Family cruising is booming - but which are the best cruise lines to go on
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There are few holidays that can cater to everyone in a family like going on a cruise so it’s little surprise that more than one in three Aussies are planning to set sail this year.
What are the best cruise lines for families. Supplied
The demand is being driven in particular by a massive surge in younger travellers and families, with multi-generation cruise holidays also ticking the box for many.
In fact, according to CLIA’s 2025 report, nearly a third of cruise guests now sail in groups of three or more generations.
Many modern ships are built with families in mind, featuring multi-room suites, bunk-style cabins for kids and connecting rooms that make it easy to stay close without feeling cramped.
Family cruises also make logistics simple. No need to worry about booking transfers, hunting for restaurants or navigating unfamiliar cities. Everything is within reach.
But of course, some cruise companies lean into this more than others. It’s important to check what age of children a cruise line most caters to before you book as well.
Even if not directly geared towards children, most cruise lines (aside from those specifically adults-only) will have kids clubs on offer.
We’ve done some of the legwork for you and rounded up some of the cruise lines we think are the best choice for a family holiday.
Some cruise lines do family cruising better than others. Supplied/Kristine Tarbert
Carnival Cruise Line
When it comes to thrills, entertainment and fun for the whole family Carnival Cruise Line is one of our top picks.
A mainstay of Aussie cruising, Carnival has four ships in the region all year round. Carnival Splendor, Luminosa, Adventure and Encounter and they all come with plenty of activities the whole family can enjoy.
Think waterslides, splash parks, mini-golf, basketball courts, and the SkyRide (a sky-high, self-peddling ride), as well as poolside movies and arts and crafts.
Age-based kids’ clubs on board include Camp Ocean for 2–11-year-olds, Circle “C” for 12–14-year-olds, and Club O2 for teenagers. And for the very little ones there are toddler programs and free Zumbini classes on offer.
Carnival Cruise Lines sails year round in Australia. Carnival
Mealtimes are easy too, with plenty of included options like pizza, burgers, pasta and 24-hour ice cream.
Carnival’s Dr. Seuss’s collaboration also sees the iconic children’s character brought to life through Seuss at Sea, with family activities and experiences onboard.
It’s also one of the more affordable holidays at sea. Despite the fact Carnival announced it would halve its Aussie fleet by 2028, it remains the only cruise line to sail year round in Australia.
Royal Caribbean Cruises
Whether you’re travelling with a toddler or a teenager Royal Caribbean Cruises is another company which is ideal for families of all ages.
Royal Caribbean’s biggest and newest Icon-class ships have the largest, flashiest water parks, a dedicated family neighbourhood, Surfside, and some of the best shows, amusements and kids’ clubs at sea.
In Australia, the line’s Quantum class ships, including Anthem of the Seas, are home to a range of thrill and adventure activities. The SeaPlex features bumper cars, roller skating, video games, and more. There are rock climbing walls and the FlowRider surf simulators.
Then there is the first at-sea skydiving simulator, and the North Star, which shoots passengers up in a glass capsule 100m above the ocean.
Anthem of the Seas sails from Sydney in Australia. Royal Caribbean
Adventure Ocean is the name of the kids club on Royal Caribbean ships. AO Babies is for ages six to 36 months and while generally free, a fee may apply to some activities.
Then there is the AO Junior program for potty-trained three to five-year-olds and AO Kids for six to 12-year-olds. Activities include dressing up, scavenger hunts, and doing science experiments.
The Hangout for teens offers them their own Living Room coffeehouse-style hangout and Fuel disco.
In the 2026/27 season, keep an eye out for Royal Caribbean’s “Wiggly Sailings” – special themed cruises featuring Aussie icons, The Wiggles.
Royal Caribbean has entire family-friendly neighbourhoods on its biggest ships. Royal Caribbean
Disney Cruise Line
Disney Cruise Line is undoubtedly one of the world’s most family-friendly cruise lines, with a concept and offering developed entirely for the young and young at heart. It’s a personal favourite too and one I will always recommend even if you aren’t a massive Disney fan.
Disney family cabins are among the most spacious at sea offering bunk beds with twinkle-light constellations and plenty of storage.
Staterooms on the Disney Magic and Disney Wonder are designed with nautical décor. Matt Stroshane, photographer
They have separate bathrooms and toilets and the famous room-dividing curtains so you can have your own space away from sleeping little ones.
Disney Cruises kids’ clubs’ ages generally span from three to 12, with other options for teens. The Oceaneer Club offers several themed play areas that are different on each ship, including heroes and villains, Marvel Super Hero Academy, Star Wars: Cargo Bay and Fairytale Hall.
Disney ships feature Edge, a tween club for ages 11 to 14 that includes video games and karaoke. The teen club, Vibe (for cruisers ages 14 to 17), has a fun coffee shop feel.
The ‘It’s a Small World Nursery’ is available to care for the youngest cruisers, ages six months to three years for an additional fee.
All ships feature the famous (though expensive) Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, where children are transformed into princesses, pirates, knights and sea captains.
Disney’s kids’ menu offers an array of kid favourites, such as mini-burgers and macaroni and cheese.
You can’t really go wrong with Mickey and Minnie when travelling with kids. Supplied
The best part about all of the above, is Disney cruises also have some of the best adults-only areas on offer, including a pool and spa.
Cruises are about doing as much together as you want, or enjoying things separately as well.
For Australian families Disney Adventure is the closest sailing option as it departs from Singapore.
MSC Cruises
Newer MSC ships such as MSC World America are wooing families with impressive aqua parks, waterslides and pools, including the Pirates Cove Aqua Park or the Family Aventura District.
There are activities like zip-lines, Formula Racer simulators, VR games, XD cinema experiences and video game rooms to choose from as well.
The Cliffhanger is another two-seat ride that swings adrenaline-junkies 160 feet over the side of the ship.
Children can join kids’ clubs filled with sports tournaments, quizzes and family discos, while special experiences such as the LEGO Experience On Board.
Young cruisers love the splash park on board. Getty
Celebrity Cruises
Celebrity might not be the first cruise line you think of when travelling with kids, but it’s a great premium option most suited to multi-generational holidays.
Celebrity Cruise Line has Camp at Sea, for ages three to 17 with more than 500 activities across Celebrity’s ships.
Celebrity Cruise Line is a great premium option for families. Celebrity Cruises
From arts and crafts and treasure hunts to STEM-based science experiments, sports and themed parties. Teens also have their own dedicated space with video games, competitions, parties and even culinary classes.
Discover more about cruising on nine.com.au:
- Cruise captain’s trick to improve an inside cabin on a ship
- ‘You won’t need it’: Cruise packing mistake many travellers make
- All the private islands, resorts, and exclusive destinations you can visit on cruises
- Couple who have done 36 cruises say the best cabin on a ship may surprise you
- No more midnight buffets: Seven major changes cruise lines have seen in the last 25 years
- ‘No money, no experience’: How famous Aussie built a cruise empire
- First look inside Royal Caribbean’s ‘record-breaking’ new mega ship Hero of the Seas
