Oh Buoy! The Best Cruises for Kids in 2024

Embarking on a cruise adventure with kids can be an unforgettable experience, filled with excitement, exploration, and endless fun. But with so many options available, finding the perfect cruise tailored to your family's needs can feel like navigating uncharted waters.

We've rounded up the best cruises for kids, designed specifically with families in mind. From epic onboard activities and kid-friendly entertainment to family-friendly dining options and immersive shore excursions, these are the best family cruises that promise to create lasting memories for both children and parents alike. 

Oh Buoy! The Best Cruises for Kids in 2024

1. Quantum of the Seas

The incredible Quantum of the Seas is Royal Caribbean's most cutting-edge ship, departing from Queensland.

Offering the best of the best in the cruises for kids' game, the ship boasts a whopping 14 restaurants, eight bars and lounges, and almost thirty activities and shows to choose from. From thrilling first-at-sea attractions like skydiving with Ripcord by iFly® to catching waves on the FlowRider surf simulator, this action-packed ship offers endless opportunities to create unforgettable memories and fill your days with excitement. 

Kids' clubs on board: The acclaimed Adventure Ocean Youth Programme is all about keeping young travellers happy and engaged. With Aquanauts for ages three to five, Explorers for six to eight-year-olds, and Voyagers for nine to 11-year-olds, there's something for every age group. 

Recommended family activities: Where to start! There are onboard pools aplenty, dodgem cars, table tennis, rock climbing, plus skydiving with Ripcord by iFly and surfing with the FlowRider Surf Simulator, to name but a few epic family activities aboard Quantum of the Seas. 

2. Pacific Adventure

Get ready to dive into the amazing new offerings aboard Pacific Adventure!

From the fantastic restaurants and bars to the family-friendly delights like Byron Beach Club, and a special pool area just for families, there's so much to explore. With all the classic P&O signature features and plenty of exciting additions, Pacific Adventure promises an unforgettable experience for the whole family. Cruises for kids don't come much better than this one! 

Kids' clubs on board: Under the supervision of experienced childhood educators, P&O have curated an epic array of daily activities tailored just for kids. From creative arts and crafts to exciting sports and musical adventures, their onboard kids' clubs cater to different age groups, ensuring every child finds their perfect fit. Dive into Turtle Cove for the littlest ones aged two to five, explore the fun at Shark Shack for six to nine-year-olds, embark on adventures at HQ for 10 to 13-year-olds, and delve into cool hangouts at HQ+ for 14 to 17-year-olds!

Recommended family activities: Talent shows, music lessons, water parks, an abundance of pools, a dedicated indoor-outdoor family space, open 365 days a year, plus sports, family games, family parties, and more.

3. Carnival Splendor

Looking for the ultimate holiday escape and one of the best cruises for kids? Carnival Splendor has it all!

Stretching the length of three football fields, this ship is in a league of its own. Following a refurbishment in 2019, it's now equipped with Fun-Ship 2.0 upgrades, including the thrilling Green Thunder Waterslide & Waterpark, Guy's Burger Joint, and the Blue Iguana Tequila Bar. The moment you step aboard, you'll feel the fun vibes with vibrant decor, thrilling waterslides, lively entertainment, and delicious dining options. Safe to say, Carnival Splendor promises non-stop excitement and relaxation for guests of all ages.

Kids' clubs on board: Step aboard a Carnival destination cruise and dive into the excitement of Camp Ocean! Designed for kids aged two to 11, it's a sea-themed paradise bursting with age-appropriate activities. From the Penguin colony (two to five-year-olds) learning about buoyancy to Stingrays (six to eight-year-olds) getting crafty with sea salt art, and Sharks (nine to 11-year-olds) diving into marine trivia and sports, there's endless fun for every young cruiser. 

Recommended family activities: There's dive-in movies, mini golf, Carnival WaterWorks, waterslides aplenty, stage shows, Warehouse Arcade, games, parties, arts and crafts, a library, Dr. Seuss Story Time—need we go on?! 

4. Disney Magic at Sea

The ultimate choice for the ultimate Disney fan, Disney Magic at Sea lets you embark on a magical adventure sailing from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, or Auckland with Disney!

Experience the enchantment of beloved characters, themed dining, Broadway-style shows, exciting kids' clubs, and lively deck parties. Dive into Goofy’s Pool for splashing fun in the sun or explore a variety of unforgettable spaces designed for every member of the family. From dynamic clubs for kids to luxurious adult-exclusive retreats, there's something for everyone to enjoy!

Kids' clubs on board: For every age and stage! It's a Small World Nursery caters to the youngest cruisers, while Vibe offers a teens-only hangout. Edge is all about creative pursuits, games, and movies for tweens, while Disney's Oceaneer Lab is bursting with activities. 

Recommended family activities: If your family loves Disney, this is hands down one of the best cruises for kids. From musicals and character experiences to a plethora of pools for everyone to enjoy, you certainly won't get bored onboard Disney Magic.

5. Coral Princess

Coral Princess, a luxurious cruise ship by the renowned Princess Cruises, promises an unforgettable experience for 2,000 guests.

From elegant accommodations to a plethora of onboard activities, and entertainment, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Set sail on this magnificent liner and embark on a journey filled with excitement and relaxation for the whole family!

Kids' clubs on board: At The Treehouse, kids aged three to seven can dance, enjoy pyjama movie nights, create art projects like Animal Planet™ puppets, and masks or compete in a Lego® boat-building contest. The Lodge is for eight to 12-year-olds and is bursting with talent shows, themed nights and treasure hunts. Or, The Beach House is perfect for teens with late-night movies, hip-hop dance classes and video game tournaments on offer, as well as sports competitions.

Recommended family activities: There's something for every member of the family aboard the Coral Princess—from theatre shows and live entertainers to Movies Under the Stars, plenty of pools, and more. 

6. Carnival Luminosa

Setting sail to both local and international destinations, Carnival Luminosa promises an exhilarating adventure like no other.

Featuring beloved Carnival attractions such as the RedFrog Rum Bar, Fahrenheit 555, and the Cloud 9 Spa and Serenity, your journey aboard Carnival Luminosa will be nothing short of magical. Whether you're travelling with your partner, friends, or family, Carnival Luminosa offers a variety of accommodations and itineraries to suit everyone's preferences. Get ready for unforgettable memories at sea!

Kids' clubs on board: Step aboard a Carnival destination cruise and dive into the excitement of Camp Ocean! Designed for kids aged two to 11, it's a sea-themed paradise bursting with age-appropriate activities. From the Penguin colony (two to five-year-olds) learning about buoyancy to Stingrays (six to eight-year-olds) getting crafty with sea salt art, and Sharks (nine to 11-year-olds) diving into marine trivia and sports, there's endless fun for every young cruiser. 

Recommended family activities: There's dive-in movies, mini golf, Carnival WaterWorks, waterslides aplenty, stage shows, Warehouse Arcade, games, parties, arts and crafts, a library, Dr. Seuss Story Time, and the list just goes on and on!

7. Ovation of the Seas

An incredibly popular pick among families and one of the best cruises for kids, on Ovation of the Seas, you can take in breathtaking views from the North Star, offering unparalleled vistas you won't find anywhere else. 

Indulge in a culinary adventure with globally inspired cuisine and innovative cocktails crafted by talented robots. And when you're not exploring ashore, fill your days at sea with exhilarating activities like surfing on the FlowRider and skydiving on RipCord by iFLY.

Kids' clubs on board: The acclaimed Adventure Ocean Youth Programme is all about keeping young travellers happy and engaged. With Aquanauts for ages three to five, Explorers for six to eight-year-olds, and Voyagers for nine to 11-year-olds, there's something for every age group. 

Recommended family activities: There are onboard pools aplenty, rock climbing, plus skydiving with Ripcord by iFly and surfing with the FlowRider Surf Simulator, to name but a few epic family activities aboard Ovation of the Seas. 

8. Disney Wonder

Picture a destination where families come together, parents unwind, and children dive into enchanting adventures crafted by Disney's magic. With its timeless charm, innovative features, and captivating experiences, Disney Wonder invites you to embark on an unforgettable journey across 11 magnificent decks.

From epic dining options to an abundance of pools and exciting activities, every corner of this ship is a gateway to new and exciting destinations. Get ready to sail away to exotic places and create memories that will last a lifetime aboard the Disney Wonder!

Kids' clubs on board: For every age and stage! It's a Small World Nursery caters to the youngest cruisers, while Vibe offers a teens-only hangout. Edge is all about creative pursuits, games, and movies for tweens, while Disney's Oceaneer Lab is bursting with activities. 

Recommended family activities: This really is an incredible option for a cruise for kids. From musicals and character experiences to a plethora of pools for everyone to enjoy, you certainly won't get bored onboard Disney Wonder!

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