Sail into the sunset in one of these seriously decked out cruise ship family suites with room for the entire clan.
Royal Caribbean Cruise Line
This might be the most diverse fleet of ships you can find to satisfy everyone—yes everyone— in your tribe. Almost every boat offers multiple suite options designed with families in mind, so you can choose an option that best fits your horde—from cabin size to connecting suites to number of bathrooms. And when you’re ready to explore what your sea-bound home has to offer, you can expect a wide variety of entertainment options, shows and kids clubs to satisfy almost every interest at every age.
For groups looking for a little breathing room and added privacy, the Royal Family Suite (shown) can accommodate up to eight people with two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a separate living area complete with flatscreen TV and a private balcony. Or go even bigger with the four bedroom, four bathroom Presidential Family Suite that comes equipped with a private patio, whirlpool, wet bar and al fresco dining area that seats fourteen. Royal Caribbean International’s Harmony of the Seas, the world’s largest and newest cruise ship, features this Royal Family Suite with Balcony.
Carnival Cruise Line
One of the latest ship debuts from Carnival Cruise Lines brought us the Carnival Vista, a 3,954-passenger vessel with a new line of Family Harbor Deluxe Ocean View suites. Choose from 240-square foot staterooms that come with a queen bed, pullout couch and/or Pullman-style beds, a bathroom with separate washroom (complete with full tub) and extra closet space, or the upgraded 430-square foot Family Harbor Suites that feature an extra bathroom and larger living space. Additionally, all Family Harbor cabins get you bonus kid-friendly perks, such as access to the 24-hour Family Harbor Lounge where you can grab complimentary breakfast (and bedtime milk and cookies!) or watch a movie and play games.
Disney Cruise Line
It comes as no shock that Disney cruise ships offer an array of family-focused suites with eye-catching décor and exciting activities for the whole crew, but to make the most of your home away from home, consider splurging on the luxe Concierge Royal Suite with Verandah. The 1,781 square foot retreat includes a separate master bedroom, two bathrooms (one with rain-style shower and whirlpool tub), living room with floor-to-ceiling windows, walk-in closet and private verandah with a second whirlpool tub. And don’t forget the option to connect additional suites for larger broods requiring more space.
Norwegian Cruise Line
Sleep up to six in one- or two-bedroom Family Suites on the Norwegian Dawn, Norwegian Star and Pride of America ships. At 574 square feet, these rooms boast butler service, stunning ocean views and private balcony (in Deluxe cabins only). As a bonus for families traveling with babies or toddlers, take advantage of diaper and baby wipe delivery service and complimentary Splash Academy and Entourage programs, which provide crafts, sports, activities and hangout spaces for kids from toddlers to teens.
Celebrity Cruises
While Celebrity typically caters to the high-end crowd of cruisers seeking an upscale experience—think gourmet cuisine, sophisticated wine pairings, five-star amenities and adult-focused activities—it’s line of family staterooms and kid-friendly programs still makes it a great option for families. If a veranda is on your list of must-haves, consider the Family Veranda Stateroom, which can be found on nine of the 13 ships in Celebrity’s fleet. These 574-square foot staterooms come with 24-hour room service (with kids’ menu options), private veranda, fluffy robes, mini bar and in-room babysitting options.
