Family-friendly cruises: Take the kids!

Pulling off the perfect family trip isn’t always easy, especially when you’re trying to cater for different ages and preferences.

Cruising is a great option, as there are so many ways to keep everyone entertained.

With kids’ clubs for the littlies - and movies, waterslides, videos, dance parties and so much more for older kids, everyone will be happy. How often can you say that about a holiday?

Royal Caribbean: Adventure at sea

If your family motto is ‘go big or go home’, then Royal Caribbean is your ship. Think the tallest slide at sea, glow-in-the-dark laser tag, ten-storey-high zip lines and the chance to hang ten on the FlowRider® surf simulator... all before lunch. After dark, the thrills continue with Broadway-calibre shows, ice-skating and jaw-dropping AquaTheater stunts. Mealtimes are a breeze too, with complimentary dining that caters to every taste, from globe-trotting flavour-seekers to fussier eaters who prefer to keep it simple.

And when it’s time to chill, spacious family rooms and next-level suites (hello, Ultimate Family Townhouse!) mean no one's tripping over each other. So much is included in the fare, you’ll finally get to be the ‘yes’ parent (at least most of the time).

Hot tip: Ask us about the ships with bumper cars and skydiving simulators – yes, really.

Disney Cruise Line: Magic meets the ocean

If your little ones live in a world of Elsa, Iron Man and Mickey-shaped everything, get ready to blow their minds. A Disney cruise brings the magic to the high seas, with your kids’ favourite characters wandering the decks in real life (and yes, you’ll spot more than a few grown-up superfans too).

This year, the excitement ramps up with Bluey joining the fun on local Disney Wonder sailings from NZ & Australia – just one more reason to watch their faces light up.

From Broadway-style musicals and themed dining to splash zones, waterslides, fireworks at sea and deck parties that turn the ship into a floating festival, it’s the ultimate Disney adventure.

Let’s be honest, the only thing better than Disneyland? Disney at sea.

Costa Cruises: Family fun, Italian style

With Costa, family holidays feel as easy as they are exciting and take on a real European flavour. Think spacious suites, interconnecting rooms, kid-friendly dining and non-stop entertainment that keeps everyone smiling. Little ones love Squok Club – a wonderland of treasure hunts, bubble shows, karaoke, pool parties and dress-ups.

There’s even the chance to be a ‘Princess for a Day’ or a ‘Captain in Training’. Teens can dive into their own world with gaming sessions, themed dinners and dance parties.

And while it’s a treat having the kids entertained (hello, sun lounger!), there’s plenty of fun to share together too – like the rope garden adventure park, family shows, mini golf and splash-worthy pools. Travelling with tiny tots? The wide walkways and stroller-friendly design make life that much smoother.

Hot tip: Ask us about the best itineraries with extra family perks,  we’ve got the inside word, as well as some of the lowest kids’ fares at sea when sharing with two adults.

Norwegian Cruise Line: Thrills for all

This is not your average family holiday. Norwegian Cruise Line takes fun at sea to the next level on their newer resort style ships, with towering waterslides, tubing zones, splash parks, laser tag, virtual reality arcades and the only race track on the ocean. The free Kids’ Clubs and complimentary dining for under-12s at specialty restaurants keep everyone happy, especially the grown-ups. You’ll find loads to enjoy together too, from zip lines and climbing walls to The Plank, mini golf, sub soccer, pickleball and even a game of bocce. When the sun goes down, the fun keeps going with Broadway shows like Beetlejuice, live game shows such as The Price is Right, and dance parties that last well past bedtime. Whether you're chasing adrenaline or just keen to let loose, this is one cruise where boredom doesn’t stand a chance.

Hot tip: Ask us which ships have go-kart racing and glow-in-the-dark laser tag. They’re next-level crowd-pleasers.

Carnival Cruise Line: Non-stop family fun

Carnival knows how to turn family holidays into the kind of memories that get talked about for years. In fact, it’s often hard to convince the whānau to leave the ship when you reach port. Kids aged 2 to 11 are grouped by age for non-stop fun, from arts and crafts to cultural activities and NASA-inspired adventures. Tweens can hang at Circle C with movies, games and dance parties, while Club O2 keeps teens entertained with karaoke, video games, sports and themed nights. Families staying in Family Harbor or Byron Beach Club Staterooms enjoy exclusive lounge access, with daily breakfast, snacks, movies and games all in one cosy spot. Most specialty restaurants let kids dine free, and with a water park featuring racing slides and the famous Twister Waterslide, plus an indoor trampoline park, there’s always something to burn off the energy.

Hot tip: Ask us about Family Harbor or Byron Beach Club – it’s the secret sauce for stress-free cruising with kids.

MSC Cruises: Play, splash, repeat

MSC Cruises are packed with family-friendly fun from the moment you step on board. Kids’ clubs offer everything from sports tournaments and quizzes to the high-energy Doremi disco. The action ramps up with waterslides, an aqua park, VR games, zip-lines and even a Formula 1 simulator. Each cruise includes a LEGO® Experience Day, plus Broadway-style shows and a video game room to keep everyone entertained. On shore, Family Fun excursions are designed to explore each port at a pace little legs can handle. Mealtimes are an international adventure too, with casual buffets and main restaurant dining included. Kids can even eat with the youth team if they’ve made new mates or if parents are after a quiet evening to themselves.

Hot tip: Ask us which ships include the LEGO® Sailor mascot meet-and-greet. It’s a guaranteed hit with the kids.

Inspired to set sail on a journey like no other? Discover the world from a new perspective, with endless horizons and unforgettable destinations. Connect with our cruise specialists today and start planning your dream voyage!