Best Family Cruise Destinations 2024

When planning a family cruise, choosing the right destination is as vital as picking the right ship and cruise line for the whole family.

You’ll be heading off the ships at most ports of call; therefore, it is worth taking the time to research the best destinations for you and your family to visit. From cultural discoveries to sun-soaked beaches, this blog will highlight the best destinations for families with children to enjoy.

Europe has a rich history, diverse cultures, and stunning landscapes. A cruise holiday can be a fun and promising way to educate older children with trips to renowned European landmarks such as the Leaning Tower of Pisa, the Colosseum and the Eiffel Tower. Find a sandy beach with some spades for the younger children, and they’ll be all set!

Popular Cruise Ports in the Mediterranean

• Athens, Greece
• Marseille, France
• Venice, Italy
• Barcelona, Spain
• Valletta, Malta

When is best to cruise?

You can indulge in a Mediterranean cruise throughout the year, although its peak season spans from April to October, coinciding with the most favorable weather conditions.

During the summer months, there is an extensive array of ships available for Mediterranean cruises. Come October, numerous cruise vessels embark on transatlantic journeys to winter in the Caribbean, before returning to the Mediterranean in April for the summer season.

The Caribbean boasts turquoise waters, vibrant cultures, and palm-fringed beaches. Families with younger children can have fun exploring pristine sandy shores, searching for shells, and building sandcastles.

Older kids can enjoy various watersports, snorkeling to spot tropical marine life.

A glass-bottom boat ride is a great family activity. Or, for more adventure, try swimming with dolphins or scuba diving. You choose how active or relaxed you want your day to be.

Popular Cruise Ports in the Caribbean

• Philipsburg, St. Maarten
• San Juan, Puerto Rico
• St Thomas, US Virgin Islands
• George Town, Grand Cayman
• Montego Bay, Jamaica

When is best to cruise?

If you’re craving winter sun, the Caribbean is the perfect destination. The prime time for cruising there is typically from December to April.

From June to November, it’s hurricane season. During this period, cruise prices are usually lower, but there’s a chance of itinerary changes or missed ports due to weather changes.

Northern Europe

There are many things for kids at any age to enjoy on a European cruise. The ports of call are mainly cities, meaning you’ll find lots of culture and history to uncover. Many people assume that the Med is somewhere you will get the best European cruises for the whole family, but Northern Europe also has much to offer.

Before planning a cruise, look up the best family-friendly attractions, museums and other attractions to visit in each port to avoid disappointment and hassle.

Popular Cruise Ports in Northern Europe

• Helsinki, Finland
• Copenhagen, Denmark
• Southampton, United Kingdom
• Bergen, Norway
• Stockholm, Sweden

When is best to cruise?

Cruising to Northern Europe is possible throughout the year. Winter cruises are usually the most affordable, but you’ll need to pack warmly. Ultimately, the ideal time to go is in the summer when you’re more likely to experience warmer weather, enhancing your overall enjoyment.

Norwegian Fjords

Cruising the Norwegian Fjords is not just about sitting back and appreciating the scenery; there is a lot more to it than that!

You can choose from several activities, such as Kayaking and hiking. These would be best suited for older children, but some good options include pushchair-friendly hiking trails and railway rides.

Some of the ports you’ll dock by have play parks, and sometimes, the best family destinations are more straightforward but still enjoyable.

On average, accommodations, food, and drink can be a little on the expensive side of things. Booking a cruise is sometimes the cheapest way to see Norway.

Popular Cruise Ports in Norway

• Olden
• Alesund
• Stavanger
• Bergen
• Oslo

When is best to cruise?

If you chose a cruise to the North Cape between May and July grants you the experience of the midnight sun. However, cruising between September and March means you have a higher chance to witness the Northern Lights.

If you would like more information, call out Voyage Consultants on 0800 008 6677. Or, alternativly, submit an online enquiry via our website.