Family Cruise
Intro
Planning a vacation for a family with children can be challenging when everyone has different ages, interests, and ideas about what makes a great vacation. A family cruise can make things much easier by bringing everyone together aboard one ship while giving each family member plenty of opportunities to enjoy the vacation in their own way. For this page, we're using family cruise to describe a cruise for approximately 4 to 15 family members, such as parents traveling with their children or perhaps two or three related households traveling together. This is not to be confused with a family reunion cruise, which generally involves 16 or more people and more households.
Something for Everyone
One of the biggest advantages of a family cruise is the tremendous variety of things to do. Younger children can enjoy kids' clubs, pools, games, and age-appropriate activities, while teenagers can find their own entertainment and social spaces. Parents can relax by the pool, enjoy specialty dining, see a show, or simply have some time together.
A cruise also makes it easy for families to spend time together while still enjoying some individual time. You can enjoy meals and activities as a family and then allow different family members to pursue their own interests. The best cruises for families will have plenty of activities and features to do just that.
Ships & Destinations
Today's family cruise ships offer an impressive variety of amenities, entertainment, dining, and activities. Water attractions, pools, sports, games, live shows, kids' programs, and other onboard experiences can give children and adults plenty to enjoy. Different cruise lines and ships will also have a variety of styles and vibes to consider.
Popular family cruise destinations include the Caribbean, Bahamas, Mexico, Bermuda, and Hawaii. The best family cruise for your family will depend on the ages of your children, the activities everyone enjoys, the length of the vacation, and your budget.
Room Capacity
Cruise staterooms are available in a wide range of sizes and configurations. Some can accommodate three, four, or more guests, making it possible for parents and children to share a stateroom. Other families may prefer separate nearby rooms, particularly when traveling with older children or another household.
Understanding family cruise room capacity and comparing different family cruise staterooms can help you determine the best combination of comfort, privacy, and value.
Bed Configurations
Family staterooms can have different sleeping arrangements, including beds that convert into sofas, pull-down beds, and other configurations designed to accommodate additional guests.
Because sleeping arrangements vary by ship and stateroom category, families should confirm exactly how many guests a room accommodates and how the beds are configured before they book a family cruise. This is particularly important when traveling with multiple children.
Connecting Rooms
For families who want additional space and privacy, connecting staterooms can be an excellent option. Connecting rooms have an interior door between them, allowing family members to move between cabins without going into the hallway.
Connecting rooms can work especially well when parents want a separate room for older children or when two related households are traveling together. Availability can be limited, so families interested in connecting rooms should consider booking early.
Suites
Want to splurge for something bigger and better? Families who want more room may want to consider a suite or another larger accommodation. Family cruise suites can provide additional living space and, depending on the ship and category, other amenities or benefits.
A suite can be particularly appealing for families who expect to spend more time relaxing in their stateroom or who want additional space for a special vacation. Comparing suites with standard staterooms can help determine whether the additional space and amenities justify the higher price.
Family Cruise Pricing
Family cruise pricing depends on the cruise line, ship, destination, sailing date, stateroom category, and number of people traveling. Because cruise fares are generally based on the number of guests occupying each stateroom, the way your family is divided among rooms can have a significant effect on the total cost.
When comparing family cruise rates, consider more than the advertised fare. Cruise pricing can include accommodations, meals, entertainment, activities, and access to numerous onboard amenities, making a cruise an excellent vacation value. Families may also find deals on family cruises on certain sailings or during particular times of the year.
Epix Cruise and Travel can help you compare family cruise rates, ships, destinations, staterooms, and available options to find the best family cruise for your preferences and budget.