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Family Cruises

THE VIBE: Families are the fastest-growing demographic of cruisers, and it’s easy to see why: Family-focused cruises pride themselves on catering to everyone at all hours of the day, so kids can play (well supervised) while parents indulge in more-grown-up recreation.

EMBARK ON: The Royal Caribbean’s Freedom of the Seas and Liberty of the Seas are two of the largest cruise ships in the world. They are both bursting with activities, from rock climbing and surfing (thanks to a FlowRider wave-making machine) to a massive video-game parlor, teen discos, and coffee bars. There is even an ice rink, and the professional shows are spectacular.

ULTIMATE ITINERARY: The two ships  alternate between identical eastern or western Caribbean itineraries, one leaving on Saturdays and the other on Sundays. Choose one itinerary or take both without changing ships. From $649/person; 8 days

NOTA BENE: Even inside cabins on these ships have windows with views that look onto the Royal Promenade (the ship’s Main Street), featuring a pizzeria, pub, ice cream parlor, and barbershop.

ALTERNATIVE: Onboard a Disney ship, kids will appreciate the fuzzy characters strolling around on deck, and everyone will enjoy the elaborate stage shows—among the best put on at sea. Rotational dining means passengers eat at a different restaurant every night. At one restaurant, called Animator’s Palette, the decor turns from black and white to full color by the end of the meal. Parents looking for some free time to spend together can make reservations for a romantic dinner for two at Palo. The average cruise is three to four days in the Bahamas on either Disney Wonder or Disney Magic; both ships  embark from Port Canaveral, Florida. From $389/person