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Fast-growing MSC Cruises jumped into the activity-packed megaship game in a big way in 2017 with the debut of the U.S.-based MSC Meraviglia. At 171,598 tons, the 15-deck-high MSC Cruises vessel is one of the 20 biggest cruise ships in the world, and it offers such deck-top diversions as a polar-themed waterpark with three waterslides. In the early days of cruising, in the 1970s and 1980s, the biggest deck-top attraction on most ships was the pool.
Watch a Movie on the Pool Deck Under the Stars
No matter which MSC cruise ship you choose -- from MSC Armonia to MSC Seaside -- kids will have a full slate of things to keep them busy thanks to modern, fun spaces for all age groups. On Grand-class ships (Ruby Princess, Crown Princess and Emerald Princess), there are two large pools that are suitable for families (Calypso Reef and Pool, and Neptune Reef and Pool), plus a splash pool. Norwegian Escape offers one of the largest ropes courses at sea, as well as one of the largest water parks at sea. The two-story Splash Academies on Norwegian Escape, Breakaway and Getaway are the line's largest kids clubs at sea, home to high-tech games, a circus school and a small cinema. Norwegian's casual atmosphere makes it one of the best options for a family cruise -- particularly for families who don't want to be beholden to strict dining times, venues and dress codes. Its affordable rates make it a great pick for those looking for cheap family cruises, too.
Learn a New Game in the Casino
Other activities include water slides, open-aired game zone, miniature golf, and a slew of other family-friendly activities on the top deck. There's no limit on how much fun cruise lines can pack into a cruise ship these days. Even as everyone has slightly different ideas of what fun means to them, there is surely something for everyone onboard. With that being said, here are the top 10 most fun cruise ships you’re sure to love. Only American-flagged cruise lines can sail solely in the United States.
Disney Cruise Line
Finally, when cruising with Disney, don't miss the AquaDuck water coaster tube ride or the AquaDunk waterslide found on select ships. Adults and kids alike will enjoy finding hidden Mickeys throughout Disney's ships or sleuthing out clues while solving a mystery from the line's Midship Detective Agency. For more adult fun, Quest is an R-rated scavenger hunt that happens after hours. It often involves mean wearing lipstick and complete strangers swapping unmentionables in order to win.
It is a more flexible approach to cruising, as there are no set dining times or dress! Plus, with their "Free at Sea" offer, you can often score a drink package for less than on other cruise lines, paying only for the gratuities. Each has a pair of Perfect Storm waterslides, FlowRider surf simulator, mini-golf course, ice skating rink, numerous venues for nightly entertainment, adults-only Solarium, arcade, and Sports Court. When Icon of the Seas sets sail in January 2024, she'll definitely be one of the most fun ships at sea. At 250,800 gross tons with a maximum capacity of 7,600 guests, she will be the largest cruise ship in the world. Today, cruise lines are constantly striving to outdo themselves.
Have Some Adults-Only Time in the Vibe Beach Club
For culinary wizards, many cruise ships make cooking classes available. While Carnival features pizza-, pasta- and sushi-making, Royal Caribbean teaches kids how to decorate cupcakes. Note that Carnival Kitchen is currently only available on the Carnival Panorama and Mardi Gras.
The best cruise ships for kids - The Points Guy
The best cruise ships for kids.
Posted: Wed, 06 Sep 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
Onboard restaurants successfully keep kids entertained while allowing parents to enjoy the meal, as well. The AquaLab has sprayers and geysers perfect for the smallest passengers on all but Disney Dream. Johnny Rockets, the 1950s-style luncheonette, is always a kid magnet (and parents think it's pretty cool, too). Excellent Broadway-style shows in the evenings will keep the older crowd engaged, while parades and ice skating shows will "wow" the whole family. The Royal Tots and Royal Babies programs provide interactive classes and activities (when children are accompanied by a parent) for children from 6 months to 36 months old. Drop-off babysitting services and toddler-friendly play spaces are also available.
Major areas like the pool deck and the main promenade see nearly everyone on the ship pass by at one point or another, and they have lots of seating. It’s relaxing to sit down, have a drink, and just watch as everyone on the ship eventually passes by. We mentioned that the ship’s casino has some games you don’t normally find on land.
For many of us, trying new foods and indulging in culinary delights is an integral part of the vacation experience. Picture the “Titanic” (minus the iceberg), where the rich and famous dined in splendor, indulging in caviar and champagne. Valiant Lady was the second ship to launch for Virgin Voyages, making her highly-anticipated debut in 2022.
For example, Royal Caribbean is known for its eye-popping onboard thrills while Disney focuses on creating a magical, interactive family experience. Carnival Cruise Line aims to create the most fun and affordable vacation while Norwegian Cruise Line builds ships that are innovative, modern and cutting-edge. If you’re someone who likes to spend time in hot tubs, at bars or by the pool, then you will love the Celebrity Beyond. When you’re on the Celebrity Beyond, it feels as if you’re on a luxurious mega yacht.
Lines like Holland America and Disney Cruise Line show movies at indoor cinemas, but Disney's Buena Vista Theater is especially notable for featuring first-run movies that are currently in theaters -- for free. As of September 2022, Carnival's "Behind the Fun" tour is paused. When it is offered, however, it is only available for purchase onboard at the shore excursions desk.
On every cruise you sail, no matter the ship, there will be production shows put on by the entertainment staff. For instance, Norwegian offers Broadway-style shows of Footloose and Kinky Boots on ships. In other words, these aren’t some low-level productions with a few singers and dancers. They are adaptations of major Broadway shows for performance at sea. Sitting at the top of the Bliss, Joy and Encore are laser tag arenas that rival anything you might find on land. The cost to play is around $10 and you’ll need to wear closed-toe shoes.
As a bonus, the instructor will usually put on a show, after everybody's had a go, of sensational flips and other flying tricks in the air machine. Usually near the library you can find a game room on a lot of cruise ships. If you want some time out of the sun, head here to see what they offer. The board games are basic — checkers and chess — and there are usually decks of cards.
If you’re cruising with kids or teenagers, be sure to check out the kid’s club, Splash Academy (ages 3-12) and Club Entourage (13-17). The kid’s camp is a great place for your children to participate in activities and to make new friends. One major appeal to Norwegian Cruise Line specifically is their "Freestyle Cruising" concept.
During your cruise you can stop by the booking desk to talk to an agent. They will explain all the options and help you find the perfect cruise to match your schedule and budget. Best of all, having an agent there can help you with any questions you might have about the trip. Ping-pong is such a simple game, but for some reason it brings out the competitive spirit.
But the most important thing is to remember that your time is your own on vacation. Spend it how you want without worrying about if you’re making the “most” of your trip. From the moment you board the the ship, you’ll see the ship’s photographers out to take souvenir photos for your cruise. As well, they are prominent on formal night when many people are dressed up for the evening. What’s nice is that it’s an easy go-to when you have kids as they seem to love to play. It’s also an easy-going activity and only takes about minutes to play a round.
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