiEurope, Uniworld, and AMA Waterways (in partnership with Adventures by Disney and Backroads), offer family specific itineraries. These itineraries offer special family shore activities. (Taking The Kids did a Backroads bike trip in Europe using the AMA ship as a floating hotel and restaurant.)
A Different Kind of Multigenerational Cruise
Le Boat offers unique boating holidays in Europe and Canada’s inland waterways, operating in 9 countries and 17 different regions. The Canal du Midi in France is the most popular destination, treating families to medieval towns, wine-tasting adventures, and the enchanting walled city of Carcassonne. In Canada, the Rideau Canal offers a safe and scenic journey with plenty of water sports and fishing. On the River Thames, picturesque parks, and attractions like Thorpe Park and Legoland. Get 30% off savings for May departures during the March Flash Sale; enjoy up to 20% off June to October departures for 7+ nights and 10% off short breaks (3-6+ nights).
Bucket List Expeditionary Cruises Are Coming Down in Price
Cruise companies are also touting bucket list trips to places like Antarctica, Australia, and the Galapagos. Disney Cruise Line and Abercrombie & Kent even have a Family Expedition cruise with kids to each destination. Seabourn has expedition ships for the well-heeled traveler without kids. While expensive, the competition is starting to drive prices down for some of these once, only-for-the-superrich adventures.
Quasar Expeditions offers specific family cruises on small yachts with special discounts for kids, child-friendly menus and guides who make every activity an adventure for all ages. For those with older and grown kids who prefer more intimate settings, UnCruise offers nature and wilderness-oriented experiences on small boats. In some cases, you can charter one just for your family. These days, you can even charter your own yacht for an expedition from a company like Adventure Smith Expeditions.
More Hacks, Tip & Tricks for Picking the Best Cruise for Your Family
With so many cruise-with-kids choices, it’s tough to choose the right cruise line or ship. It gets even more difficult if you are trying to plan a family reunion when family members have such different travel styles.
Especially if you are a cruise newbie, work with a travel advisor who is a cruise expert. That way, you won’t get blamed for anything that goes wrong.
Savings Tips: There’s no better time to book than WAVE season, which lasts from January to March each year. Discover some of the best deals (and perks) of the year on sites like CruiseCritic.com. Search the web and be sure to follow your favorite lines on social media for flash sales. Join cruise line loyalty programs to get extra perks on board.
Latest News from the Cruise Lines for 2025
Start your search by reading on through our guide to the top cruises with kids, researched in conjunction with our partners at Family Travel Forum.
What’s New: Carnival’s newest ship, Carnival Jubilee, which is sailing from Galveston, Texas year-round is offering a new rotation of itineraries for 2026. Jubilee features many of the favorites on her sister ships Mardi Gras and Carnival Celebration, such as the top-deck rollercoaster BOLT. The ship also pays homage to the ocean by featuring two immersive zones. The Currents zone uses technology to “transport” guests underwater through LED “Ports to the Sea.” The Shores zone honors the ways the ocean is enjoyed from land by creating a boardwalk atmosphere.
Carnival offers supervised programming for kids starting at age two and a Turtles program for the toddler set as well as plenty of organized activities for tweens and teens.
The fleet’s 16 ships, including the newest, Celebrity Ascent, are known for their sophisticated cuisine, upscale ambience, destination-focused itineraries, and personalized service. Families enjoy cruising Celebrity because of its contemporary, more premium luxurious feel compared to its sister Royal Caribbean ships. Celebrity Cruises has just launched its industry-first initiative, “Dream Makers,” inviting travelers worldwide to help design their perfect vacation onboard their newest ship, Celebrity Xcel, set to debut later in 20025.. Through online polls and experiential in-person events, these key decisions will influence many elements including the ship’s seven yet-to-be-revealed experiences.
Celebrity also offers Autism-Friendly cruises providing a welcoming environment where kids can enjoy sensory-friendly films, toys, and dietary menu options.
This is Europe’s largest and oldest river cruise company operating more than 50 river and small ship cruises, including river ships throughout Europe, canal barges in France, Mediterranean cruises, and cruises around the world. International experience with a French Flair means service and food are excellent. There’s a friendly, multilingual staff. Shore excursions (included in rates) emphasize expert guided tours of local arts, history, and cultural experiences. CroisiEurope, while still lesser known to Americans, is very popular among European families.
What’s New: Croisi Europe River Cruises has special multigenerational deals that offer 20 per cent off for the 2nd generation and a free cruise for the third generation up to age 16. A selection of special excursions has been developed for the CroisiFamily summer cruises and solo supplements have been waved for adults sharing a room with a child cruising free. The pricing is combinable with Special Family Club Cruises with CroisiFamily itineraries that operate during the summer months. Family Club Cruises with kids will sail in Portugal, Italy, Spain, France, Germany, and Croatia, where children 16 and under travel free or at a 30% discount. Family and friends’ groups may enjoy the privacy of one of their modern, crewed barges which ply the canals through the gorgeous French countryside and there are new active itineraries including hiking and on smaller ships in Africa and Southeast Asia… You can see more in our review of a CroisiEurope cruise.
CroisiEurope is the global leader in river cruise ship building, so their vessels are extremely comfortable and able to navigate in unusual waters. There’s always a main restaurant, bar, lounges, library, and roof deck space for sightseeing. Some ships have small roof deck pools. Each ship is unique and designed for the smallest harbors at the destination, with easy access that’s ideal for family elders. Don’t expect constant activities or kids’ clubs outside of Family Club Cruises, because the focus is on the destinations and local culture. This year, CroisiEurope is celebrating three big anniversaries, 30 years on the Rhone and Saone , 25 years cruising Venice , and 10 years on the Loire with special offers.
CUNARD LINE
Cunard continues the tradition of luxury cruising that began in 1840, a tradition complete with fencing and dance classes on ships names for British Queens. It is the only line offering regularly scheduled transatlantic service between New York and Southampton, England on flagship Queen Mary 2, including the only kennel at sea with a full-time Kennel Master.
What’s New: Cunard’s newest ship, Queen Anne, is embarking on a maiden World Voyage but you can join for just a few nights.
The Night Nursery is available for children ages 6-23 months from 6pm-11pm. It is free of charge on a first come, first served basis.
Kids ages 2-7 are invited to the Play Zone, an area stocked with books, toys, puzzles, computer games, and more. Tots ages 6 months to 2 years are welcome with a parent in the Play Zone. The Kids Zone is for ages 8-12 and features gaming consoles, sports competitions, arts ‘crafts and karaoke.
Disney leads in creative kids’ programming and activities, from character experiences, larger-than-life youth clubs, pools, aqua play areas and waterslides to themed deck parties that culminate with dance parties and fireworks at sea. Cruise Critic has repeatedly named Disney Cruise Line the “Best for Families.”
What’s New: The Disney Treasure, which set sail on its maiden voyage in December 2024, and the Disney Destiny (setting sail in Nov. 2025), calls upon Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and Disney Parks attractions to offer new and guest-favorite experiences. These include Broadway-style retelling of “Moana;” immersive dining experiences inspired by Pixar’s “Coco” and Marvel Super Heroes; a splashtacular Mickey Mouse-themed water attraction; fireworks at sea; and an all-new collection of Disney Parks-inspired lounges for adults, including the first-ever inspired by the Haunted Mansion.
Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point, is Disney Cruise Line’s newest destination on the island of Eleuthera, The Bahamas.
Children ages 6 months to 3 years (or from 1 to 3-years-old on Transatlantic and Panama Canal itineraries) are welcome at “it’s a small world” nursery, where they’ll be cared for by trained counselors. Nursery space is limited, and reservations are required.
Disney’s Oceaneer Club is t Open to kids ages 3-12: The 11 to 14-year-olds have their own Edge club as do teens 14-17.
This line now carries more than 20,000 kids and their families every year, including many multi-generational groups. Passengers applaud HAL’s diverse itineraries and its mid-sized ships.
What’s New: Holland America Line has announced a $70M Multi-Year Expansion to Enhance Denali Lodge and Alaska Cruisetour. With more opportunities for glacier viewing and more ways to see Alaska’s wildlife than other cruise lines. Each itinerary includes a scenic ride on the luxury glass-domed McKinley Explorer train, and select itineraries visit Dawson and rides through the historic White Pass and Yukon Route Railroad from Skagway.
Holland America welcomes infants 6 months and older (12 months on Transocean sailings). By advance request through the Service Department, guests may arrange commercial baby food, diapers, and refrigerators for a nominal fee. A limited number of highchairs, booster seats and cribs are available at no charge. The Kids Club provides supervised activities for kids ages 3-12. Children with special needs are invited to attend Club HAL activities under the supervision of a trained staff. There are separate activities and spaces for tweens and teens.
HURTIGRUTEN
Hurtigruten has operated its Coastal Express among Norway’s fjords, often described as “the most beautiful journey in the world,” since 1893. More like a ferry than other cruises, it stops at 34 ports with thrilling views. Don’t expect dedicated kids’ clubs or activities. This is a journey for travelers, explorers, and fans of “Frozen.”
Hurtigruten launched premium offerings, the Svalbard Express (summer season) and the North Cape Express (winter season) on the refurbished and award-winning MS Trollfjord. Read our travel diaries about chasing the Northern Lights aboard the Trollfjord.) The latter itineraries visit fewer ports with longer stays. They sail under the Auroral Zone, and, in this season of heightened solar activity, their Northern Lights Promise guarantees a free trip if the lights don’t appear on certain Aurora cruises. Additionally, on many trips, children ages 2-15 take 50% off fees when sharing a cabin with two adults. For the first time, HX Expeditions (formerly Hurtigruten Expeditions) is launching the first-ever cruises from New York to Greenland, with flights roundtrip from Newark starting July 21. This is the only expedition cruise itinerary designed and managed by Greenlanders.
There also is decided focus on locally sourced foods “from fjord or field to fork” with explanations in each menu at Flora, the main restaurant where menus change daily. There is an extensive (included) wine list and Coastal Kitchen cooking demonstrations. Suite guests can have all their meals at Rost, the fine-dining restaurant which boasts five-course dinner menus. Also popular is Brasserie Arran, a bow to the indigenous Sami people. Dine on Sami reindeer stew, for example, or dry aged steaks and halibut.
MSC CRUISES
MSC Cruises offers innovative design, glamorous public spaces, international cuisine, nightlife, and terrific kids’ clubs for ages 3-17 — all with a European flair. The line, known for its value pricing and last-minute cruise bargains, is very popular with European families. That’s why US itineraries sailing from Port Canaveral, New York and Miami to the Caribbean and Mexico feel so multicultural.
What’s New: MSC World America will began sailing this spring., the sister ship to MSC World Europa. The Miami based ship will be powered by liquefied natural gas, will have seven different zones geared to American travelers, including the line’s Yacht Club with aa butler, private lounge, and dining area, the largest in MSC’s Caribbean fleet. Family Aventura, on the top deck includes The Harbor, an outdoor park complete with ropes course and Aquapark as well as a playground, bumper cars, roller rink, rock climbing and Cliffhanger, an over the water swing 160 feet up! Take your pick of 19 dining venues including a steakhouse, Mexican Cantina, and sushi and teppanyaki as well as the new Eataly and Paxos for Greek cuisine.
World America will also feature a Lego Parade, Lego Game Show, and an entire Lego Family Zone. Teens will enjoy the new high-tech virtual reality experience while junior foodies can compete at MasterChef at Sea Juniors.
The line invites kids on 19 ships departing from several global homeports. Known for its world-class dining, stellar onboard entertainment, and array of family-friendly activities, including the first racetracks at sea, the cruise line offers something for everyone. Norwegian is perfect for families because accommodation options include connecting staterooms and multi-bedroom Haven suites.
What’s New: Norwegian’s newest ship, Norwegian Aqua, will set sail this spring, the third ship in the Prima Class and 10 per cent larger than its sister ship. There will be an all-new Aqua Slidecoaster, a hybrid water slide and rollercoaster, a greater variety of suites, more outdoor deck space, and a digital sports complex with an LED floor.
There are parent-child activities for the youngest cruisers, Splash Academy for those 3—12 and a dedicated space for Entourage, NCL’s teen program, which offers them a place to hang out and participate in age-appropriate activities.
What’s New: Star Princess, the sister ship of Sun Princess which set sail last year, will debut in fall, 2025 with the most balconies and sundecks on any Princess ship. The 4,300-guest ship will feature the first geodesic dome at sea with a pool during the day and a stage for acrobatic performances at night, and The Sphere, a glass-enclosed plaza at the heart of the ship. There will be a new SkyDeck sports Court & Track complete with splash pad, as many as 30 restaurant and bar venues, including Spellbound by Magic Castle which features magicians and mixologists. , blending magic with the art of mica host of additional amenities in the Sanctuary Collection, including exclusive private dining and relaxing areas, expanded popular dining spots
Firefly Park on Sun Princess will invite families with babies and toddlers, ages 6 months to t3, to crawl and engage their senses with a dedicated play area. Princess Youth Programs start at age 3 with The Treehouse, a bright, whimsical forest and animal-themed center. The Lodge for 8- to 12-year-olds is inspired by the great outdoors. In collaboration with Discovery, Princess expanded its Discovery at SEA partnership with re-imagined youth centers called Camp Discovery. Additionally, there are cultural activities related to the Caribbean and Alaska. The Beach House offers ages 13-17 a contemporary surf-themed lounge.
REGENT SEVEN SEAS
Regent Seven Seas is known for small ships, attentive service, food, and amenities. Everything is included — even shore excursions. That’s why the upscale line is a favorite of grandparents who are treating their families to a trip, particularly a bucket list trip in Alaska. We enjoyed a transatlantic cruise on Regent’s newest ship, Grandeur where there is food for every taste, there is an expansive spa and fitness center, engaging workshops and talks and more.
Everyone knows Royal Caribbean cruises for their high-energy TV commercials featuring FlowRider surf simulators, iFly Parachute machines, ball courts and other unique – and fun — high seas recreational facilities.
WHAT’s NEW: The line’s newest ship, Star of the Seas, will arrive this summer with room for 5,610 guests, more than a dozen complimentary dining venues and more than a dozen specialty options and everything from a carousel to laser tag and mini golf and a climbing wall and escape room and family spaces including Playscape. There are shows synced with a 55-foot waterfall and stunts in an ice arena. Royal Caribbean has also introduced more private islands and beach clubs in Mexico and Paradise Island.
My Family Time Dining enables kids to complete dinner in 45 minutes at the early seating. They will be met by Adventure Ocean youth program counselors to be escorted back to the kids’ club for evening activities while parents relax. There are special kids’ dinners as well so parents can enjoy date night. (There are drop off nurseries for ages 6 months+ on select ships at an extra charge.)
Adventure Ocean starts at age 3 while the Explorers program (ages 6-8) includes a science program, and Voyagers (ages 9012) promises to put “the cool back into learning.” The Royal Babies & Tots program (ages 6-36 months) offers nursery drop off on some ships.
For those with older and grown kids who prefer more intimate settings, Windstar offers a choice between newly renovated yachts and sailing vessels that can go to smaller ports. (We sailed with Windstar in Greece during the pandemic.)
What’s New: Windstar is introducing new wellness-themed cruises that combine the beauty and adventure of stunning global destinations with enriching new programs focused on health and well-being including wellness-focused vegan and vegetarian menus. Windstar now offers year-round cruises in the Mediterranean and There is a growing program in Tahiti with options that include stay in an overwater bungalow. Star Seeker, Windstar’s newest yacht, will debut beginning in December 2025 with new dining options, upgraded amenities and 112 suites, nearly all with private verandas. The ship will feature voyages in the Caribbean, Alaska, and Japan. Windstar’s Signature Expeditions lead guests directly from the ship via zodiacs and kayaks into scenic wilderness areas in Alaska for up close views of glaciers and wildlife. In warm climes, guests can play on the ship’s water platform.
At the same time, Windstar is embarking on a multi-million-dollar initiative to redesign and update all three Wind Class sailing yachts.
Before you sail away on your cruise with kids
Pool safety continues to be another real concern aboard cruise ships. Please study these pool safety tips and be constantly vigilant aboard ship — and on land — when you’re around water.
Bon voyage!
This annual directory to the best cruise with kids vacations is authored by Family Travel Consulting partners Eileen Ogintz, Nicky Omohundro and Kyle McCarthy. It contains sponsored content on behalf of Allianz Partners USA and CroisiEurope. The travel ideas and cruising tips expressed are those of the authors based on their experience and expertise.