carnival cruise line for families

7 Best Cruise Lines for Families (and Their 12 Most Kid-Friendly Ships)

By: Author Elizabeth Ciobanu

Posted on Published: 07/18/2023  - Last updated: 07/20/2023

Traveling to new places is always a thrill, but it can come with some challenges. For example, which side of the road are you supposed to drive on ?

Cruises simplify the bulk of your vacation planning and transportation, as everything you need is in one convenient package.

A family cruise line will keep your children entertained day and night. I’ve rounded up seven of my favorites, which I’ll share in the first part of this guide.

Then I’ll recommend the most kid-friendly cruise ships for booking your next vacation.

The 7 Best Family-Friendly Cruise Lines

1. disney cruise line.

Discover how enchanting life at sea can be on a Disney Cruise Line.

Entertainment of all kinds awaits you. If you want to splash and play on your family vacation, you can ride the AquaDunk or AquaDuck water coasters, romp in Donald’s Pool or Goofy’s Pool, or enjoy the sparkling pool at Mickey’s AquaLab.

Pools are also divided for guests of varying ages, such as the Quiet Cove Pool for guests 18 and older, splash pads for kids three and under, and Satellite Falls for adults.

Live performances and musicals give each night a magical feel, while karaoke, trivia, and Disney character meet and greets ensure every minute aboard is exciting.

There are even kids’ clubs to give parents a break to enjoy nightclubs, fitness facilities, or the adults-only pool.

Your cruise will stop at Castaway Cay if visiting a Caribbean or Bahamian island. This island is exclusively for cruise line guests. Your day at Castaway Cay will include food and refreshments, beach access, pools and water slides, trails, and yoga classes.

Oh, and there’s all-you-can-eat ice cream, which will delight children of all ages.

The family-centric staterooms offer television with in-room movies, a fridge, plenty of storage, and split bathrooms so the family can maintain its privacy.

Disney Cruise Lines can take you across the Transatlantic, South Pacific, Panama Canal, Pacific Coast, Australia, New Zealand, Mexico, Hawaii, Europe, the Caribbean, Canada, Bermuda, Alaska, and the Bahamas.

» MORE: How Long Is Summer Break in Canada?

2. Norwegian Cruise Line

Take the family vacation of a lifetime on the Norwegian Cruise Line.

Its Freestyle Cruising allows you to plan your vacation just the way you like it. Enjoy long-running, Tony Award-nominated musicals or top-notch concerts.

Family fun awaits at every turn, such as arcades, pinball, water slides and pools, rock-climbing walls, mini golf, and plenty of other organized sports like soccer, baseball, basketball, and bowling.

The ThrillPlex offers activities that will make your kids smile from ear to ear. How does a rousing game of family laser tag sound? Or maybe you want to climb a ropes course or race on a track to see who’s the fastest? The ThrillPlex has all that and more.

Eat well no matter the cuisine you and the family crave, from simple burgers to Brazilian steakhouses, Japanese food, seafood, or global cuisine. Some establishments offer buffet-style dining, and others are open 24 hours so you can always fill your belly.

The sizable suites and staterooms are family-friendly and accommodate larger groups of up to eight. Your room includes concierge and butler service, large rooms for privacy, and a balcony you’ll love to look out from.

Norwegian Cruise Lines visit Asia, New England, Florida, Alaska, the Bahamas, Canada, the Caribbean, the Panama Canal, Europe, and Hawaii. You can also take special cruise tours or music-themed cruises.

3. Royal Caribbean International

Experience the world’s wonders on a Royal Caribbean International cruise line.

You won’t want for much, as the various ships under the Royal Caribbean umbrella promise fun and excitement from the moment you step onto the ship until you disembark.

You can take dance classes, check out a virtual concert, strategize to get out of an escape room, and eat to your heart’s (and stomach’s) content.

The youth programs feature an Imagination Studio for kids to explore and express their creative sides. Older kids can become junior scientists at the Adventure Science Lab, while the Teen Lounge keeps similarly-aged kids entertained.

Activities like story time, theater, art, and science will enchant the young’uns, who you will definitely want to bring, as kids sail free.

Cruise the world on a Royal Caribbean ship, including the Bahamas, Alaska, New England, the Caribbean, New Zealand, Asia, Canada, Mexico, Latin America, the Panama Canal, Hawaii, the Transpacific, Transatlantic, South Pacific, or Pacific Northwest.

» MORE: How Long Is Summer Break in Australia?

4. Carnival Cruise Line

It’s time to get away on a Carnival Cruise Line.

This vacation experience can be anything you want, from relaxing and rejuvenating (with adult-only retreats and spas) to exciting with breathtakingly tall water slides, Family Feud Live, and the SkyRide overlooking the ocean.

The kids can hop around and burn off energy at the bungee Sky Zone, make a new friend at the Build-A-Bear Workshop at Sea, play mini golf, spend the day at the arcade, or compete in a friendly game of basketball.

Camp Ocean keeps kids between 2 and 11 years old busy, and Circle “C” is for older kids between 12 and 14.

Of course, with a ropes course, IMAX theaters, and a space program for kids 2 to 11, there’s always something for families to do together.

A stateroom or suite can accommodate your entire brood, whether there are only a few of you or a larger group. The rooms have an extra bathroom, a TV, and climate control.

Some rooms even connect so your kids can feel independent while you keep a watchful eye over them.

A Carnival Cruise Line vacation can take you across Greenland, the Panama Canal, Asia, the South Pacific, the Transatlantic, New Guinea, the South Pacific, New Zealand, the Panama Canal, Hawaii, New England, the Bahamas, Canada, Alaska, Europe, the Transpacific, Bermuda, and the Bahamas.

5. Princess Cruises

Perhaps a vacation on a Princess Cruise Line is what your family needs.

Onboard activities for all tastes are available. Princess and Discovery have an immersive, unique Discovery at SEA Enrichment Program that lets you see this planet and its inhabitants in engaging ways.

The Festivals of the World Program will introduce your family (especially the kiddos) to new cultures as they celebrate Mexican fiestas, Carnaval de Panama, Celtic Festival, and more.

Take a dip in a pool, chill out in a hot tub, play every sport imaginable (from shuffleboard to mini golf), and catch a tan at the Reef Family Splash Zone, a mini water park with games, pools, and water features.

So where would you and the family like to go?

You can take a short excursion that lasts between three and six days or visit such parts of the world as the South Pacific, Panama Canal, Europe, Tahiti, Asia, Hawaii, Mexico, the Caribbean, New England, Antarctica, Japan, South America, Canada, New Zealand, the Pacific Coast, Australia, and California.

World cruises are also available. 

» MORE: How Long Is Summer Break in Japan?

6. MSC Cruises

Immerse yourself in coastal wonder on an MSC Cruise.

You and your family will find it exceptionally easy to plan your itinerary both day and night. How does a family disco sound after dark, or a family game show that includes selfie, music, and dance challenges?

That’s only scratching the surface! The 4D cinema experience makes you feel like you’re racing on a freeway or experiencing other immersive scenes without leaving your seat. The Robotron is a thrilling amusement ride, and the Flight Simulator lets you take to the skies while still safely on the ship.

The kids can also play at the arcade, practice driving in the F1 simulator, or play some sports. Live entertainment abounds, with options for just the adults or the entire family.

The family-friendly staterooms include buffet access and a discounted drink package so you can feed the family for less.

An MSC Cruise will take you across New England, Asia, South Africa, South America, Abu Dhabi, Saudi Arabia, Northern Europe, the Mediterranean, Canada, Bermuda, the Bahamas, and the Caribbean.

7. Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity Cruises are catered to families, with excursions, programs, and activities for kids and adults. They even offer autism-friendly activities, which are highly inclusive.

Imagine the look on your children’s faces when swimming with dolphins, exploring inactive volcanoes on foot, or seeing an exotic country from thousands of feet up in a plane! Celebrity Cruises makes it possible.

The kids and teen programs include Camp at Sea for kids between 3 and 12. Participants have themed parties, play sports, do arts and crafts, and engage in treasure hunts.

The Teen Club offers culinary classes, parties, and video game competitions.

The Retreat is the most family-friendly lodging option, as it includes more than 2,500 square feet of lounge space, an ample veranda, and a private sundeck.

Celebrity Cruises stop at more than 300 cruise ports, including Africa, New Zealand, Alaska, New England, Galapagos, the Caribbean, Europe, Bermuda, Asia, the Mediterranean, the Panama Canal, the Transatlantic, Mexico, the Pacific Coastal, South America, and the Transpacific.

The 12 Most Kid-Friendly Ships

You have some great ideas for where to book your next family cruise, but now the question is which ship specifically is right for your group?

I’m here to help you make this all-important choice by reviewing 12 of the best cruise ships for kids.

1. Disney Dream

Disney magic comes to life on the Disney Dream, an enchanting cruise experience.

The warm, opulent common areas add extravagance to your vacation, while kid-friendly activities and amenities will keep the young ones entertained.

Treat them to Vanellope’s Sweets, a candy shop with walls of candy as far as the eye can see. Disney entertainment comes to the big stages as only this brand can, with costumed characters singing, dancing, and entertaining guests all day or evening.

The staterooms have portholes that allow the kids to glance out at the ocean whenever they wish, and with family-centric amenities at every turn, you might not want to disembark!

2. Wonder of the Seas

The Royal Caribbean’s Wonder of the Seas embarks from Cape Canaveral and island hops the entire cruise, including a stop at Perfect Day at Coco Cay, the Royal Caribbean’s own private island only for cruise guests.

Kids will fall in love with the Wonder Playscape, which offers puzzles, games, climbing walls, and slides. Pool decks throughout will let you take a much-needed load off.

Perhaps you and the family are brave enough to try the 10-story Ultimate Abyss water slide!

Some staterooms overlook the majesty of the sea, and others have a virtual balcony. All rooms include Wi-Fi, spa features, and room service.

3. Disney Magic

You have so many ways to experience the wonder of a Disney Cruise Line vacation, including the Disney Magic.

This inviting ship is the home of D Lounge, the family-friendly hangout zone with dance parties, games, and hours upon hours of fun.

The kids can manage the Avengers during the Avenger’s Academy ride, visit the Mickey Mouse Club, receive a makeover at the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique (knights for boys and princesses for girls), or ride dizzying, spiraling water slides.

The nautical-themed staterooms are cozy and spacious for families, and split bathrooms, portholes, and private verandas also set the mood.

4. Symphony of the Seas

Calling itself “The Sound of Wonder,” the Symphony of the Seas through the Royal Caribbean is new and improved for families.

Hit up Sugar Beach and buy some candy, ride three water slides in one on The Perfect Storm, or learn to hang ten on the FlowRider. You’ll spend the days in the most fun ways possible.

Wonderland has whimsical food the kids will go gaga over. There are cocktails for the parents that are just as inspired.

Snuggle up to the Ultimate Family Suite, which boasts a private game room, a hot tub, table tennis facilities, and karaoke.

5. Mardi Gras

Carnival’s Mardi Gras is one of its latest and greatest creations, so you should expect the ultimate in entertainment.

Take a ride on the Bolt sea coaster for some exciting thrills. You can also spend a sunny day at the WaterWorks water park with a dumping bucket and countless water slides, then close out the day by seeing a show. It’s all waiting for you.

The Family Harbor Staterooms in the Family Harbor Lounge is where you need to be. Kids eat free at most restaurants in the lounge, and you can take advantage of entertainment like board games and movies. Babysitting is also available. 

6. MSC Meraviglia

Departing from Florida, the Bahamas, and Bermuda, set sail for a world of adventure aboard the MSG Meraviglia. This ship sails to New England and Canada and delights the entire voyage.  

Stroll through the 315-foot Galleria Meraviglia promenade, shopping, grabbing a bite to eat, or simply enjoying the beauty of it all.

Dive into the Horizon pool, which is open day and night (although there are dances and parties at night, so maybe visit sans kids).

Your kids will adore the F1 simulators, full-sized bowling alley, sportsplex, and Polar Aquapark with its sloping, looping enclosed slides.

Mini and Juniors Clubs give the kids a safe and fun place to play if you need to drop them off, as the rooms are bright, colorful, and full of toys.

7. Disney Wish

The Disney Cruise Line collection has recently expanded, adding Disney Wish to the ever-growing fleet. This ship has some claims to fame you’ll only find here, such as theatrical Frozen or Avengers -themed dining experiences.

Be one of the first to experience the Disney Unchartered Adventure, an immersive water experience with more than 700 feet of tubes and music, animations, special effects, and lighting. The experience ends by riding down a lazy river, so dress to get wet!

The Hero Zone is another standout the kids should love. They can compete with one another gameshow-style, play on the game floor or playground, and see who’s victorious on the sports court.

8. Carnival Panorama

Set sail to the Transpacific and Mexico on the Carnival Panorama through a Carnival Cruise Line. The 1,055-foot ship that weighs over 133,000 tons will put the whole family in a festive mood.

Laugh until you cry at The Punchliner Comedy Club, which also offers entertainment for adults.

The Carnival Panorama has plenty of Dr. Suess-themed entertainment the young ones will love, such as Dr. Suess Bookville, the Suess-a-palooza Parade, the Suess-a-palooza Story Time, and the Green Eggs and Ham Breakfast.

Zumbini is a Zumba class for kids two to five that will have their little bodies moving and grooving. There’s also a Night Owls overnight stay for the children, which is like one big sleepover!

9. Allure of the Seas

Royal Caribbean International invites families to sail away on the Allure of the Seas, an award-winning ship for family entertainment.

Included with your stay are kids and teen programs and access to the H2O Zone Water Park. The park boasts waterfalls, water cannons, pools, and sculptures the kids can climb. Geysers send water high into the sky, splashing down and refreshing your children all afternoon.

Dry off and play table tennis, ride a zipline, partake in an interactive game show, or watch an outdoor movie under the stars in the pool. The projector screen is 220 feet so there isn’t a bad seat in the house!

10. Norwegian Joy

The Norwegian Joy starts in the Mexican Riviera and wraps up its journey at the Panama Canal but alternately travels from Miami to the Caribbean. The ship is nearly 1,100 feet long and weighs more than 160,000 tons, so she’s quite heavy.

Fostering family togetherness on a ship like the Norwegian Joy is simple. You can take the twists and turns behind the wheel of the Joy Speedway, play a heart-thumping game of laser tag, or tee off at mini golf.

There’s so much more here. The Galaxy Pavilion offers a thrilling race-themed dark ride. Get your kicks at the Aqua Park, a water park for tweens and teens. The Norwegian Joy even has a Kids’ Aqua Park for the little ones.

11. Celebrity Equinox

Make your next family vacation something truly special on the Celebrity Equinox through the Celebrity Cruise Line. Deck 15 has all the amenities a family needs.

For instance, you and the kids can learn how to blow glass at the Hot Glass Studio, which is not something you see on every cruise ship.

How about some croquet or bocce on the Lawn Club? The kids’ club will watch your children between three and 12, offering lunch, dinner, and overnight stays if needed, and the ship even offers babysitting services in your cabin.

12. Norwegian Encore

Traverse the world on the Norwegian Encore, traveling from Alaska to Seattle or from the Caribbean to Miami. Adventure calls on the Encore, including many of the fun activities for families featured on other Norwegian cruise ships.

8 Best Cruise Lines for Kids and Families [2024]

Updated : June 14, 2024

AAA Travel Editor, SMT

Table of contents.

Parents know that traveling with kids can be more of a “trip” than a vacation — keeping all the kids entertained and fed is a full-time job. This list of eight cruise lines for kids and families lays out the top options and makes finding an ideal vacation easier for everyone.

Knowing how to choose a cruise line can be tricky, especially for first-timers looking for a family trip.  AAA Travel  has been booking with our  cruise partners  for decades, and we know what to look for in the best cruise lines for families.

Learn more about these kid-friendly cruise lines and check out our list of  tips for cruising with kids  to create amazing memories for the whole family.

1. Adventures by Disney with Amawaterways

Destinations:

• Asia Pacific
• Central and South America
• North America
• AAA partnership:  Yes
• $200 per stateroom savings plus Welcome Amenity on cruises less than seven nights
• $300 per stateroom savings plus Welcome Amenity on cruises seven to 11 nights
• $600 per stateroom savings plus Welcome Amenity on cruises of 14+ nights
• Europe Cruises: Bottle of wine and box of chocolates
• Asia & Africa Cruises: $50 per stateroom onboard spending credit
• Egypt Cruises: $50 per stateroom onboard spending credit
• What makes it great:  Adventures by Disney cruises travel to over 40 destinations with adventure guides to help you explore new places and immerse yourself in the culture, all with the magic you expect from Disney.

It may be surprising to hear that a European river cruise can be a family-friendly vacation, but Adventures by Disney is exactly that. The cruise line has exclusive family river cruises onboard AmaWaterways that make it not only possible, but fun!

Itineraries  offer a variety of experiences for parents, children and teens. Adults will enjoy active excursions, wine tastings and tours of castles and museums. Disney movie nights are perfect for junior adventurers.

Onboard entertainment includes a nightly piano lounge, baking classes for kids, karaoke nights and more. Adventure guides and local experts tell stories about the people, culture and traditions of each place you visit. Sailings are in the heart of Europe on the Seine, Rhône, Danube and Rhine rivers.

2. Carnival Cruise Line

• Australia 
• Canada & New England
• Great Barrier Reef
• Greenland & Canada
• New Zealand
• Panama Canal
• Papua New Guinea
• South Pacific
• Transatlantic
• Transpacific
• AAA partnership:  No
• AAA member benefit:  None available
• What makes it great:  Cheaper fares make family cruising  budget-friendly . Plus, your kids will love the 24/7 pizza on most ships.

Carnival Cruise Line is on our list of kid-friendly cruises for their youth programs, offered for kids ages 2 to 17. The cruise line is one of the best for teens.

“Suess at Sea” features a character parade, interactive story time and breakfasts with Dr. Suess characters. The “Night Owls” program for kids under 12 lets them stay up as late as 1 a.m. with others their age. “Hasbro, The Game Show” invites families to play giant versions of Connect 4, Yahtzee and other games on stage to win prizes.

Ships feature onboard pools, water parks and mini golf. Some ships also include a ropes course and Skyride — a two-lane suspended course that lets you pedal a “bike” high above the ship.

3. Celebrity Cruises

• Australia & New Zealand
• Mediterranean
• Pacific Coastal
• South America
• AAA partnership:  Yes
• AAA member benefit:  Onboard credit per stateroom ($25 for outside, $50 for balcony, $75 for Concierge Class and above) valid for all departures three nights or longer except Galapagos products
• What makes it great:  Select ships partner with the Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science to offer STEM programming for kids and teens so they can learn while they play.

From family-friendly excursions to the Camp at Sea kids program, there’s plenty of  family fun on a Celebrity Cruise .

Camp at Sea provides programming for kids ages 3-17, and the program changes daily, so kids will never experience a repeat program. Older kids can hang in Xbox-themed teen areas and get a spa treatment at the teens-only spa, while kids of all ages can participate in trivia contests and Junior Olympics competitions.

Celebrity knows that the excitement of a cruise ship can be overwhelming for some kids, so they also offer sensory- and autism-friendly programs and services on their ships. 

Search Celebrity Cruises

4. Disney Cruise Line

• British Isles
• Western Caribbean
• Eastern Caribbean
• Mexican Riviera
• New Zealand & Australia
• Northern Europe
• Norwegian Fjords
• Pacific Coast
• Southern Caribbean
• What makes it great:  Experience the magic of Disney without the theme park lines — meet your favorite characters, see a firework shows and enjoy phenomenal dining experiences.

Highly regarded as offering some of the best cruises for kids and families, everyone in the family is sure to find fun aboard a Disney cruise. You can dance with Disney characters at family parties, take part in family game shows and watch fireworks on themed nights.

See Disney shows live on stage or watch movies in 3D. Clubs for kids feature characters from Disney, the Marvel Universe and Star Wars. Meet-and-greets give kids the opportunity to get autographs from their favorite Disney characters.

The cruise line offers fun pools, water slides and “water coasters” onboard, and there are plenty of kid-friendly options on the dinner menu.

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5. MSC Cruises

• Dubai, Abu Dhabi & Qatar
• Egypt, Red Sea & Saudi Arabia
• Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve
• South Africa
• Transatlantic 
• World 
• What makes it great:  The prepaid My Smart Card allows kids to buy snacks, drinks and arcade games without bothering you.

MSC Cruises is a popular family-owned European-based cruise line that knows cruising with kids can be expensive. They offer Family Cabins and Super Family Cabins that charge per room rather than by guest, so you can bring the entire family. Kids under 2 always sail for free, and kids under 18 sail free on select voyages.

MSC offers four age-based kids clubs: 

• Baby Club (up to age 2)
• Mini Club (ages 3 to 6)
• Juniors Club (ages 7 to 11)
• Teen Club (ages 12 to 17)

Kids and teens will love the LEGO and Chicco-themed  activities available  in the kids and teen clubs. The entire family can also play in one of the ships’ splash zones or pools or participate in the Family Explorer Program with interactive educational shore excursions.

If you have infants, MSC Cruises offers a special baby laundry service to wash infant clothing separately in a dedicated machine for added peace of mind.

6. Norwegian Cruise Line

• Greek Isles
• What makes it great:  Kids under 12 eat free at onboard specialty restaurants if they order from the kids’ menu.

Norwegian’s “freestyle” approach to cruising makes cruising with kids as stress-free as possible. With no set dining times, assigned seating or dress codes, eat when the kids are hungry, not when the ship’s schedule tells you to.

Splash Academy entertains kids ages 3 to 12 with age-appropriate arts and crafts and other activities, while teens ages 13 to 17 can relax in the Entourage club, complete with video games and a teens-only nightclub in the evening. Some ships also have go-kart tracks and VR playgrounds.

Five of Norwegian’s ships partner with Nickelodeon, so check out character-themed events like Dora’s Dance Party and breakfast.

7. Princess Cruises

• California Coast
• South America & Antarctica
• Tahiti & South Pacific
• AAA member benefit:  Reduced deposit (as low as $50 per person) and a complimentary Princess Medallion clip (first two guests in the stateroom) during quarterly cruise sales
• What makes it great:  Age-specific kids clubs keep kids ages 3-17 busy with age-appropriate activities, and you can track kids’ whereabouts on the ship with the MedallionClass app.

No matter the age, children will find plenty to do on Princess Cruises. The cruise line has programming for babies, toddlers, preschoolers and even 18- to 20-year-olds. Experience unique Discovery™ and Animal Planet™ shore excursions. Activities include meet-and-greet gatherings such as “Puppies on the Piazza” on Alaska cruises or “Parrots in the Piazza” on Caribbean cruises.

Discovery at Sea™ theme days feature activities inspired by Shark Week and Animal Planet. Kids can take part in Animal Planet Endangered Species and Glacier Bay Jr. Ranger programs. They can also make Animal Planet puppets, masks and paintings inspired by regional wildlife.

Princess offers stargazing on the top deck with an expert guide to show you all the stars and planets. Group babysitting is available for children ages 3 to 12 so parents can spend a day in port or savor a relaxing dinner for two. Kids-only dinners are offered on select nights, and teens have their own special dinner in a reserved section of the dining room on formal nights.

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8. Royal Caribbean

• Cozumel & Cancun
• Greece & The Greek Isles
• AAA member benefit:  Receive one complimentary 8x10 onboard print or digital photograph per stateroom on any seven-night or longer sailing when booking a balcony and suite stateroom category.
• What makes it great:  Kids 12 and under sail for free during select sail dates, and many ships offer family-friendly staterooms and floor plans.

Royal Caribbean’s award-winning Adventure Ocean® Youth Program will keep kids and teens busy. Teens can hang out at Fuel, a club just for them with a soda fountain, computers and a dance floor. The Living Room offers a teen lounge area with movies, games and a live DJ.

While the kids are having a blast with new friends, Mom and Dad can relax in the Solarium, a tranquil, adults-only covered retreat with whirlpools.

The whole family will delight in hit Broadway shows including “Grease” and “Mamma Mia!” plus aqua shows, ice-skating shows, parades and parties on the Royal Promenade. Other activities include a surf simulator, a rock climbing wall, mini golf, a skydiving simulator and multilevel waterslides. Select ships have the first-ever carousel at sea.

After a day of fun adventures, relax with family-friendly dining. Expedited service for kids allows them to be picked up by staff so parents can enjoy a leisurely dinner.

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Plan Your Family Cruise with AAA

AAA Travel offers exclusive  benefits and amenities for members . From stateroom savings to onboard spending credit, your local AAA Travel Agent can provide you with the best available offer and help you select the perfect family cruise.

Visit your local  AAA Travel Agent  or book now with  Trip Canvas .

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• Cruises for Families

Royal Caribbean vs. Carnival: Which Cruise Line Is Right for Your Family?

Jan 22, 2020

See recent posts by Cortney Fries

You know you want to go on a cruise for your next family vacation, but how do you choose between some of the most popular cruise lines for families ? Carnival and Royal Caribbean are two power players in family cruising , with a plethora of unique activities both on and off the ships. Based on our family’s recent experiences on Carnival Panorama, Royal Caribbean’s Symphony of the Seas and Royal Caribbean’s Navigator of the Seas, as well some industry expertise, we’ve compared Carnival vs. Royal Caribbean to help you choose the right cruise line for your next vacation.

Royal Caribbean vs. Carnival: Cost

Royal Caribbean:  “Royal Caribbean’s fares— especially on newer ships—tend to be a bit higher, but with a greater selection of options onboard, some at an added cost (such as room service and specialty dining),” says Erica Silverstein, senior editor at Cruise Critic .

Carnival: Known to be affordable, casual and focused on fun, Carnival was recently named Best Cruise Line for Value by the editors of Cruise Critic. Silverstein says this is due in large part to their budget-friendly fares and wealth of inclusions.

Royal Caribbean vs. Carnival: Kids’ Programs

Royal Caribbean:  Adventure Ocean is Royal Caribbean’s complimentary youth program for ages 3 to 17. Its edu-tainment features programs in art, theater and science. Teens will love socializing in their own spaces, including a teen-only lounge and nightclub. Arcades and 3D theaters bring the action to life and create additional opportunities for tweens and teens to meet new friends.

Cruising with an infant? Order organic baby food , diapers , wipes and other essentials via Babies 2 Go , to be delivered to your stateroom upon arrival.

Late-night group babysitting ensures kids are cared for in the comfort of their staterooms while parents enjoy an evening out. “Royal Caribbean also has a drop-off, extra-fee nursery and free parent-kid play space for under-3s on many ships,” says Silverstein.

Carnival:  Carnival offers Camp Ocean for children aged 2 to 11, where they enjoy games, crafts, music and more in groups divided by age (Penguins: 2 to 5; Stingrays: 6 to 8; and Sharks: 9 to 11). “Carnival is the only line in the industry to allow 2-year-olds to be dropped off at its programs,” says Silverstein. “Counselors will also change diapers.” For tweens and teens, there’s Club O2, with karaoke, sports and even a prom !

Night Owls programming offers nighttime babysitting for an added fee.

Royal Caribbean vs. Carnival: Family Activities and Entertainment

Royal Caribbean: Royal Caribbean is an adventure in technology and entertainment. The line offers huge ships with amusement park-like amenities — including many industry firsts — such as the first ice skating rink, rock climbing wall, zip line, aqua theater, surf simulator, and 10-story slide (the Ultimate Abyss) at sea. Glow-in-the-dark laser tag, simulated skydiving, bumper cars, trapeze school and even robotic bartenders are a few of the other unique features you’ll find on Royal Caribbean. Royal Caribbean is also the only cruise line that offers Tony Award-winning shows at sea. You can expect to see Grease , Cats and other Broadway hits.

“Royal Caribbean’s entertainment is second-to-none, recently recognized as the best in the industry by Cruise Critic’s editors,” says Silverstein. (Another) case in point: Royal Caribbean recently launched a new private island experience, Perfect Day at CocoCay , with wild waterslides (including the tallest in North America), blissful beaches, a giant wave pool and a floating helium balloon ride.

Carnival:  Carnival offers traditional cruise ship activities featuring cruise directors that rile up guests in poolside contests and during evening entertainment. Your kids will be able to experience comedy shows and karaoke nights, which include the famous Lip Sync Battle . There’s also Hasbro , The Game Show, plus games and dive-in movies by the pool.

Continuously recognized by Cruise Hive’s Cruise Ship Awards as a fantastic domestic cruise line that delivers fun family experiences, Carnival also won Best Cruise Ship Feature for SkyRide , its suspended cycling experience. Carnival is also known for its Sky Zone trampoline park, available on select ships. For an added fee, kids can jump, climb a wall, dunk a basketball and play dodgeball for an hour. (Our children loved it so much, they went every day, giving us an hour to ourselves!). Silverstein also calls out the popular Carnival partnership with Dr. Suess that includes themed events, such as the Green Eggs and Ham breakfast, a costume parade, and Dr. Suess Bookville, a reading and play area.

Complimentary family fun includes the SportsSquare; with mini-golf, foosball and Ping-Pong; and WaterWorks, with adrenaline-inducing waterslides.

Related: 11 Things You Can’t Forget to Pack in Your Cruise Carry-On

Royal Caribbean vs. Carnival: Family Dining

Royal Caribbean: Included dining involves the main dining room, Windjammer buffets and a few other options. For added fees, you can enjoy specialty restaurants such as steakhouses, sushi restaurants and celebrity-chef driven establishments, like Jamie Oliver’s Jamie’s Italian. My Family Time Dining is a great option for kiddos to eat with their parents for the first 40 minutes, and then get whisked off to the kids club so parents can enjoy the rest of their meal together.

Carnival:  Accolades for best cruise ship dining venue often go to Guy’s Burger Joint, which is free and available on all Carnival ships. The smashed burgers are total kid-pleasers. Carnival offers several other complimentary dining options, which include room service. Don’t miss the signature Carnival chocolate melting cake served in the main dining room!

Royal Caribbean vs. Carnival: Family Cabins and Staterooms

Royal Caribbean: In 2019, Royal Caribbean launched another first at sea: the Ultimate Family Suite on Symphony of the Seas. The luxurious cabin has multiple TVs, video gaming systems, air hockey, a climbing maze, a floor-to-ceiling slide, and two bedrooms to sleep a total of eight guests. It also includes the service of a personal butler.

The price tag is out of most families’ budgets, but don’t worry; there are plenty of family-friendly room options available. “Royal Caribbean has a wealth of cabin selections- many with connecting doors- so families of all sizes and preferences can find a suitable option, at various price points,” says Silverstein. “That’s especially great for multi-generational groups, where you’re traveling with a wide range of family members.”

Royal Caribbean even offers interior rooms with virtual balconies, featuring 80-inch screens with real sights and sounds from outside. This is a great option for those on a budget.

Carnival:  Cabins that connect or sleep up to four or five guests make it easy to cruise with kids on Carnival Cruise Line. (Our family’s cabin, a standard category 8 balcony, included bunk beds for the kids and a king bed for the parents). Bathing and sleeping get even more comfortable when you reserve a family stateroom, featuring five berths (pull-down beds) and two bathrooms, and located in the Family Harbor section of Carnival ships. The Family Harbor Lounge (available on select ships), an area for families to relax with snacks, ice cream and video games .

Royal Caribbean vs. Carnival: The Bottom Line

“Both Carnival and Royal Caribbean are fantastic options for families—with tons to do onboard, and plenty of family-focused features,” says Silverstein. The real difference is in the cost and number of inclusions, so decide which onboard experiences are most important to you and your kids before making your final decision.

Related: 7 Things You’ll Regret Not Packing for Your Family Cruise

Cortney Fries (pronounced “freeze”) is an award-winning Chicago-based writer and mom to two spunky elementary school-age kids. She loves nothing more than traveling with family, having adventures with friends and exploring the outdoors. Cortney believes that you should definitely do things that scare you just a little bit. Follow her on Instagram,  @cortneyfries.

What to Pack for Your Next Trip

Teen girl’s cool cruise outfit for summer, shop the look.

Colwyn Shirt

Bleach Joni Shorts

Canvas Tote Bag

Moment Espadrille

Dad’s/men’s cool cruise outfit for summer.

Striped Tee

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Lenny Tie Shirt

Mixed Broderie Midi Skirt

Flat Top Straw Hat

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Pink Lemonade Shirt

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The 5 best destinations you can visit on a Carnival Cruise Line ship

Some cruise lines offer voyages to every corner of the world. Others are more focused on where they operate.

Carnival Cruise Line , one of the world's largest cruise brands, is firmly in the second category.

Carnival is all about relatively short, affordable cruises from U.S. ports. You'll find at least one of its ships sailing out of pretty much every major port city around the country, but it's rare to find them based anywhere else.

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Catering heavily to budget travelers who reach its ships by car, Carnival rarely offers voyages in Europe, Asia and South America — destinations that are much more integral to the schedules of such rival lines as Royal Caribbean , Norwegian Cruise Line , Princess Cruises and Holland America .

However, Carnival is the undisputed leader in cruises out of U.S. ports to the Caribbean and the Bahamas, with a wide range of sailings to the regions from ports on the East Coast and along the Gulf of Mexico.

Some of Carnival's East Coast-based ships also sail to Bermuda, New England and Canada. For Carnival ships based on the West Coast, sailings to Mexico, Hawaii and Alaska are the norm.

Carnival also offers some Panama Canal voyages.

Related: The ultimate guide to Carnival Cruise Line ships and itineraries

The overarching idea for Carnival's ship deployments is that a large percentage of the U.S. population can reach one of the line's vessels by car, saving the cost of flights. For that reason, it takes a much broader approach to ship deployments around the U.S. than other lines.

Carnival's biggest operations are out of PortMiami and Port Canaveral in Florida; Galveston, Texas; Long Beach, California; New Orleans; and Seattle — all major cruise hubs. You'll also find Carnival ships in secondary cruise ship ports such as Baltimore; Charleston, South Carolina; Mobile, Alabama; Jacksonville and Tampa in Florida; and San Francisco.

For the most part, Carnival ships sail relatively short voyages of three to eight nights.

Here's our take on the five best places Carnival sails.

The Caribbean and the Bahamas

Carnival is, quite simply, the king of Caribbean and Bahamas cruises. If you're looking for a quick, easy and — perhaps most importantly — very affordable cruise getaway to the region, Carnival is your line.

Carnival currently has 22 of its 27 ships — including its newest and biggest ships, 5,282-passenger Mardi Gras and sister vessels Carnival Celebration and Carnival Jubilee — scheduled to sail to the Caribbean and the Bahamas for at least part of the coming year.

To put that in perspective, that's more ships than exist in the entire fleet of Norwegian Cruise Line, which itself is a major player in Caribbean cruises.

Carnival offers a broad range of Caribbean and Bahamas itineraries from no fewer than 11 U.S. ports.

If you're looking for something short, the line has you covered in the form of quick three- to five-night trips to the Caribbean and the Bahamas from Florida ports such as Miami, Tampa, Jacksonville and Port Canaveral, as well as from Mobile, New Orleans and Galveston.

Related: The 8 classes of Carnival Cruise Line ships, explained

Itineraries from the eastern ports often include stops in the Bahamas and at Grand Turk Island in Turks and Caicos. From the Gulf ports, they often focus heavily on the ports of Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula, including Cozumel and Progreso.

Carnival is also big in the market for six- to eight-night sailings to Caribbean and Bahamas ports, which break down into three broad categories:

• Eastern Caribbean voyages
• Western Caribbean voyages
• Southern Caribbean voyages

A typical seven-night Carnival sailing to the Eastern Caribbean includes stops in San Juan, Puerto Rico; St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands; Amber Cove, Dominican Republic; and Grand Turk in Turks and Caicos.

However, each of Carnival's six- to eight-night Eastern Caribbean itineraries is a little different. There are typically three and sometimes four calls on these Eastern Caribbean cruises.

Carnival's six- to eight-night Western Caribbean voyages will typically include three or four stops in some mix of the following destinations: Mexico (Cozumel and Costa Maya), Honduras, Jamaica, Grand Cayman and Belize.

The line's Southern Caribbean itineraries — typically eight nights in length — will often bring visits to Aruba and Curacao, as well as one or more northerly Caribbean ports such as Amber Cove in the Dominican Republic.

Carnival also offers a handful of longer 10- to 14-night sailings in the Caribbean, but not many.

Related: The best Caribbean cruises for every type of traveler

The Mexican Riviera

Carnival is one of the leaders in cruises to the Mexican Riviera — the string of resort towns running down the west coast of Mexico.

Carnival operates cruises to the west coast of Mexico out of the California ports of Long Beach and San Francisco, with Long Beach being its main West Coast hub.

Notably, Carnival is one of just two cruise lines to base ships in the Los Angeles area year-round for voyages to Mexico ( the other is Royal Caribbean ). One of the line's newest vessels, the 4,008-passenger Carnival Panorama, is based year-round in Long Beach for six- to eight-night Mexican Riviera voyages. The smaller 2,764-passenger Carnival Radiance operates three- to six-night trips out of Long Beach to Mexico for most of the year (it also offers some sailings to Hawaii).

A third Carnival ship, the 4,125-passenger Carnival Firenze , operates four- to seven-night sailings to Mexico out of Long Beach year-round.

The typical seven-night Carnival voyage to the Mexican Riviera brings stops in Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlan and Puerto Vallarta.

Three- and four-night Carnival trips to the west coast of Mexico typically only feature a single Mexico call in Ensenada and, at times, a stop at Catalina Island off the coast of California.

Related: Everything you want to know about cabins and suites on Carnival Cruise Line ships

Carnival isn't the biggest player in Alaska cruises. The giants of cruising to Alaska are Princess Cruises and Holland America, which are sister lines to Carnival that control a large percentage of the market. Still, Carnival has sent more vessels to Alaska in recent years than in the past, and for the coming year, it has three ships sailing to the destination.

Carnival's fun-focused, affordable ships are a popular pick with families looking to visit Alaska during the short Alaska cruise season that lasts roughly from May to September.

For 2025, Carnival plans to deploy the following ships to the Alaska market:

• Carnival Luminosa : The 16-year-old vessel will operate seven-night voyages to Alaska round-trip out of Seattle. Most departures will feature calls at Skagway, Juneau and Ketchikan, Alaska; and Victoria, British Columbia. It also will visit the Tracy Arm fjord in Alaska for glacier viewing. A few sailings have a slightly different lineup of ports.
• Carnival Legend : The 21-year-old vessel will operate 10-night voyages to Alaska round-trip out of San Francisco. It will call at Skagway, Juneau and Icy Strait Point in Alaska and Victoria, British Columbia. It also will visit Tracy Arm for glacier viewing.
• Carnival Spirit : The 24-year-old vessel will mostly operate seven-night voyages to Alaska round-trip from Seattle. It will call at Skagway, Juneau and Ketchikan, Alaska; and Victoria, British Columbia. It also will visit Tracy Arm for glacier viewing.

Unlike some lines such as Princess, Holland America and Royal Caribbean, Carnival does not offer Alaska cruisetours that combine an Alaska cruise with multiple days of overland touring.

Related: Alaska cruise guide: Best itineraries, planning tips and things to do

At least a couple of Carnival ships typically sail to Bermuda every year between May and October.

While the line doesn't offer a huge number of Bermuda departures, it usually operates Bermuda trips out of at least three ports every year: New York, Baltimore and Norfolk, Virginia.

Most of the sailings are six or seven nights in length and include two or three days in Bermuda. The line also typically offers some shorter four- and five-night Bermuda sailings.

Note that the shorter Bermuda sailings can offer very little time in the country, sometimes as little as eight hours.

For 2025, Carnival is offering sailings to Bermuda on three ships: the 3,002-passenger Carnival Sunshine, the 2,124-passenger Carnival Pride and the 4,208-passenger Carnival Venezia . The latter ship is a Costa Cruises vessel that Carnival began operating in May 2023 . Costa is a sister line to Carnival with similarly designed ships.

Related: Bermuda cruise guide: Best itineraries, planning tips and things to do

Carnival may be all about cruises from U.S. ports, but not all its vessels always are based in North America.

In what might seem like an unusual diversion for a line known for short, easy-to-reach, affordable voyages for Americans, Carnival has deployed two of its vessels to Australia in recent years to operate trips from Sydney and Brisbane.

The two ships — most recently 2,260-passenger Carnival Luminosa and 3,012-passenger Carnival Splendor — typically operate a mix of three- to 10-night sailings along the Australian coast and to New Zealand.

Carnival's Australia trips, notably, aren't really aimed at Americans. They're aimed at Australians. A few years ago, Carnival discovered that Australians love the sort of fun-focused, affordable cruises it offers just as much as Americans, and it set out to build a business in Australia catering to them.

That doesn't mean an American can't book one of the trips.

The typical Carnival cruise along the coast of Australia includes stops at Airlie Beach, Cairns and Willis Island. Some longer Australia voyages add in stops at Port Douglas or Moreton Island.

Shorter Australia voyages might include a stop at just one of the above destinations or even no stops at all — a so-called "cruise to nowhere."

Carnival is likely to grow its operations in Australia over the coming years. Earlier this year, the line announced it soon would absorb two Australia-based vessels currently operated by P&O Cruises Australia. The latter is an Australia-focused cruise line that is owned by the same parent company as Carnival.

The two ships — 2,636-passenger Pacific Adventure and 2,600-passenger Pacific Encounter — will transfer to the Carnival fleet in 2025, and executives have hinted they will remain in Australia to cater mostly to Australian vacationers.

Related: Carnival Cruise Line's VIFP loyalty program: Everything you need to know

Bottom line

Carnival focuses heavily on cruises in North America. If you're looking for a voyage to the Caribbean, the Bahamas, Bermuda or the west coast of Mexico, you'll find an unparalleled array of choices from Carnival. If a cruise vacation in Europe, Asia or South America is what you're after, you probably should focus on another line.

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Protect Your Trip »

The 5 best kids sail free cruises for 2025 & beyond.

Save on your family cruise with these kids sail free deals.

The Best Kids Sail Free Cruises

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If you're angling for an affordable family cruise , you'll be happy to know that several major cruise lines let children sail for free (either regularly or during special promotions). Read on to discover which lines cater to families with kids sail free offers.

Cruise lines where kids sail free

Holland america line, norwegian cruise line, royal caribbean international, costa cruises, msc cruises.

Find your perfect cruise

Courtesy of Holland America Line

Deal: Holland America Line is offering a "Kids Cruise Free" promotion on select itineraries in 2025. The offer applies to several itineraries including Hawaii , the Caribbean and the Panama Canal; to qualify, children must be 18 or younger and cruising as third and/or fourth guests in the same cabin as adults. As with similar promotions, taxes and port fees are still required for each child's sailing.

Additionally, kids ages 12 and under eat for half off in specialty restaurants or for free from a dedicated kids menu. Reduced children's rates for shore excursions are also available.

Family-friendly perks: Amenities onboard Holland America ships include kids clubs and youth programs, as well as shore excursions oriented to families with little ones in tow. Plenty of stateroom options can also accommodate larger bookings. The Nieuw Statendam and Koningsdam ships, in particular, feature oversized staterooms with beds for four, a large sitting area and a spacious veranda.

Courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line

Deal: Norwegian Cruise Line often lets third and fourth guests cruise free on select itineraries. During other promotions, the cruise line will let the third through eighth passengers sail free. Cruises to which this promotion applies are offered all over the world, including Bermuda , the Caribbean and Canada .

Some of the itineraries that qualify for free third and fourth guests also come with complimentary amenities like an unlimited open bar, specialty dining, shore excursions and/or complimentary Wi-Fi. Additionally, some of the itineraries include generous discounts on the total cruise cost , as well as free airfare for a second guest (when booked through the cruise line).

Family-friendly perks: With Norwegian's all-ages kids clubs, family dining, entertainment and activities included in one bundled rate, planning a kid-approved vacation with the cruise line is a breeze. Many Norwegian ships also feature an array of family-friendly staterooms with plenty of extra space. For example, the luxurious Norwegian Prima offers a two-bedroom family villa with a large balcony in "The Haven" – its exclusive area for VIP guests.

Michel Verdure | Courtesy of Royal Caribbean International

Deal: Royal Caribbean offers a "Kids Sail Free" deal several times each year, allowing children 12 or younger to cruise free provided they are the third guests (or beyond) staying in the same cabin as at least two paying adults. Typically, the deal applies to sailings of four nights or longer. The only catch is that blackout dates apply – typically during holiday and school breaks.

Family-friendly perks: There's a reason so many families choose Royal Caribbean ; kid-friendly amenities range from age-specific programming to zip lining at sea. The line's  exclusive island for cruisers , Perfect Day at CocoCay in  the Bahamas , is also a big hit with young passengers thanks to its waterslides and splash areas.

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Courtesy of Costa Cruises

Deal: Costa Cruises may not be as popular as some other cruise lines on our list, but it's a worthwhile option for cruisers looking to sail through Europe, the Middle East or South America. The cruise line allows kids traveling as third or fourth guests to sail for free with two adults in the same cabin, and this promotion applies to passengers ages 2 to 17. This offer is valid on all sailings offered by the line, many of which feature destinations in desirable ports along the Mediterranean such as Barcelona , Marseille and Rome .

Family-friendly perks: Costa Cruises vessels offer abundant family-friendly amenities, from water parks to arcades to mini golf. Kids clubs are available for children ages 3 to 11, and they provide entertainment like arts and crafts, themed parties, and games galore. A teen zone also hosts cruisers ages 12 to 17 who want to mingle, sing karaoke and play group sports when ships aren't in port.

Courtesy of MSC Cruises

Deal: MSC Cruises lets children 17 and younger cruise for free on select itineraries, depending on the ship's capacity. (Other exclusions or eligibility requirements may apply.) Kids must be the third or fourth guests traveling in the same cabin as their parents (at least two adults) for the deal to be valid; note that any port fees and taxes still apply to children's fares.

Family-friendly perks: MSC Cruises offers a variety of leisure activities and amenities designed specifically for kids. On board, youngsters can take advantage of perks from water parks with slides and swimming pools to Broadway-style shows and interactive dinners. The line also hosts a variety of exclusive Lego experiences, including Lego-themed parades and a Lego Family Game Show. In addition, there are a myriad of amenities for parents to enjoy while the youngest passengers are occupied by a variety of dedicated kids clubs.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Holly Johnson is a seasoned travel writer who has covered family travel and cruises for more than a decade. Johnson has traveled with her family to more than 50 countries, and her many trips have included cruises all over the world. Johnson lives in Indiana with her two children and her husband, Greg.

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I've sailed on 50 cruises. Here are 4 I'd book again as someone without kids.

• I've been on over 50 cruises with eight different lines and almost always travel without kids .
• I love Virgin Voyages since the line is dedicated to its adults-only ships.
• Celebrity Cruises is also a great adult-centric cruise with elevated dining and entertainment.

I've been cruising for over a decade and in that time, I've sailed on more than 50 ocean ships across eight different cruise lines .

Since I don't have kids and rarely travel with children, I've learned that some cruise lines cater to adults better than others.

Here are my top four cruises to book for an adults-only vacation .

I love Virgin Voyages for its clear adults-only policy.

Virgin Voyages is one of the few major ocean cruise lines that does not allow children under 18, which I enjoy.

The Richard Branson-owned brand is known for its beautiful Lady Ships, which have ample outdoor space and nightclubs and party spots inside.

Unlike other cruise lines, Virgin Voyages' dining concept is truly unique.

You won't find massive rooms or long buffet lines. Instead, the ships have specialty restaurants, including an Italian eatery and a stunning steak house, which are all included in the cruise fare.

I love the line's fast-casual pizza spot, but my favorite place to eat on a Virgin Voyages cruise is Gunbae. The Korean barbecue-inspired restaurant has shared tables with grills in the center and delicious food.

Disney Cruise Line is perfect for adults looking for some childhood nostalgia.

I love going to Disney theme parks , so it's no surprise that I also love Disney Cruise Line.

The brand definitely leans more into family travel, but there are plenty of dedicated adults-only areas on each of the line's ships.

One of my favorite places to hang out on the Dream or Fantasy ships is Meridian, an adults-only bar nestled between Palo and Remy, the two adults-only dining options.

This space has great views of the ocean and incredible bartenders who can shake or stir up just about anything.

After the sun goes down, the party really gets started at the nightclubs on the Disney ships . On a recent sailing on the Magic, I watched game shows, sang karaoke, and played trivia.

Celebrity Cruises is a great option for luxury sailing.

I recently tried out Celebrity Cruises for the first time, and it was a luxurious step up from its family-friendly sister company, Royal Caribbean . The cruise line is known for its beautifully decorated ships, intimate spaces, and over-the-top entertainment.

While sailing on the Ascent ship, I spent a lot of time at the Sunset Bar, which features Mediterranean-style drinks , incredible views, and live music in the evenings.

I also loved watching live shows in the theater every night. They combined acrobatics, magic tricks, dancing, and singing into spectacular events that left my jaw on the floor.

Norwegian Cruise Line is perfect for younger adults looking for a fun time.

I've sailed with Norwegian Cruise Line a few times, and I think it's the perfect brand for young adults. The ships are easy to navigate and feature some of the best staterooms at sea, with plenty of storage.

The top decks of the line's newer ships, like Prima and Viva, feature epic water slides, a go-kart track , and infinity pools overlooking the ocean.

It's certainly geared toward the young at heart, but I think the spaces are ideal for anyone looking for a good mix of fun and relaxation.

• Main content

16 - Day Panama Canal from Mobile, AL

Cruise itinerary.

Carnival Journeys

Some take vacations… and some take their vacation further. Carnival Journeys is a limited series of special sailings that’s made to amaze, starting with great destinations and less-traveled routes to get you there. Board a Carnival Journeys cruise and you’re on course for enriching experiences aboard, amazing destinations ashore, classic cruising flair and more.

Day 1: Mobile

Day 2, 3 & 4: Fun Day at Sea

Day 5: cartagena, day 6: panama canal transit.

Day 7: Fun Day at Sea

Day 8: puntarenas.

Day 9, 10 & 11: Fun Day at Sea

Day 12: cabo san lucas.

Day 13, 14, 15 & 16: Fun Day at Sea

Day 17: seattle.

Get to Know Carnival Spirit

Carnival Spirit is more than a ship, but an unforgettable vacation experience you’ll be reliving for a long time. Whether you’re after something that’s action-packed or just want to relax and unwind, this ship has what you’re looking for. (Our suggestion: choose both!) There’s heaps of fun to be had, and there’s definitely something in it for everyone; little ones, big ones and the whole family. We’re talking about a mini-golf course, two-deck fitness center, jogging track, Serenity Adult-Only Retreat ™ , pools, a spa and more. And playing it cool isn’t hard at WaterWorks ™ — after all, you’re among waterslides like Green Thunder — plus you can always cool down, or warm up, with a dip in our domed swimming pool. Keep the kids entertained with three age-appropriate youth programs that give them plenty of choice on activities and fun chances to make new friends. Our recommendation: sail hungry. After all, you’ll be enjoying meals in three-course style in the Empire Restaurant or just go ahead and build a meal with as many courses as you like at the casual-style, variety-packed Lido Restaurant. Speaking of casual, the trio of RedFrog ® Pub, Guy’s Burger Joint and BlueIguana Cantina ™ each put their own delicious spins on flavor itself. To get a little fancy, sit down at Nouveau Steakhouse. To get a lot un-fancy — and we mean this in the most delicious way possible — check out late-night soft-serve (till midnight) or pizza (till 4 a.m.)! When the sun goes down, the fun’s over. Nope, just kidding! Carnival Spirit features bars and lounges, plus entertainment that’s great for when you’re feeling like live comedy, musical performances and more. Feel like helping out a little? All the vocal cords are encouraged to participate at the piano bar. Feeling lucky? The casino’s right over there. Carnival Spirit is no stranger to amazing vacations… and hopes you won’t be a stranger either!

Onboard Activities

Onboard Dining

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