Taking a cruise is a great way to celebrate life, whatever your age. Hitting the high seas is a viable holiday choice, whether you’re looking to spend time with fellow seniors or keep things sophisticated (and otherwise) on an adult-only cruise. When it comes to child-friendly cruises for the whole family, you need to seek out expeditions with a good range of activities – young children have a lot of energy to spend!
This blog puts the spotlight on the activities you should look for if you plan to cruise with kids, ensuring they have plenty to keep them distracted on sea days!
Kids clubs
This is arguably the ultimate children’s activity on family-friendly cruises – dedicated spaces designed purely to entertain and occupy children. Generally, these groups will be separated into various age groups, ensuring anyone from primary school age to their teenage years will have appropriate things to do. The kinds of activities at kids clubs include:
- Arts and crafts
- Games (board/video/active/themed)
- Science and education
- Creative sessions (theatre classes, musical sessions)
- Sports clubs
- Video arcades
- Age-appropriate parties
Look for a line or ship with a good reputation for kids club activities, such as Royal Caribbean’s Adventure of the Seas or any of the Carnival Cruise vessels, known for Camp Ocean.
A splash of fun
Swimming is already a go-to activity for kids on dry land, which is why it makes an equally great choice when you’re out to sea. It’s both a surefire way to connect with toddlers and a super-effective way to occupy children from primary to teenage. Cruise ships are known for their amazing swimming pools, while many also offer waterpark options like slides and water playgrounds. These are a great way to wear out and cool off the kids all at once.
Sports and activities
Beyond club activities and swimming, lots of ships offer sporting and active recreation options, ideal for kids and families to participate in. Some classic sport-adjacent activities on kid-friendly cruises include:
- Mini golf courses
- Rock climbing walls
- Indoor courts (basketball, volleyball, etc.)
- Table sports (ping pong, foosball, air hockey)
- Go-kart tracks
- Laser tag courses
- Surfing simulations (Royal Caribbean’s FlowRider)
- Zip line courses
These kinds of activities show that adventure can be had both on and off the ship!
Entertainment options
A kids cruise can be enhanced by a range of family-friendly entertainment options. Ships might be home to broadway-style shows, musicals, outdoor movie nights, live music and even deck parties. These are the kind of entertainment options that can satisfy parents and children alike, allowing the unit to share in the experience.
Find the best cruises for kids
If you’re on the hunt for kid-friendly cruises, you might just be in the right place! Here at Supercruises.com, we collate information about all the major lines and their ships, listing upcoming expeditions so you can find the perfect trip for your family. On every cruise that we list, you can check the activities and amenities on offer, to ensure your kids will have plenty to keep them entertained between shore days!
