Best Luxury Cruises for Families
Traveling in style does not have to mean leaving the kids at home. Luxury cruises today are more family friendly than ever, offering refined service and elevated amenities alongside kid’s clubs, family suites, and unforgettable experiences in port.
Whether you picture your family meeting Disney characters on a private island, exploring European cities from a boutique river ship, or spotting penguins from an expedition vessel, there is a luxury cruise that fits your travel style. Below are some of the best ocean, river, and expedition options for families who want a premium experience everyone can enjoy.
Crystal Cruises
Crystal is known for top tier, all-inclusive service, but unlike many ultra luxury brands it also makes space for families. On Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony, you get a refined onboard atmosphere and dedicated youth areas that make multi-generational cruising feel natural rather than awkward.
Family friendly features: Suites and cabins are well suited to families, with third berths, connecting layouts, and thoughtful touches such as children’s menus and in-room babysitting. On selected sailings, usually during holidays and school breaks, Crystal runs structured programs for ages three to 17. Kids gather in the Fantasia playroom and teens hang out in the Waves club for movies, video games, tournaments, and themed activities.
All-inclusive ease for parents: Cruise fares include fine wines, premium drinks, all specialty dining, enrichment classes, and gratuities. Adults can enjoy Nobu Matsuhisa’s specialty restaurant, cooking demos, lectures, and elegant shows without worrying about add-on costs stacking up. Kids get elevated versions of their favorites along with plenty of desserts and ice cream.
Babysitting in your cabin is available for an extra fee so parents can enjoy a quiet evening out. Crystal also runs promotions where children sail at reduced rates. For example, kids 11 and under as a third guest often pay a fraction of the adult fare, and on some departures, kids may even sail free in selected categories.
Crystal is still a splurge, with many seven-night itineraries starting around four thousand dollars per person in standard cabins, but for families who want a true luxury experience without excluding children, it can be a perfect fit.
The Ritz Carlton Yacht Collection
For families who like the idea of a private yacht but prefer the reliability of a cruise brand, The Ritz Carlton Yacht Collection is very appealing. Its ships are small, contemporary, and luxurious, carrying under three hundred guests, and they sail itineraries that feel more like custom journeys than mass market cruises.
Yacht style comfort: All accommodations are suites with private terraces. Families can reserve connecting suites to create a multi room setup that functions like a private apartment at sea. Personal assistants handle details from unpacking to restaurant reservations, which makes traveling with children much smoother.
Ritz Kids and family touches: Despite the polished atmosphere, children are welcome and the Ritz Kids program offers age-appropriate activities focused on creativity, culture, and discovery. While younger guests are busy, adults can visit the spa, relax by the pool, or enjoy cocktails in a quiet bar. Because the ship is small, staff often tailor activities to the interests of the children onboard.
On shore, concierges can arrange private family excursions such as boat trips, beach days, or tailored city tours. Dining is a highlight, with multiple venues and menus from a Michelin-starred chef partnership, and the culinary team is typically very accommodating with both child friendly favorites and adventurous tastes.
Pricing is firmly at the ultra-luxury level. A week may easily run seven to ten thousand dollars or more per person depending on itinerary and season. For families who want an intimate, highly personalized cruise and are ready to invest in it, the experience can feel very close to having your own yacht with hotel level service.
Regent Seven Seas Cruises
If you want your family to spread out and never think about the bill while onboard, Regent Seven Seas is hard to beat. Every cabin is a suite with a balcony, and fares include almost everything you can imagine, from specialty dining and drinks, to Wi-Fi and a wide selection of shore excursions.
Suites made for families: Even entry level suites have sitting areas, marble bathrooms, and private verandas. Many accommodate a third guest, and there are connecting options that work well for larger families or grandparents traveling with grandkids. The generous space and balconies make sea days comfortable, even with energetic children.
Excursions included for everyone: One of Regent’s biggest advantages for families is that most shore excursions are included in the cruise fare. You can choose from dozens of options in each port, without worrying about additional cost. That might mean wildlife viewing in Alaska, cooking classes in Italy, or historical city tours in Europe that appeal to all ages.
Elegant but welcoming atmosphere: Regent’s dining is indulgent, from steakhouses and French bistros to relaxed poolside options, all included. Staff are happy to tweak menus to suit younger palates. While there is no formal kids club, children are welcome onboard and the line occasionally runs “Kids Sail Free” offers, allowing one child under 18 to sail at no additional cost per paying adult on selected routes.
Regent is one of the priciest choices on this list, often running one thousand dollars or more per guest per day. But when you factor in that nearly everything is included and that you are staying in a true suite, it can be a strong value for a no compromise family trip where nobody has to “make do.”
Uniworld River Cruises
River cruises are usually associated with couples, but Uniworld’s Generations Collection proves that rivers can make wonderful family vacations too. These departures are tailored to kids, parents, and grandparents, with programs, amenities, and excursions designed for all ages.
Why families love Uniworld: The ships are like boutique hotels with rich interiors, all-inclusive dining, and attentive service. On Generations sailings, Uniworld adds family specific programming such as cooking classes, arts and crafts, and film nights. Staff get to know children personally and often build strong rapport that makes kids feel at home.
Shore excursions that actually interest kids: In port, there are special outings for younger travelers. They might cycle along river paths, take part in castle treasure hunts, visit interactive museums, or try hands on workshops. While kids explore with guides, adults can opt for more in-depth cultural tours or wine tastings, then meet back onboard to share stories.
Because Uniworld is all inclusive, meals, drinks, most excursions, and transfers are folded into the upfront cost. That simplifies budgeting and helps families relax into the experience. Seven-night European itineraries for Generations cruises often start between three thousand five hundred and five thousand dollars per person. Considering how much is included and how many destinations you visit from one floating home base, many families see it as a worthwhile splurge.
Explora Journeys
Explora Journeys is a newer luxury brand created by MSC that blends sleek European design and a casual upscale atmosphere with strong family appeal. Ships are spacious, contemporary, and focused on wellness and discovery rather than formal tradition.
Spaces and programs for younger guests: The Nautilus Club is Explora’s hub for children and teens, roughly ages six to 17. Here, staff lead workshops, games, movie nights, and creative activities that often connect to the destinations or the sea. Programs may spill out into the ship for scavenger hunts, sports, or bridge visits, which keeps kids engaged and active rather than stuck in one room.
Relaxed sophistication for adults: While kids are happily occupied, adults can enjoy the spa, fitness classes, enrichment talks, or a quiet drink in one of the many lounges. The overall dress code is relaxed rather than formal, which makes it easy for families to feel comfortable together in public spaces.
Dining and value: Explora ships offer multiple restaurants, from casual to refined tasting menus. Families can try new cuisines while still having access to simple, familiar dishes for picky eaters. In-suite dining is included and available at all hours, a big plus for jet lagged children or early bedtimes.
Explora also offers family friendly pricing, including promotions where children under 18 can sail free in the same suite with paying adults, and special deals when booking several suites together for a large family group. Fares are in line with other luxury lines, often six hundred to eight hundred dollars per person per night, but include gourmet dining, drinks, gratuities, and most onboard experiences.
Lindblad Expeditions with National Geographic
Families that would rather kayak with sea lions than sit by a pool will find their sweet spot with Lindblad Expeditions. These small ship journeys, run in partnership with National Geographic, focus on wildlife, science, and real exploration while still offering comfortable accommodations and excellent food.
Immersive learning: On select family-focused departures, kids can join special “young explorer” programs that introduce them to field science, photography, and nature observation. Activities are very hands-on, from Zodiac rides and tide pool walks to helping scientists collect samples or keeping wildlife logs.
Small ships, big memories: Ships are intimate, often with fewer than 150 guests, which fosters a relaxed, communal atmosphere. Cabins range from simple but well-appointed rooms to more spacious suites, and dining is casual. After a full day in the field, families can soak in hot tubs, gather in the lounge to review photos with naturalists, or curl up in the library.
Lindblad understands that expedition cruising is a major investment, so they often offer discounts for children and teens, such as a set amount off the fare per child. While typical voyages to Galápagos, Alaska, or Antarctica can cost seven thousand dollars or more per person, they include nearly all activities, equipment, and guiding. For many families, the chance to experience pristine nature together and learn from experts is a once in a lifetime investment that pays off in incredible shared memories.
Windstar Cruises
Windstar operates a fleet of small ships and sailing style yachts that combine upscale service with a relaxed, “come as you are” vibe. It is an appealing choice for families with older kids and teens who enjoy being outdoors and trying new activities.
Small ship advantages: With around 150 to 340 guests per ship, Windstar feels intimate and friendly. There are no crowds or long lines, and crew quickly learn your names and preferences. The environment is sophisticated but not formal, which many families find more comfortable than traditional luxury lines.
Built-in water fun: A standout feature is the water sports platform that opens from the back of the ship in calm anchorages. Families can swim, kayak, paddleboard, or try other equipment right from the vessel, at no extra charge. For kids who love the ocean, this is an unforgettable perk.
Destinations and dining: Windstar focuses on itineraries that visit smaller ports and hidden bays, from Greek islands and French villages to South Pacific lagoons. Shore excursions tend to be small groups and can often be customized or booked privately for your family. Onboard, dining is excellent but laid back, with menus developed in partnership with the James Beard Foundation. Kids are welcome and the culinary team is happy to adjust dishes to suit their tastes.
Prices are often lower than most ultra luxury brands while still delivering a high-end feel. Caribbean itineraries can start around two thousand dollars per person for six nights, with more exotic routes costing more. For families who value intimate ships, active days, and good food over formal evenings, Windstar can be an ideal fit.
Choosing the Right Luxury Cruise for Your Family
There is no single “best” luxury cruise for every family. Some will be drawn to the quiet elegance of a river cruise, the adventure of an expedition ship, or the yacht-like ambiance of a small ocean vessel.
When deciding, think about your children’s ages, how structured you want your days to be, how much formality your family enjoys, and whether you value all-inclusive simplicity or prefer more flexibility. Consider who is traveling too. Grandparents, teens, toddlers, and parents may have different priorities, and the best choice will balance them.
The good news is that there has never been more choice at the luxury end of family cruising. Whether you want fireworks at sea, glacier hikes, castle tours, or lazy afternoons in a cabana, there is a ship that can deliver it in comfort and style. With thoughtful planning, your next voyage can feel like a five-star family reunion on the water, complete with stories you will all retell for years to come.
Looking to treat your family to a more refined vacation? A Personal Travel Advisor can help you find the perfect luxury cruise that keeps everyone comfortable, entertained, and connected. Let us handle the details so you can focus on making memories across generations.
