A Guide to the Best Luxury Cruises for Families

The best luxury cruises for families are the ones that help you build memories for a lifetime while ensuring ultimate comfort and the best value for your money.

In this guide, we review the best luxury cruise lines for families, to help you choose the best option – regardless of your chosen destination!

Windstar Cruises: 

Windstar Cruises’ intimate and personalized cruise experience is one we cannot recommend enough! The brand’s intimate yachts and curated itineraries are perfect for families seeking adventure and exploration.

Fewer guests onboard means a more personalized and casual experience, where all your needs are taken care of. We love Windstar’s family-friendly itineraries, taking you to Alaska, the Greek Isles, and Tahiti with the ultimate comfort. 

Such intimate experience means there is no need to wait in line onboard, and the kitchen staff is ready to accommodate your family’s needs when it comes to dining preferences. Onboard, enjoy preferential access to the sea from your ship’s watersports platform – Kayaks, paddle boards, and snorkeling gear guaranteed!

Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection: 

The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection offers an ultra-luxury cruise experience, perfect for families seeking the ultimate in comfort and sophistication. Their luxurious suites offer ample space for families of all sizes. When traveling with a big group, make sure to book interconnected suites – giving you all the experience of sailing onboard your own private ultra-luxury yacht!

Enjoy private dining experiences tailored to your family’s preferences, and do not worry in terms of relaxation for you, and fun for the little ones:  A dedicated kids’ program offers a range of activities, from arts and crafts to outdoor adventures. In our list of luxury cruises for families, the Ritz Carlton Yacht Collection stands out as a truly elegant experience difficult to imitate.

Uniworld River Cruises: 

Uniworld River Cruises offers a unique and immersive river cruise experience, perfect for families who want to explore some of the world’s most iconic rivers. 

The brand’s itineraries appeal to intergenerational families, visiting historic towns. Their Generations Collection provides special programs, events, and excursions designed specifically for your world travelers in training.

Visit the Castles along the Rhine, or explore the wonders of Egypt and the Nile. Expert-led shore excursions with small groups guarantee a fun time for everyone involved – As you hit the wine tasting, the teenagers can tour charming small towns, and museums, or bike around National Parks.

Onboard, Uniworld’s all-inclusive package means you won’t need to worry about anything except making memories. Take a family cooking class with the ship’s master chef, or enjoy a sunset from the open deck – either way, when it comes to river cruising, Uniworld is most definitely one of the best luxury cruises for families out there.

Regent Seven Seas

Regent Seven Seas Cruises sets the standard for ultra-luxury family travel. Their all-suite, all-balcony ships provide ample space for families to spread out, while the line’s industry-leading space-to-guest ratio ensures an uncrowded onboard experience.

Regent’s complimentary, expert-led shore excursions bring destinations to life through immersive cultural experiences the whole family will enjoy. Their curated collection of shore excursions covers topics from culinary traditions to marine biology, fostering a sense of discovery. And with every meal, beverage, and onboard activity included, families can relax and indulge without worrying about the tab.

When booking your Regent cruise, make sure to ask your travel advisor about their Kids Sail Free promo, usually available on select itineraries.

Explora Journeys

Explora Journeys‘ innovative new ships introduce a fresh take on family cruising, with a strong emphasis on wellness and sustainable travel. The Explora family program encourages children to explore, learn, and play through interactive workshops, eco-conscious activities, and dedicated youth spaces.

Parents can treat themselves to pampering at the Spa, while kids from 6 to 17 years old enjoy supervised fun at the Nautilus Club. Connecting suites and expansive Owner’s Residences accommodate larger groups and family dining options range from casual to Michelin-inspired.

When traveling with a group, guests booking a minimum of three/maximum of four suites can enjoy special accommodations to use together as a social hub, to gather, relax, and enjoy each other’s company in a private setting. This is perfect for a gathering of friends or an extended multi-generational family. 

In addition, travelers with children will benefit from one under-18 in each suite sailing for free as well as complimentary transfers to the ship for all guests booked on the Journey Together Gathering program. No wonder this is one of our most recommended luxury cruises for families.

Tips for Choosing Your Luxury Cruise For Families

• Consider Accommodation Needs: Look for suites, connecting staterooms, or multi-room options that can comfortably accommodate your whole crew.
• Prioritize Enrichment: Choose lines that offer engaging, educational programming for kids and teens, from science labs to cultural immersion.
• Seek Out Family-Friendly Features: Amenities like kids’ clubs, splash zones, and age-specific activities are a must for keeping the little ones entertained.
• Explore Inclusive Offerings: An all-inclusive or premium cruise fare can simplify your budget and ensure your family enjoys unlimited dining, drinks, and activities.
• Timing is Everything: Sail during school breaks for the most robust children’s programming but consider shoulder seasons for fewer crowds and better pricing.

Whether you dream of an all-inclusive Regent voyage, a luxury and enriching river cruise onboard Uniworld, or an almost private yacht experience with the Ritz Carlton Yacht Collection, today’s luxury cruise lines cater exceptionally well to families. 

By selecting the right ship and itinerary to match your clan’s interests and needs, you can create an unforgettable vacation filled with enrichment, relaxation, and cherished memories.

Need more help to choose the right luxury cruise for your family? Give us a call today and talk straight to one of our expert travel advisors. By taking the time to get to know you and your family’s preferences, they will be able to guide you into the right choice – while securing the best available offers.