Planning a family vacation can be stressful, but a cruise holiday offers the perfect escape. If you have planned a week-long getaway, you should also get a break from all the planning hassles of multiple bookings regarding hotel stays, day tours, and transportation, as well as coordinating everything upon arrival. Eliminate all these hassles with a family cruise vacation experience where you just have to book one tour and all your accommodation, meals, sightseeing and recreational activities for your family are all sorted out! There are many advantages of taking a cruise vacation with your family, but the greatest benefit is the opportunity to relax and bond with your family without travel worries. Check out these top cruise destinations around the world if you are eyeing that fabulous cruise experience for your family soon.
1. Bahamas
Dreaming of gliding through crystal-clear waters and endless sunshine? The Bahamas beckons you for an incredible cruise experience for your entire family. This Caribbean destination offers a balanced blend of relaxation, natural splendours and recreation for all ages. For families, a Bahamas cruise means getting the best comforts with leisure facilities while sailing and exploring the sun-soaked, pristine beach shores. The cruises that operate for these destinations are well-equipped with recreational facilities to keep your family entertained on board. Once you are at the port and exploring this beautiful beach destination, you can gear up for watersport activities, go scuba diving or enjoy milder adventures like glass-bottom boat rides or taking a quick dip in the turquoise water. A Bahamas cruise can be the ultimate relaxation getaway for your family.
- Best time to go: December to April
- Best Cruise liners: Royal Caribbean, Disney Cruise Line
2. Singapore
Singapore is one of the most popular destinations in Asia for family vacations. The harmonious blend of nature and city life, combined with a diverse population, creates a melting pot of cultures and cuisines that appeals to all ages. Get onboard a Singapore Cruise with your family and venture out to explore this petite island-state Asian country. Among cruises from Singapore, you can choose a Singapore-only cruise or combine it with visits to Malaysia and Thailand for a week-long Asian adventure. Enjoy a variety of onboard activities, dining options, and the vibrant nightlife of Singapore. Don’t forget to shop for souvenirs to take back with you. If you are planning a trip in 2025, add the magic of Disney with a Singapore Cruise as Disney Cruise Line is all set to dock in Singapore in 2025!
- Best time to go: October to March
- Best Cruise liners: Royal Caribbean, Disney Cruise Line, Genting Dream by Resorts World Cruise.
3. UAE
UAE is a destination designed for family holidaymakers. Try a different approach and take cruises from Abu Dhabi or Dubai that highlight all the major attraction spots of this Middle Eastern country. A UAE cruise adds its unparalleled hospitality and luxury and offers a plethora of experiences to keep you entertained. So, plan to explore the UAE unconventionally by choosing cruises from Dubai to Abu Dhabi, an Arabian-inspired expedition with modern comforts. Extend your voyage beyond UAE to other breathtaking destinations via the ancient trade sea route with cruises from Abu Dhabi or Dubai to awesome spots like Singapore, Oman, Doha, Egypt, India and Greece.
- Best time to go: October to March
- Best Cruise liners: Azamara Cruise, MSC Cruise, Royal Caribbean
4. Greece
Greece, the land of Greek mythical tales enshrined in ancient temples, boasts idyllic beach shores and sea-facing towns that bask in dramatic sunsets. These are just some of the most stunning sights you will ever see. Each Greek island is a treasure trove of culture and cuisine, providing the perfect escape for families seeking relaxation and natural splendour. A cruise through the Greek Isles provides a glimpse into ancient heritage and culture, along with breathtaking scenery. Top it off with underwater adventures exploring vibrant coral reefs and marine life, or simply soak up the Mediterranean sun on pristine beaches. A vacation in Greece is a cultural journey you won’t forget.
- Best time to go: September and October
- Best Cruise liners: Celebrity Cruises, Silver Sea Cruises, Royal Caribbean, Disney Cruise line
5. Mexico
Spend your time sailing on breathtaking ocean views and disembarking to enjoy coastal towns and ancient ruins of Mexico. Come and have the time of your life onboard the sprawling decks, refreshing pools, and a wide range of activities on the ship. Once you dock, Mexico will offer plenty of postcard-worthy moments for you to capture. Immerse yourself in the beauty of serene white sandy beaches, the vibrant Mexican Riviera, and the warm hospitality of the locals. Mingle with the friendly ambience and sample the flavoursome cuisine that will leave you craving more. Mexico cruise holidays offer a unique and unforgettable family experience, with a wide range of activities and entertainment perfect for creating lasting memories with your loved ones.
- Best time to go: November to March
- Best Cruise liners: Norwegian Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, Princess Cruise
6. Galapagos Islands
Gear up for a nature adventure as you venture to the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador. This untouched wondrous nature destination is popularly known as the inspiration for the creation of the ‘Theory of Evolution’ by Charles Darwin. Your family will experience an awe-inspiring adventure on a Galapagos Islands cruise. Apart from enjoying first-hand leisure and relaxation on the spacious cruise while sailing through azure waters, encounter unique wildlife up close, from giant tortoises to playful sea lions. Your children will be captivated by the opportunity to learn about evolution and ecology first-hand. It’s a chance to disconnect from the world and reconnect with nature as a family. You can even enjoy a night under the star-studded Galapagos skies with the stargazing experience on your cruise’s top deck! The Galapagos offers a unique blend of adventure, education, and unforgettable memories, making it the perfect destination for an extraordinary family vacation.
- Best time to go: June to November
- Best Cruise liners: Avalon Waterways, Celebrity Cruises
7. Norway
Bear witness to the magical midnight sun and northern lights, magnificent fjords, and picturesque Nordic vistas with a trip to Norway. Your family will be amazed by the Norway’s pristine panoramas which are best experienced from an offshore vantage point, and a cruise does the job better than any other. Norway is one of the best cruise destinations for families in the world and has attracted more than six million passengers by 2023. The impressive cruise fleet has all the necessary amenities to keep your family safe and entertained, along with well-established and reliable sea routes for the cruise to navigate and fantastic hospitality service. Onshore, wander around blossoming apple orchards, meet locals, explore snow-peppered peaks and winding fjords up close, and relax in an ambience that has been voted the place where the happiest people live on the planet.
- Best time to go: March to December
- Best Cruise liners: Norwegian Cruise Line, MSC Cruise
8. Iceland
Venture onto an otherworldly paradise where you can chase the Northern Lights while gliding on the icy sea on an Icelandic family cruise trip. On the shores, marvel at the quaint township of Reykjavik, the surreal natural wonders of Akureyri and the unique blend of geyser springs, glacial waterfalls, black beaches and mosaic terrains of molten lava. Since Iceland and Norway are untouched beautiful Arctic gems teeming with natural sceneries in Northern Europe, pick a cruise voyage that combines both of these gorgeous destinations for an extensive cruise experience with your family. You can make it even grander by opting for a Northern Europe cruise that covers other destinations like Denmark and Great Britain as well.
- Best time to go: June to September
- Best Cruise liners: Princess Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line
9. Australia
Take a trip to the Southern Hemisphere to explore Australia. This gorgeous destination, steeped in undisturbed natural beauty, teems with extraordinary wildlife found nowhere else. A cruise showcases this unique world unlike any other. On your trip, while you laze around on the deck or splash in pools on board, soak in the ocean breeze and the calming blue vistas of the sea and the skies. Keep a watch for a fellow dolphin or whales that might join along as you sail. On your journey, dock at Sydney, Melbourne and Tasmania to explore its iconic sights, wilderness, and beaches. Adding New Zealand to your cruise trip lets you explore breath-taking scenic vistas of Milford Sound, Gisborne and Bay of Plenty. In every port you visit, you will have a variety of excursions to choose from that suit everyone in your family.
- Best time to go: December to February
- Best Cruise liners: Norwegian Cruise Line, Princess Cruise, Celebrity Cruise, Disney Cruise Line
10. USA
The United States of America has an eclectic choice of cruise vacations. Whether your heart lies in Florida, Hawaii, or Alaska, there’s a cruise for you. Enjoy single-destination voyages in Alaska, Florida or Hawaii or sail out on a coastal adventure along the East or West Coast of the USA. Most cruise liners also offer transatlantic and transpacific cruises as well so you can cover more destinations in the USA as well as cross the Atlantic waves to reach European coasts or venture out to destinations along the Pacific Ocean. If you crave extended nautical adventures with your family, these longer cruises are definitely worth considering.
- Best time to go: June to August and December to April.
- Best Cruise liners: American Cruise Line, Holland America Line, Royal Caribbean.
11. Croatia
A hidden gem of the Adriatic with its stunning coastline and charming medieval towns is perfect for a family cruise. The timeless cobble streets lined with centuries-old baroque structures and the iconic amber-coloured roofs of Dubrovnik set a pleasant ambience in this Balkan country. The seaside town of Split is another gorgeous town you will explore on a Croatia cruise vacation. As Croatia is set right opposite Italy across the Adriatic Sea, Italy is a great companion for a comprehensive culture and cuisine family cruise trip for holidaymakers.
- Best time to go: May to September
- Best Cruise liners: Norwegian Cruise Line, Holland America Line, Celebrity Cruises.
12. Italy
Waking up to sea views and spending the day in blissful Mediterranean port towns might be the finest way to live the Italian dream! Italy is where stunning coastlines, ancient ruins, world-class art, delectable cuisine, and the dolce vita life blend seamlessly. A cruise to Italy is all about sun, sea, and spectacular views! Italian cruises offer a floating luxury hotel at your disposal to relax and have fun while providing spectacular ways to enjoy with family along the coastal towns. Make the most of it with a complete Mediterranean experience with a cruise that sails to Italy, Croatia and Greece! Together with your family, you are going on the most flavourful and delightful journey as you explore the world’s most delectable culinary experiences and rich cultural heritage!
- Best time to go: May, June and September, October
- Best Cruise liners: Norwegian Cruise Line, MSC Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, Princess Cruise
13. British Isles
While the Mediterranean region takes the biggest share of European cruise vacations, the British Isles in Northwest Europe is gaining popularity. Peppered with its storybook castles, regal palaces, and picturesque countryside, a cruise through the British Isles offers a captivating blend of heritage and natural beauty. Venture out to England, Ireland and Scotland to view splendid rugged cliffsides and Highlands, sweeping beaches and rolling countryside sceneries. A voyage around the British Isles is a tranquil and rejuvenating family vacation and an experience you will want to remember for the rest of your life.
- Best time to go: April to May, September to October
- Best Cruise liners: Oceania Cruises, Royal Caribbean Cruises, Norwegian Cruises, Silver Seas Cruise
14. Japan
Get an immersive experience of Japanese culture and scenic panoramas as you sail on a Japan holiday cruise with your family. Witness the olden traditional culture and historical architecture peppered throughout quaint Japanese seaside towns, the futuristic vibe of a forward lifestyle in its dynamic cities and the resplendent scenery of pink cherry blossoms, staggering mountains and lush national parks. With the perfect mix of modernity and tradition, Japan woos you to spend days experiencing unique delights in each port you dock. The food scene is a marvellous array of unique dishes and umami flavours that will leave a lasting impression on your tastebuds.
- Best time to go: March to May, September to November
- Best Cruise liners: Holland America Line, Cunard Line, Princess Cruise
15. Spain
Spain’s breathtaking coastlines and world-class ports make it a prime destination for a family cruise. With its vibrant culture, stunning beaches, and delectable cuisine, Spain captivates visitors year-round. A cruise is an idyllic way to see Spain if you want to visit locations along its beautiful coastline. There are countless opportunities for you and your family to unwind and discover something new such as sampling your new favourite Spanish dish, meeting friendly locals in the port, visiting all the significant historical sites, or simply lazing around enjoying the sunshine on a peaceful beach. Even after your cruise is over, you will find yourself telling stories about your travels.
- Best time to go: March to May, September to November
- Best Cruise liners: Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, MSC Cruises
There’s nothing quite like a cruise vacation for enjoying quality family time, complete with all-inclusive meals and exciting onshore adventures. These diverse destinations offer the best opportunities to explore international waters with your family. Cruise vacation providers such as Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, Disney Cruise Lines, and Norwegian Cruise Line are among the most popular choices for creating unforgettable family holidays. So, leave behind the ordinary holiday packages and choose a cruise holiday for your next leisure family getaway!
