Royal Caribbean Navigator of the Seas
ROYAL CARIBBEAN
Parents know that traveling with kids is often more of a “trip” than a vacation—just keeping all the youngsters entertained and fed can be a full-time job—so choosing a cruise line that caters to the whole family is an important step. Thankfully, AAA has been booking with cruise partners for decades and knows what to look for in child-friendly voyages. These five cruise lines make it easier for children AND parents to relax and have a good time.
The Blaster Aqua Coaster on Royal Caribbean
1. Royal Caribbean
Royal Caribbean has truly made families its business, particularly with the launch of the largest cruise ship at sea, Icon of the Seas. Not only does it carry the largest water park at sea, but it also features an onboard neighborhood designed just for families. The Surfside community boasts an aqua park, an adults-only pool and plenty of dining for even the pickiest palate. Additionally, the ship has redefined family rooms, ensuring plenty of space for everyone.
Icon of the Seas, which set sail on Caribbean itineraries in January, underscores Royal Caribbean’s ongoing commitment to families. The cruise line is already known for its award-winning Adventure Ocean youth program; its Fuel club, where teens can hang out and have a soda fountain, computers and a dance floor all to themselves; and The Living Room, a teen lounge with movies, games and a live DJ.
While children are having a blast with new friends in these spaces, Mom and Dad can relax in the Solarium, a tranquil, adults-only retreat with whirlpools.
The whole family will delight in hit Broadway shows, including Grease and Mamma Mia! plus aqua shows and ice-skating shows, along with parades and parties on the Royal Promenade. Other activities that can be enjoyed together include a surf simulator, a rock climbing wall, mini golf, a skydiving simulator and multilevel water slides. Select ships have the first-ever carousel at sea.
Finally, children ages 12 and under sail for free during select sail dates, and many ships offer family-friendly staterooms and floor plans.
Celebrity Edge is home to The Basement, an exclusive hangout for teens.
Celebrity Cruises
2. Celebrity Cruises
From family-friendly excursions to the Camp at Sea youth program, there’s plenty of family fun on a Celebrity cruise.
Camp at Sea provides programming for kids ages 3-17, and the activities change daily, so youngsters experience something different each day. They learn about culinary arts, science, technology, engineering and math while making new friends. Older kids can hang in a space designed just for them or get a teens-only spa treatment, chosen from the teens-specific spa menu. Trivia contests and Junior Olympics competitions appeal to children of all ages. Select ships partner with the Frost Museum of Science, Xbox and Fat Brain Toys to enhance the activities.
Celebrity knows that the excitement of a cruise ship can be overwhelming for some young passengers, so the cruise line also offers sensory- and autism-friendly programs and services on its ships.
Puppies in the Piazza
PRINCESS CRUISES
3. Princess Cruises
No matter the age, children will find plenty to do on a Princess cruise. The cruise line has programming for babies, toddlers, preschoolers, teens and even 18- to 20-year-olds. Experience unique Discovery and Animal Planet shore excursions. Activities include meet-and-greet gatherings, such as Puppies in 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 also can make Animal Planet puppets, masks and paintings inspired by regional wildlife.
Princess offers stargazing on the top deck of its ships with an expert guide to point out notable stars and planets. Group childcare through Camp Discovery or the Beach House Teen Lounge is available for children ages 3 to 12 so that parents can spend a day in port or savor a relaxing dinner alone. Late-night group kidsitting also is available from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. Kids-only dinners are offered on select nights, and teens have their own special dinner in a reserved section of the dining room on a formal night. An added bonus on Princess Cruises is the MedallionClass app, which enables parents to track their children’s whereabouts.
Marvel Day at Sea production on Disney Cruise Line
Disney Cruise Line
4. Disney Cruise Line
Everyone in the family is sure to find fun things to do 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.
Catch Disney shows live on stage or view Disney movies in 3D. Clubs for children feature characters from Disney, the Marvel Universe and Star Wars. Meet-and-greets give youngsters 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.
Family enjoying a Danube river cruise on board an AmaWaterways ship
Adventures by disney
5. Adventures by Disney with AmaWaterways
You might not think of a European river cruise as a family-friendly vacation, but Adventures by Disney promises just that. The exclusive cruises sail on AmaWaterways ships, where luxury pairs with fun.
Itineraries to more than 40 destinations offer a variety of experiences for parents, youngsters and teens. Together, families can enjoy active excursions, castle and museum tours, and special programming on the ship. Separately, parents can steal away for wine tastings and adult-only dinners while their children participate in activities, such as Disney movie nights and Junior Adventurer dinners.
Onboard entertainment might include Mickey Mouse-shaped treats, Disney-themed karaoke and trivia, cooking classes, and more. Adventure guides and local experts tell stories about the people, culture and traditions of each place you visit. Sailings unfold in the heart of Europe on the Seine, Danube and Rhine rivers, and come with all the magic you expect from Disney.
AAA 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.