A family cruise holiday is effortlessly good fun for everyone with MSC Cruises, we think they’re easily one of the best cruise lines for families and we think your kids will agree.
On-board waterparks, MSC Cruises
If you’re thinking about a cruise for your next family holiday, chances are MSC Cruises keeps popping up, and for very good reason. With modern ships, family-friendly amenities and excellent value, MSC Cruises has quietly become one of the most family-friendly cruise lines at sea.
Travelling as a family isn’t always straightforward. You have different ages, energy levels, interests (and appetites) to juggle, not to mention budgets. MSC Cruises ticks a lot of boxes in one go: kids’ clubs included in the fare; activity-packed ships; flexible dining, and itineraries that fit neatly around UK school holidays.
Whether it’s your first-ever cruise or you’re already a family cruise holiday expert, MSC makes it easy for everyone to have a great time.
MSC World Atlantic, Hall of Games
Enjoy a family cruise holiday with added entertainment
Entertainment on MSC Cruises is designed with families in mind, and it’s impressive without being overwhelming. Expect professionally-produced theatre shows, live music, game shows and cinema screenings, all included in your cruise.
Evenings feel relaxed and family-friendly, with plenty of opportunities to enjoy time together after a busy day. Shows range from high-energy performances to visually stunning productions that genuinely appeal across generations.
Also, it’s not just about the main theatre. Around the ship, there’s always something going on from quizzes and family games to themed events and pop-up entertainment that keeps the atmosphere lively and fun. Plus, teens get their own dedicated hangouts too, with music, games and social events designed just for them.
MSC World Atlantic, Baby Club Chicco
Look forward to onboard activities for every energy level
MSC ships are even built with a focus on families, offering enough activities to keep kids entertained from breakfast to bedtime, while still leaving parents space to relax.
Waterparks, pools and splash zones quickly become family favourites, while sports courts, arcades and virtual reality games keep older kids and teens happy. Younger children love the adventure areas and interactive play spaces dotted around the ship.
Another highlight is MSC Cruises’ Kids & Teens Clubs, developed in partnership with LEGO®. These age-specific clubs cater for babies from six months old through to 17-year-olds and are included in the cost of your family cruise holiday. With creative workshops, games and supervised fun, kids are kept entertained while parents get a little well-earned downtime.
Sweet Temptations, MSC World Atlantic
Dining, snacking and treats to keep everyone happy
Mealtimes are refreshingly flexible on MSC Cruises, which is a huge plus when travelling with children. A mix of elegant main dining rooms, relaxed casual venues and generous buffet restaurants, means families can eat when it suits them rather than sticking to rigid schedules.
Buffet venues such as the Marketplace Buffet are perfect for busy sea days or quick refuelling between activities, offering a wide choice of international dishes, salads and family favourites. Kaito Teppanyaki & Sushi Bar, available on most newer MSC ships like the World Class fleet, combines table-side teppanyaki entertainment with authentic Japanese flavours, combining a lively grill show and a refined sushi bar experience.
Then, in the main dining rooms, families can enjoy unhurried sit-down meals, with children’s menus available alongside adult options. Young cruisers will find familiar favourites, healthier choices and the chance to try new flavours in a setting that feels inclusive rather than formal. As a result, there are no mealtime battles, no compromises, just easy, enjoyable dining that works for everyone throughout every family cruise holiday.
MSC Cruises have cabins for every size of family
After a full day of swimming, exploring and onboard activities, having the right cabin setup makes a real difference. MSC Cruises offers a wide choice of family-friendly accommodation, from spacious family cabins to connecting staterooms that allow parents and children to have their own space while staying close by.
For families wanting an extra layer of comfort, the MSC Yacht Club offers a premium “ship-within-a-ship” experience. Families staying here enjoy larger suites, access to a private lounge and restaurant, priority embarkation and a dedicated concierge and butler service. It’s a great option for families who want a more luxurious home base while still enjoying the ship’s full range of kids’ clubs, pools and family activities.
A family cruise holiday for parents too
MSC Cruises knows that happy parents make for happy holidays. So while children are having fun in kids’ clubs, splash zones or teen hangouts, adults can retreat to adult-friendly areas.
Many ships feature a quiet adults-only pool for parents to relax away from the main family areas. The MSC Aurea Spa is another highlight, offering a full menu of treatments including massages, facials and thermal suites. Also, peaceful lounges and bars provide calm spots to enjoy a coffee, read a book or simply take in the sea views.
Whether it’s an hour by the pool, a spa treatment or a quiet drink while the kids are entertained elsewhere, MSC ensures parents return home from their family cruise holiday feeling rested as well as rewarded.
Bahamas, Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve
Discovering new places with your kids is all part of the fun
One of the joys of a family cruise holiday is discovering new places together and MSC Cruises offers plenty of family-friendly shore excursions. From beach days and sightseeing tours to more active adventures, there’s something for every age.
Families can explore each destination at a rhythm that suits them thanks to MSC’s Family Fun excursions. Guided by talented, qualified local guides who stay in constant contact with the ship, these excursions are your passport to new cultures, historic monuments, natural beauty and more, all with the ease and reassurance of knowing logistics are taken care of, which is a big bonus when travelling with children.
Caribbean itineraries often include a visit to Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, MSC’s award-winning private island in the Bahamas. With calm waters, sandy beaches and plenty of space to explore, it’s a relaxed, memorable beach day that works beautifully for families.
MSC World America at Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve
Why MSC Cruises is perfect for your next family cruise holiday?
From the moment you step on board, MSC Cruises takes the stress out of family travel, combining comfortable accommodation, flexible dining, endless activities and unforgettable destinations into one perfect holiday. With kids’ clubs, family-friendly entertainment and shore excursions, there really is something for everyone – no compromises required.
Whether you’re exploring the sun-soaked Mediterranean, discovering Northern Europe’s historic ports or relaxing on the sandy beaches of Ocean Cay, MSC Cruises makes it easy to plan a family cruise holiday that works for everyone. Plus, with year-round sailings from Southampton and itineraries available during UK school holidays – Easter, summer, half-term and Christmas – families can find a holiday that fits perfectly around their schedule, year-round.
Add in special promotions like Kids Cruise Free on selected sailings, as well as expert attention to detail, and you have a family cruise holiday that’s as stress-free as it is memorable.
Now find your perfect family cruise holiday with MSC Cruises
