Sunday, March 31, 2024

11 Best Cruise Lines to Book in 2024 Best Cruises for Every Traveler

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And since you’re saving money on the cruise itself, you may want to consider a meal at specialty restaurants like Emeril’s Bistro 1396 or Rudi’s Seagrill, even though there’s an additional charge. Usually near the library you can find a game room on a lot of cruise ships. If you want some time out of the sun, head here to see what they offer.

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Like its five coming sisters, Explora 1 will offer oceanfront suites, penthouses and residences designed to be "homes at sea," and it'll be packed with upscale amenities. They will include 10 distinct culinary experiences, 10 indoor and outdoor bars and lounges, four swimming pools, outdoor deck areas with private cabanas, wellness facilities and entertainment. At around 215,863 tons, MSC World Europa is about 4% to 8% smaller than the five Oasis-class ships. MSC World Europa is 21 decks high — three decks higher than the Oasis-class vessels. Icon of the Seas, which will be the biggest cruise ship in the world when it debuts, is now scheduled to sail with paying passengers for the first time in January 2024.

Seawalk

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The latest ship for the luxury line Silversea Cruises will be bigger than its predecessors and feature an all-new design — one that, notably, will be asymmetrical in many areas. That is, some of the vessel's most prominent spaces, including its main pool area, will feature layouts that are off-center in a way that is unusual for cruise ships. In our minds, nothing is more fun than cruising on the newest ship in a cruise line’s fleet. These new ships feature more fun to be had than any other ships at sea; more often than not, the newest cruise ships truly showcase the best that the cruise line has to offer. Although older cruise ships in a fleet can still offer incredible vacations, there’s something extra special about sailing on the latest and greatest. Everything onboard feels brand new and untouched - and the technology is always next level to elevate your onboard experience.

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The third installment coming from Royal Caribbean exquisite school of sail, the Ovation of the Seas features a wide range of hi-tech innovations that will most likely leave its guests mesmerized. Its “coupe du grace” will consist in the North Star gondola, which will propel guests over 300 feet in a capsule made of glass. The development of ships on the scale of Carnival Jubilee and its sisters has been a big deal for Carnival.

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Among lines unveiling new ships that are sisters to vessels already in their fleets are Norwegian Cruise Line, Carnival Cruise Line, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Virgin Voyages and Celebrity Cruises. Also on the way are several significant new ships from major lines that, while new, will look familiar. That is, while they will be new builds, they'll feature designs we have seen before. Families will appreciate the largest go-kart track at sea with 3 levels of twisting and turning fun. Prima's go-kart track is surprisingly 20% bigger than any other go-kart track in Norwegian Cruise Line’s fleet. Other activities include water slides, open-aired game zone, miniature golf, and a slew of other family-friendly activities on the top deck.

One of the World’s Largest Cruise Ships That Nobody Is Talking About (Yet)

Because you won't find children running around the cruise ship, this can be an excellent option for adults looking to have kid-free fun. Cruise lines are consistently building cruise ships that are bigger and better than anything else built before. Each cruise line adds its own flair and unique attractions to set apart its cruise ships from others in the industry. Fast-growing MSC Cruises jumped into the activity-packed megaship game in a big way in 2017 with the debut of the U.S.-based MSC Meraviglia. At 171,598 tons, the 15-deck-high MSC Cruises vessel is one of the 20 biggest cruise ships in the world, and it offers such deck-top diversions as a polar-themed waterpark with three waterslides.

The kid’s club has couches to hang out, video games and fun organized activities. This cruise ship is over 167,000 tons and holds 4,500 passengers. This ship is absolutely stunning and has amazing bar and restaurant areas.

Whether you’re doing an Alaska, Canada & New England, or Norwegian Fjords cruise, you’ll need cruise outfits that are practical and warm enough for your cool weather cruise. And you don’t have to sail to Paris to experience a romantic vacation. Wherever you’re heading, you can choose from a variety of Romance Packages featuring everything from flowers and champagne to couples massages and breakfast in bed. Or just treat yourselves to date-night dinners at one of the restaurants helmed by a Michelin-starred chef. The Galaxy Pavilion does cost extra, but it’s a pretty memorable thing to do on a cruise and the entire family will have fun. The Cavern Club in Liverpool is where The Beatles got their start.

How we chose the best cruise lines

If you’ve ever wanted to try a new game, a cruise ship casino is a great place to start. You’ll see the times listed in your ship’s daily schedule, but classes are usually in the morning when the ship is as sea. Of course, most people go on a cruise to get warm, but sometimes you need to cool off. Modern ships will have two or even three pools, sometimes including one in a covered solarium that can stay warm year round. This means you can save cash since taxes and duty aren’t included in the price. Learn how to arrange flowers or make your own corsage to wear in the evening.

Not only are they completely different ships compared to the rest of Carnival’s fleet, but they also feature the only roller coasters at sea. One of the most unique things you can do at sea is to race go-karts. Norwegian Cruise Lines allows you to do just that on several of their newer ships. The theme will differ among cruise lines, but some of the popular themed dance parties are the ’80s (everyone dresses like a flashback to the 1980s), white parties (dress in all-white), and disco themes. The library on your ship will have a sheet of daily trivia and puzzles that you can pick up each morning.

Mariner of the Seas' $120 million Royal Amplification was completed in 2019. While she's a little smaller than the newer Freedom Class ships (about 139,000 gross tons compared to Freedom of the Seas' 154,407), many onboard amenities are the same. Freedom of the Seas, technically, has fewer thrills, as it lacks a third waterslide and Sky Pad. However, it has the new colorful resort-style Caribbean pool deck, Lime & Coconut Bar, and an enormous Playmakers. Since she's the first in her class, there won't be any other ships quite like Icon of the Seas until at least 2025.

If you pack with layers in mind, you’ll be fine both on the cruise ship and the days visiting on land. For those who are all about being pampered, Seabourn is ready to meet your every need. Ships are small and intimate, with one of the highest space-per-guest ratios in the industry. You’ll also be treated to exclusive dining options, including the acclaimed restaurant The Grill by Thomas Keller. The ships are even equipped with kayaks or paddleboards, snorkeling gear and Zodiacs, and hydrophones and underwater cameras for further exploration.

Volleyball, soccer, free-throws, ping-pong… if you think you’re good enough then enter one of the tournaments that the cruise line hosts. There are also trivia contests later in the day where you can compete against other passengers for bragging rights… and maybe a small trophy. Did you know that you can book your next cruise… while still on your current cruise? There’s a big push to get you to book again, and the cruise like will offer perks to entice you. The comedians brought onboard may not be the biggest names, but they are often well-accomplished, including appearances on TV shows and specials.

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Alongside our well-trained staff, your children will experience a wide range of exciting activities with kids and teens their own age. And while they’re having the time of their lives, you can too, knowing they’re in a safe and supervised environment. With so much to keep the kids occupied all day and night, Mardi Gras could also double as one of the best cruises for couples. Caribbean Princess offers 87 connecting staterooms, as well as two-bedroom family suites, featuring the line’s exclusive Princess Luxury Bed, developed in partnership with a sleep expert.

children's cruise ships

MSC Seascape

Oasis of the Seas sailings depart Miami for the Caribbean through May 2020; after that, Oasis of the Seas will head to New York City and become one of the largest ships to sail from the Big Apple. Cruise ship waterslides have come a long way from meandering back and forth chutes. With spins and loops — even some slides that jut out over the water with clear plastic so you can see how high you are — the slides on cruise ships are tons of fun for both kids and adults. As a travel aficionado, I’ve observed that the cruise suites for families which stand out are those that blend comfort with a splash of innovation. Whether it’s a whimsical wall art enticing children’s imagination or a private balcony allowing parents to unwind under the stars, the brilliance is in the details.

Additional Royal Caribbean Kid-Friendly Features

children's cruise ships

On NCL Epic, "Priscilla Queen of the Desert the Musical" is a great inclusive musical option for kids of all ages. Epic, Breakaway and Getaway also have two-bedroom family villas, which are cruise ship rooms for six people. The two-story Splash Academies on Norwegian Escape, Breakaway and Getaway are the line's largest kids clubs at sea, home to high-tech games, a circus school and a small cinema. We love that kids can experience finger sandwiches and cakes at the children’s afternoon tea -- and there’s no shortage of pizza and complimentary ice cream onboard.

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Best Family Cruise Destinations

Cutting-edge equipment like 3D printers and VR Gaming are also fun for kids. Happy Dinners, where children are escorted to the kids’ club after they finish their meals, enable parents to enjoy their food without feeling rushed by antsy little ones. MSC Cruises is a family-owned cruise line that’s focused on making it easy for families to explore the world. Learn new languages, cultures and cooking skills in immersive onboard programming and interact with people from all over the globe. MSC Seaside is one of the best cruise ships for kids because it sails year-round to the Caribbean from Miami. More than 20 dining options are offered onboard, including BBQ, Mexican, and a sports bar with an arcade.

Go ahead and put your feet up — this is a teens-only space where you can hang out and just chill, play games and video games, and even compete in tournaments. Recently renovated, Caribbean Princess was the first Princess Cruises ship to deliver the MedallionClass experience. A quarter-sized, complimentary wearable device makes vacation even more relaxing by speeding up the boarding process and enabling you to order refreshments that find you. This ship typically departs Fort Lauderdale, Florida, for the Caribbean, but also offers Canada and New England sailings. The slides are free to use, so kids can ride over and over again until they are sick of it.

There are sports activities like archery, football, basketball and dedicated splash pools. The cruise lines and recommended ships that follow are our top picks for family cruises. With our Adventure Ocean® youth programs, not only will your children's time on board be fun, it will be educational too! Aquanauts (ages 3-5 years) will have fun conducting cool experiments and becoming Certified Jr. Our specially designed Explorers program (ages 6-8 years) is packed with exciting cruise activities for kids, which includes themed parties. Voyagers (ages 9-12 years) will explore a range of activities that puts the "cool" back into learning.

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Additionally, Celebrity offers an autism-friendly environment on Beyond—and all their cruise ships—with sensory-friendly films, toys and dietary menu options, as well as services like priority check-in and boarding. The Basement on Celebrity Beyond is a robust space designated exclusively for teens, while other onboard sports activities and scavenger hunts are available throughout the ship. For youngsters looking to kick their feet up, the spa on Beyond has a teen-focused menu of treatments, such as facials for sensitive skin, nail care and mini vacation–approved mother-daughter spa time. The LEGO Group has designed new play areas featuring a vertical LEGO wall, a tech experience, a LEGO parade and a “master builder” diploma award ceremony. It’s easy to see why the new Disney Wish makes the grade as one of the best cruises for kids and their magic-loving parents.

Other Kid-Friendly Features on P&O Cruises

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While not as heralded as Royal or Carnival, MSC offers a great warm winter getaway for families, thanks to a wealth of activities onboard its European, Caribbean and Bahamian cruises. On Meraviglia specifically, you’ll find a massive water park and splash zone, ropes course, virtual F1 race car driving, flight simulators, 4D movies and an arcade room. For more active pursuits, families can challenge each other to bowling or a soccer match or basketball game on ship’s court. Large families will love the Super Family Cabins on MSC, which combine two balcony cabins and one inside room, sleeping up to 10 people.

Key features abound, the Icon of the Seas is tailored for those looking to be plunged into family cruising 2024 with style and substance. This vessel is ablaze with prospects, offering a spectrum of activities and relaxation that caters to every family member’s needs and whimsies. Anchored in innovation, these compelling attractions mark a new horizon in cruise vacationing, where the ordinary is washed away, leaving only the spectacular. It’s clear that each of these playgrounds at sea caters to the adventurous spirit within all of us, craving the next wave of excitement as we sail across the ocean’s wonders. Beyond the town there is a lovely nature reserve at Ebberg or you can enjoy cycling along the Ruhr valley meadows.

Before setting foot on the Icon of the Seas, my anticipation buzzes with images of its expansive water parks and high-tech amenities. Imagining the elation on the faces of children as they explore this floating paradise, it’s clear why cruise ships for kids and families are more than mere transportation – they’re transformative experiences. AmaLea makes our list of the best cruise ships for kids because it's one of the ships AmaWaterways custom-built for family cruises. Certain twin balcony cabins sleep three, and suites sleep four to accommodate kids, with connecting cabin options for families who need more space. Unlike many river ships, AmaLea has a pool, as well as a surprise kid hit — giant outdoor chess.

Pulling off the perfect family vacation isn’t always easy, especially when you’re trying to cater to different ages and preferences. Fortunately, Royal Caribbean is known for delivering great family getaways designed to wow guests across multiple generations. All the planning has been taking care of for you, so you can focus on bonding with your loved ones while doing as much or as little as you like. Developed in partnership with Chicco and featuring the latest Chicco baby equipment, supplies and toys, MSC Baby Time features a space where babies up to age 3 can play with their parents in a separate baby care drop-off area. LEGO bricks are a big part of the fun in the Mini Club for kids ages 3 to 6 and the Junior Club, for 7 to 11-year-olds, which also offers video games.

Kick family bonding up a notch at Perfect Day at CocoCay in The Bahamas – voted Best Private Island Experience by Travel Weekly readers. Turn up the thrills, like conquering Daredevil’s Peak®, the tallest waterslide in North America. Or unplug and chill along Oasis Lagoon®, the largest freshwater pool in the Caribbean.

The coaster dominates the Ultimate Playground area of the ship, where young cruisers can challenge their new friends to miniature golf, waterslide races, basketball and ropes course domination. No matter your family size or price range, you can find some incredible vacations at sea that will have kids exclaiming, "Best cruise ever!" by the end of the week. Additionally, many of the public health protocols put into place during the pandemic not only help cruisers stay healthy but enhance the family cruise with kids experience.

Royal Caribbean International frequently offers promotions where kids under 12 sail for free. These deals span across multiple dates throughout the year, providing exciting itineraries packed with unique island experiences and shipboard adventures. Carnival Celebration's kid-friendly cruises include weeklong Eastern and Western Caribbean cruises from Miami. Its sister Mardi Gras sails similar Caribbean itineraries from Port Canaveral, Florida (near Orlando).

Other kids might spend their parents' money on more virtual fun, indulging in F1 race car simulators, VR motorcycle racing, a 4D movie theater and a video arcade. Family groups can split into teams for sports court competitions or participate in organized games that rely on the latest technology to challenge guests of all ages. If you're looking for the best cruises for kids, Carnival Celebration and its near-identical twin fleet mate, Mardi Gras, are the only cruise ships boasting a top-deck roller coaster called Bolt. (That is until a third sister, Carnival Jubilee, debuts in late 2023.) A ride here is Instagram gold and the ultimate bragging rights for kids on vacation.

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