Our Readers' Top Family Cruise Lines of 2015
We surveyed our readership, focusing on aspects like kid-friendly activities, dining options, cabin configurations, and overall satisfaction. Here are the results presented in a convenient table format:
Cruise Line Reader Rating (Out of 5) Key Family-Friendly Features Why Families Loved It Disney Cruise Line 4.8 Character meet-and-greets, elaborate stage shows, themed pools and water slides, dedicated kids' clubs for all age groups, rotational dining experiences. The immersive Disney experience was a huge hit. Families raved about the unparalleled entertainment, attentive service, and the sheer joy of sharing the magic of Disney together. The Oceaneer Club and Lab were consistently mentioned as highlights for children. Royal Caribbean International 4.5 Rock climbing walls, ice-skating rinks, FlowRider surf simulators, Adventure Ocean kids' program, DreamWorks Experience (on select ships), multiple pool areas, a wide variety of dining options. Royal Caribbean's diverse activities appealed to families with older children and teenagers. The sheer scale of the ships and the abundance of things to do ensured that boredom was never an issue. The Adventure Ocean program was praised for its engaging and well-supervised activities. Carnival Cruise Line 4.2 Camp Carnival kids' program, Seuss at Sea program, WaterWorks aqua park, Dive-In Movies, casual dining options, affordable pricing. Carnival’s relaxed atmosphere and affordable prices made it a popular choice for families on a budget. The WaterWorks water parks and Camp Carnival programs were particular favorites. The Seuss at Sea program added a fun and whimsical element for younger children. Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) 4.0 Aqua Parks, Kids Crew, Teen Club, flexible dining options, family suites, broadway-caliber shows. Norwegian's freestyle cruising allowed families to dine whenever and wherever they wanted, which was a big plus for those with picky eaters or varying schedules. The kids' and teen clubs provided a fun and safe environment for children to socialize, while parents appreciated the Broadway-caliber entertainment. Princess Cruises 3.8 Discovery at SEA programs, kids and teen centers, Movies Under the Stars, family-friendly shore excursions, variety of dining choices Princess provided a more relaxed atmosphere, still family friendly, but with features for the whole family. The Discovery at SEA programs brought educational experiences which were highly rated by families, including stargazing activities and animal interactions.
