Family of different ages on a cruise ship deck, illustrating cruise age requirements for every generation

Cruise Age Requirements 2026: Every Age Limit From Babies to Over-50s

by Baby & toddlerChoosing a cruiseCruise LinesCruise NewsKids

Cruise age requirements depend on the cruise line and where the ship sails from. Babies usually need to be at least 6 months old (12 months on longer or ocean-crossing voyages). You normally need to be 21 to book and sail without an older adult on North American departures, or 18 from most UK and European ports. The drinking age at sea is 21 on US-based sailings and usually 18 on British lines and in Europe.

After that, a string of other age limits shapes your holiday: kids’ club bands, potty-training rules, teen clubs, casino and spa ages, adults-only ships and even a minimum age of 50 on Saga. This guide works through every milestone, then puts the main lines side by side in one table so you can check the rules before you book.

Babies: the minimum age to cruise

The most common minimum age to cruise is 6 months on the first day of the voyage. Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, Norwegian, Carnival, Disney, Princess, P&O Cruises, Cunard and Fred. Olsen all start from 6 months on most itineraries. That rises to 12 months for transatlantic and transpacific crossings, Hawaii, many South American and South Pacific voyages, and, for several lines, any cruise with three or more consecutive days at sea. Princess applies 6 months only to Alaska, Canada/New England, Caribbean, Europe, Mexico and Panama Canal trips, and 12 months to everything else.

The rule is strictly enforced. An infant who is a day too young can be refused boarding with no refund, so check the date carefully against your child’s birthday. For line-by-line detail on cots, baby food and nurseries, see our guide to taking babies on a cruise and infant age limits.

Nursery ages

Supervised nurseries are less common than kids’ clubs and often carry a fee. Royal Caribbean’s Royal Babies and Tots Nursery takes 6 to 36 months on most of its larger ships, for an hourly charge. Disney’s It’s a Small World Nursery covers children under 3. P&O Cruises runs a free Night Nursery for children from 6 months to under 4, while under-2s can use the daytime nursery area with a parent. Carnival’s Night Owls group babysitting takes children from 6 months to 11 years for a fee.

Cruise age limits for kids’ clubs and potty training

Most kids’ clubs start at 3, but a few take younger children, and the nappy rules vary more than many parents expect.

  • Carnival Camp Ocean: Penguins 2 to 5, Stingrays 6 to 8, Sharks 9 to 11. Children do not need to be potty trained, but you must hand over nappies at each drop-off.
  • Royal Caribbean Adventure Ocean: Aquanauts 3 to 5, Explorers 6 to 8, Voyagers 9 to 11. Children must be fully potty trained. Nappies and pull-ups are not allowed.
  • Disney: Oceaneer Club and Lab for ages 3 to 10.
  • Princess: The Treehouse 3 to 7 and The Lodge 8 to 12 (Sun and Star Princess use Firefly Park, which covers 6 months to 7 years).
  • P&O Cruises: The Reef for Splashers 2 to 4, Surfers 5 to 8 and Scubas 9 to 12.

One rule applies almost everywhere: babies in nappies cannot use the main pools. Swim nappies are usually only allowed in dedicated splash areas.

Teen club ages

Teen programmes generally run from 12 or 13 to 17. Royal Caribbean’s Teen Club covers 12 to 17, split into 12 to 14 and 15 to 17. Carnival has Circle C for 12 to 14 and Club O2 for 15 to 17. Disney uses Edge for 11 to 14 and Vibe for 14 to 17. P&O runs Scene or H2O for 13 to 17, and Princess The Beach House for 13 to 17. Teens can usually sign themselves in and out, which younger children cannot.

Group of young people relaxing by a pool, the age group most affected by cruise age limits for travelling alone
Rules for 18 to 20-year-olds vary more than any other cruise age limit. Photo: Jeremy Angerson on Pexels

Minimum age to book or go on a cruise alone

This is where cruise age requirements vary most. The age to go on a cruise alone usually depends on the departure port, not your nationality.

  • Royal Caribbean and Celebrity: 21 from North America; 18 from Europe, South America, Asia, Australia and New Zealand. Underage married couples and active-duty US or Canadian military can be exempt with proof.
  • Norwegian: on cruises that call at a US, Canadian or Chinese port, under-21s must share (or connect to) a cabin with someone 21+. On other itineraries the line uses 18.
  • Carnival: under-21s must travel with a relative or guardian aged 25 or over, linked on the same booking. For bookings made from 1 October 2026, children 14 and under must share or connect to that adult’s cabin, and 15 to 20-year-olds must be no more than three cabins away. Married couples and qualifying military aged 18 to 20 are exempt.
  • Princess: under-21s must share a cabin with someone 21+, with some leeway for family bookings across several cabins.
  • Disney and Virgin Voyages: 18. Virgin is adults-only, so 18 is also its minimum age to sail at all.
  • UK lines (P&O Cruises, Cunard, Marella, Fred. Olsen): generally 18 on UK and European sailings. Cunard lets under-16s share with anyone aged 16+ in the same cabin.

If you are 18 to 20 and want to sail with friends, our guide to the best cruises for 18-year-olds without parents covers which lines and itineraries work.

Documents for minors

Children travelling with only one parent, or with grandparents or another adult, may need a signed consent letter from the absent parent or parents. Norwegian, for example, asks for a Parent/Guardian Release Form for under-18s travelling with a non-parent and may refuse boarding without it. Carry it even if the line does not ask in advance.

Drinking age at sea

There is no single drinking age on cruise ships. Each line sets its own policy by departure region.

  • US-based sailings (Caribbean, Alaska, Mexico, Hawaii): 21 on Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Princess, Celebrity, Disney and MSC.
  • Europe, South America, Asia, Australia and New Zealand: 18 on Royal Caribbean and MSC. On Disney, guests aged 12 to 20 can drink with a parent present and a signed consent form on certain European and Australian round trips.
  • Norwegian: 21 in Alaska and Hawaii. Elsewhere, 18 to 20-year-olds may drink beer and wine in international waters if a parent on board gives written consent.
  • British lines: P&O Cruises, Marella and Fred. Olsen generally serve from 18. Cunard uses 18 on most sailings, but check its North American departures.

Private islands follow their own rules. Royal Caribbean applies 21 at Perfect Day at CocoCay and Labadee. Turning legal age mid-cruise? Royal Caribbean and MSC will update your record at Guest Services if you show ID.

Casino, spa, gym and adults-only area ages

  • Casino: 18 is standard on Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, Princess, Carnival and most UK lines. Royal Caribbean raises it to 21 on Alaska sailings.
  • Spa: treatments are typically 18+. Princess and others offer teen treatments for 13 to 17-year-olds with parental consent. Norwegian’s Thermal Suite is 18+.
  • Gym: Norwegian bars under-16s from the fitness centre. Other lines let younger teens in with an adult or at set times.
  • Adults-only areas: Carnival’s Serenity is 21+. Princess’s Sanctuary and Disney’s Quiet Cove pool, Palo and Remy restaurants are 18+. Royal Caribbean’s Solarium is 16+ on most ships.
Adults relaxing on sun loungers on a quiet deck, the kind of space covered by adults-only cruise age rules
Many ships set aside quiet adults-only decks, usually for guests 18 and over. Photo: Lisa Fotios on Pexels

Adults-only cruise lines and ships

If you’d rather not share the ship with children, several options set a fixed minimum age for every guest:

  • Virgin Voyages: 18+ fleetwide.
  • Viking ocean ships: 18+.
  • Oceania: new bookings made from 7 January 2026 are for guests aged 18 and over only.
  • P&O Cruises Arcadia and Aurora: adults-only for most of the year, but a limited number of family sailings, mostly around Christmas and school holidays, run from December 2026 to September 2027. Check the specific date.
  • Marella Explorer 2: adults-only, joined by Marella Discovery for summer 2026.
  • Ambassador: every no-fly itinerary in the 2027-28 season is child-free.

Over-50s and older travellers: is there an upper age limit?

Saga is the one major line with a minimum age at the top end. Saga cruises are for anyone aged 50 or over, and a travelling companion can be 40 or over. Nobody else sets a lower limit for older guests, and no mainstream line has a maximum age. Instead, older travellers should expect to declare medical conditions or mobility needs when booking. Lines can ask for evidence of fitness to travel or require a companion for guests who need help. Travel insurance, not the cruise line, is usually where age makes the biggest difference to cost. If you’re planning a trip in later life, see our pick of the best cruises for over-50s.

Pregnancy limit

It isn’t an age rule, but it catches people out. Most lines, including Princess, Royal Caribbean and Disney, refuse passengers who will be 24 weeks pregnant or more at any point during the cruise.

Cruise age requirements by line: comparison table

Cruise line Minimum infant age Sail without parent/older adult Drinking age Kids’ club starts
Carnival 6 months (12 on transatlantic, Hawaii, South America) 21, or under-21s with a 25+ relative 21 (US sailings) 2 (nappies OK)
Royal Caribbean 6 months (12 on long/ocean voyages) 21 North America / 18 elsewhere 21 North America / 18 elsewhere 3 (potty trained)
Norwegian 6 months (12 with 3+ sea days) 21 if US/Canada/China port / 18 otherwise 21 Alaska/Hawaii; 18-20 with parental consent elsewhere 3
Princess 6 months (12 on most long voyages) Under-21s with a 21+ cabin mate 21 (US-based ships) 3 (6 months on Sun/Star Princess)
Disney 6 months (12 on some routes) 18 21 (12-20 with consent on some Europe/Australia trips) 3
MSC Under 1 allowed on shorter cruises; stricter on 11+ nights 18 (21 on US port cruises) 21 North America / 18 Europe Varies by club
P&O Cruises 6 months (12 on some long or remote trips) 18 18 2
Cunard 6 months (12 on world voyages and transatlantics) Under-16s with a 16+ cabin mate 18 on most sailings Varies by ship
Virgin Voyages Adults only 18 21 US / 18 Europe None
Saga Adults only 50 (companion 40+) 18 None

Policies change, and Carnival tightened its rules for young adults twice between 2025 and 2026, so confirm the current terms on the line’s website before you pay a deposit.

Tips for checking cruise age requirements

  1. Use age on embarkation day. Most lines judge every limit by your age on day one. A birthday during the cruise usually won’t count unless Guest Services updates your record.
  2. Check the itinerary, not just the line. The same ship can switch between 21 and 18 rules when it moves from the Caribbean to Europe.
  3. Book cabins together. If teens or young adults will be in a separate cabin, book connecting or neighbouring cabins on the same reservation to satisfy the rules.

FAQs

Do you have to be 18 or 21 to go on a cruise by yourself?

It depends on the line and the departure port. Most US lines require 21 on North American sailings, while Royal Caribbean, Celebrity and most UK lines accept 18 on European departures. Disney and Virgin Voyages use 18.

Can I go on a Carnival cruise at 18?

Yes, but only alongside a relative or guardian aged 25 or over on the same booking, unless you are legally married or qualifying military. From 1 October 2026 bookings, 18 to 20-year-olds must also be within three cabins of that adult.

What is the minimum age to cruise for a baby?

Usually 6 months on embarkation day. That rises to 12 months for transatlantic, Hawaii, South Pacific and other voyages with three or more consecutive sea days.

Is there an upper age limit for cruises?

No major cruise line has a maximum age. Saga has a minimum age of 50 (companions 40+). Every line may ask older passengers to declare medical conditions and prove they are fit to travel.

What is the drinking age on a cruise ship?

Usually 21 on sailings from the US and 18 on British lines and on most European, Australian and South American sailings. Norwegian and Disney allow some 18 to 20-year-olds to drink with parental consent on certain itineraries.

adam-header-e1661960972173.jpg

Cruising With A Baby Or Toddler On P&O Cruises

by Baby & toddlerCruise LinesCruise NewsCruise TipsKidsP&O Cruises

Many people ask me whether babies can go on P&O Cruises and the answer is yes! Not only can babies sail on board P&O Cruises’ family-friendly ships, but this is a great cruise line to choose for babies and toddlers for so many reasons…

Toddler on P&O Britannia

P&O’s Baby Policy

Babies must be at least six months to sail with P&O
Cruises and at least 12 months for exotic fly-cruises. If you want to cruise
with a baby who is younger than six months old, you should look into other
cruise lines such as MSC Cruises.

P&O Cruises Infant Pricing

Infants under two years old sail at a ‘reduced rate’ with P&O Cruises. Exactly how much you’ll pay for your baby varies depending on the cruise – the P&O Cruises infant prices do vary. According to online forums, people have paid between £50 and £300 to bring a baby on their cruise.

From time to time, P&O Cruises has promotions where the third or fourth passenger in a cabin can sail for as little as £1. So booking your cruise whilst one of these promotions is live can be a great way to save you money on your cruise.

Click to see how P&O Cruises baby prices compare to other cruise lines.

Get Help Booking Your Family Cruise

Cruise Family are the only UK specialists in cruises for families of 5+ (and smaller ones too!)

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Accommodation For Babies

P&O Cruises provides travel cots free of charge. There is space in even the smallest of inside cabins for a travel cot but if you do require a bit of extra space in your cabin, your cabin steward will be happy to take down the travel cot in the morning and put it back up for you in the evening.

Baby in cot

The travel cots come with a thin mattress and a sheet. Guests are requested to bring their own cot bedding such as duvets, pillows or sleeping bags as required.

It might be a good idea to bring a thick blanket or small quilt to create some extra padding if your little one is used to a softer bed. If you forget to bring your own bedding, you may request a thin blanket from your cabin steward.

If you’d prefer for your toddler to sleep in a bed, you can request a bed guard to make sure that they can’t fall out. Some cabins have sofa beds and others have Pullman beds that come down from the ceiling like bunk beds. When you book, you can request a cabin with a sofa bed if you prefer this option.

Two children asleep in a sofa bed onboard P&) Azura
Sofa bed on P&O Azura

Read more: What is a Pullman bed on a cruise ship?

A variety of cabin types are available. Budget-conscious travellers might be best to opt for an inside cabin.

But if your baby will only sleep in a cot and you’re likely to be confined to the cabin at nap times or in the evening, then it’s probably worth considering upgrading to a balcony cabin so that you can relax on the balcony while your child sleeps.

Suggested read: Are Cruise Ship Balconies Safe for Toddlers?

nap time on a cruise

Onboard Activities For Babies And Toddlers

You’ll find lots to keep tots entertained on board P&O Cruises’ family-friendly ships. One of the best things about P&O Cruises is that children wearing swimming nappies are allowed in designated pools. On many other cruise ships swimming nappies are completely banned from all pools.

We sailed on P&O Britannia and our two-year-old loved splashing in the shallow paddling pool in between the two main pools. He also loved the splash area which has a fountain and flowing water that can be stopped with various levers and wheels.

This area is a little bit hidden on the ship between the shuffleboard court and The Reef kids’ club, so make sure you don’t miss it if you sail on Britannia.

P&O Cruises splash area

P&O Cruises ships are very spacious and your little ones will love crawling around the open decks. Railings are either high with a double hand-rail or made of glass walls, which makes the decks a very safe environment for little ones to roam as long as you keep an eye on them.

Although under-twos aren’t permitted to be left in the kids’ club, they can attend with parents for supervised play sessions. You’ll also find a variety of family events on board such as discos and magic shows.

Babysitting

Although there is no in-cabin babysitting, P&O Cruises offers a Night Nursery for free-of-charge group babysitting.

The Night Nursery is a dark, quiet room with beds and cots where under-fives can sleep under the supervision of two qualified members of staff. This is open from 6 pm until midnight and extended until 2 am on request.

Places are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Parents are given a pager so that they can be contacted should their children wake up.

P&O Azura night nursery

Baby Food

P&O Cruises provides baby food free of charge. Hipp Organic baby food jars are available in an assortment of savoury and dessert flavours in stage 1 (4 months +) and stage 2 (7 months+).

Alternatively, you can request that any food from the main restaurant menu be pureed or mashed. There are also always plenty of foods on offer that are suitable for baby-led weaning such as bread, fruit and vegetable sticks.

Read more: How to feed your baby on a cruise

Baby Adam eating Pizza onboard cruise ship

Children and babies can dine in any of the dining areas on board. In addition, there is a special children’s tea at around 5 pm each evening (the exact time varies by ship).

Here, you’ll find a variety of kids’ favourites on offer in a relaxed atmosphere – perfect for parents who’d like to eat a little later in the evening than the children.

Toddlers can choose from the extensive children’s menu or try a small portion of any dish on the main menu. You’ll also find plenty of high chairs available in the restaurants.

Toddler drinking juice during dinner at a cruise ship dining room

Baby Milk

P&O Cruises can provide baby milk powder free of charge on request. The brand offered is SMA progress. If you prefer an alternative brand, you should bring your own baby milk.

Whole cows’ milk or plant-based milk can also be provided. Just call your cabin steward to place your request for warm or cold milk to be delivered to your cabin.

If you ask for a large jug or carton of milk, this can be kept in the fridge in your cabin. Alternatively, you can help yourself to milk from the buffet restaurant.

Glass of milk

Breastfeeding is also welcome in all areas of the ship.

Read more: How to feed your baby on a cruise

Pushchairs

You are welcome to bring a pram or pushchair on board. The only restriction on this is that they are not allowed to be left in the corridor outside your room as they are with some other cruise lines.

If your pushchair is collapsible, you’ll find plenty of storage space under the beds, should you wish to keep it out of the way.

For those travelling with two children, side-by-side pushchairs are not recommended as they can be too wide for some of the corridors. Instead, opt for a narrower style or take two pushchairs or a buggy board.

Baby Paraphernalia

Babies come with a lot of equipment, but luckily, much of what you need is available to borrow free of charge, which means you can cut down on your packing list substantially.

Items available on request include:

  • Travel cot
  • Baby bath
  • Bottle/food warmers
  • Sterilisers
  • Nappy disposal units (although normal bins are emptied twice daily too)
  • Bed guards

Just mention if you would like any of when you book and you’ll find them waiting in the cabin for you.

For a full list of baby items to pack on a cruise, get the free printable checklist that I use. Just enter your email address below and it will be sent to your inbox.

Laundry

On board P&O Cruises you’ll find self-service launderettes with washing machines, tumble driers and irons which are free of charge.

You needn’t worry about packing lots of clothes for your children, as you’ll be able to do washing during your cruise should you need to. I’d recommend bringing your own washing tablets, as they cost £1 each to buy in the on-board shop.

If you prefer someone else to do the washing for you, there is also a laundry service available for a fee.

baby on a cruise

Summary

Whilst many cruise lines cater very well for babies and children, the P&O Cruises baby policy is one of the best and you can’t go wrong. The staff are all very friendly and on-hand to help wherever they can to make your family holiday as stress-free and enjoyable as possible.

Do you have any more tips for cruising with young children on board P&O Cruises? Please share them in the comments below. Or if you have any questions, let me know and I’ll do my best to answer them for you.

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Cruise Family are the only UK specialists in cruises for families of 5+ (and smaller ones too!)

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Cruise Mummy

Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.

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cruise-for-family-of-four.jpg

Top Tips for Booking The Perfect Family Cruise For 4

by Cruise LinesCruise NewsCruise TipsFirst time cruisersKidsMoney saving tips

Finding a cruise for a family of four can be tricky because when you see cruise offers advertised online, they’re almost always based on two people sharing. This means that it can be very tricky to compare cruise prices for families.

cruise for family of four

A Lot Of Cruises Are Priced For Couples

Before I became a cruise blogger, I spent five years working in marketing for a specialist cruise travel agent. Whilst we did sometimes show family prices for families of four, most often, the price displayed was based on two people sharing a cabin.

The reason for this is that travel agents’ websites pull their prices from a feed and then apply their own programmatic price adjustments. The feed comes from the cruise line’s database, via third-party software.

This software only has the capacity to show prices based on two people for the four main cabin types – inside, outside, balcony and suite.

Not All Travel Agents Show Family Prices

For a travel agent to display a family price for a cruise, they have to price this manually, rather than using the live price feed. This task involves a member of staff going on to the cruise line’s website, finding the price, and then updating the travel agent’s website.

As cruise prices change most days, this is quite a labour-intensive task, so it’s not done for most sailings.

A smiling travel agent wearing a headset sits at her desk with a large colorful globe beside her, signaling readiness to assist with travel plans, depicted in a bright, modern office setting.

How to Find Family Cruise Prices

The way to see accurate prices for a cruise for a family of four is to search for the cruise on the cruise line’s own website, rather than a travel agent’s website.

However, booking directly with the cruise line usually costs you more and I wouldn’t recommend it in most cases. This is because travel agents are able to secure discounted rates.

Therefore, you should look for the price on the cruise line website and then call your travel agent and ask them to beat it. Any good travel agent will be able to get you a better deal than if you book directly with the cruise line.

Get Help Booking Your Family Cruise

Cruise Family are the only UK specialists in cruises for families of 5+ (and smaller ones too!)

Let them find your perfect trip…

Suggested read: How to book a cruise online (and is it a good idea?)

cruise for family of four
Our family of four on P&O Britannia

Things To Consider When Booking A Cruise For A Family Of 4

1. Child Prices Depend On The Age Of The Child

For most cruises, the child price depends on the age of the child. When you see family prices advertised by travel agents, this is usually based on the price for eight-year-old children. If your kids are older or younger than this, the price may be lower or higher

2. Two Cabins May Be Cheaper Than One

Whilst you might think that having four people in one cabin is the cheapest way to cruise, this isn’t always the case. If there’s a special offer such as Buy One Get One Free, then it might work out cheaper to have two inter-connecting cabins.

You’ll need to book one adult and one child in each cabin, but if you have a door between them you don’t actually need to sleep in this configuration.

Cruise ship cabin key showing inter-connecting cabins

3. Free Child Places Don’t Apply To Flights

When you see an offer for free or reduced child places on your cruise, it can seem like a great deal. But don’t forget that kids aged two and over will pay the full fare for any flights that you need.

Unfortunately, the flights can sometimes cost more than the cruise, so be sure to factor this in when you book.

4. Family Cabins Sell Out Quickly

Not every cruise cabin has the extra beds to accommodate families. Since family cruising is becoming more popular, you’ll find that some of the older cruise ships have a distinct lack of cabins that sleep four.

I once tried to book a cruise the day after it went on sale, almost two years in advance, only to find that all the family cabins had already sold out!

For families of five, you’ll find that family cabins are even more rare.

Suggested read: The best cruises for a family of 5

Marella Cruises Family Cabin

How To Choose a Family Cruise

If you’re planning a family cruise, take a look at my guide on how to choose a cruise in 7 easy steps. It guides you through the process of finding the best cruise for your family, including any pitfalls to watch out for.

If you have any questions or would like any help, please follow me on Instagram where I’ll be happy to chat over direct messages.

Get Help Booking Your Family Cruise

Cruise Family are the only UK specialists in cruises for families of 5+ (and smaller ones too!)

Let them find your perfect trip…

Related posts:

If you found this interesting, please share!

Cruise Mummy

Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.

Read more about me


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Children sitting on bunk beds in a small family room, like the bunk layouts in Royal Caribbean family cabins

Royal Caribbean Family Cabins: The Best (and Worst) Rooms for Families

by Cruise LinesCruise NewsCruise TipsKidsRoyal Caribbean

Quick answer: The best Royal Caribbean family cabins depend on how many of you there are. A standard balcony or interior works for a family of three or four with small children; families of five or six should look at the Family Ocean View, Spacious Interior or Family Infinite Balcony categories, or book two connecting cabins; groups of seven or more need a two-bedroom Grand Suite, an Ultimate Family Suite or the Ultimate Family Townhouse.

This guide is about cabin types rather than ships. It explains which Royal Caribbean family cabins sleep four, five, six or more, their approximate sizes, where the purpose-built family suites are found in 2026, and which rooms tend to disappoint families. If you are still choosing a ship, start with our guide to the best Royal Caribbean ships for kids of each age, then come back here to pick the room.

How many people can share a Royal Caribbean cabin?

  • 2-4 guests: most standard interior, ocean view and balcony cabins, using a sofa bed and/or a pull-down Pullman bed for guests three and four. Not every cabin in a category has the extra beds, so check the stated occupancy.
  • 5-6 guests: the family categories (Family Ocean View, Spacious Interior, Family Promenade, Family Infinite Balcony), Royal Loft Suites and many two-bedroom suites.
  • 7-8+ guests: two-bedroom Grand Suites on many ships, the Ultimate Family Suite and the Ultimate Family Townhouse. Larger groups usually book connecting cabins.

Also bear in mind Royal Caribbean’s occupancy rules for North American sailings: guests under 21 must normally share a cabin with someone aged 21 or over, but children can stay in a connecting cabin next to their parents. Infants must be at least 6 months old on most sailings, rising to 12 months on some longer voyages with several consecutive sea days.

Royal Caribbean family cabins compared

Sizes vary by ship and by individual cabin, so treat these as approximate guides and check the exact stateroom before booking.

Cabin type Sleeps Approx. size Where you will find it Best for
Standard interior / ocean view / balcony Up to 4 150-200 sq ft All ships Families of 3-4 with young children
Spacious Interior (family interior) Up to 5-6 Larger than standard, varies by ship Oasis, Freedom and Vision classes The cheapest single cabin for 5-6
Family Promenade View Up to 6 About 325 sq ft Freedom class Big families who like to watch the parades
Family Ocean View / Ultra Spacious Ocean View Up to 6 About 265-330 sq ft Oasis, Freedom, Voyager, Radiance and Vision classes Groups of 5-6 who want daylight
Family Infinite Ocean View Balcony Up to 6 About 285 sq ft plus 50 sq ft balcony Icon class (Icon, Star, Legend) Families of 5-6 wanting a balcony and split bathroom
Surfside Family Suite Up to 4 About 270 sq ft Icon class Families with toddlers and younger kids
Royal Loft Suite Up to 6 About 560-580 sq ft Oasis, Quantum and Icon classes Families who want privacy on two levels
Grand Suite (2 bedroom) Up to 8 Varies widely by ship Many ships, including older classes Two families or multigenerational groups
Ultimate Family Suite Up to 8 (more on some ships) Two levels, varies by ship Symphony, Wonder, Utopia and Spectrum of the Seas A once-in-a-lifetime treat
Ultimate Family Townhouse Up to 8 About 1,770 sq ft over 3 levels Icon, Star and Legend of the Seas (one per ship) The biggest budget and the biggest wow
Two connecting cabins Up to 8 Two cabins combined All ships Two bathrooms at a lower price than a suite

Best Royal Caribbean cabins for families of four

Balcony or interior?

A standard balcony cabin for four is the most popular choice, and the balcony gives parents somewhere to sit once the children are asleep. The trade-off is space: with the sofa bed open there is very little floor left. A Junior Suite adds more space, a bathtub (useful for babies and toddlers) and a curtain to split the room, often for less than you might expect when you add the third and fourth guest fares.

Interior cabins can be a smart choice too, especially with small children who nap, because a dark room helps. They are also the cheapest way to add a third and fourth guest.

Central Park and Boardwalk balconies: good or bad with kids?

On Oasis-class ships, some balconies face inwards over Central Park or the Boardwalk rather than the sea.

  • Boardwalk balconies look over the carousel, the sweets shop and the AquaTheater, so children love the view. The downsides are noise from shows and events into the evening, and less privacy, as people below can see in. The aft-most Boardwalk balconies face the AquaTheater and the wake, which some families enjoy.
  • Central Park balconies are much quieter and greener, but there is less for children to watch, and the cabins below the park get little direct sun.
  • Safety: on any balcony, keep furniture away from the railing so children cannot climb it, and never leave young children on the balcony alone.
Children playing by a sunny outdoor pool with parents on loungers nearby
Choosing a cabin close to the family zones saves a lot of walking with small children. Photo: Ahmet ÇÖTÜR on Pexels

Royal Caribbean rooms for a family of 5 or 6

This is where Royal Caribbean stands out, because it has more cabins that sleep five or six than many lines. The main options are:

  1. Family Ocean View (Ultra Spacious Ocean View): often the cheapest way to get five or six people into one room with a window. Many are at the very front of the ship, so motion can be noticeable in rough seas. Some cabins have bunks or Pullmans in a separate nook.
  2. Spacious Interior: the lowest-priced single cabin for five or six on the Oasis and Freedom classes. Good if you will mostly use it for sleeping.
  3. Family Promenade View (Freedom class): a large interior with a window over the Royal Promenade. Kids enjoy watching the parades, but music and events below can carry late into the evening.
  4. Family Infinite Ocean View Balcony (Icon class): a family cabin with an enclosed balcony that converts to extra living space, a split bathroom so two people can use it at once, and a separate kids’ sleeping area.
  5. Two connecting cabins: two bathrooms, two TVs and often more total space than one family cabin. Two interiors connected can be cheaper than one suite. Ask your travel agent or Royal Caribbean to confirm the cabins truly connect, as some “adjoining” rooms only share a corridor door.

Families of five also have options on other lines, which we compare in how to cruise for a family of five.

Royal Caribbean family suites in 2026

Surfside Family Suite (Icon class)

Found on Icon, Star and Legend of the Seas, these suites sit near Surfside, the neighbourhood designed for younger children, with its splash area, carousel and family dining. They sleep up to four, with a split bathroom and a separate kids’ sleeping nook, and they include suite perks. They are a strong pick if your children are under about 10.

Ultimate Family Suite (Oasis and Quantum Ultra classes)

The two-level Ultimate Family Suite is on Symphony, Wonder and Utopia of the Seas, plus Spectrum of the Seas. Features vary by ship but typically include an in-suite slide between levels, a kids’ room with bunks, a games and media room and a large balcony with a hot tub. Prices are very high: one family reported paying more than $12,000 for a three-night Utopia sailing.

Ultimate Family Townhouse (Icon class)

Icon, Star and Legend of the Seas each have one three-level Ultimate Family Townhouse of about 1,770 sq ft, with its own front door onto Surfside, an indoor slide, a cinema and karaoke space, and balconies, including a hot tub. It sleeps up to eight. Our Icon of the Seas suites guide compares it with the other Icon-class suites.

Family Connected Junior Suite

On select newer ships, Royal Caribbean also sells a Junior Suite connected to two standard cabins, which can house up to 12 guests with several bathrooms. It is worth asking about for multigenerational groups who want to be together without paying for a large suite.

Spacious family suite living room with a sofa and separate sleeping area for children
Suites with separate kids' sleeping areas give parents more room in the evenings. Photo: Engin Akyurt on Pexels

Royal Caribbean cabins to avoid with kids

  • A standard cabin for five: a few standard rooms technically sleep five with two Pullman beds, but storage and floor space run out fast.
  • Cabins above theatres, nightclubs or bars: a problem if your children go to bed early. Check what sits directly above and below on the deck plan.
  • Cabins under the pool deck: loungers are dragged around early in the morning, which can wake light sleepers and babies.
  • Very forward family cabins for seasick children: many Family Ocean View cabins are right at the front. If anyone in your family gets seasick, a midship connecting pair may be better.
  • Promenade-view rooms with toddlers who nap: parades and events below can be loud during the day and evening.
  • A guarantee cabin for a family of 5 or more: the choice of cabins that hold five or more is small, and you lose control over location. Choose your cabin number instead.

Booking tips for Royal Caribbean family cabins

  1. Book early. There are only a few family categories on each ship, and they sell out first during school holidays.
  2. Understand 3rd and 4th guest pricing. The first two guests pay the full fare, while additional guests in the same cabin usually pay a lower fare. Royal Caribbean sometimes runs “kids sail free” or reduced third and fourth guest offers, though taxes, fees and gratuities still apply to everyone.
  3. Compare one big cabin with two smaller ones. Price two connecting interiors or balconies against a family cabin or suite. Two cabins often cost less and give you an extra bathroom.
  4. Remember daily gratuities for every guest. Gratuities are charged per person, including children, which adds up for a family of five or six.
  5. Check the bed layout. Ask whether the extra beds are Pullmans (pull-down bunks, often not suitable for very young children), a sofa bed or real bunk beds.
  6. Request a cot early. Royal Caribbean provides cots (pack-and-plays) on request, but numbers are limited.

Families who need cabins close together should think twice before booking a guarantee cabin, since assignments are made by the cruise line.

FAQs

What is the best Royal Caribbean cabin for a family of 4?

A balcony or Junior Suite works well for most families of four. With young children who nap, an interior cabin is a good budget option, and on Icon-class ships the Surfside Family Suite is designed for families with young kids.

Does Royal Caribbean have rooms for a family of 5?

Yes. Family Ocean View, Spacious Interior, Family Promenade View and Family Infinite Balcony cabins sleep five or six, and two connecting cabins are another option on every ship.

Which Royal Caribbean ships have a family suite?

The Ultimate Family Suite is on Symphony, Wonder, Utopia and Spectrum of the Seas. The Ultimate Family Townhouse is on Icon, Star and Legend of the Seas, which also have Surfside Family Suites.

Can kids stay in a connecting cabin on Royal Caribbean?

Yes. Guests under 21 normally need to share a cabin with an adult aged 21 or over, but children may stay in a connecting cabin next to their parents or guardians.

How much is the Royal Caribbean family suite?

Prices vary by ship and date, but the Ultimate Family Suite and Townhouse often cost several thousand dollars per night for the whole suite. One family reported paying more than $12,000 for a three-night sailing.

laser-tag-header.jpg

We Tried Royal Caribbean’s Laser Tag

by Cruise LinesCruise NewsKidsRoyal Caribbean

Some cruise lines will claim to offer an activity, but it’s really a watered-down version of what you’d get on land (no pun intended).

Royal Caribbean laser tag arena

On one of our cruises on-board Royal Caribbean’s Mariner of the Seas, one of the activities on-board was laser tag.

My five-year-old (at-the-time) daughter, Leonie, had never played laser tag before and was eager to try it, so we did.

And we were quite surprised by it.

How Royal Caribbean’s laser tag works

The laser tag arena on Mariner of the Seas is located in Studio B, which also hosts ice skating, the ice show, game shows and cooking demonstrations. Because of all the activities on at Studio B, laser tag is only available at certain times during each cruise.

The laser tag arena is an inflatable maze that sits on top of a platform in the centre of the arena, on the covered ice rink. Players are divided into two teams, robots and aliens and given a gun and a vest.

Teams are allocated at random, so there’s a good chance you’ll be split up from your friends or family. That’s fine though, even at five years old, Leonie was able to move around the maze on her own, shooting people. Staff members are on hand if anyone looks like they need help.

While we played laser tag, I wore a head camera so you can see what the whole experience is like. Take a look…

The ships that have laser tag

The Royal Caribbean ships that have laser tag are the:

  • Mariner of the Seas
  • Navigator of the Seas
  • Voyager of the Seas
  • Freedom of the Seas
  • Independence of the Seas
  • Quantum of the Seas
  • Spectrum of the Seas
  • Oasis of the Seas
  • Allure of the Seas
  • Symphony of the Seas
  • Wonder of the Seas
  • Utopia of the Seas
  • Icon of the Seas

It’s a little unusual because it’s not a feature specific to any class of ships. Only some ships in the classes have laser tag. And the Royal Caribbean website isn’t clear on which ships do have it, and which don’t. But I checked with the cruise line to get this definitive list.

There are two different themes for laser tag – Battle for Planet Z, which we played on Mariner of the Seas, and Clash for the Crystal City, which is an ice-themed game.

Mariner of the Seas Laser Tag

Mariner of the Seas hosts laser tag in Studio B. It was added to the ship in 2018 as part of a larger refurbishment.

Navigator of the Seas Laser Tag

Laser tag was added to Navigator of the Seas in 2019 as part of the Amped upgrade schedule. Navigator offers Battle for Planet Z.

Voyager of the Seas Laser Tag

Voyager of the Seas was another ship to get laser tag added to the ship as part of the Amped upgrades. Similar to her sister ships, she has Battle for Planet Z.

Freedom of the Seas Laser Tag

Laser tag is available on Freedom of the Seas. However this is the Clash for the Crystal City game, so something a bit different.

Independence of the Seas Laser Tag

Independence of the Seas was one of the first ships to have laser tag added, along with sister ship Freedom of the Seas. Unlike sister ship Freedom, Independence offers Battle for Planet Z.

Quantum of the Seas Laser Tag

Quantum of the Seas is the only Quantum-class ship to offer laser tag on-board, if you don’t include the Quantum Ultra class ships. It’s the Battle for Planet Z version.

Spectrum of the Seas Laser Tag

Spectrum of the Seas is the first Quantum Ultra class for Royal Caribbean. She offers laser tag, but her sister ship Odyssey of the Seas does not. It’s the Clash for the Crystal City game.

Oasis of the Seas Laser Tag

Only some of the Oasis-class ships have laser tag. The original ship in the class, the Oasis of the Seas, is one of the ships that does have laser tag available and it’s Clash for the Crystal City.

Symphony of the Seas Laser Tag

Symphony of the Seas is another Oasis-class ship to offer laser tag. This one has Battle for Planet Z.

Wonder of the Seas Laser Tag

Wonder of the Seas is the largest ship in the Oasis-class for Royal Caribbean and one of her many features is laser tag – Clash for the Crystal City.

Allure of the Seas Laser Tag

Allure of the Seas finally got a long-overdue renovation in early 2025 and one of the features added was laser tag.

Utopia of the Seas Laser Tag

The newest of the Oasis-class ships, Utopia of the Seas has offered laser tag since her launch in 2024. It’s the Battle for Planet Z game.

Icon of the Seas Laser Tag

Icon of the Seas is the biggest ship in the Royal Caribbean fleet, and she has a ton of amazing activities. But she didn’t launch with laser tag – in fact it took until January 2025, a full year after her debut, for laser tag to be available. It’s the Battle for Planet Z version.

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How to book laser tag on your cruise

On our cruise, you couldn’t pre-book laser tag, you just had to turn up and join the queue. We waited for about 30 minutes.

The queue was through the art gallery part of the ship so we could admire the paintings whilst we waited. I’d recommend taking a drink to enjoy while you wait.

Royal Caribbean laser tag
Royal Caribbean laser tag

Good news – it’s free!

Laser tag is free on all Royal Caribbean ships that have it. There is no cost for this activity – just turn up and take part. Many of the ‘daytime’ activities on Royal ships don’t have extra charges and are covered in your fare.

Some rules to be aware of…

The rule regarding footwear for laser tag on Royal Caribbean is that you must wear closed-toed shoes. If you join the queue with sandals, you’ll be told about this rule so that you can change your footwear and re-join the queue.

Children must be five years old or older to play laser tag There is also a height requirement of 40 inches. Young children will be asked their name, which is checked against a printed list of children’s ages. There is also a measuring stick at the entrance.

Royal Caribbean’s laser tag Vs. NCL’s version

There are a few differences between the laser tag game on Norwegian Bliss, Joy and Encore compared to Royal Caribbean laser tag.

Firstly, on NCL cruise ships, the laser tag course is a permanent outdoor feature. This means that the opening hours are much longer, and you can do this activity every day, whereas on Royal Caribbean, you can only do laser tag at set times when the inflatable arena is set up.

As Norwegian Cruise Line’s laser tag course is outdoors, you can visit in the daytime or in the dark for two different experiences. The outdoor setting does mean that it’s weather dependent, and the course will be closed in heavy rain or wind.

NCL laser tag
Norwegian Cruise Line laser tag

Norwegian Cruise Line doesn’t have any age or height requirements. If you’re strong enough to hold the gun and confident enough to play, then you can join in. On Royal Caribbean ships, you must be five or over to play laser tag.

Players on NCL’s laser tag course don’t wear vests. Instead, you aim at the opponents gun when firing. The look and feel of the course is very different too. Royal Caribbean’s laser tag is futuristic and neon, whereas NCL’s laser tag is set in an ancient-style setting made of ‘stone’.

The most important difference between the two is that Royal Caribbean’s laser tag is free, whereas Norwegian Cruise Line charge $9.95 for a 10-minute session.

You can also buy an unlimited laser tag pass for a week for $199. This seems pretty steep, and I don’t think I’d enjoy the game as much knowing that it was costing us $40 for a family of four for ten minutes.

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The verdict

We loved the laser tag on Mariner of the Seas. I think it’s just as exciting for adults as it is for kids, and it’s one of those times where you absolutely forget that you’re on a ship in the middle of the ocean!

If we sailed on another Royal Caribbean ship with laser tag, we would definitely do it again. A big thumbs up from us!

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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.

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Disney-Cruise-Family-Pool.jpg

8 Reasons Why Family Cruise Holidays Are Fantastic

by Cruise LinesCruise NewsFirst time cruisersKids

Cruise holidays are a bit different than other types of travel, and if you’ve never been on a cruise before, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the information and choices that you’re faced with when you come to book one.

The first thing you should decide, before anything else, is whether or not a cruise holiday would be a good idea for your family.

Family pool on a Disney cruise

First, let’s talk about all the reasons why cruise holidays are brilliant for families. Then, to keep things balanced, we’ll address any reasons why a cruise might not be right for you.

First, the fun stuff. Here are the top reasons why cruises can make the perfect family holidays…

1. Nobody Will Ever Be Bored – Guaranteed!

Swimming pools, water slides, splash parks, rock climbing walls, laser tag, surfing simulators, ice skating, bumper cars, trampolines, escape rooms, arcades – the list of activities available on board today’s modern cruise ships is seemingly endless!

And if you’re wondering how much all that is going to cost you, you’ll be pleased to know that the vast majority of on-board activities are included on typical cruise ship holidays. Yay!

Plus, with a different destination to explore each day that the ship docks, you can take your pick from the best theme parks, water parks, animal attractions, museums and beaches in each port of call.

If there’s one thing that you will never ever hear on a cruise holiday, it’s “Mummy, I’m bored.”

Royal Caribbean cruise ship with multiple brightly coloured water slides

2. You Don’t Have To Spend The Whole Holiday With Your Kids

Do you feel guilty at the thought of dumping your kids in childcare whilst you sunbathe by the pool with a book? Well, quite frankly, there’s no need to.

Cruise ship kids’ clubs offer the world’s best holiday childcare, so you can relax knowing that your children are well-cared for by qualified staff… and that they’re having loads of fun.

Open from early morning until late in the evening, some parents hardly see their kids for the whole cruise! And this isn’t because they don’t want to, but because they can’t prise their brood away from the activities of the kids’ club.

Split into several age groups, from pre-schoolers to teens, kids’ clubs offer safe, supervised activities which are both fun and educational.

Activities include arts and crafts, cookery classes, treasure hunts, sports and games, dancing, circus skills, games console tournaments, board games, competitions, movie nights and themed parties. And the best bit? It’s all free of charge.

Splash Academy with NCL
Norwegian Cruise Line’s Splash Academy

3. Fussy Eaters Are Well-Catered For

Cruise ship food is so delicious – you’re pretty much guaranteed to put on half a stone in a week. Included in the price of your cruise is dining at a number of venues, such as the main dining room, the buffet restaurant, snack bars and sometimes even room service.

In case that isn’t enough, additional restaurants are also available for a small supplement. Here you can enjoy Michelin-star cuisine with menus designed by celebrity chefs for a fraction of what the same dining experience would cost on land.

On many cruises, you’ll find that the menu is inspired by the ports of call that your ship visits, with authentic local produce brought into the kitchen during the cruise. This is a great way to get kids to try new foods from around the world, without worrying about paying for a dish that they don’t like!

In the main dining room, children can order the usual favourites off the kids’ menu, or, a smaller portion of anything they like from the main menu. In the buffet, the options are seemingly endless and ever-changing.

Cruise ship buffets are open from breakfast right through to late evening, so if you fancy a snack between meals, there’s always plenty to choose from.

Child at buffet
Royal Caribbean’s Windjammer Buffet

4. Cruising Is So Much Easier Than Flying

Hands up who likes flying with kids? Are your hands down? Thought so.

There’s parking the car, airport security, a cramped flight, sore ears, nappy changes in an aeroplane toilet, tired and cranky kids, more airport palaver and then getting to your hotel at some ungodly hour. Urgh!

With a cruise holiday, UK cruisers can sail from Southampton. Other local ports are available, but this is the main one where most of the family ships sail from.

You can park your car by the ship, and a member of staff will come and take your cases from your car boot and deliver them straight up to your cabin for you. Then you just check-in and walk onto the ship to start your holiday.

Now, tell me again why you were considering flying?

Southampton cruise port
Southampton Cruise Port

5. You Can Say Goodbye To Luggage Limits

Another great thing about not flying is that you have no limit on the amount of luggage you can take with you.

As someone who’s cruised with a baby and a toddler and is all too familiar with how much crap they need, this is a massive plus point. Some cruise lines will even let you shove a litre of wine in your suitcase if you want!

Prefer to pack light? You’ll find free-of-charge laundry rooms on many ships, should you need to wash anything.

6. There’s A Choice Of Accommodation To Suit Every Budget

There’s a huge choice of different accommodation types on board each ship, from inside cabins, cabins with windows and balconies, inter-connecting cabins and family staterooms, right up to the most luxurious of suites.

From a small double room with extra beds that pull down from the ceiling, to huge multi-storey suites with private hot tubs on the balcony, you’ll find accommodation to suit every taste and budget.

Royal Caribbean ultimate family townhouse with colourful furnishings and slide
Icon of the Seas’ Ultimate Family Townhouse

7. The Evening Entertainment Is Fantastic

I must admit, I never really enjoyed the evening entertainment that I’ve found in many of the European hotels I’ve stayed in. Kids’ discos, quiz nights, bingo, singers, yawn! I’ve often found myself in bed by 9pm.

On a cruise ship, it’s so different.

Each night there’ll be a show at the theatre. These shows are of a standard easily as high as the West End or Broadway. And they’re free! There’s also lots of live music as well as comedians and other acts, so you have a choice of entertainment each evening.

Actors acting for a performance on stage

If you want a bit of couple-time in there whilst the children are enjoying a pyjama party in the kids’ club, head to the casino, nightclub, or enjoy a late-night hot tub under the stars.

8. Cruises Offer Great Value For Money

The price of your cruise ticket includes accommodation, meals and snacks, selected non-alcoholic drinks, kids’ clubs, activities and entertainment.

You don’t have to pay for anything else if you don’t want to. A travel agent can also arrange flights, transfers and hotels to create you a package deal.

Extras that you can pay for include drinks, dining in speciality restaurants, spa treatments, guided excursions and WiFi. Policies on whether or not you’re expected to tip the ship’s staff vary by cruise line.

You might think that, as you’re a captive market, the cruise lines could take the mickey with the price of things like drinks. But they don’t tend to, and on many ships you’ll find the drinks prices to be similar to those in your local pub. Plus, if you’d prefer to go all-inclusive, drinks packages are available.

If you add up how much you spend on a land-based holiday compared to cruise holidays for families, then you’ll most likely find that the cruise holiday comes out cheaper.

Some destinations such as Norway, Belgium and Iceland can be eye-wateringly expensive once you get there. So, if you’re planning on visiting any of these, a cruise is likely to be the most cost-effective way to do it. Plus, on a land-based holiday, you probably won’t budget for watching Broadway-standard shows almost every night!

Is A Cruise Holiday Right For You?

With so many great reasons to book family cruise holidays, it’s no wonder that cruising is so addictive. And it really is addictive!

So are you raring to go ahead and book your first cruise? Or do you have some niggling doubts? Perhaps you’re worried about seasickness, hidden charges or the effect of the buffet on your waistline.

Have you cruised as a family before? How did it compare to other holidays you’ve taken?

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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.

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Large cruise ship seen from above at sea, the kind of family-friendly ship a Disney cruise family of 5 might book

Disney Cruise Rooms for a Family of 5, 6 or 7: Ship-by-Ship Guide

by Cruise LinesCruise NewsDisneyKids

Yes, a Disney cruise for a family of 5 can work in a single stateroom, but only in specific categories: the Deluxe Family Oceanview rooms (with or without a verandah, depending on the ship), Concierge family rooms and the Concierge 1-Bedroom Suites. Families of 6 or 7 need a Royal Suite, the Tower Suite or a two-bedroom suite on certain ships, or two connecting staterooms, which is often the more comfortable and similarly priced option.

Most Disney staterooms max out at four guests, so big families have fewer choices and those rooms sell out early. Below is a ship-by-ship breakdown of which Disney cruise rooms sleep 5, 6, 7 or 8, how connecting rooms work, and how to keep the cost of a larger family cruise under control.

How many people can stay in one Disney cruise room?

Standard inside, oceanview and verandah staterooms on Disney Cruise Line typically sleep 3 or 4. Only a limited number of “family” rooms have the extra pull-down bed that takes them to 5, and only suites go beyond that. A few rules matter for bigger groups:

  • Every guest counts. Babies and toddlers take up a place in the occupancy limit just like older children, so a family of four with a baby is booking for five.
  • An adult is required in each room. Every stateroom needs at least one guest aged 18 or over, and children under 18 must sail with someone 21 or older in the travel party. If you split into two rooms, plan which adult sleeps where.
  • Minimum age. Infants generally need to be at least 6 months old at embarkation, rising to 1 year on some longer itineraries such as transatlantic and Hawaii sailings.
  • Five-person rooms vary within a category. On the Wish-class ships, some Deluxe Family Oceanview rooms only sleep 4, so check the occupancy of the exact stateroom number rather than the category name.

Disney cruise rooms for 5, 6 or 7: ship-by-ship table

Disney currently sails eight ships, but they fall into four groups. The Disney Wish, Disney Treasure and Disney Destiny are sister ships of the same class, so their room types are almost identical. The table summarizes the categories that sleep five or more, based on Disney’s own stateroom pages and published deck plans. Exact bed layouts and room numbers change from ship to ship, so confirm on Disney Cruise Line’s official site before you book.

Ship Sleeps 5 Sleeps 6 Sleeps 7 or 8
Disney Wish, Treasure and Destiny Deluxe Family Oceanview; Deluxe Family Oceanview with Verandah; Concierge Family Oceanview (with or without verandah); Concierge 1-Bedroom Suite Concierge 1-Story and 2-Story Royal Suites Tower Suite (up to 8)
Disney Dream and Fantasy Deluxe Family Oceanview; Deluxe Family Oceanview with Verandah; Concierge Family Oceanview with Verandah; Concierge 1-Bedroom Suite; Royal Suite Some Royal Suite listings show 6; otherwise two rooms Two connecting rooms
Disney Magic and Wonder Deluxe Family Oceanview with Verandah; Concierge family rooms; Concierge 1-Bedroom Suite Concierge 2-Bedroom Suite or Royal Suite Concierge 2-Bedroom Suite and Royal Suite (up to 7)
Disney Adventure Concierge staterooms and suites only Concierge staterooms, suites and Royal Suites (up to 6) Two connecting rooms

A fourth Wish-class ship, Disney Believe, has been announced for late 2027, and it is expected to follow the same stateroom pattern as its sisters.

Cruise ship cabin with a double bed and extra pull-down bunk for a family of five
Family staterooms add a sofa bed and pull-down bunks to fit five guests. Photo: Ketut Subiyanto on Pexels

Disney Wish, Treasure and Destiny: the most options for big families

The newest class gives larger families the widest choice, and it is the closest thing to a “best Disney cruise ship” answer for a party of five or more.

Deluxe Family Oceanview, with or without verandah

These are the go-to rooms for a Disney cruise family of 5 on a non-concierge budget. Each has a queen bed, a single convertible sofa and a single pull-down bed from the ceiling, plus a single wall pull-down bed in the rooms that sleep five. The oceanview version is around 237 sq ft; the verandah version is about 284 sq ft including the balcony. Both have Disney’s split bathroom, with a toilet and sink in one compartment and a shower or tub and sink in the other, which helps a lot at bedtime.

Concierge Family Oceanview rooms and 1-Bedroom Suites

Concierge family rooms sleep up to 5 and add access to the private concierge lounge and sun deck. The Concierge 1-Bedroom Suite also sleeps 5, with a king bed in a separate bedroom and a double convertible sofa plus a wall pull-down bed in the living area. The door between the two spaces is what makes it worthwhile for parents of young children.

Royal Suites and the Tower Suite

The 1-Story and 2-Story Royal Suites have two bedrooms and three bathrooms and sleep up to 6. The Tower Suite, set inside the ship’s forward funnel, sleeps up to 8 across about 1,966 sq ft, with two king bedrooms, a children’s room with bunk beds and a library that converts to a bedroom. There is only one per ship, and prices are very high, but it is the only single stateroom on Disney that can hold a family of 7 or 8 on these ships.

For layouts, the best stateroom locations and how each Wish-class category compares, see our guide to choosing the best Disney Wish staterooms and suites.

Disney Dream and Fantasy: reliable rooms for families of 5

On the Dream and Fantasy, the Deluxe Family Oceanview rooms (about 241 sq ft) and Deluxe Family Oceanview with Verandah rooms (about 299 sq ft) sleep five. They pair a queen bed with a single sofa bed and either a wall pull-down or an upper-berth pull-down bed, and they include the split bathroom. Some oceanview family rooms only sleep 4, so again check the individual room.

Concierge family verandah rooms and the Concierge 1-Bedroom Suites also sleep five. The Royal Suites are large but generally list five guests, which surprises some families who assume more space means more berths. For six or more on these ships, plan on two rooms.

Disney Magic and Wonder: suites that sleep 7

The two original ships have fewer five-berth rooms, and the Deluxe Family Oceanview with Verandah rooms (about 304 sq ft) are the main non-concierge option for a party of five. They have a queen bed, a single sofa bed, a wall pull-down bed and an upper-berth pull-down bed.

Where the Magic and Wonder stand out is at the top end. The Concierge 2-Bedroom Suites and Royal Suites can sleep up to 7, which is rare in the fleet. Disney also notes that these two ships have fewer connecting staterooms than the rest of the fleet, so book early if you want two adjoining rooms.

Open interior door linking two adjoining rooms, like connecting cruise cabins for a large family
Connecting staterooms give big families two bathrooms and more space. Photo: Steven Van Elk on Pexels

Disney Adventure: concierge only for 5 or more

Disney Adventure, which began sailing from Singapore in March 2026 on 3- and 4-night cruises, works differently. According to Disney’s stateroom overview, its standard inside, oceanview and verandah rooms all sleep up to 4. Families of 5 or 6 need a Concierge stateroom, Concierge Suite or Royal Suite, all of which sleep up to 6, or two connecting rooms. Our Disney Adventure staterooms and suites guide covers each category in more detail.

Booking connecting rooms for a Disney cruise family of 6

For a family of 6 or 7, two connecting staterooms are often the most practical choice, and many families of five choose them too. You get two full bathrooms, more storage, and a real internal door between the rooms. Pairs exist across most categories, from inside rooms up to concierge.

On Disney’s website, fill in the guests for the first stateroom, select “Add Another Stateroom”, then turn on the “Connecting Staterooms” option before confirming your party. The site then shows only connecting pairs, and choosing one room books its partner automatically. A few points to keep in mind:

  • Connecting rooms aren’t guaranteed on restricted-fare bookings, such as Guarantee (GTY) fares where Disney assigns the room later.
  • Each room needs an adult aged 18 or over, so two parents can split the children between rooms.
  • Each room has its own reservation number, but they can be linked so you share dining times.
  • If no connecting pairs are left, rooms across the hall or next door are a reasonable fallback, particularly with older children.

Cost tips for big families on a Disney cruise

A Disney cruise for 5 or more is a big outlay, but a few habits make a real difference:

  1. Price one room and two rooms side by side. The third, fourth and fifth guests in a room usually cost less than the first two, but two inside or oceanview rooms can come close to the price of one five-berth verandah room, with far more space.
  2. Don’t panic if the price suddenly doubles. When no five-person rooms are left on a sailing, Disney’s booking engine prices two rooms instead. Try different dates, another ship or a concierge family room before assuming that is the only option.
  3. Book early. Five-berth rooms are a small share of each ship and go first, especially for school holidays. Prices also tend to rise as sailings fill.
  4. Watch for promotions. Disney occasionally runs offers such as reduced fares for kids on select sailings when two full-fare guests share the room. These can save a lot for families with several children.
  5. Budget for the extras. Gratuities are charged per guest, so they scale with family size, as do excursions and specialty dining.

For a broader breakdown of fares, extras and how Disney compares with other lines, read how much a Disney cruise costs compared with other cruises.

Which Disney ship is best for a large family?

For most families of 5, the Disney Wish, Treasure and Destiny offer the widest choice of five-berth rooms at different price points, including oceanview rooms without a balcony. The Dream and Fantasy are a dependable alternative with similar family rooms. For a single room that sleeps 7, look at the suites on the Magic and Wonder, or the Tower Suite on the Wish-class ships if the budget allows. On Disney Adventure, plan on concierge or two rooms.

If you are still deciding between the parks and the ships, our guide to Disneyland vs a Disney cruise compares costs and inclusions.

For full category details on one of the newest ships, see our guide to Disney Treasure staterooms and suites.

FAQs

Can a family of 5 stay in one room on a Disney cruise?

Yes. Deluxe Family Oceanview rooms, family verandah rooms, Concierge family rooms and Concierge 1-Bedroom Suites sleep five on most Disney ships. On Disney Adventure, only concierge rooms and suites sleep more than four.

Why does a Disney cruise cost so much more for 5 people than 4?

If no five-berth rooms are left on your sailing, Disney’s booking system prices two staterooms instead of one. Checking other dates, ships or concierge family rooms can bring the price back down.

What Disney cruise room sleeps 6 or more?

The Royal Suites on the Wish, Treasure and Destiny sleep 6 and the Tower Suite sleeps 8. On the Magic and Wonder, the 2-Bedroom and Royal Suites sleep up to 7. Disney Adventure’s concierge rooms and suites sleep up to 6.

Can you book connecting rooms on Disney Cruise Line?

Yes. Add a second stateroom when booking online and switch on the connecting staterooms option to see available pairs. They aren’t guaranteed on restricted fares, and the Magic and Wonder have fewer of them.

Do babies count toward Disney cruise room occupancy?

Yes. Every guest, including infants, counts toward the stateroom limit, so a family of four with a baby needs a room that sleeps five.

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The Best Cruise Destinations For Families

by CaribbeanChoosing a cruiseCruise LinesCruise NewsDestinationsEuropeKids

When planning a family cruise, choosing the best destination is just as important as choosing the best cruise line and the best ship.

After all, you’ll get off the ship most days to explore a port of call, so it’s worth investing a little bit of time into researching the best destinations for your family cruise.

This article highlights some of the most popular cruise destinations for families with children.

1. The Mediterranean

Europe is known for its beautiful beaches, great museums and fascinating history.

A cruise holiday can be a great way to educate older children with trips to famous European landmarks such as the Colosseum, the Leaning Tower of Pisa or the Acropolis. For younger ones, a sandy beach with buckets and spades may be all they need.

Venice cruise
Venice

Most Popular Cruise Ports in the Mediterranean

  • Barcelona, Spain
  • Marseille, France
  • Venice, Italy
  • Athens, Greece
  • Naples, Italy

When to Cruise

You can enjoy a cruise in the Mediterranean all year round, but it’s most popular between April and October when the weather is best.

You’ll find a huge selection of ships to choose from for Mediterranean cruises in the summer months. In October, many cruise ships head transatlantic to spend the winter in the Caribbean, returning to the Med for the summer in April.

Where to Depart

You can cruise to the Mediterranean from the UK port of Southampton, heading around Spain and towards Italy. As cruise ships average around 23 miles per hour, a round trip will take approximately two weeks.

If you only have a week for your cruise, a good option is to fly to somewhere like Barcelona, Venice or Rome where you can join your cruise ship. This also means that you’re more likely to have good weather throughout the cruise.

If you’re flying into Rome you should definitely spend a few days exploring before or after your cruise. You’ll find so many things to do with kids in Rome so it’s a good idea to plan your itinerary for each day before you go.

2. Caribbean

Families with younger children will love spending time on the pristine white sandy beaches of the Caribbean, building sandcastles and hunting for shells. Older kids will love the watersports and snorkelling, looking at the tropical fish and turtles.

A great way to spend the day as a family is to head off together on a glass-bottomed boat ride. For something really special, you could even swim with dolphins or go scuba diving. A Caribbean cruise can be as chilled or energetic as you want to make it.

Caribbean cruise
Harmony of the Seas

Most Popular Cruise Ports in the Caribbean

  • Cozumel, Mexico
  • George Town, Grand Cayman
  • St Thomas, US Virgin Islands
  • Philipsburg, St Maarten
  • San Juan, Puerto Rico

When to Cruise

The Caribbean is a great place to find winter sun. The most popular time of year to cruise to the Caribbean is between December and April.

The hurricane season in the Caribbean is between June and November. Cruises are cheapest at this time, but you run the risk of missing ports or your cruise being cancelled due to bad weather.

If you’re travelling from the UK and want to spend some time in Florida, you may wish to time your cruise to miss the US summer break.

Where to Depart

Most Caribbean cruises depart from Florida, from ports such as Miami, Port Canaveral and Port Everglades. You can also cruise from other US ports such as New York, New Orleans and Galveston.

You can depart from ports within the Caribbean such as San Juan, St Lucia or Bridgetown, Barbados. If you don’t like to fly and have the time, you could even take a round-trip cruise from the UK.

3. Northern Europe

There’s so much for kids of every age to enjoy on a European cruise. Many of the ports of call are cities, so you’ll find lots of history and culture. While many people assume that the Med is where you’ll get the best European cruises for families, Northern Europe has loads to offer as well.

Before you cruise, you should be sure to look up the best museums and family-friendly attractions to visit in each port.

Copenhagen
Copenhagen

Most Popular Cruise Ports in Northern Europe

  • Southampton, England
  • Copenhagen, Germany
  • Rostock, Germany
  • Helsinki, Finland
  • Amsterdam, Holland

When to Cruise

You can cruise to Northern Europe all year round. Cruises in the winter are the cheapest, but you’ll need to wrap up warm.

The best time to go is arguably in the summer when you’ll have the best chance of enjoying the warm weather and can make the most of being outdoors.

Where to Depart

If you live in the UK, cruising from Southampton is a really convenient way to start your cruise. From here you’ll find a great choice of mini cruises or week-long holidays visiting some exciting ports of call in Europe.

4. Norwegian Fjords

Whilst you may think that a Norwegian Fjords cruise is all about sitting back and admiring the scenery, that’s not necessarily the case.

You’ll find plenty of hiking and kayaking excursions to choose from. Whilst many of these are only suitable for older children, there are some good options for younger ones too, such as funicular railway rides and pushchair-friendly hiking trails.

The ports often have great play parks too, and sometimes the best family cruise destinations are simple in that way.

Norway cruise
Geiranger

The prices of food, drinks and accommodation in Norway can be eye-wateringly expensive, with a hamburger or sandwich at a café costing around £20 and beer costing £8. A standard hotel room in a central location can easily cost upwards of £200 per night. A cruise is the cheapest way to see Norway, as once you’ve paid for the cruise you’ll have very little else to shell out for.

Most Popular Cruise Ports in Norway

  • Bergen
  • Stavanger
  • Alesund
  • Flam
  • Olden

When to Cruise

If you cruise to the North Cape between May and July you’ll be able to experience the midnight sun. Cruise between September and March and you may experience the Northern Lights.

Where to Depart

You’ll find lots of Norwegian Fjords cruises departing from Southampton and the other UK cruise ports. You could also choose to cruise from European ports such as Amsterdam or Copenhagen.

5. The Bahamas

Nassau Bahamas cruise ships

Most Popular Cruise Ports in the Bahamas

May of the cruise ports in the Bahamas are islands which are privately owned by cruise lines and are only accessible by cruise ships.

Read more: The best cruise line private islands

When to Cruise

The Bahamas can be rainy, particularly in summer, but it’s driest in late winter and early spring.

The hurricane season lasts from June to November, which is the cheapest time to go, but you do run the small risk of cruise ports being missed due to high winds.

Read more: How hurricanes can affect cruises

Where to Depart

Most Bahamas cruises depart from Florida. You may wish to combine a cruise to the Bahamas with a few days at Orlando’s theme parks like Disney World and Universal Studios.

The Best Cruise Destinations For Families

Choosing the best cruise destination for your family will depend on the age of your children and what you like to do. That said, most places have great options for children of all ages from babies to teens.

It’s a good idea to plan each day in advance to get the most out of your time ashore. For a hassle-free experience you can excursions offered by your cruise line, or you can plan your own days to save money and personalise your trip.

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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.

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P&O Iona Children’s Facilities: Key Info for Families

by Cruise LinesCruise NewsFood and drinkKidsP&O Cruises

P&O Cruises ship Iona is the perfect ship for British families, with sailings from Southampton to a variety of European destinations and lots of onboard fun for kids of all ages.

Our family on a cruise on Iona

We loved our two-week cruise on Iona with our seven- and five-year-old kids and would definitely return. We’ve also since enjoyed a cruise on her sister ship, Arvia, and loved that one too.

If you’ve booked a cruise, or are considering booking a cruise on board Iona, read on for all the information about Iona’s kids’ clubs, family dining options and family-friendly destinations.

I also have detailed guides to Iona’s cabins, restaurants and the first-ever gin distillery at sea.

Iona’s Kids’ Club

Just like the other family-friendly cruise ships in the P&O Cruises fleet, Iona offers The Reef club with a programme of entertainment and activities that will appeal to all youngsters of all ages – from toddlers to teens.

There isn’t just one P&O kids club – instead, included in the cruise fare are kids’ clubs which are split into different age groups and offer a safe and fun environment in the care of qualified Reef rangers.

Please check the latest kids’ club with P&O Cruises before you book your cruise. This is particularly important if you have children in different age groups as you may find that they’re not able to attend sessions at the same time, which could throw a spanner in the works when it comes to enjoying your child-free relaxation time!

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Splashers – Age 2-4

Splashers
Splashers (age 2-4)

Two-, three- and four-year-olds will love the bright and colourful Splashers club which features slides, toys, books and activities such as arts and crafts and dressing up.

Surfers – Age 5-8

Surfers
Surfers (5-8)

Five- to eight-year-olds can attend Surfers, the Iona kids club featuring a soft play area. Kids can play computer games, watch films and enjoy puppet shows. There are themed days such as Pirate Day and they’ll be able to take part in treasure hunts around the ship.

Scubas – Age 9-12

Scubas
Scubas (9-12)

The Scubas club for nine- to twelve-year-olds looks really cool. It’s relaxed and welcoming, with computer games, air hockey and pool tables. There’ are organised activities available, or kids can just chat and play games with their friends.

Scene – Age 13-17

Teenagers have their own space on Iona, a hang-out called Scene, which is located on deck 6, far away from the kids’ clubs. I really like this idea, as I know that many teens wouldn’t go anywhere near a ‘kids’ club’, but this is more of a chilled-out space where they can hang out with others, as well as testing their skills with the latest gaming technology.

Iona’s Family Facilities

As well as the Reef kids’ club, Iona hosts a myriad of other places where families can have fun together. So even if your child chooses not to attend the organised activities of the kids’ club, there’ll still be loads for them to do.

The Splash Zone

Iona's splash Zone
The Splash Zone

The Splash Zone is a really cool water-play area that is used by the kids’ club at some times, and at other times parents can bring their children. I know that my two absolutely loved this – they even wanted to go in on a cold day, although I wouldn’t recommend that!

The Nursery

Iona Nursery
The Nursery

The Nursery looks like a really great area for babies and toddlers. Sadly, at the time of writing the nursery hasn’t yet opened due to the restrictions. However, I do hope that it opens soon.

The Night Nursery

Iona also features the Night Nursery, which is one of the most-loved features of P&O Cruises’ family-friendly ships by parents of under-fives. But again, this hasn’t yet been able to open.

The idea behind the Night Nursery is that parents can leave their children between 6 pm and 2 am to sleep in a quiet area under the watchful eye of qualified staff. They are given a pager so that they can be alerted should their children wake.

We absolutely loved the Night Nursery on Britannia. Walking away from our sleeping children with a glass of wine in hand, heading out to the theatre or casino was such an invigorating feeling when you’re used to a babysitter being a rare and special treat! Best of all, the Night Nursery, like all the other children’s facilities, is completely free of charge.

Ocean Studios

Iona features a four-screen cinema complex. There are screenings throughout the day so families can always choose an age-appropriate film, complete with popcorn, ice cream and snacks. This is the perfect way to spend a rainy day at sea – because they do sometimes happen when sailing from the UK!

The Club House

The Club House is an indoor/outdoor space at the aft (that means rear, for cruise newbies) end of the Promenade Deck. Here, families can get together to play games and enjoy fun entertainment such as games shows.

Our favourite Club House activity was making models of Wallace and Gromit. Then the real Wallace and Gromit turned up to say hello!

Wallace and Gromit

Wallace and Gromit could regularly be seen around the ship, as could their friend Sean the Sheep. There were always lots of Wallace and Gromit-themed activities and meet-and-greets on the daily program and we loved watching the Sean the Sheep movie in the theatre.

Swimming Pools and Hot Tubs

Iona has four swimming pools (excluding the spa):

  • Beachcomber pool – An outdoor pool at the front of Deck 18
  • Panorama pool – An outdoor pool at the aft of Deck 18 with plenty of seating in the sun and shade
  • Skydome pool – Located mid-ship on Deck 16, this large indoor pool has a domed glass roof. This pool transforms into a stage in the evening.
  • Infinity pool – A glass-sided pool at the aft of Deck 16 which offers spectacular views.

Iona has 24 hot tubs:

  • 6 hot tubs surrounding the Beachcomber pool on Deck 18
  • 2 hot tubs in the sunbathing area on Deck 18 mid-ship
  • 2 hot tubs in The Retreat adults-only area on Deck 18
  • 4 hot tubs on the Sun Deck on Deck 17
  • 2 indoor hot tubs by the Skydome Pool on Deck 16
  • 6 infinity hot tubs on the Promenade Deck on Deck 8
  • 2 large hot tubs by the Sunset Bar at the aft of Deck 8
Iona swimming pool

We found the Iona pools to be a little cold, even the indoor pool. However, because there were so many hot tubs, we were always able to find a warm jacuzzi to relax in, whatever the weather.

Pop-up Performances

Iona has two standout spaces – the Grand Atrium and the SkyDome. In these exciting entertainment hubs, families can enjoy surprising spectacles such as aerial performers and circus acts.

Iona sky dome

Family-Friendly Dining Options

Iona offers a great deal of flexibility when it comes to food with over 30 restaurants and bars to choose from.

Most of the dining venues on the ship are great for all ages, but there are some that are particularly great for kids…

Taste 360

Located poolside in the SkyDome, Taste 360 offers pizza slices, french fries, hotdogs, burgers and other street food options that kids will love.

Eating pizza on Iona

The Boardwalk Diner

Part of The Quays dining piazza, this American-style soul food diner serves up chargrilled burgers, hot dogs, southern-fried chicken, fries and much more. There’s also a secret veggie burger (it’s not on the menu, you have to ask for it).

Boardwalk diner

Hook Line and Vinegar

I just love the name of this fish and chip restaurant. Wherever you are in the world, cruisers can enjoy traditional British fish, chips and mushy peas.

The Horizon Buffet Restaurant

This self-service buffet restaurant is open around the clock and offers food from around the globe, accompanied by panoramic ocean views.

Each day at around 5 pm there’s a special kids tea. The buffet is closed to everyone else while it serves up a selection of favourites that kids always love.

The buffet is also a great place to eat breakfast. Another secret for you – kids can have waffles on request. You won’t see them on the buffet, but if you ask a staff member in a yellow apron, they’ll get them for you.

Adam with waffles in buffet restaurant

The Main Dining Restaurants

There are four main restaurants on board Iona and all offer Freedom Dining – which means that you can arrive at a time to suit you. Freedom dining gives the option to meet new people each night, or enjoy a romantic evening for two should the mood take you, which I think is just perfect.

Children are welcomed in the main dining room, even on formal nights. There’s a great kids’ menu which you can see here.

P&O Cruises formal night in main dining room with kids

Snacks and Sweet Treats

In addition to all the restaurants mentioned, guests can also enjoy Italian-style gelato from the two Ripples ice-cream bars. I would highly recommend the ice cream afternoon tea. It costs £12, but it’s large enough to feed the whole family.

ice cream afternoon tea

However, if you don’t want to pay for ice cream, you can also get it from the buffet during kids tea for free. You don’t need to eat a meal, you can just walk in and make yourself an ice cream at that time.

Read more: P&O Iona restaurants and bars

Family-Friendly Destinations

As well as ensuring that children are well catered for on board, P&O Cruises has also crafted a range of shore excursions that are perfectly planned to ensure that families have an amazing holiday when they leave the ship too.

Iona in Puerto Del Rosaria

Spain, Portugal and the Canary Islands

Iona offers 14-night cruises to Spain and Portugal, as well as seven-night cruises to Germany, Holland and Belgium.

As well as winter sun, families sailing to Spain, Portugal and the Canaries will be able to enjoy child-friendly excursions such as:

  • Riding a cable car and toboggan in Madeira
  • Enjoy a tree-top high-ropes course in Cadiz
  • Making a splash in the Aqualand Maspalomas Water Park in Gran Canaria
  • Touring the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona
  • Learning how to make traditional Portuguese custard tarts in Lisbon

The Norwegian Fjords

Iona will sail from Southampton to the Norwegian Fjords each week between April and September. On cruises to the Fjords, families will be able to enjoy an exciting range of excursions such as:

  • Visiting the Atlantic Sea-Park aquarium in Alesund
  • Meeting the animals at the Øvre-Eide Farm in Bergen
  • Spending the day building sandcastles at Sola Beach in Stavanger
  • Riding in an open-top buggy to see the Briksdal Glacier in Olden
  • Kayaking past waterfalls in Geirangerfjord

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Final Thoughts

We loved our two weeks on Iona and would definitely recommend this ship for families with children aged five to ten. One thing to consider if your kids are younger than this is that the kids’ clubs might not be fully operational – so check with P&O for the latest info on that.

If you have older kids and teenagers who like to be constrantly entertained, then P&O Cruises’ might not be the bets for them as you won’t find any water slides, rock climbing walls, bumper cars or anything like that.

If you’d prefer a ship with those kinds of facilities, I recommend that you instead check out what Royal Caribbean has to offer here: The Best Royal Caribbean Ships for Kids.

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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.

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The Best Cruise Ships With Water Slides

by Choosing a cruiseCruise LinesCruise NewsKids

If there’s one thing that’s guaranteed to keep children entertained on a cruise, it’s a good water slide!

Cruise ship water slides in 2025 are bigger, faster and wetter than ever before. In fact, the water slides you’ll find on ships from cruise lines like Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line aren’t just for kids – you’ll find plenty of adults lining up to take their turn too.

Disney Cruise Line Aqua Duck

If you’re a water slide lover, the slides can be an important factor in choosing a ship for your next cruise. If you’re looking to sail on a cruise ship with the best water slides, read on…

1. Navigator of the Seas

Cruise ship with the longest water slide

The longest water slide on a cruise ship is The Blaster, which you’ll find on board Royal Caribbean’s Navigator of the Seas. This whopping 800-foot-long slide was added to the ship as part of an £88 million refurbishment in February 2019.

The Blaster - Navigator of the Seas
The Blaster

To ride The Blaster, you’ll use an inflatable raft, either alone or with a friend.  This is a really fun slide with twists and turns through different coloured sections. Some parts of the slide are enclosed and others are open, there’s even an uphill section and a clear part that extends over the side of the ship!

As if that wasn’t enough, Navigator of the Seas also has another amazing slide. Right next to The Blaster, you’ll find The Riptide. This multi-coloured tube slide is a head-first mat racer waterslide – the first of its kind at sea. This slide is lots of fun – as long as you don’t mind getting your face wet!

Restrictions for Royal Caribean’s Blaster slide:

  • Minimum height – 45 inches
  • Minimum weight – 110lbs for one rider
  • Maximum weight – 400lbs for two riders

Restrictions for Royal Caribean’s Riptide slide:

  • Minimum height – 42 inches
  • Maximum weight – 300lbs

2. Norwegian Breakaway

Cruise ship with the fastest water slide

The fastest water slide on a cruise ship is the Free Fall
slide which can be found on three of Norwegian Cruise Line’s ships – Norwegian Breakaway,
Norwegian Getaway and Norwegian Escape.

Free Fall - Norwegian Breakaway
Free Fall

This slide looks cool as it’s shaped like a big loop – you drop down it and whizz upwards again. Once you ride the Free Fall, you’ll know why it’s shaped like that – the uphill part of the loop is to slow you down!

The ride starts when you step into a chamber and stand with your arms crossed as a voice counts down from three. Then, suddenly, the floor drops away and you free fall down the slide, experiencing a g-force of 4 gs. (To help you understand g-force, zero gravity is no g-force, normal gravity is 1g and 5 gs will cause some people to pass out.)

The Free Fall is made up of two identical side by side slides, just in case you need moral support but can’t agree who will go down first!

Restrictions for NCL’s Free Fall slide:

  • Minimum height – 48 inches
  • Minimum weight – 99lbs
  • Maximum weight – 300lbs

3. Disney Wish & Disney Treasure

The best cruise ship water slide for younger kids

Not everyone likes to get splashed in the face or to feel like they might die when they ride a water slide. If you’d prefer a gentler ride, or your children aren’t tall enough for some of the bigger and faster slides at sea, then Disney Cruise Line’s AquaMouse is just perfect.

Disney Wish AquaMouse water slide

The AquaMouse is considered the first proper Disney Attraction at Sea – meaning it has all the immersive entertainment you’d expect from one of the rides at the Disney theme parks.

The AquaMouse can be found on Disney Wish and Disney Treasure, with the ships having different theming/a different story.

This slide is not much shy of being the longest waterslide on a cruise ship, with a length of 760 feet. Riding solo or in a pair, riders use an inflatable raft to coast along, down dips and over uphill blasts whilst enjoying lights, sounds and a story.

Restrictions for the Disney’s AquaMouse slide:

  • Minimum height – 42 inches
  • Minimum height to ride alone – 54 inches

You can read more about how the waterslides compare on each Disney cruise ship here: Disney Cruise Water Slides.

4. Norwegian Epic

The most fun water slide on a cruise ship

One more water slide that I couldn’t possibly leave out of this article about the best water slides on cruise ships is Norwegian Cruise Line’s Epic Plunge.

Epic Plunge - Norwegian Epic
Epic Plunge

Epic Plunge, which can be found only on NCL’s Norwegian Epic cruise ship, is unique in that it has a large bowl where you whizz round and round before plopping out the bottom.

This is my favourite kind of water slide – it’s just so much fun. To make this slide even more interesting, guests can choose whether they want to ride with or without an inflatable ring. MSC Virtuosa also has a similar slide but without the option of the ring.

This slide is 200 feet long but feels much longer as you’re never quite sure how many times you’ll spin around the bowl before slowing down and falling through the middle.

Restrictions for NCL’s Epic Plunge slide:

  • Minimum height is 42 inches

5. Icon of the Seas

Icon of the Seas is the biggest cruise ship in the Royal Caribbean fleet, and she’s one of the top options for a cruise ship with water slides.

That’s because her waterpark includes the following:

  • Frightening Bolt – the tallest drop slide at sea
  • Storm Chasers – the first duo mat-racing slides at sea
  • Hurricane Hunter – the first family raft slide at sea
  • Storm Surge – the first suspended family raft ride at sea
  • Pressure Drop – the first open freefall slide at sea

Sound exciting? Read more with my guide to Icon of the Seas waterslides.

Which slide would you like to try?

So now you’ve heard about the biggest water slides on a cruise ship, the fastest water slides, and a few which are just really fun. Have you been lucky enough to try any of these? Please share your experience in the comments below. I’d love to know if you found the Free Fall as terrifying as I did!

And if you’re looking for a cruise with water slides, now you know some of the best ships to look for. There are lots of options for a cruise ship with water park facilities, though not all cruise lines have slides – so be careful to check when you book.

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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.

Read more about me


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