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Everything You Need to Know About Family Cruises

Family cruises offer the perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and entertainment for travellers of all ages.

2min read

Published 25 March 2025

Sophie Baker

Guest Blogger

Family cruises offer the perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and entertainment for travellers of all ages.

Whether you're looking for a stress-free holiday with built-in activities for kids, or want to explore exciting destinations without the hassle of planning every detail, a cruise ticks all the boxes. From kids’ clubs to Broadway-style shows, cruise lines like MSC, Norwegian Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruises, and Royal Caribbean have mastered the art of keeping families entertained on board and ashore.

In this blog

If you're thinking about setting sail with your family, here's everything you need to know before booking.

“Happiness comes in waves...”

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Best Cruise Lines for Families

One of the major elements of a successful cruise is choosing the right line. While they all have their benefits, some cruise lines are better suited to families than others. If you want to book a family-friendly holiday, start by checking out these cruise lines. They’re some of the best for families of all ages!

Royal Caribbean: Non-Stop Family Fun

If you're looking for a cruise that caters to every family member, Royal Caribbean is one of the best options. With massive ships packed with water slides, surf simulators, zip lines, and rock climbing walls, there’s no shortage of adventure.

Kids will love Adventure Ocean, a dedicated kids' programme with age-specific activities, while teens have their own hangout zones and arcade areas. For parents? You are so covered! Relax at the spa or sip a cocktail by the pool while the kids are entertained.

MSC Cruises: Mediterranean Hospitality with a Family Twist

MSC Cruises is known for its family-friendly Mediterranean charm and offers one of the best value-for-money cruise experiences. MSC’s Baby Club, Mini Club, and Junior Club cater to different age groups, ensuring kids stay entertained while parents get some well-earned downtime.

Select ships even have an onboard water park, Lego-themed play areas, and interactive activities with Chicco baby products for the youngest travellers. If you need a budget-friendly cruise for a big family group, or just want really good bang for your buck, MSC are hard to beat.

Norwegian Cruise Line: Freestyle Cruising for Families

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) is famous for its "freestyle cruising" concept, meaning no fixed dining times or strict dress codes. It tends to attract a slightly younger crowd and is ideal for families who prefer flexibility.

NCL ships offer some of the best entertainment at sea, including Broadway-style shows, go-kart tracks, laser tag, and virtual reality experiences. The Splash Academy kids’ programme keeps younger travellers engaged, while teenagers can enjoy Entourage, their exclusive teen club.

Celebrity Cruises: Luxury Meets Family Travel

Celebrity Cruises is often associated with upscale travel, but it also caters to families looking for a more sophisticated cruise experience. Camp at Sea, the line’s dedicated children's programme, offers over 500 activities, including arts and crafts, STEM-based experiments, and sports competitions. If you want the cruise to come with more than just waterslides and pools, Celebrity Cruise lines has got your back. Every kind of kid is catered for here!

And obviously, there are benefits to a luxury cruise line for the parents too. Gourmet dining, luxurious spa treatments, gorgeous cocktail bars, and adults-only pools all draw adults looking for a true break from the demands of day to day life.

What to Expect on a Family Cruise

Modern cruise ships go beyond traditional pools and buffets, offering everything from rock climbing and ice skating to escape rooms and surf simulators. Expect live performances, themed parties, cinema nights, and interactive game shows that bring the whole family together.

Most major cruise lines offer kids' clubs tailored to different age groups, where children can make new friends while parents enjoy some downtime. These clubs are filled with engaging activities, from arts and crafts to video games and scavenger hunts. Many cruises also offer babysitting services, making date nights at sea a reality.

Cruises are known for their huge selection of dining options, with buffets, à la carte restaurants, and casual snack spots offering something for even the pickiest eaters. Some cruise lines, like MSC and Royal Caribbean, even have dedicated kids’ menus, fun-themed restaurants, and all-day snack bars.

Why Cruising is the Ultimate Mediterranean Island Hopping Experience

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Tips for a Smooth Family Cruise

It’s hard to go wrong with a cruise. There are plenty of activities and amenities to entertain everyone, you get to see lots of destinations and get off the ship for a change of scenery regularly, and it’s a safe and contained environment even for small kids. But planning ahead can make it even better.

1. Choose the Right Cabin

Family-friendly cabins come in all shapes and sizes. Many ships offer connecting staterooms, family suites, and cabins with bunk beds, so you can pick what works best for your family’s needs.

2. Pack Smartly

Bring a carry-on bag with swimsuits so you can hit the pool straight after boarding.
Pack comfortable walking shoes for shore excursions.
Include formal wear if your cruise has themed or gala nights.
Motion sickness bands or medication can be handy if anyone is prone to seasickness.

3. Use the Cruise Line’s App

Most cruise lines, including Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line, have apps that allow you to book activities, check the daily schedule, and even communicate with family members onboard—perfect for keeping everyone on the same page.

4. Book Shore Excursions in Advance

Some of the best family-friendly excursions tend to sell out fast. If you want to try out bucket list things like snorkelling in the Caribbean, dog sledding in Alaska, or visiting historical sites in Italy, book ahead.

5. Take Advantage of Kids’ Clubs

If you’re worried about keeping your kids entertained while at sea, don’t be. Most cruise lines offer free, supervised kids' programmes running from morning until late evening, giving parents the chance to relax.

Caribbean

Expert tip

When cruising, be choosy about which side of the ship your cabin is on. You should always ask your Flight Centre Travel Expert whether the port or starboard side has the best views for your sailing/destinations of choice.

Top Family-Friendly Cruise Destinations

Not sure where to go? These destinations are perfect for families and offer plenty of exciting activities for all ages:

Caribbean cruises are true paradise. Think crystal-clear waters, pirate ship excursions, snorkelling with turtles, and family-friendly beach days. No wonder it’s a top choice for parents and kids alike.

Mediterranean cruises are another super popular option for South African cruisers. You get the best of both worlds here, and can see so many cities and cultures in only one trip. From exploring ancient ruins in Greece or wandering the French Riviera to devouring gelato in Italy, a Mediterranean cruise is a bucket-list adventure.

And of course, a local cruise is a fun way to dip your toes into the world of cruising and see if it’s the right holiday for you, while keeping things affordable and not having to use up too many of those precious annual leave days.

Ready to Set Sail?

A family cruise is one of the easiest and most fun ways to travel, offering something for every age group. Whether you want to explore the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, or Asia, Flight Centre South Africa has a variety of options to match your budget and preferences.

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Sophie Baker

Guest Blogger

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