When it comes to family vacations, few experiences can compare to the excitement of a cruise. With endless activities, stunning destinations, and an all-inclusive feel, cruises are perfect for families looking to create lasting memories together. In this guide, we’ll explore the best family cruises, focusing on specific costs, features, and money-saving tips to help you plan your next adventure.
1. Disney Cruise Line: A Magical Experience for Best Family Cruises
Cost: Starting around $1,200 for a family of four on a 3-night cruise.
Highlights
First and foremost, Disney Cruise Line is synonymous with family fun, combining the magic of Disney with the joy of cruising. Onboard, families can enjoy character meet-and-greets, Broadway-style shows, and themed dining experiences. Additionally, kids will love the Oceaneer Club and Oceaneer Lab, which offer age-appropriate activities ranging from arts and crafts to interactive games.
Best Family Cruise Value
Families appreciate the exceptional entertainment options, ensuring that children remain engaged throughout the trip. Furthermore, meals are included, and parents can take advantage of adult-only dining experiences.
Best Family Cruise Savings Tips
- Book Early: Disney often offers discounts for early bookings, especially during promotional periods.
- Look for Last-Minute Deals: If your schedule is flexible, you can snag some great last-minute prices.
- Consider Off-Peak Travel: Traveling during less busy seasons, such as September or January, can yield significant savings.
2. Royal Caribbean: Adventure Awaits Best Family Cruise
Cost: Approximately $1,500 for a family of four on a 4-night cruise.
Best Family Cruise Highlights
Next on our list of the best family cruises is Royal Caribbean, known for its innovative ships and thrilling activities. Kids will love the Adventure Ocean program, offering a wide array of supervised activities, including science experiments and scavenger hunts. Moreover, the cruise line boasts exciting features like rock climbing walls, surf simulators, and zip lines, ensuring that there’s something for everyone.
Value
Royal Caribbean’s ships are packed with activities that provide excellent value for families. Dining is included, and many entertainment options are complimentary, from Broadway-style shows to ice-skating performances.
Savings Tips
- Promotional Sales: Keep an eye out for wave season sales (January to March), when cruise lines often offer discounted rates and onboard credits.
- Use Military or Group Discounts: If applicable, inquire about discounts for military families or group bookings.
- Pack Snacks: While most dining is included, bringing your own snacks can save money, especially for picky eaters.
3. Carnival Cruise Line: Fun for Everyone/ Best Family Cruise
Cost: Starting around $1,200 for a family of four on a 4-night cruise.
Best Family Cruise Highlights
Carnival Cruise Line is another excellent option on our list of the best family cruises, known for its vibrant atmosphere and family-friendly features. Kids can enjoy Camp Ocean, which offers supervised activities tailored to different age groups. Additionally, the ships feature water parks, mini-golf, and movie nights under the stars, ensuring endless entertainment for families.
Value
Carnival provides an all-inclusive experience with meals and many onboard activities included in the price. The casual dining options and family-oriented entertainment make it a great value for families on a budget.
Savings Tips
- Early Saver Rates: Book early to take advantage of Carnival’s early saver rates, which can significantly reduce the overall cost.
- Sail During Off-Peak Seasons: Prices can drop considerably during less busy travel periods, such as late fall or early spring.
- Look for Family Packages: Some promotions offer discounts on family bookings, including bundled excursions and onboard credits.
4. Norwegian Cruise Line: Freedom and Flexibility for Best Family Cruises
Cost: Around $1,400 for a family of four on a 3-night cruise.
Highlights
Norwegian Cruise Line stands out among the best family cruises for its flexible dining options and diverse activities. The Splash Academy offers fun programming for kids, while teens can enjoy their dedicated space. Families can engage in a variety of activities, from bowling to water parks, ensuring fun for all ages.
Value
Norwegian’s “Freestyle Cruising” concept allows families to eat when and where they want, making dining a stress-free experience. Moreover, many entertainment options, including live music and shows, are included in the fare.
Savings Tips
- Free at Sea Promotions: Look for promotions that include perks like free dining packages or excursions.
- Book Off-Peak: Sailing during less busy times can lead to lower prices and better availability for preferred cabin choices.
- Join the Latitudes Rewards Program: Returning cruisers can earn discounts and perks for future bookings.
5. Princess Cruises: Enrichment and Exploration
Cost: Starting at about $1,500 for a family of four on a 7-night cruise.
Highlights
Princess Cruises offers a unique blend of family fun with enrichment activities, making it an excellent choice for families who enjoy learning while they travel. Programs like Discovery at Sea provide hands-on experiences, including stargazing and cooking classes tailored for families.
Value
Princess offers a diverse range of entertainment, enrichment, and relaxation, making it a great choice for families seeking more than just traditional cruising. The inclusive nature of meals and many activities enhances the overall value.
Savings Tips
- Book Early for Promotions: Early booking can lead to discounts or onboard spending credits.
- Utilize Family-Friendly Offers: Some itineraries include discounts for families traveling together or family-focused excursions.
- Look for Package Deals: Combining cruise fares with hotel stays or shore excursions can save money overall.
6. MSC Cruises: European Charm and Fun for Best Family Cruises
Cost: Approximately $1,400 for a family of four on a 7-night cruise.
Highlights
Last but not least, MSC Cruises provides a mix of European charm and family-friendly activities, making it one of the best family cruises available. The kids’ clubs offer engaging programming for various age groups, while partnerships with brands like LEGO ensure a fun onboard experience. Families can enjoy bowling alleys, water parks, and themed parties.
Value
With competitive pricing, MSC Cruises delivers great value for families, including meals and many onboard activities. Their family-friendly itineraries often explore exciting destinations across Europe and the Caribbean.
Savings Tips
- Look for Family Promotions: MSC frequently offers discounts for families, including “kids sail free” promotions during certain times of the year.
- Book Early or Last-Minute: Both strategies can yield significant discounts, depending on availability.
- Join the MSC Loyalty Program: Returning guests can earn points for discounts on future bookings and onboard perks.
General Tips for Saving Money on the Best Family Cruises
- Book Early: Early bookings often come with discounts and promotional offers.
- Consider Off-Peak Travel: Traveling during less busy times can lead to lower prices and less crowded experiences.
- Pack Wisely: Bringing essentials like sunscreen, snacks, and refillable water bottles can save money onboard.
- Utilize Onboard Credits: Take advantage of any onboard credits received through promotions for dining or excursions.
- Research Shore Excursions: Instead of booking excursions through the cruise line, consider researching and planning your own activities at ports to save money.
Conclusion
In summary, cruising offers a fantastic opportunity for families to bond, explore new destinations, and create lasting memories. By choosing from the best family cruises that fit your family’s needs and budget, you can ensure a fun-filled vacation. With a bit of planning and attention to costs, you can enjoy all the benefits of cruising without breaking the bank. Bon voyage!
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*DISCLAIMER: Information on this site is for educational purposes only. Mamas Money Moves does not provide, legal, accounting, tax or investment advice. Outline content ideas given in part by ChatGPT OpenAI. (2024). ChatGPT (Version 3.5) [Computer software]. Retrieved October 5, 2024, from https://www.openai.com/chatgpt
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