Cruising has become increasingly popular for families. It's a great way to explore multiple destinations in one trip, and the ships themselves offer many different family activities that appeal to kids of all ages. With complimentary kids' clubs, pools, shows, and other thrilling activities, right on board, it's no surprise that families are seeking this type of vacation.
Are you considering a family cruise vacation but unsure where to start? The cruise itinerary is the most important thing to begin with, and then look at ships after you've decided on a general itinerary. Our guide is focused on newer ships, although many older ships offer similar amenities.
Check out our guide to the best family-friendly cruises.
Disclosure: We've received complimentary/discounted trips with these cruise lines, but not on these ships. All opinions are my own.
Check out our guide to the best family-friendly cruises.
Royal Caribbean Icon of the Seas
Royal Caribbean is known for its huge, colorful ships with exciting family activities. The Icon of the Seas, launched in early 2024, is currently the largest ship at sea (along with her sister ship, Star of the Seas). It's the first ship in a new Icon class.
It offers Category 6, the largest waterpark at sea, Royal Bay, the largest pool at sea, and the Frightening Bolt, the tallest waterslide at sea. There's also Surfside, which includes a carousel and Playscape.
When the kids are in the kids' club, head up to Swim & Tonic, the largest swim-up bar at sea. The Hideaway section of the ship is the adult-only area, similar to Hideaway Beach at Perfect Day at CocoCay.
The Icon of the Seas offers seven-night Caribbean cruises departing from Miami, while the Star of the Seas leaves from Port Canaveral.
Royal Caribbean Utopia of the Seas
The Utopia of the Seas is one of the newest Royal Caribbean ships. It's known as the World's Biggest Weekend because it currently operates 3- and 4-night cruises out of Port Canaveral—perfect for a weekend getaway. It's one of the largest ships at sea (but not quite as large as the Icon.
I had the opportunity to sail on Utopia of the Seas in late summer. If possible, I'd recommend the four-day trip because it's a huge ship, and you'll want to explore during that day at sea.
Like the other Royal Caribbean Oasis Class ships, Utopia of the Seas offers a zipline, FlowRider, Central Park neighborhood, and Boardwalk neighborhood. There's also a kids' club area divided by age and lots of activities for kids of all ages.
The Utopia of the Seas also offers entertainment, including a parade, an AquaShow, and an ice show. There is something to do every minute of the day.
If you've got some relaxing, adult-only time, head to the glass-covered Solarium, which is 18-plus. But don't worry, there are plenty of pool areas for the kids, including the Perfect Storm waterslides and the 10-story Ultimate Abyss dry slide.
See our full review of Utopia of the Seas here.
Other Royal Caribbean Ships
Royal Caribbean offers over 25 ships, with many more on the way. In addition to the Icon and Utopia of the Seas, they introduced more ships since 2021, including the Odyssey of the Seas and the Wonder of the Seas. The Legend of the Seas will be introduced in 2026.
One of my favorite ships, the Odyssey of the Seas, was the last of the Quantum Ultra-class ships introduced. This ship offers a SeaPlex (where you can ride bumper cars), RipCord® by iFLY (where you'll feel like you are skydiving), FlowRider, and much more.
The Wonder of the Seas, introduced in 2022, is another Oasis Class ship, like the Utopia of the Seas. It offers many of the same activities and amenities, including the Ultimate Abyss, Solarium, pools, sports deck, zip line, and more.
Disney Wish
The Disney Wish is one of the Disney Cruise Line's newest ships and the first of the new Wish Class. Because of its beautiful theming, this ship is perfect for Disney-loving families.
There are both Marvel and Frozen-themed main dining rooms, Star Wars and New Orleans-themed bars, Star Wars, princess, and Marvel-themed kids' club areas, and much more. As with all other Disney Cruise Line ships, character greetings are offered with many popular Disney characters.
It also offers three-stage shows, including a new production of The Little Mermaid. In addition, it has the first AquaMouse, a water-coaster that is part ride, part attraction with animated shorts.
The Disney Wish has the best theming I've seen at sea. While it does seem to appeal mainly to families with younger kids, my teenagers also love the magic of this ship.
Disney Wish offers 3-4 day Bahamian itineraries departing from Port Canaveral. Because of this, it's a great option to combine with a Walt Disney World vacation for a Disney land and sea vacation.
Other Disney Ships
The Disney Wish is the newest Disney ship that I have been on, but the Disney Cruise Line currently has six additional ships: the Disney Dream, the Disney Fantasy, the Disney Magic, the Disney Wonder, the Disney Destiny, and the Disney Treasure. They sail from various ports in the United States and beyond, including Fort Lauderdale, Europe, and Canada (sailing to Alaska). While four of these ships are older, they still offer fantastic theming and magic at sea.
MSC World America
Launched in the spring of 2025, the MSC World America is the first MSC ship designed for American travelers. This ship is currently sailing out of a brand-new PortMiami cruise terminal (AA), offering 7-night cruises in the Eastern and Western Caribbean with stops at Ocean Cay, MSC's private island.
The ship is fantastic for families, with amenities and activities including the Harbour, with waterslides, the High Trail ropes course, the Jawdrop multi-level dry slide, and the Cliffhanger (an overwater swing ride). There's also Formula One simulation racing, and a SportsPlex multi-use area used for basketball and bumper cars.
The MSC World America offers LEGO play areas (inside and outside of the kids' clubs, a LEGO parade, and numerous entertainment options, including Dirty Dancing in Concert.
Upcoming Ships in 2026
While there aren't as many family-friendly new ships launching in 2026 as there were in 2025, there are a few we are looking forward to. These include the Disney Adventure and the
Which of these ships are you most excited to experience with your family?
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