Best Cruise Ships for Families with Kids

With so many cruise lines and ships to choose from, it is often overwhelming for first-time cruisers with kids to pick the best option. The good news is that there are plenty of great options for kids of all ages to have a great time on a cruise. Here is a rundown of the ships we believe are most suitable for family travel.

Royal Caribbean Allure of the Seas and Oasis of the Seas

These two sister ships were the first "mega-ships" in the Royal Caribbean family and the first to introduce the neighborhood  concept on a ship. B dividing the public areas on the ship into smaller sections, each with its own feel and vibe, they ensure that you never feel very crowded and there is plenty of space for all kinds of activities. And there are many of those here for kids of any age. From an old-time carousel for the little kids to a zip line, rock climbing wall and a surf simulator for the teens, there is so much to do onboard that your kids will not want to get off. There is also an amazing water park, ice skating rink, ship-wide parades, mini golf  and an Aqua Theater with breath-taking diving shows throughout the day.  And for the fans of Shrek, Madagascar and How to Train Your Dragon, there is the Dreamworks exclusive experience, allowing kids to interact with their favorite movie characters.  When mom and dad want some alone time,  the Adventure Ocean Kids Club will keep kids entertained with a variety of fun activities, from dance parties to science experiments. It is open every day until 10 pm with the option to leave kids until the wee hours for a fun slumber party. For parents with babies and toddlers, these ships have a nursery, where babies can be dropped for a few hours at no extra charge, and there is also the option to hire an in-room babysitter at night so the baby can sleep while the parents enjoy some of the best evening entertainment at sea.

Cabins - there are multiple cabins designed with families in mind, with many Oceanview and  Balcony cabins able to fit up to 5 and even 6 people. And with more connecting cabins than many other ships, larger families can ensure that everyone is staying close to each other but still having some privacy. For those families who really want to splurge, there are the Royal Suites and Lofts, some of them offering two-story design, floor-to-ceiling windows, multiple bedrooms and even a slide from one floor to the other.

Norwegian Escape

When 

Carnival Breeze

For families on a budget, who still want to have lots of kids-friendly activities onboard, Carnival Breeze offers the perfect alternative. From a high-ropes obstacle course, to multiple water slides,  splash-down water park, outdoor games and giant-screen outdoor movies, there is plenty to keep the kids happy.  And thanks to Carnival's partnership with Dr Seuss, little kids can enjoy a real-life Green Eggs and Ham breakfast, a character parade around the ship and special Seuss-themed story-time. For the older kids, there is Hasbro: The Game Show, where thy can take part in thir favorite game shows, as well as real-life Clue mystery-solving events.

Disney Dream

You 

Celebrity Reflection & Celebrity Silhouette

There