The Five Best Cruise Lines for Families

A cruise is a fantastic family vacation as it offers something for everyone. Cruise Lines are building bigger ships with wonderful new features every year. They know that the wide variety of activities and entertainment that a cruise offers makes it an ideal choice for a family vacation. There are cabins and suites available for families of every size and youth programs onboard for children from 2 to 17. Cruises offer group and individual babysitting as well. A typical day might begin with Grandma attending a yoga class, Mom heading to the culinary demonstration, Grandpa attending the photography workshop, Dad practicing his golf swing, Sis hanging out with new friends in the teen lounge and her younger brother playing pirate games in the playroom under the supervision of qualified youth counselors. Later that afternoon the whole family can enjoy swimming in the pool and have lunch together. Now do you get the idea why cruises make the perfect family vacation?

Disney Cruise Lines

If your family loves Disney then you will love the Disney cruise experience. Disney characters are onboard to entertain the kids and there is an endless list of activities just right for families. The ships are definitely geared toward family cruising in every way from the meals to the entertainment. The youth program is for children ages 3 to 17 and babysitting services are available.

Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines

Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines has ships that defy the imagination with non-stop activities for everyone. They are famous for their rock-climbing walls, FlowRider surf simulators, ice skating rinks, miniature golf, the H20 Water Park, and now zip-lining at sea. They offer a youth program for children 3 to 17 including group babysitting.

Carnival Cruise Lines

Carnival Cruise Lines has a wonderful variety of activities suitable for families to enjoy. Their youth program, called Camp Carnival is for children 2 to 14 and their teen program is from ages 15 to 17. Children will attend parties, play games, sports, see movies, create art and put on their own shows. Carnival also offers babysitting services as well.

Norwegian Cruise Lines

Norwegian Cruise Lines has a great youth program called NCL's Kid's Crew for children ages 2 to 17. There are fun family activities scheduled for when the ship is at sea and also in port. Children will learn to dance, do arts and crafts, make their own costumes, put on a play, enjoy sports, play games and participate in a treasure hunt.

Celebrity Cruise Lines

Celebrity has a youth program for children 3 to 17. Children will enjoy learning about the world around them in science and nature discovery sessions. There are a wide variety of activities for every age including talent shows, gaming, sports tournaments, cooking classes and slumber parties. Celebrity also offers babysitting services in your cabin for a fee.

Remember in order to make sure you choose the right cruise line for you and your family - work with a cruise expert. A cruise expert will be able to narrow down the best choices based on your likes, dislikes, priorities, and expectations. They will be able to get you the best cruise experience and value for your vacation dollar.

"Family Cruises", Cruisemates Editorial, Cruisemates.com