All Aboard: Find the Perfect Cruise for Your Crew
What are the Top Cruises for Families?
Motherhood Loves Community Awards nominees have been carefully chosen by our team. We may earn a commission if you buy something through links on our site.
Dreaming of a quick escape or the ultimate summer family adventure? Easy to plan, packed with activities for everyone, and a fantastic value to boot – what's not to love about a cruise? Imagine exploring majestic Alaska, sinking your toes in white Caribbean sand, diving into European culture, or savoring sun-kissed Mexico. Soak it all in while creating precious family memories that will last a lifetime. We’ve gathered a list of top cruises for families based on various factors, including their service reputation, overall value, and variety of destinations. Which of these cruise ships is tops when it comes to making time on the water fun for the whole family?
Our nominees were researched and selected as the top products in their category. We then turned to the experts—the Motherhood Community—to place their votes and determine the best of the best! The votes are in, and the winners are...
- Margaritaville at Sea | Sea Islander
- Norwegian | Bliss
- Norwegian | Encore
- Disney Cruise Line | Wish
- Carnival | Panorama
- Royal Caribbean | Wonder of the Seas
- Royal Caribbean | Harmony of the Seas
- Disney Cruise Line | Wonder
- Carnival | Mardi Gras
- Cunard | Queen Mary 2
Top Cruise for Families of 2025 Winners
Margaritaville at Sea | Islander
Get your tickets to paradise and set sail to Key West or Cozumel on the Islander. Though you may think of Margaritaville at Sea as a party cruise line, the Islander has become popular with families for its kids’ programs, pickleball courts, arcade, and unique cornhole-meets-mini-golf course. And you’ll find lots of kid-approved dining options, from cheeseburgers and pizza in the restaurants to boba milk tea in the family lounges.
Norwegian | Bliss
Mini golf, laser tag, kids’ clubs, a go-kart track—the Bliss was designed specifically for family adventures at sea. You’ll have lots of destinations to choose from, such as Pacific Coast favorites like Mexico and Alaska or great trips to Central America and the Caribbean. Besides the laid-back dining and entertainment Norwegian is known for, your family can enjoy edutainment excursions to villages in Juneau or ancient sites in Old Mazatlán.
Norwegian Bliss - Norwegian Cruise Line
Norwegian | Encore
All aboard Norwegian’s biggest cruise ship! The Encore has a spectacular blend of kid-friendly and adult fun, with virtual-reality game rooms, a go-kart track, and laser tag. Kids’ clubs give you a free afternoon at the popular Spice H20 pool bar or an evening at the comedy club. Children and parents alike will love exploring Mayan ruins on a Caribbean cruise or touring Alcatraz on a Pacific Coast cruise.
Disney Cruise Line | Wish
Disneyland meets the sea aboard the Wish, where your family will find all their favorite characters from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, and Star Wars. No Disney experience is complete without rides and entertainment, and the ship has plenty: the wet-and-wild AquaMouse ride, Marvel Super Hero Academy, and Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique. The magic continues on a private island in the Bahamas with character shows and music.
Carnival | Panorama
If your kids like trampolines, then they’ll love the Panorama, which features the only Sky Zone trampoline park at sea. The recently refurbished ship, which cruises from Long Beach to Mexico, has more than jumping: you can fly over the ocean on the SkyRide, find sugary treats in the candy shop, or dine with Dr. Seuss. Family rooms offer access to an exclusive lounge complete with board games and movies.
Royal Caribbean | Wonder of the Seas
Your children will beg for another trip aboard the Wonder of the Seas once they stay in a whimsical family suite with a twisty slide. You can play together at the mini-golf course, surfing simulator, and zip line before daring your crew to ride down the incredibly tall slide. Dining options for every palate (including a candy shop) and private Caribbean beaches will have you cruising again and again.
Royal Caribbean | Harmony of the Seas
If your family runs on adrenaline, then you can surf, slide, and glide your way to your best vacay on the Harmony of the Seas. This massive ship has the tallest slide at sea plus waterslides, a zip line, and a surfing simulator. The Texas-based cruises sail to the balmy shores of Mexico or high adventures on the Mediterranean Sea. Acrobatic and Broadway-style shows keep the fun going after dark.
Disney Cruise Line | Wonder
The Wonder is a classic Disney cruise ship with character dining, Broadway-style musicals, parties, fireworks—and all the top-notch Disney service you’d expect. Based out of San Diego, this cruise voyages to Australia, Vancouver, Hawaii, and Mexico, giving you plenty of destination choices. While your kids enjoy a Toy Story scavenger hunt, you can unwind at the spa or in the adult lounge areas with a drink and a sweet beignet.
Carnival | Mardi Gras
Six themed zones onboard the gigantic Mardi Gras are filled with entertainment for every age, from a Build-A-Bear Workshop and adorable Dr. Seuss–themed breakfast to the thrilling BOLT sea coaster and live Family Feud games. The ship’s classic Caribbean excursions let your family swim with dolphins or relax on the beach. And it’s affordable, giving you extra money for a spa day while your kids hang out at Camp Ocean.
Carnival Mardi Gras - Carnival Cruise Line
Cunard | Queen Mary 2
The only transatlantic ocean liner of its kind, the luxurious Queen Mary 2 is growing in popularity with families, with supervised kids’ clubs, one-of-a-kind excursions, and a planetarium that doubles as a movie theater. Family-friendly dining (including bars with mocktails) and swimming pools let you take your children just about anywhere on the ship. For an evening to yourself, drop off your littles at the free night nursery.
