When considering a cruise vacation to take with young kids, most likely the first to come to mind is Disney Cruise Lines, and there’s a reason for that. It is one of the most sought-after cruises for families with young children, offering themed dining, Broadway-style shows based on classic Disney movies, and other entertainment that even adults enjoy.
While these cruises are enticing and another way to savor the overall Disney experience outside of the Florida and California theme parks, they’re not the only kid-friendly lines to hop aboard. We’ve gathered some other prominent cruise lines that are great for families with little ones, without Mickey or Donald Duck interrupting your dinner.
Royal Caribbean International
It’s no wonder that Royal Caribbean International (previously known as the Royal Caribbean Cruise Line) is one of the top-rated vacation destinations. After all, it has been voted The Best Cruise Line Overall for over two decades by Travel Weekly readers, according to its website, and it offers hundreds of sailing destinations.
It’s particularly attractive for families with kids due to its water parks, surf simulators, rock climbing walls, and zip lines, among other activities. They also have teen lounges and parties for older kids, as well as nurseries for the little travelers between six and 36 months, leaving the adults to relish in some alone time.
Carnival Cruise Line
Those seeking a budget-friendly getaway for both kids and adults to unwind should consider Carnival Cruise Line. The company, headquartered in Doral, Florida, sails internationally on its numerous ships, such as the Mardi Gras, Carnival Celebration, and Carnival Panorama.
Despite heading to breathtaking destinations such as the Bahamas, the Caribbean, and Mexico, kids often don’t want to leave the vessel, given all the fun activities onboard. This includes camps for various age ranges and the Seuss at Sea program, a nod to the famous Dr. Seuss featuring themed activities.
Norwegian Cruise Line
Whether it’s a weekend getaway or a week-long excursion, Norwegian Cruise Line offers trips that suit the whole family. The most buzzed-about ships are the Norwegian Encore, Norwegian Bliss, and Norwegian Prima, which offer a variety of activities to ensure the kids are entertained from start to finish.
Their kid-friendly features include a Splash Academy, free youth programs (for children from six months to 17 years old), go-karts, laser tag, water slides, and virtual reality games. Another feature favored by guests is that there are no set dining times, allowing families to explore all the amenities at their leisure.
MSC Cruises
If you’re seeking a luxury experience at an affordable rate and one that offers plenty to do for the kiddos, look no further than MSC Cruises. These cruises sail all over the world and have recently added Alaska to their destinations, with the first departures scheduled for the summer of 2026.
What’s even better for parents bringing little ones is that kids sail for free on most itineraries. MSC Cruises also has a partnership with LEGO for kids’ programming and offers a baby care program for as young as 6 months old.
Princess Cruises
You might have heard of Princess Cruises as it’s a popular American cruise line and the top Alaska Cruise Line, according to its website. All the ship’s offerings make it perfect for families that include kids and grandparents.
Children will also get an educational experience onboard with the Discover at SEA program featuring collaborations with Animal Planet and Discovery Channel, as well as science activities and games in the youth and teen centers.
Holland America Line
There’s so much to see on the Holland America Line with voyages to North and South America, Europe and the Mediterranean, Asia, Australia, New Zealand, and other grander excursions. Many families with older children and teenagers tend to gravitate toward this cruise line, as it focuses on exploring the world’s rich cultural heritage.
However, littler ones would be entertained as well, with its Club HAL, which offers hands-on activities, video game competitions, and scavenger hunts for youngsters between three and 17 years old. Meanwhile, the adults can wind down at the spa, in the casino, or by playing pickleball while taking in scenic top-deck views.
Costa Cruises
See the world on one of Costa Cruises‘ many vessels. The company has offered unique escapes for 75 years with routes to the Mediterranean, the Baltic Sea, the Caribbean, and more.
Adults love it for the Italian-influenced cuisine and international experience, while youngsters like the kid-centered activities, including Peppa Pig-themed areas.
Celebrity Cruises
For a more upscale travel experience (and a significantly quieter one than Disney and some other kid-friendly cruise lines), Celebrity Cruises would be the way to go. This cruise line’s headquarters are located in Miami, Florida, and offers a more elevated vacation, venturing to nearly 300 destinations.
On the ship, kids can immerse themselves in STEM, art, and recreation, and the parents can indulge in decadent food options and impeccable service. Celebrity Cruises is ideal for families seeking a relaxing cruise getaway with a balance of activities for the little ones.
A Sans Disney Voyage
Although Disney cruises are widely beloved among families with youngsters, they aren’t the only options when seeking kid-friendly ships. Many prefer going the non-Disney route to avoid crowds and have a more relaxing vacation, which still caters to the little ones. The above cruise lines offer just that, and they assure that the kids will adore it just as much as the adults do.