Picking the Right Cruise Line with Kids: 4 Easy Choices
Choosing the right cruise line with kids can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. We’re Easy to Breezy, so naturally, we believe picking a cruise for the whole family should be, well, easy. We’re breaking down four solid options: Disney Cruise Line, Carnival, Holland America, and Royal Caribbean—each offering a different vibe, level of activity, and experience onboard.
Let’s dig in.
Disclaimer: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost to you, we make a little bit of money if you click through and end up booking. That said, we would never recommend something we don’t stand behind 100%.
Family Cruise Option 1: Disney Cruise Line
For: Families who already know they want the full Disney experience.
If you’re even thinking about a Disney cruise, you probably already know it’s for you. It’s polished, magical, and packed with character meet-and-greets, Broadway-style shows, and the kind of over-the-top service Disney does best. Many families choose a Disney cruise instead of—or in addition to—a Disney park trip. You get the magic with more rest in between. And yes, you’ll pay for it.
Easy to choose if: You’re a Disney family, plain and simple.
Family Cruise Option 2: Carnival Cruise Line
For: Families who want bright, bold, non-stop fun.
Carnival is the most energetic of the bunch. Expect colorful water parks, family game shows, poolside music, and casual eats around every corner. Kids and teens will love the vibe, and parents who don’t mind a little chaos in exchange for entertainment value will too.
Easy to choose if: You want a cruise that feels like one big party.
Family Cruise Option 3: Holland America Line
For: First-time cruisers or families who prefer a calmer, more relaxing pace.
Holland America Line skips the theme-park-at-sea approach and leans into something more peaceful. The ships are beautiful, the food is fantastic, and the kids club is surprisingly great for how low-key the rest of the ship feels. You won’t find waterslides or cartoon mascots—but you will find great itineraries, helpful staff, and a vacation that feels like a break.
Related: Holland America Cruise with Kids: A Surprisingly Easy First Family Cruise
Easy to choose if: You want a relaxing first cruise that keeps kids happy.
Family Cruise Option 4: Royal Caribbean
For: Families who want something in between—big-ship fun with high quality.
Royal Caribbean balances bells and whistles with great service and ship design. Think surf simulators, zip lines, splash parks, and plenty for both kids and parents to enjoy. The newer ships feel like floating cities, but there’s enough variety in itineraries and ship size that you can dial the energy level up or down.
Easy to choose if: You’ve cruised before and want more without going full-on mega-party ship.
Visit our travel insider resources if you want easy and effortless travel overall.
Other Family Cruise Lines Worth Considering
While these options didn’t make our top four, you may still want to consider the following options if you’re looking for a cruise line with kids, and the port city, itinerary, or cabin configurations work better for your family. That said, we’re here to save you time, so pick from our top four cruise lines for families if you want to make your research a bit easier.
Princess Cruises – Classic and refined, Princess is a great match for multi-generational families or those with teens. It offers a relaxed pace like Holland America but with more kid-friendly touches, including family activities, Discovery at SEA programming, and reliable food and service. If you’re cruising Alaska or the Mexican Riviera, it’s a strong contender.
MSC Cruises – MSC brings European flair and often aggressive pricing, especially for kids-sail-free deals. While it can be hit or miss depending on the ship and route, it’s a fun option for families who want a little more international flavor or are sailing out of Florida and want something different.
✈️ Easy to Breezy’s Expert Top “Picking a Cruise Line with Kids” Tips
After years of working in the travel industry and traveling with our own young family, here’s what we always recommend when picking a cruise line with kids:
- Start with the cruise line. Pick the one that matches your family’s travel style—whether that’s calm and structured or non-stop action. This guide completes this step!
- Check the ports. Ensure your family can conveniently get to and from the port city where the cruise line departs.
- Know your cabin setup. Some cruise ships are better than others at accommodating families with adjoining rooms, bunk options, or suites that make sense for four people.
- Fall in love with the itinerary. If the route and excursions excite you, the whole trip will feel easier to plan and more rewarding when you’re on board. Most family-friendly itineraries leaving the US go to the Western Caribbean, Eastern Caribbean, or Alaska.
Please know — We’re not forgetting about pricing, but found it too obvious to list as a top tip. Still, note that some cruise lines offer kids sail free, and often this occurs with January deals. Keep your eyes peeled for a good family travel deal!
Once you have found your favorite cruise line with kids, sign up for their email list so you won’t miss their deals!
Quick and “Easy to Breezy” Travel Links
- Holland America Line Cruises
- Flights & Hotels: Booking.com, Expedia or Hotels.com
- Tours: Get Your Guide
- Vacation Rentals: VRBO
- Language Learning: Babble
- See our Travel Insider Resources Page for tools to make travel day easier
Cruise Line with Kids: Side by Side Comparison
Cruising can be incredibly easy, as long as you match your family’s vibe with the right ship. Let’s summarize things again with a quick visual/comparison of the 4 cruise lines we recommend for families with kids. This goes for Summer travel, spring break, and anything in between. All cruise lines have kids club options, so date night and casino time are in your future.
| Holland America | Royal Caribbean | Disney Cruise Line | Carnival Cruise Line | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🎵 Vibe | Calm & classic | Big & bold fun | Magical & immersive | High-energy & casual |
| 🧒 Kids Club | Small, personal, well-run | Tech-packed & large scale | Character-rich & polished | Wild & playful |
| 🌟 Best For | Relaxed families or first cruise | Active older kids | Disney fans, little ones | Budget-friendly groups |
| 🎉 Onboard Fun | Games, crafts, live music | Slides, simulators, shows | Deck parties, character fun | Comedy, pool games |
| ⚓ Excursions | Port-focused & scenic | Balanced ship + port days | Story-themed ports | Party-style stops |
| 🍽️ Dining | Classy but comfy | Tons of variety | Rotating themed dinners | Casual faves |
If Holland America feels right for your family, see our guide: Holland America Cruise with Kids: A Surprisingly Easy First Family Cruise
In Summary: Recommended Top 4 Cruise Lines with Kids
There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to family cruising, but choosing the right cruise line can make everything else feel effortless. Pick the vibe that fits your travel style, and your cruise will do what it’s supposed to: feel like a vacation.
- Want something quiet but still kid-friendly? Holland America is your breezy bet.
- Looking for max stimulation? Try Royal or Carnival.
- Want fairy tale memories? Disney delivers—but at a cost
Happy, breezy (and cruise-y) travels.
Peruse more of our expert tip guides and family travel guides:
