Best for ages
All ages work, with a sweet spot around 6 to 14. Kids clubs start at about 3, teen lounges keep the older ones happy, and lines like Disney and Royal Caribbean have nurseries for babies and toddlers.
When to go
The Caribbean sails year-round, with the best prices January through March and late September through early December. Alaska runs May through September, with June bringing the best weather. Book holiday sailings 9 to 12 months out.
Tell me about your family and I'll build this trip around them.
Family Cruises
Unpack once. The vacation comes to you.
Why families love it
It's the easiest family vacation ever invented. You unpack once, and everything comes to you: meals, pools, kids clubs, evening shows. The kids get their own world while the adults actually relax. Nobody drives, nobody cooks, nobody plans the next stop.
Brandon's tips
- Book an aft balcony. You get wake views and bigger balconies for the money.
- Midship, lower deck means less motion if anyone gets queasy.
- Royal Caribbean's Oasis-class ships win for kids over 6; Disney Cruise Line wins for character-obsessed little ones.
- Watch for kids-sail-free promotions before you lock in a price.
Family Cruises
Unpack once. The vacation comes to you.
Tell me about your family and I'll build this trip around them.
Why families love it
It's the easiest family vacation ever invented. You unpack once, and everything comes to you: meals, pools, kids clubs, evening shows. The kids get their own world while the adults actually relax. Nobody drives, nobody cooks, nobody plans the next stop.
Best for ages
All ages work, with a sweet spot around 6 to 14. Kids clubs start at about 3, teen lounges keep the older ones happy, and lines like Disney and Royal Caribbean have nurseries for babies and toddlers.
When to go
The Caribbean sails year-round, with the best prices January through March and late September through early December. Alaska runs May through September, with June bringing the best weather. Book holiday sailings 9 to 12 months out.
Brandon's tips
Book an aft balcony. You get wake views and bigger balconies for the money.
Midship, lower deck means less motion if anyone gets queasy.
Royal Caribbean's Oasis-class ships win for kids over 6; Disney Cruise Line wins for character-obsessed little ones.
Watch for kids-sail-free promotions before you lock in a price.