While family cruises are special for the whole fam, there’s nothing quite like independence—for you and your kids. The best cruises for kids offer that extra special freedom with kids’ clubs and age-appropriate play and activities (even hangout lounges for teens) that are supervised, safe and chockablock with entertainment. Here are six standout cruises with kids clubs your children will thank you for—and you’ll appreciate yourself.
The Best Cruises for Kids (Onboard Kids Clubs and New Friends Included)
It’s all about them having their own space
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Published Apr 21, 2025
Disney, MSC Cruises
Best Cruises for Kids at a Glance
1
Best Overall
Disney Cruise Line
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2
Best for Active Children
Royal Caribbean International
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3
Best for Theatre Kids
Norwegian Cruise Line
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4
Most Affordable
Carnival Cruise Line
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5
Most International
MSC Cruises
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Children on Disney Cruise Line enjoy immersive, storybook-style clubs with themed rooms like Star Wars command centers, Marvel superhero labs and princess playrooms. Activities include interactive storytelling, crafts, science experiments, and character visits—all guided by enthusiastic counselors. The kids clubs (Oceaneer Club & Lab) are open from around 9 a.m. to midnight, with open house times for family visits. Participation is free; however, late-night babysitting (for ages 6 months to 3 years in the It's a Small World Nursery) comes at an extra cost of around $9/hour.
Fast Facts
- Best For: Overall family experience, immersive Disney characters and themes
- Kids Club: Oceaneer Club & Oceaneer Lab (ages 3–12), Edge (11–14), Vibe (14–17)
- Top Ships: Disney Wish, Disney Dream, Disney Fantasy
- Standout: Marvel, Star Wars, and Frozen-themed play areas; visits from Disney characters
Royal Caribbean’s Adventure Ocean program is packed with science experiments, scavenger hunts, theater games and themed parties designed for different age groups. Kids love the freedom of dedicated areas to play, create and explore, including teen-only hangouts and arcade zones. Clubs typically operate from 9 a.m.–noon, 2–5 p.m., and 7–10 p.m., with extended hours during port days and some evenings. Most activities are free, but the Late Night Party Zone (10 p.m.–2 a.m.) costs about $7/hour per child.
Fast Facts
- Best For: Action-packed fun, large ships with tons of activities
- Kids Club: Adventure Ocean (divided by age groups), Teen Lounge
- Top Ships: Wonder of the Seas, Symphony of the Seas, Icon of the Seas
- Standout: Aquatic parks, zip lines, escape rooms, FlowRider surf simulator
Norwegian’s Splash Academy provides supervised fun like circus school, treasure hunts and themed nights, while teens chill in the trendy Entourage lounge with video games and music. Kids enjoy a casual and friendly atmosphere with plenty of group games and physical play. Hours generally run from 9 a.m.–12 p.m., 2–5 p.m. and 7–10:30 p.m., with longer sessions available on sea days. Programs are free, but Late Night Fun Zone babysitting (10:30 p.m.–1:30 a.m.) is available for $6/hour per child.
Fast Facts
- Best For: Flexible family cruising, casual vibe
- Kids Club: Splash Academy (ages 3–12), Entourage (13–17)
- Top Ships: Norwegian Encore, Norwegian Breakaway, Norwegian Prima
- Standout: Virtual reality complex, laser tag, go-kart tracks
At Camp Ocean, kids join age-appropriate groups for marine-themed crafts, dance parties, and science games, while teens hang out at their own cool lounges with music and social events. The vibe is playful and upbeat, and younger kids especially love Seuss at Sea story time and parades. Camp hours are 10 a.m.–1 p.m., 2–5 p.m., and 7–10 p.m., with extended care on port days. The program is free, but Night Owls (10 p.m.–1 a.m.) costs around $7.50/hour per child.
Fast Facts
- Best For: Budget-friendly family fun
- Kids Club: Camp Ocean (ages 2–11), Circle “C” (12–14), Club O2 (15–17)
- Top Ships: Carnival Mardi Gras, Carnival Celebration
- Standout: Dr. Seuss-themed activities, water parks, family comedy shows
MSC’s clubs offer European flair with LEGO-themed areas, Chicco baby zones, and engaging activities like talent shows, cooking classes and dance-offs. Kids enjoy multilingual staff and a global mix of peers, creating a fun, cultural experience. Clubs are usually open from 9 a.m.–1 p.m., 2–6 p.m., and 7–11 p.m., with extended hours on sea days. All programs are free, including baby care (ages 1+), though babysitting and private services may carry a fee (varies by ship).
Fast Facts
- Best For: International vibe, great for multilingual families
- Kids Club: Baby Club (under 3), Mini & Junior Clubs (3–11), Young & Teen Clubs (12–17)
- Top Ships: MSC Seashore, MSC World Europa, MSC Meraviglia
- Standout: Partnerships with LEGO and Chicco; large play areas and game zones
Princess's Camp Discovery has a more educational focus with wildlife encounters, science activities and interactive exhibits inspired by Discovery Channel and Animal Planet. Kids also enjoy movie nights, puppet shows, and themed dance parties in a warm, creative environment. Typical hours are 9 a.m.–12 p.m., 1–5 p.m., and 6–10 p.m., with extra sessions on port days and evenings. Participation is free, and while late-night group sitting is sometimes offered, it depends on ship and sailing.
Fast Facts
- Best For: Education-focused programs (especially with Discovery at SEA)
- Kids Club: Camp Discovery (ages 3–17 in age groups)
- Top Ships: Sky Princess, Discovery Princess
- Standout: STEM activities, wildlife encounters, and themed experiences based on Animal Planet & Discovery Channel
