Written by, Colleen Glasby (Spirit of Adventure Travel agent)
Which Cruise is Best For Your Family?
Planning a trip with little ones can feel like a lot—trying to fit in adventure, downtime, and activities the kids will actually enjoy isn’t always easy. That’s where family cruises can really shine! With nonstop entertainment, meals ready to go, and new places to explore without the hassle of packing and unpacking, they take the stress out of family travel. And the best part? You’ve got plenty of options when it comes to destinations and experiences made for families. Our family loves cruising vacations, and most recently took our two boys (ages 5 and 2) on both a Caribbean cruise and an Alaskan cruise. We loved both, but for completely different reasons and overall experiences.
So, which cruise is best for your family? Let’s find out!!
Caribbean Family Cruise
A Caribbean cruise is often the first trip families picture when they imagine a family cruise. Our first family cruise was to the Eastern Caribbean aboard Royal Caribbean’s Freedom of the Seas. And to be honest, the appeal of a Caribbean cruise is obvious:
- Warm Weather Year-Round: No need to worry about jackets or layers—swimsuits and sunscreen are the main packing list.
- Kid-Friendly Beaches: Soft sand, shallow waters, and plenty of beach days make it easy for young children to enjoy.
- Tropical Excursions: Families can explore aquariums, swim with stingrays, or ride glass-bottom boats. Excursions here tend to be shorter and lighter, which works well with little ones.
- Ship Fun Continues: Caribbean sailings usually have more days at sea with warm weather, so your kids can spend hours in splash parks, water slides, and poolside movie nights.
Best cruise for: Families who want a classic vacation vibe, with lots of swimming, sun, and easygoing adventures. Our boys loved exploring the sandy beaches of Perfect Day at CocoCay (Royal Caribbean’s private island) while also taking full advantage of the large splash pad area located onboard on sea days.
Alaskan Family Cruise
This past summer, we adventured on an Alaskan family cruise with our boys onboard Royal Caribbean’s Quantum of the Seas. It might surprise you how kid-friendly an Alaskan cruise can be.
- A Sense of Discovery: My boys loved seeing glaciers, whales, and even bald eagles right from the ship. It feels like being in a real-life DisneyNature documentary.
- Cooler Temperatures: You’ll be packing layers instead of swimsuits, but the brisk weather means less sunburn worry and more cozy family time. In my experience, my boys had better tolerance for adventures in the cooler weather.
- Educational Opportunities: Excursions include dog sledding, visiting gold rush towns, or taking a train ride through mountains. Many experiences tie directly into history or science, making them exciting and meaningful for kids (and grown-ups!).
- Slower Pace: Unlike beach days, Alaska is about awe and exploration. Even young children can appreciate the scale of glaciers or the thrill of spotting a whale tail from the balcony. And most days, the pools on deck were still open (we all know that pool temperature doesn’t impact most kids’ ability to swim and have fun, right?).
Best cruise for: Families looking for something unique, adventurous, and educational—where kids can experience nature up close. Our family loves watching nature documentaries on Disney+, so seeing nature on our screens come to life was truly magical.
What family cruise destination is best for you?
The Caribbean is perfect for families who love sunshine, warm beaches, and a relaxed, quintessential vacation vibe, while Alaska is ideal for curious kids who enjoy wildlife, nature, and a mix of adventure with learning opportunities. Both destinations offer the convenience and fun of cruising—unpacking once, endless food options, and built-in kids’ clubs—but the vibe is completely different.
But no matter which path you choose, cruising with children can make travel easier, more exciting, and filled with lasting memories. Start planning with a Spirit of Adventure travel agent today so we can help you select the best cruise ship, itinerary, and excursions to make sure your vacation is smooth sailing from start to finish!