Thinking of taking the family on a cruise? Both adults and children are well catered for on the right cruise, with an extensive programme of activities for the whole family, or the option to simply lie out on deck and soak up the sun. But how do you make sure you choose the right cruise for your family? Based on her own family cruising experiences with two boys, aged 10 and 7, parent Louise shares her 5 top tips for choosing the best family cruises.
#1. Choose the Right Cruise Ship
Some cruise ships are more family friendly than others, and the larger mainstream modern ships offered by lines such as Royal Caribbean, MSC and NCL tend to suit families best. They offer a wide range of onboard activities catering for all ages, and these activities are generally included in your cruise price.
The onboard kids’ clubs are fantastic and offer a range of organised, safe, age-appropriate activities that give parents a real break and a chance to relax and unwind.
#2. Pick Your Embarkation Port with Care
If you’re travelling with very small children, pick a port that’s easy to get to with a direct flight, and bear in mind the distance from the airport to the port itself.
A popular choice for families travelling from Ireland is the 7-day Mediterranean cruise. Barcelona is a short flight from Dublin, and the cruise terminal is only a 10–15 minute taxi ride from the airport — similarly with Malaga. Rome, on the other hand, can involve a much longer transfer from the airport to the port, which can add significantly to travel time and cost when you’re travelling with young children. It’s always worth checking transfer times for your specific port before you book.
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#3. Decide Your Cruise Itinerary & Ports of Call
Most week-long cruises offer several ports of call over a typical 7-day cruise, meaning you’ll stop somewhere different most days. While this may be exactly what your family wants, a more relaxed cruise itinerary will build in a day or two at sea, giving you more time to enjoy the onboard amenities, shows and activities without the rush of packing on and off the ship.
Top tip: An Eastern European cruise itinerary may feel slightly warmer than a Western European one at the height of summer, and will typically take in a different mix of countries — worth weighing up alongside your family’s travel preferences.
#4. Consider Your Cabin Choice
Most cruise offers quote you the cheapest cabin price, which is usually an interior cabin (sometimes called a state room). While these suit two people, they can accommodate up to four, but can feel cramped with a family.
- If space is tight and your children are older, you may benefit from booking interconnecting cabins, or upgrading to a balcony or junior suite, which typically offer a pull-out sofa bed as well as some private outside space.
- A cabin located mid-ship is generally the best spot if you’re concerned about turbulence at sea — though modern ships are designed so well that you’ll barely notice you’re on a large floating vessel.
- A cabin near a lift, or close to the children’s clubs and dining areas, can also be worth considering, given that an average cruise liner these days can stretch to hundreds of metres in length.
#5. Plan Your Budget
One of the real benefits of a family cruise is that your cruise price usually includes your accommodation, onboard meals and entertainment.
What’s not usually included:
- Alcoholic drinks
- Onboard gratuities
- Any onboard purchases
- Shore excursion programmes
Some cruise lines include gratuities upfront as part of the cruise price, while others add them separately, so it’s worth checking exactly what’s covered before you book — gratuity policies and charges vary between lines and change over time, so always confirm the current terms directly with your cruise line or travel agent.
It’s also worth checking what’s included in your fare when it comes to drinks packages — some lines include soft drinks or coffee as standard, while others charge extra for bottled water or specialty coffee. Many cruise lines also run family-friendly pricing offers, such as reduced or free rates for children under a certain age, though these deals and terms change regularly, so check current offers directly with the cruise line when you’re comparing options.
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Have you been on a family cruise? Please share your tips with us in the comments below.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best type of cruise ship for a family holiday?
Larger, mainstream modern ships from lines like Royal Caribbean, MSC and NCL tend to work best for families, thanks to their wide range of included onboard activities and well-run kids’ clubs for different age groups.
How do I choose the best embarkation port for a family cruise?
Pick a port with a direct flight and a short transfer time, especially if you’re travelling with young children. Some ports, like Barcelona and Malaga, offer quick taxi transfers, while others involve much longer journeys from the airport — always check this before booking.
What’s usually included in the price of a family cruise?
Your cruise price typically covers accommodation, onboard meals and entertainment. Extras like alcoholic drinks, gratuities, onboard purchases and shore excursions are generally not included, so it’s worth budgeting for these separately.
Should we book an interior cabin or upgrade for a family cruise?
It depends on your family’s needs. Interior cabins are the most budget-friendly but can feel tight for four people. If space matters, interconnecting cabins or a balcony/junior suite with a pull-out sofa bed can be a worthwhile upgrade.
Is a cruise with more ports of call better than one with sea days?
Not necessarily — it comes down to what your family enjoys. More ports mean more day trips and variety, while sea days give you extra time to make the most of onboard facilities and activities without the pace of daily disembarkation.
Looking for More Family Holiday Ideas?
If you found these tips useful, you might also like our advice on Sleep Tips for Kids on Holidays and Tips for Booking a Family Holiday in the Sun without a Travel Agent. Save this article now so you can come back to it while you’re planning.
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