Blog >Booking-a-cruise > Best Cruises For Families: Top Family-Friendly Cruise Lines For Multi-Generational Holidays

03 Feb 2026 | By Lucy Hickson In Booking-a-cruise

Best Cruises for Families: Top Family-Friendly Cruise Lines for Multi-Generational Holidays 

Cruising is one of the best holiday options for families, particularly for multi-generational cruise holidays that bring grandparents, parents, teenagers and young children together. With flexible accommodation, varied dining and a huge range of activities, family cruises offer something for everyone - all in one easy, stress-free holiday. 

At Cruise118.com, we specialise in family-friendly cruises with leading cruise lines that truly understand family and multi-gen travel. Below, we share our guide to the best cruises for families, featuring cruise lines you can book directly with Cruise 118. 

 

Why Cruises Are Ideal for Family & Multi-Generational Holidays 

Family cruise holidays are uniquely suited to travelling with different age groups because they offer: 

  • Multiple destinations without the hassle of constant packing and travel
  • Accommodation, dining and entertainment all in one place
  • Activities designed for children, teens, adults and seniors
  • Flexible cabin options for larger families and groups

Whether you’re cruising with young children, teenagers or grandparents, multi-generational cruises allow everyone to enjoy the holiday at their own pace - while still spending quality time together. 

 

Royal Caribbean: One of the Best Cruises for Families 

Royal Caribbean is widely recognised as one of the best cruise lines for families, offering innovative ships packed with activities for all ages. 

Why Royal Caribbean is ideal for family cruises: 

  • Interconnecting cabins and spacious family suites 
  • Award-winning Adventure Ocean kids’ clubs 
  • Teen-only lounges, gaming areas and sports facilities
  • Waterparks, surf simulators, zip lines and family attractions
  • Ice skating shows, aqua theatre performances and live entertainment

Royal Caribbean’s larger ships work particularly well for multi-generational family cruises, giving older travellers quieter spaces while kids and teens stay entertained all day 

 

P&O Cruises: A Top Choice for UK Family Cruises 

P&O Cruises is a favourite for families looking for a more traditional British cruise experience, especially on UK family cruises. 

Family-friendly highlights include:

  • Dedicated children’s clubs for all age groups 
  • Family cabins and flexible dining options 
  • West End-style shows and classic onboard entertainment
  • Relaxed onboard atmosphere that appeals to all generations 

Selected sailings also offer great-value all-inclusive packages, making it easier for families to budget with drinks and extras covered. With great value and a familiar feel, P&O Cruises is an excellent option for family cruises from the UK. 

 

MSC Cruises: Great Value Family Cruise Holidays 

MSC Cruises is well known for offering excellent value, making it a strong choice for family cruise deals and larger groups travelling together. 

Why families love MSC Cruises: 

  • Family cabins and adjoining staterooms 
  • Kids’ clubs with LEGO themed activities
  • Teen clubs, pools and family entertainment 
  • International dining options to suit all tastes 
  • Regular family-friendly offers, including kids sailing free on selected cruises 

Affordable premium drinks packages are also available, helping families keep onboard costs simple and predictable. MSC Cruises’ modern ships and affordability make them ideal for multi-generational family holidays. 

 

Norwegian Cruise Line: Flexible Family Cruising 

Norwegian Cruise Line is perfect for families who value freedom and flexibility while cruising 

What makes NCL family-friendly: 

  • Freestyle Dining with no fixed meal times 
  • Wide choice of casual and speciality dining venues 
  • Youth programmes and teen clubs 
  • Spacious family suites and multi-bedroom accommodation 
  • Entertainment options suited to all generations 

This flexibility is especially appealing for multi-gen cruises, where different age groups want different onboard experiences. 

 

Princess Cruises: Relaxed Multi-Generational Cruises 

Princess Cruises offers a calmer cruising style, making it a great option for families travelling with grandparents. 

Family and multi-gen highlights: 

  • Interconnecting cabins and family-friendly staterooms 
  • Enrichment programmes and live entertainment 
  • Pools, Movies Under the Stars and casual dining
  • Relaxed onboard atmosphere with activities for every age 

Princess Cruises is ideal for families seeking relaxed family cruise holidays with a focus on destinations. 

 

Cunard: Classic Cruises for Multi-Generational Families 

Cunard may be known for elegance, but it also offers excellent options for family cruises, particularly during school holiday sailings. 

Why Cunard suits family travel:

  • Family cabins and adjoining staterooms
  • Children’s clubs on selected sailings 
  • Traditional entertainment and enrichment activities 
  • Spacious ships with quiet areas for older travellers 

Cunard is perfect for families wanting a more classic cruise experience that still caters to children and teens. 

 Ultimate Family Suite

Family-Friendly Cruise Accommodation Options 

One of the biggest benefits of family cruising is the wide range of accommodation choices, including: 

  • Interconnecting cabins
  • Family suites with multiple bedrooms
  • Adjoining staterooms for parents and grandparents
  • Sofa beds and pull-down bunks for children

Cruise 118’s expert cruise specialists can help you choose the best cabin setup for your family cruise holiday. 

 

Dining, Activities & Entertainment for All Ages 

The best family-friendly cruise lines offer balance and variety, ensuring every generation feels included. 

Expect: 

  • Kid-friendly menus and flexible dining times 
  • Casual dining options for relaxed family meals 
  • Evening shows suitable for all ages 
  • Adult-only areas for quiet relaxation 
  • Daytime activities for kids, teens, adults and seniors

This variety is what makes family cruises one of the most popular holiday choices for multi-generational travel. 

 

Why Book a Family Cruise with Cruise118.com? 

At Cruise118.com, we understand that family holidays need expert planning. Our cruise specialists can: 

  • Recommend the best cruises for families 
  • Match you with the right ship and cabin configuration
  • Suggest itineraries suitable for all ages and mobility levels
  • Secure great-value family cruise deals and low deposits 
     

From activity-packed mega ships to relaxed, destination-focused sailings, family cruise holidays offer unforgettable shared experiences. 

If you’re looking for the best family cruises, Cruise118.com is here to help you find the perfect cruise for your next multi-generational adventure. 

Published 3rd February 2026, Last updated 7th February 2026
By Lucy Hickson In Booking-a-cruise

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