If you’re cruising with kids, one of the biggest deciding factors is often how good the onboard kids clubs are. Some cruise lines go all-in offering age-appropriate activities, separate spaces for toddlers, kids, tweens, and teens, and programming that runs from morning to evening. Others have more modest offerings. Here’s a look at the lines I think stand out most when it comes to kids clubs.
Disney Cruise Line
From toddlers all the way through teens, Disney knocks it out of the park: immersive themed spaces (think Star Wars, Frozen, Marvel, princesses), interactive play zones, and consistent quality.
- For younger kids (roughly 3–10 or 12, depending on ship) there are clubs like the Oceaneer Club / Oceaneer Lab — full of games, crafts, storytelling, and meet-and-greets with beloved characters.
- Tweens and teens get their own hangout-type areas with age-appropriate activities, which gives parents a break while the older kids enjoy being “older kid.”
- Disney’s overall family-friendly design, from cabin layout to dining flexibility, pairs well with the kids clubs, making it easy for parents and kids to enjoy both together-time and kid-time.
If you want a cruise where kids from toddler to teen have a place to belong then Disney Cruise Line may be the gold standard.
Royal Caribbean International (Royal Caribbean)
If your kids are more into action, adventure, or just plain energy, Royal Caribbean tends to shine. Their children’s program is called the Adventure Ocean, and it’s widely praised for offering tons of variety: games, “edutainment,” science-type activities, video games, social time, and teen-specific zones.
- Age groups are well-defined (from early childhood through tweens/teens), which makes it easier to match your child to the right vibe.
- Ships from Royal Caribbean tend to be big, which means lots of extra options including water slides, sports, entertainment, and teen hangouts, so kids don’t have to rely solely on the kids club for fun.
For families who want flexibility, Royal Caribbean is a very solid all-around choice. If your kids are into variety and energy, this line delivers.
Carnival Cruise Line
Carnival tends to be somewhat more budget-friendly, but that doesn’t mean their kids clubs (like Camp Ocean) are weak. Kids get grouped by age (2–5, 6–8, 9–11, etc.), and there’s a steady offering of games, crafts, activities, and hangouts — all designed for younger cruisers.
If you want a no-frills, fun cruise that still gives kids their own space, Carnival is a reliable option.
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) & MSC Cruises (MSC) are good mid-range picks
These lines often combine flexibility, variety, and value. Norwegian and MSC are both frequently recommended for families looking for an enjoyable balance between kid-friendly programming and grown-up flexibility:
- Norwegian’s ships tend to offer kids clubs along with flexible dining and a variety of entertainment options, making them a good fit if your family likes choice.
- MSC features kids clubs and often adds perks which is a solid option for those who want something less “themed” than Disney but still family-friendly.
- Although the MSC nursery is lacking as it’s limited duration and services compared to the other lines.
These lines may not be as immersive or iconic as Disney, nor as high-octane as Royal Caribbean, but they often hit “just right” for many families.
What to Think About When Choosing a Kids Club / Cruise Line
- Age of your children: Lines like Disney and Royal Caribbean tend to cover the full span from toddlers through teens. Carnival and MSC often skew younger, so best for families with younger kids.
- What your kids like to do: If your kids love themed experiences, characters, immersive play then Disney excels. If they love active play, water slides, games then Royal Caribbean and Carnival stand out. If you want flexibility, variety, and good value then Norwegian & MSC are worth a look.
- How flexible you want your vacation to be: If you need structured programming (meals, shows, nap time), Disney’s routine and built-in structure can help. If you want more spontaneous days Carnival, Norwegian, or MSC may suit better.
- Budget: Cruise lines vary in price and perceived value. Full-blown “Disney cruise magic” tends to cost more; mid-range lines offer solid kids-club value at lower prices.
Best Overall for Kids Depends on What You Want
If I were booking for a family that wants a guaranteed magical experience for all ages with consistent high-quality programming: I’d go with Disney Cruise Line.
If I were booking for a family that values energy, variety, and maybe some thrills like water slides, games, and flexible schedules then Royal Caribbean or Carnival would be top choices.
If I were looking for mid-range value, comfortable programming, and flexibility (for families who don’t need everything to be over-the-top), I’d consider Norwegian.
