Why Multigenerational Cruises are Perfect for a Family Vacation
Cruises have exploded in popularity over the last few years. Matter of fact 2025 is trending to be the highest of all time. Projections estimate that by the end of the year 2025 will see 37.7 million cruisers! That is a increase of 22% from 2019 levels and a surge of 125% since the COVID downturn. * Cruise Market Watch
A multi-generational cruise offers the perfect mix: adventure for the kids, relaxation for the grandparents, and memorable bonding time for all. Since everything from dining to entertainment is conveniently onboard, it completely eliminates the stress of planning separate activities and trips.
Step 1: Choose the Right Ship
Different cruise lines are designed for different types of travelers. So choosing the right cruise line and cruise ship is very important. You want to pick a ship that is going to check all the boxes and accommodate everyone in your group.
Family friendly Cruise Lines to Consider
- Disney Cruise Line: Perfect for the family with young children. The Magic of Disney is brought onto the high seas and children can experience character dining, themed events and top notch kids clubs.
- Royal Caribbean Cruise Line: The king of the Mega-ship but also some of the most tech-savy ships with awesome adventure style activities. Robotic bartenders, rock climbing walls, surf simulators and more
- Norwegian Cruise Line: NCL offers a wide range of exciting activities for all ages and offer flexability when it comes to dining options. Can you say Go-karts!
- Princess Cruise Line: I know, you are probably thinking i am nuts. Princess is for old people but not really. Princess has won awards specifically for “Best Cruise Line for Multi-Generational Family Travel” Porthole Cruise Magazine
Keys to Consider
- Research the Teens and Kids Clubs especially when using babysitting or drop off services.
- Look into the Adults Only areas where you and the Grandparents can escape when you need some downtime.
- Ensure the ship can accommodate any Accessibility needs. Some ships are FAR more friendly than others.
- Family Sized Suites are available on some ships and could possibly be a fit for your whole family so always look into these options as well. Booking these usually come with added benefits and bonuses.
Step 2: Pick the Right Itinerary
This is so important. You can pick the newest, most exciting ship on the water only for your trip to be over shadowed by a horrible itinerary. You want to pick a itinerary that offers a little bit of everything for everyone. You also want to choose a cruise that fits the schedule. Some people will tell you to start with 3-5 days if you are new to cruising but i feel that is a bit rushed and opt for 7 days intineraries.
- Caribbean- Perfect for beach lovers and families with kids. Expect sunny weather and short travel times. Read more here.
- Alaska- Ideal for nature lovers and photographers, offering glacier views and wildlife encounters. Read more here.
- Mediterranean- Great for culture seekers — families can explore ancient ruins and local cuisine. Read more here.
When choosing the destinations you also need to take into consideration that excursions that are offered in each stop. You will need to ensure that everyone can participate in the activities or take note of the activity level so you can plan ahead. Not all excursions will be suitable for children and grandparents.
Step 3: Master the Logistics-Dining, Budgets and Coordinating
You’ve nailed the perfect ship and found the itinerary that checks all the boxes. Now it’s time for the final step: ensuring your stress-free vacation goes off without a hitch by mastering the onboard details. This is precisely where your trusted travel advisor becomes a major player in making it all happen.
Focus on these 3 areas to gurantee smooth sailing
Onboard Dining and Activities
Maximize your time together and when you are apart. When the kids are in the clubs and the teens are enjoying their lounges make sure you take advantage of the adult only areas, the spa or make those specialty dining reservations.
Control Your Budget
Keep your budget under control when planning. When booking talk to your Travel Advisor about group-rates or early bird savers. Keep in mind that you may have added costs like onboard gratuities, dining, casino or shore excurions,
Documents and Coordination
When working with a Travel Advisor dedciate 1 person as the “Point Person” who will be the coordinator of fun. Have conversations with your fellow travelers so you know what they are all looking for.
Ensure that all travel documents are in order. Not all cruises need a passport, although I strongly encourage yo to have one. If on a closed loop cruise ( you can read more about that here ) you may only need a birth certificate.
Lastly is travel insurance. I encourage all my clients to purchase insurance. I actually wrote a blog on this. Things happen, people get sick and mother nature does not care so make sure you take this into consideration when planning. Alo talk to your TA abou the fine print in the policy and pre-existing conditions.
Make Those Memories
When all is said and done remember you are there to make memories. Create a digital photo album, take part in the silly photo nights as a family and just enjoy your time together as a famiy and hopefully with new friends you meet while experiencing it all.
🔗 External Link:
Learn more about choosing family-friendly cruises from Cruise Critic
