Best family cruises: top cruise lines for kids, according to Mumsnetters

Cruising is a brilliant way to see different destinations in one family holiday without dealing with the logistical faff of getting kids from A to B or unpacking and re-packing suitcases along the way. And of course, waking up to a new backdrop each morning is a novelty that doesn’t wear off. Throw in top-notch food and entertainment, access to kids’ clubs, pools and a generous luggage allowance and it’s easy to see why cruising with kids is so appealing. 

Keen to embark on a cruise holiday but not sure where to start? We’ve put together a handy guide to all things cruising including a roundup of the best cruise ships that are perfectly geared up for kids. We’ve got recommendations and insights from Mumsnetters that have set sail and returned to drop anchor in our popular Holidays forum to share their family cruise tips. 

While elements of a cruise ship can feel like a hotel (albeit a giant floating one), taking a cruise can feel like a whole new world of holidaying and you’ll likely have lots of questions around tips, dress codes, cabin types, restaurant bookings, excursions and more. We’ve got useful info in our FAQ section at the bottom of this page but if you’ve already decided to give cruising a go, hop aboard our guide to the best cruise ships for families. 

Best family cruises at a glance

• Best overall: Disney Cruise Line

• Best value: Marella Cruises

• Best for cruising from Southampton: P&O Cruises 

• Best for teens: Celebrity Cruises 

• Best for Med cruises: MSC Cruises 

• Best for entertainment: Royal Caribbean 

-Mumsnet user, EVHead

Family cruise FAQs ⚓

What’s included in the price of a cruise?

The base cruise fare typically includes:

• Cabin accommodation (some cruise lines may refer to cabins as staterooms)

• Breakfast, lunch and dinner in the main dining rooms or buffet restaurants

• Basic drinks like water, tea, coffee and some juices

• Entertainment like theatre productions, live music and comedy) 

• Access to facilities including gyms, spas, pools and kids’ clubs 

• Room service 

You’ll usually pay extra for things like:

• Alcoholic drinks 

• Specialty restaurants

• Spa treatments 

• Shore excursions

• WiFi

• Gratuities 

• Transfers to/from ports 

Some cruise lines, like Marella Cruises, operate on an all-inclusive basis which covers alcoholic drinks and tips. A P&O Cruise package also includes tips as part of the price but you’ll need to pay extra for alcoholic drinks. Drinks can usually be bought on a pay-as-you-go basis or you can opt for a drinks bundle before boarding which may be more cost-effective depending on how much you’re likely to drink. 

Do you need to pay tips on a cruise?

Tips (or gratuities) are an expected part of cruising and while you may be used to tipping individuals as and when you’ve experienced excellent service, many cruise lines will automatically charge tips to your account on a per person, per day basis. Any additional tipping is optional but many guests choose to tip housekeeping or dining staff separately at the end of a trip. Speciality restaurants and bars will typically add 15-20% to each bill. 

Do you need to book excursions at every port?

Shore excursions are not mandatory and you don’t even need to get off the ship at every port if you’d rather stay onboard. You can explore each destination independently if you wish, which may make sense if you’re familiar with the area or the port is easy to access via public transport or on foot. 

It’s worth looking into shore excursions if the port is far from main attractions though or if you’re looking to book complex activities (remember, you’ll need to make sure to return to the ship before it sets sail!). 

Excursions operated by cruise lines can be very expensive but you’re also paying for the convenience of being able to book and manage trips via your account and having transfers arranged directly from the ship. 

Check for family-friendly shore excursions as some tours may require a minimum age. Some cruise lines offer discounts for kids under a certain age. 

What do you need to pack on a cruise?

Aside from essential items like passports, insurance and any required vaccinations documents, you should pack clothes to suit the weather you’ll likely experience onboard. 

Some useful things to consider include:

• Casual daywear

• Swimwear

• Smart clothes for any formal nights 

• Comfy walking shoes/sandals 

• Gym kit if planning to use the facilities

• Light jacket or sweatshirt (ships can be cool)

• Sun cream, hat, sunglasses 

• Motion sickness remedies

• Basic first-aid supplies

• Toiletries

• Medications

• Chargers 

• Small backpack for port days

• Family water bottles

What’s the dress code on a cruise?

You won’t need to adhere to a strict dress code on a day-to-day basis onboard a cruise ship but some cruise lines do have restrictions in place at certain restaurants (no denim, no sandals, no sportswear, no shorts, no open-toed shoes for example). 

And some cruise lines have a formal night as part of the itinerary where the dress code will typically call for suits and dresses. Check with the cruise line directly ahead of a trip to make sure you’re in the know - some cruises are glitzier than others! Attendance isn’t mandatory so you don’t have to dress up if it’s not your thing. If you’re attending a formal night with kids, the dress code will typically be ‘smart’ rather than full suits or gowns (think smart dresses and trousers rather than tracksuits and leggings). 

Is it better to go for an indoor cabin or an outdoor cabin?

There are pros and cons to booking an indoor or an outdoor cabin. The main difference is price - indoor cabins are usually quite a bit cheaper than an outdoor stateroom so if you’re looking for a cheap cruise deal and don’t plan to spend much time in the room itself, consider an indoor option. They’re also completely dark which can be handy for getting a good night’s sleep, particularly if you’re travelling with young kids and dealing with jetlag. They’re usually quieter too. 

However, it’s hard to beat the novelty of opening the curtains and taking in the sweeping sea views or watching the skyline change as you sail into a brand new port. You’ll also enjoy natural light whether you’ve opted for a port hole window or a balcony cabin. Balcony cabins offer space to kick back and soak up fresh sea air as you sip a morning coffee. 

Is there a minimum age on a cruise? 

Most major cruise lines won’t accept kids younger than six months. For transatlantic or longer sailings, the minimum age can be 12 months. It’s worth checking age requirements at the kids’ clubs. Many will take kids from three to 17 but will be split into different groups depending on the age category. Some cruise lines offer a baby creche or babysitting service for under threes but you may need to pay extra. 

About the author 

Rachel Erdos is an Editor at Mumsnet where she commissions, edits and writes content with a focus on family travel. She has written hotel reviews, features and destination guides for publications including the Guardian, Four Seasons Magazine, Travelzoo, Visit Britain and Visit London, and worked as an Editor at Cruise Critic where she cruised with Viking Cruises and Costa Cruises. She loves nothing more than researching and writing about fun things for families to do in destinations near and far.