Since Disney Cruise Line introduced family style accommodations on its newer ships in the 1990’s, the concept has caught on like wildfire. Newer cruise ships are being designed with the entire family in mind, and along with spacious cabins come a host of perks and incentives to help you choose the right cruise for your brood. If you require space-saving innovations, privacy partitions, a family suite or connecting cabins, there are affordable options to suit your style.
Avoiding family holiday horror stories
We have all seen and heard about family vacation horror stories, where confinement in close quarters with loved-ones soon turned into the holiday from hell. Everyone has individual needs for self expression and privacy, and it’s often the simple aspects of living in close quarters that can destroy family harmony; like the sound of snoring all night long, lights left on when you would prefer them off, fighting over bed bunks, coming in and out at inappropriate times – and the list goes on.
Fortunately, many cruise ships provide accommodation options designed for families and groups. Expansive staterooms resembling studio apartments are extremely popular, with many including spacious balconies – especially useful for time-out while the kids are sleeping. Another popular option is to book adjoining cabins, giving everyone plenty of privacy while still retaining the togetherness of a family.
Here are a few cruise lines that comfortably accommodate families and group bookings. This list is by no means comprehensive, and every ship has a different cabin design configuration, so check with your preferred cruise line regarding your individual requirements.
Disney Cruise Line
- Oceanview Staterooms: Can accommodate up to 5 passengers, offering ample space for families.
- One-Bedroom Family Cabins: Available on newer ships, such as the Disney Wish, with room for up to 7 people and upgraded furnishings for comfort.
- Balcony Safety Features: Balcony doors continue to feature child-proof locks, ensuring safety for younger passengers.
- Innovative Design Elements: Some inside staterooms now feature “virtual portholes”, displaying real-time ocean views and occasional Disney character animations.
- Family-Friendly Amenities: Include complimentary cribs, bottle warmers, diaper pails, and expanded storage options, ensuring families travel with ease.
- Kid-Centric Bathrooms: Many staterooms include bathrooms featuring subtle Disney character designs, making them fun yet understated for kids and families.
- Exclusive New Features: On newer ships like the Disney Wish, staterooms have elevated design elements inspired by classic Disney tales, combining luxury with family-friendly practicality.
Carnival Cruise Lines
- Spacious Staterooms: Carnival’s standard staterooms continue to exceed industry standards, offering more space and comfort for guests.
- Ocean View Staterooms: Select ocean view staterooms accommodate families of up to 5, making them ideal for budget-conscious travellers.
- Dream-Class and Beyond: Dream-class ships, along with newer ships like the Mardi Gras, Carnival Celebration, and Carnival Jubilee, offer staterooms with two bathrooms, including a shower and a junior tub, catering to larger families.
- Family Harbor Suites: Available on select ships, these suites include two bedrooms, access to the exclusive Family Harbor Lounge, and amenities such as large-screen TVs, board games, and complimentary breakfast and snacks throughout the day.
- Excel-Class Innovations: On Excel-class ships, new family-friendly options include expanded stateroom layouts and additional onboard family-focused amenities.
Celebrity Cruises
- Family Suites: Solstice-class ships and newer Edge-class ships offer spacious family suites that accommodate up to 5 people, ideal for multi-generational travel.
- Family Veranda Staterooms: Feature a master bedroom, a second bedroom, and a convertible sofa, providing flexibility for families.
- Expanded Balconies: Large balconies continue to be a hallmark of Celebrity’s family accommodations, with upgraded furnishings for comfort and relaxation.
- Connecting Cabins: Family balconies can connect to double ocean view cabins, offering the perfect solution for larger families needing additional space.
- Privacy Features: Staterooms and balconies include privacy partitions, ensuring guests have both shared and personal space during their cruise.
- Edge-Class Enhancements: Edge-class ships, such as Celebrity Edge, Apex, and Beyond, include innovative stateroom configurations, modern design elements, and expanded veranda spaces with Infinite Veranda options that blend indoor and outdoor living.
Norwegian Cruise Line
- Family Staterooms: Newer ships, such as the Prima-class (Norwegian Prima and Viva), feature family-friendly staterooms designed to accommodate up to 5 passengers with modern amenities and thoughtful layouts.
- Connecting Staterooms: Most standard staterooms across the fleet can be connected, offering flexibility for larger families or groups.
- Two-Bedroom Family Suites: Available fleet-wide, these suites include two bathrooms and are ideal for families seeking extra space and privacy.
- The Haven Family Villas: Located in Norwegian’s exclusive The Haven, these luxurious family villas can sleep up to 6 passengers, with select configurations accommodating up to 8. They feature private balconies, large living areas, and access to exclusive amenities.
- The Haven Features: Guests staying in The Haven enjoy access to a private pool, sun deck, concierge services, and fine dining options.
- Proximity to Family Activities: Family-focused accommodations are often located near the kids’ clubs, splash pools, and teen lounges for added convenience.
- Enhanced Amenities: Newer ships offer upgraded designs and features, such as more spacious balconies, advanced entertainment options, and modern décor to appeal to families.
Princess Cruises
- Connecting Staterooms: Many ships in the Princess fleet offer connecting staterooms that can accommodate up to 6 passengers, providing flexibility and convenience for families and groups.
- Family Suites: Select family suites feature a separate sitting area with a sofa bed, coffee table, and additional space for relaxation.
- Private Balconies: Private balconies are a hallmark of Princess Cruises, offering outdoor space with stunning views, perfect for families to enjoy together.
- Two Bathrooms: Family accommodations often include two bathrooms, with one featuring a bathtub, making it easier for families to get ready for their day.
- New Ship Innovations: Newer ships, such as the Sky Princess and Discovery Princess, offer updated family-friendly designs and layouts, including interconnected rooms and larger suite options.
- Convenient Locations: Family staterooms are often strategically located near kids’ clubs, pools, and dining venues to make family travel more seamless.
P&O Cruises
- Larger Suites: Select larger suites feature a separate bedroom, providing privacy and extra space for families or groups.
- Family Suites: Family suites with adjoining inside cabins offer additional flexibility, making them ideal for larger families or multi-generational travellers.
- Lounge Areas: Suites include spacious lounge areas with a sofa, coffee table, and seating for relaxing or socialising.
- Balconies: Many suites and staterooms come with private balconies, some furnished with tables and chairs, offering a comfortable outdoor space to enjoy the views.
- Family Accommodation: Suites can sleep up to six passengers, with some configurations including pull-out sofas and bunk beds.
- Expansive Balconies: Larger suites feature oversized balconies with upgraded furnishings, perfect for al fresco dining or unwinding outdoors.
- Personalised Service: Premium suite guests enjoy personal butler service, assisting with dining reservations, unpacking, and other concierge needs.
- Special Family Rates: ‘Family Savers’ rates remain a cost-effective option for families, offering discounts on connecting cabins or larger accommodations when booked together.
- New Ship Options: Newer P&O ships, such as the Iona and Arvia, feature updated family-friendly suites and staterooms with enhanced designs and layouts.
Royal Caribbean
- Aqua Theatre Suites: Aqua Theatre Suites, available on Oasis-class ships, accommodate up to 8 passengers and feature expansive balconies with prime views of the Aqua Theatre shows, perfect for larger families or groups.
- Presidential Family Suites: Presidential Family Suites, found on select ships, boast four bathrooms, large balconies with outdoor dining and lounge areas, and spacious living and dining rooms, accommodating up to 14 passengers—ideal for multi-generational family holidays or large groups.
- Two-Storey Loft Suites: These luxurious suites, available in one- or two-bedroom configurations, can sleep up to 6 passengers. The open loft design includes floor-to-ceiling windows, offering stunning ocean views and a modern, spacious feel.
- Ultimate Family Suites: Featured on newer ships like Wonder of the Seas and Icon of the Seas, these two-storey suites are packed with kid-friendly features, including a Lego wall, table tennis, a private movie room, a climbing maze, and an in-room slide connecting the upper and lower levels. They cater to up to 10 passengers and include access to a private balcony with a whirlpool.
- Exclusive Perks: Guests in these premium suites enjoy priority boarding, private dining experiences, concierge services, and access to exclusive suite areas, such as private lounges and sundecks.
Family and group bookings continue to grow in popularity, prompting cruise lines to expand their offerings of adjoining rooms, connecting cabins, and family suites. For larger groups, comparing the cost of connecting cabins versus a single stateroom or suite can reveal budget-friendly options without sacrificing comfort or convenience.
Newer ships now feature a wider variety of family-friendly accommodations, including multi-room suites, connecting balconies, and family suites with exclusive amenities. However, these accommodations are often limited in number, particularly during peak travel periods such as school holidays. To secure your preferred configuration and take advantage of early booking discounts or promotions, it’s advisable to book well in advance.
As cruise lines continue to cater to multi-generational travellers, the availability of tailored spaces ensures families and groups can enjoy the privacy they need while still staying close to one another.
