As someone who grew up cruising with my parents, I can confidently say that a family cruise is one of the best ways to travel with kids. There’s just something nice about waking up in new destinations without the hassle of airports.
Whether we were racing down water slides on Royal Caribbean cruises, hanging out in Camp Ocean on a Carnival Cruise Line ship, or enjoying a family meal together on Princess Cruises, every cruise was memorable.
That being said, taking young kids on a cruise isn’t always smooth sailing. Small staterooms, less flexibility, and additional costs can make it more stressful than expected. Furthermore, if you’re cruising with a toddler who still needs swim diapers, you might be surprised to learn that they’re not allowed in many pools (although some ships have a splash pad just for them.)
If you’re planning your first cruise with kids or wondering if bringing the whole family is a good idea, this post will walk you through the pros and cons of cruising with children.
Pros of Bringing Your Kids on a Cruise
Spend Family Time Together
One of the best things about taking a cruise as a family is the chance to spend real quality time together without the distractions of daily life. Whether it’s sharing evening meals in the main dining room, exploring new destinations as a family, or just relaxing on the deck with fresh air, cruising makes it easy to create lifelong memories.
I still remember one of my first cruises with my family when I was six. It was a multi-generational cruise on Princess Cruises, and I went with my parents, brother, and grandparents.
I can still picture the excitement of stepping onto the ship and holding my grandma’s hand as we walked through the grand atrium. My brother and I spent our days in the kids’ areas while my parents and grandparents enjoyed the ship’s lounges and shows.
One of the best parts was the end of the day when we would all come together for dinner!
Cruises are a great way to travel with family members of all ages. Older kids can do their own thing in the teen clubs, while little kids can enjoy the supervised kids’ clubs like Adventure Ocean on Royal Caribbean cruises. Meanwhile, parents and grandparents can relax by the pool, enjoy a Broadway-style show, or participate in the onboard activities.
A multi-generational cruise is also a good idea for families who rarely see each other. Whether celebrating a big milestone or just looking for a fun getaway, spending an entire week together on a ship gives you time to reconnect without the stress of planning every little detail.
A Good Learning Opportunity
One of the best parts of a cruise vacation is how it exposes young cruisers to different cultures, new places, and unique experiences. Whether it’s exploring the colorful streets of Puerto Rico, trying fresh pasta in Italy, or meeting locals at a cruise port, kids get a firsthand look at the world beyond their hometown.
However, cruising isn’t just about discovering new destinations; it’s also about meeting new people. As someone who grew up cruising, I credit a lot of my social skills to spending time in the kids’ clubs.
Walking into the kids club and having to introduce myself, make friends, and join in on activities helped me become more confident.
Now, as an adult, I have no problem walking into a room full of strangers and starting a conversation. Cruising teaches kids how to be social, adapt to different situations, and connect with people worldwide!
Kids Club & Onboard Activities
One of the biggest perks of a family vacation on a kid-friendly cruise line is the kids’ club. Having a safe, supervised space where young children can play while parents enjoy the rest of the cruise ship is a game-changer.
Unlike other types of land travel, where parents constantly have to plan entertainment, major cruise lines like Disney Cruises, Carnival Cruises, and Norwegian Cruise Line offer built-in fun for kids of all ages.
Beyond the kids’ club, many ships are packed with activities like water slides, mini-golf, and sports courts. Whether you’re sailing on one of the largest ships with endless entertainment or a smaller ship with a more intimate feel, there’s always something to keep kids entertained.
Related: Cruise Ship Kids’ Clubs: Everything You Need to Know
Affordable Way to Travel
A family cruise can be a surprisingly affordable way to travel, especially when compared to the cost of hotels, dining, and activities on a land-based trip. With most food options, entertainment, and accommodations included in the cost of the cruise, families can enjoy a great time without constantly worrying about their budget.
Many of the best cruise lines also offer promotions like kids sail free or discounted fares for 3rd and 4th passengers, making it even more cost-effective for families with young children or older children. Plus, booking early or looking for better deals through loyalty programs and credit cards can help bring the cost down even further.
Cruising is a great idea for families looking to explore different places without breaking the bank!
Related: 8 Best Cruise Lines for Families – Complete Guide
Variety of Dining Options
One of the best parts of a cruise vacation is the incredible variety of food options available. Whether you’re craving a quick bite from a casual pizza stand, a burger by the pool, or a buffet featuring international cuisine, there’s something for everyone (including the pickiest eaters.)
For families with small children, many cruises make dining stress-free. In the main dining room, crew members often provide a kids’ menu with familiar favorites like mac and cheese, chicken tenders, and pasta. Many cruise ships even offer free things like unlimited soft-serve ice cream, making snacktime extra fun for young cruisers.
Lifetime Loyalty Benefits
One of the hidden perks of cruising as a kid is the chance to build lifetime loyalty benefits with your favorite cruise line. Many cruise lines, including MSC Cruises, Royal Caribbean, Princess Cruises, and others, have tiered loyalty programs that reward frequent cruisers.
As you build up loyalty status, you’ll receive perks like priority boarding, free things like onboard discounts, and even exclusive lounges.
If you start young, you could already have high status by the time you’re an adult, which means enjoying perks like free Wi-Fi, onboard credit, free drinks, and more. For families who plan to cruise regularly, sticking with a particular cruise line can lead to serious benefits over a long time.
Cons of Bringing Your Kids on a Cruise
Crowded Cabin
One of the biggest challenges of a family cruise is dealing with a small room, especially if you’re sailing with multiple family members. Growing up, we used to cruise as a family of four in an interior room, and while we made it work, it felt cramped at times.
Trying to get ready for dinner with everyone squeezing past each other or coordinating shower times was always a challenge.
For families looking for more space, upgrading to a balcony cabin or connecting rooms can make a big difference. However, these options are more expensive, so many families stick with interior rooms to save money.
If you’re taking your first cruise with kids, just be prepared for some tight quarters; it’s all part of the experience!
Less Flexibility
Cruising with kids, especially young children, means you can’t always be spontaneous. Unlike solo or couples’ travel, where you can just hop off the ship and explore, cruising with kids requires a lot more planning.
Whether it’s making sure you have the car seat for shore excursions or ensuring your little one gets their nap time, there’s a lot to consider.
For families taking their first cruise, my best advice is to plan ahead but stay flexible where possible. While you may not be able to do everything, you can still have a great time, just with a bit more structure!
Lack of Alone Time
The reality of a family cruise is that alone time can be hard to come by. While the kids’ club offers a great way for parents to get a break, there will be days when your child just doesn’t want to go, leaving you to juggle keeping them entertained instead of unwinding at the adult-only pool or relaxing on the lounge chairs.
Sharing a small room also means privacy is limited, and finding a quiet moment can be tough, especially in an interior room. Being in close quarters for an entire week can be an adjustment if you’re used to having personal space at home.
For parents looking for a little more breathing room, booking a larger cabin, taking advantage of the free kids club, or planning solo time during sea days can help. While you may not get total privacy, a little planning can go a long way.
Additional Costs
One of the downsides of a family cruise is that while a lot is included, there are still plenty of extra costs, especially when cruising with kids. From the video games in the arcade to special onboard attractions, it’s easy for cruise extras to add up quickly.
I saw this firsthand on my last cruise onboard Norwegian Encore. While the ship had lots of activities, many of them came with an extra charge.
The Go-Kart track cost $15 per ride, and the virtual reality games were $9 per game. When you have young children eager to try everything, those extras add up fast.
If you’re taking your first cruise with kids, I’d recommend setting a budget early. Consider giving kids a spending limit or discussing which activities are worth the extra cost.
Are you planning a family cruise? Please let me know in the comments below.
Happy Cruising!
Ethan
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Ethan Schattauer, a seasoned cruiser since the age of four, has gone on over 40 cruises with his family. Drawing from his extensive travel experiences, Ethan offers a fresh and youthful perspective on the world of cruising. He also writes about cruise cuisine, onboard experiences, and practical tips, providing valuable insights for cruise travelers worldwide.
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