The 5 Best Travel Cruises For Families In 2022

Are you looking for a fun-filled family vacation on a cruise that your entire clan can enjoy? 

 

Pleasing the tiniest members to the eldest in your family is in the name of these cruise lines. These are our picks for the 5 best travel cruises for families in 2022. 

 

1. Disney Magic 

 

 

The oldest cruise ship on the list, Disney Magic can easily accommodate 2,713 passengers at a time. The ship was launched in 1998 with frequent updates through these years. The latest update to the ship was provided in 2018, including the new “Rapunzel’s Royal Table” dining experience. 

 

Disney Magic ship features the ever-so-famous family-friendly AquaDuck water slide, an interactive game center for tweens, and the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique dress-up shop.

 

The ship also features a diverse range of entertainment, including a wide open-air world of sports, live shows, three pools with a dedicated children’s splash area, and so much more! A unique aspect about the ship is the exclusive and perhaps the only teens-only Chill spa. 

 

As far as dining is concerned, the ship has eight options, with an adults-only specialty restaurant and buffet. The food quality of these dining options often gets mixed reviews from cruisers, most of which are on the positive side. 

 

Coming to lodging on the ship, 70% of cabins offer passengers an ocean view room or a veranda. Cabins are fully equipped with flat-screen TVs, lounge/sitting areas, and state-of-the-art bathrooms with separate showers and tubs. Suites also include extra perks for their beloved passengers, like media libraries, concierge services, etc. 

 

Services on the cruise line are above average, which of course, matches Disney’s standards, considering the price tag. 

 

Recent sailings for the Disney Magic cruise ship start from New York City, Miami, San Juan, Puerto Rico, and a few spots in Europe. The itineraries of this cruise ship take passengers on transatlantic journeys, with a few sailings to Bermuda, the Bahamas, Canada, The Caribbean islands, and Europe. 

 

Price Range

$$$

 

Ship Ranking 

Disney Magic Ship ranks on top of the list of every Disney cruise ship, based on various criteria, expert ratings, and reviews, including health ratings. 

 

Among various ratings, here are a few:

Top Ranking - Best Disney cruise line 

Top Ranking - Best Travel Cruises For Families 

Rank 7 - Best Cruises to the Caribbean

Rank 10 - Best Cruises to Europe 

Rank 10 - Best Cruises to the Mediterranean 

 

Pros & Cons

Pro - Exclusive teens-only Chill Spa 

Con - A little pricey when compared to other mainstream cruise lines 

 

2. Symphony of the Seas 

 

 

 

The latest addition to the Royal Caribbean Cruise Fleet, Symphony of the Seas, can house 668- passengers at a time. The massive ship that started sailing in 2018 and the largest cruise ship in the world features 18 action-packed decks and 2,200 crew members.

 

Activities aboard the ship include a surf-simulator, indoor ice-skating rink, 40-feet rock climbing walls, zip-lining, 10-story slide, and so much more. The boat also takes care of vacationers who are looking to just relax on the cruise. All the relaxation seekers on the ship can draw themselves out to the extravagant spas on the ships and sip on the cocktails made by robotic bartenders. There is also a Central Park-inspired neighborhood if you feel like doing something fun! 

 

Snacks and meals are served in over 15 quick-service eateries and sit-down restaurants. The main dining hall is where the cruise ship’s conventional, complimentary dinners are served every night. There are also specialty options for people to indulge in, like a bistro, steakhouse, a Johnny Rockets, and the celebrity chef Jamie Oliver’s very own Italian diner. 

 

Once your belly is overloaded with all the scrumptious meals, you can retreat to your cabins on the ship. Your cabins are fully equipped with flat-screen TVs, work desks, and minibars. You have the option of choosing from 258-sq feet interior staterooms with virtual balconies and real-time views of the ocean, or you can opt for an upgraded cabin room with a luxuriously furnished balcony and up to 2367 sq feet worth of space. Some cabin suites also come featured with two bedrooms, dining rooms, and whirlpool tubs. 

 

Price Range

$$$

 

Ship Ranking 

The Symphony of the Seas Ship ranks on top of all Royal Caribbean International cruise ships, based on various criteria, expert ratings, and reviews, including health ratings. 

 

Among various ratings, here are a few:

Top Ranking - Best Royal Caribbean International

Top Ranking - Best Travel Cruises for families 

Rank 7 - Best cruises to the Caribbean islands 

Rank 10 - Best cruises to Europe

Rank 10 - Best Cruises to the Mediterranean

 

Pros & Cons

Pro - Largest cruise ship in the world 

Cons - Crowded, with long lines, making it difficult to enjoy certain activities. 

 

3. Silversea’s Silver Muse 

 

 

The newest and largest cruise ship to date, Silversea’s Silver Muse, debuted in April 2017. Silver Muse ship offers almost a 1:1 crew-to-guest ratio with 411 crew members for 596 passengers onboard. 

 

The typical standard cruise ship features include spacious all-suite accommodations, ranging from 334 sq. feet to 1,389 sq. feet. The cabins are fully serviced with butlers, with state-of-the-art amenities like Pratesi bed linens, marble bath and Bulgar toiletries, picture window/balcony, and so much more! 

 

When you are on board, you will be treated to a complimentary hour of internet every day. And if you happen to choose the upgraded suite for staying in, you get an extra balcony and multiple flat-screen TVs, along with an interactive media library. 

 

As far as dining onboard is concerned, Silver Muse boasts eight different upscale options that showcase various cuisines from Italian to Asian and French. 

 

Silver Muse offers various onboard activities and facilities like other ships in the fleet, including a luxurious spa, gym, casino, lounge areas, and a pool deck. 

 

The latest sailings of Silver Muse were cruising to Alaska, Asia, New Zealand, Australia, and other transoceanic voyages. 

 

Price Range

$$$$

 

Ship Rankings

Silver Muse is ranked second among all the 5 Silversea cruise line ships based on various criteria and expert ratings and reviews, including health ratings. 

 

Among various ratings, here are a few:

Top Rank - Best travel cruises for families 

Rank 2 - Best Silverseas cruises 

Rank 2 - Best Cruises to Alaska

Rank 2 - Best cruises to the Pacific 

Rank 4 - Best cruise for solo travelers

Rank 10 - Best Luxury Cruises 

Rank 10 - Best cruises to Europe 

Rank 10 - Best Cruises to the Mediterranean

 

Pros & Cons

Pro - Newest ship added to Silversea’s fleet, making it super-luxurious.

Con - Food is pretty average as compared to other things on the ship

 

4. Liberty of the Seas 

 

 

Recently updated in 2016, Liberty of the Seas can house 4,960 passengers with over 1,300 crew members. 

 

The reviews for food onboard are praiseworthy, including four complementary options with six specialty restaurants for an extra fee. The ship also houses a line of activities and entertainment options, including a rock-climbing wall, surf simulator, and an ice skating rink. 

 

For children, the cruise ship has multiple activities like waterslides, airborne rides on Tidal Wave, three dedicated pools, DreamWorks film characters, and age-specific youth clubs. Whereas for adults on the ship, you get 12 bars and lounge areas where you can sip on cocktails, casinos, and a Mystery Dinner Theater. 

 

As far as lodging is concerned, Liberty of Seas houses four staterooms - interior, oceanview, balcony, and suite. The interior cabins on the ship can be anywhere between 150-327 sq. feet, and the suites can be approximately 1,358 sq. feet. Cabins are equipped with a flat-screen TV and a vanity area. However, the suites also receive additional concierge services perks. 

 

Recent sailings of the ship depart from Galveston, Texas, and sail throughout the Caribbean islands. 

 

Price Range

$

 

Ship Ranking 

Liberty of the Seas is ranked second of all the 24 Royal Caribbean International Cruise Ships based on various criteria and expert ratings and reviews, including health ratings. 

 

Among various ratings, here are a few:

Rank 2 - Best Royal Caribbean International Cruise Ship 

Rank 4 - Best affordable cruises 

Rank 7 - Best travel cruises for families 

Rank 19 - Best cruises to the Caribbean islands 

 

Pros & Cons 

Pro - There are a wide variety of amenities on board with great food choices 

Con - You can be surprised with some hidden charges on board, so be careful! 

 

5. Oasis of the Seas 

 

 

Another gem from the Royal Caribbean International Cruise Line, the Oasis of the Seas, saw recent developments and refurbishments in 2019. Today, the line has its very own dedicated Karaoke venue with a live music space and a humongous dance floor. The ship also has fantastic dining options, including a barbeque restaurant, bars and lounge areas, three waterslides, and more. 

 

The ship is not meant for people looking for secluded spaces, owing to the seven distinct neighborhoods onboard. The ship also houses designer boutiques, grand staterooms, and more. 

 

Speaking of staterooms, the Oasis of the Seas offers its passengers four different categories for lodging - interior, oceanview, balcony, and suite. While the interior rooms can be about 150 sq. feet, the suites can range anywhere from 287-1,524 sq feet. Some suites also include amenities such as Jacuzzis and luxurious balconies. 

 

The ship has an impressive range of amenities and over 2000 crew members. However, the ship lacks some tailored onboard experiences, especially when running at total passenger capacity. 

 

So, if you are looking for non-stop cruising action, Oasis of the Seas is the right choice for you. 

 

Recent sailings aboard the Oasis of the Seas depart from Fort Lauderdale, Miami, and New Jersey, sailing to destinations like the Caribbean, Bahamas, New England, and Canada. 

 

Price Range

$$

 

Ship Ranking 

Oasis of the Seas ranks second out of 24 Royal Caribbean International Cruise Ships based on various criteria and expert ratings and reviews, including health ratings. 

 

Among various ratings, here are a few:

Rank 2 - Best Royal Caribbean International Cruise Line 

Rank 4 - Best Affordable Cruises 

Rank 7 - Best travel cruises for families 

Rank 19 - Best cruises to the Caribbean 

Rank 19 - Best Cruises to the Mediterranean

Rank 21 - Best cruises to Europe 

 

Pros & Cons 

Pro - The ship was refurbished recently in 2019, making it as suitable as new for the price range 

Con - The ship can be somewhat crowded when running at total passenger capacity

 

Final Words

So, there you go! These are Leisure’s 5 best travel cruises for families. Abroad these ships, there’s magic! Magic that surrounds and pleases you, your entire family - from the youngest members to the oldest. There is something for everyone onboard - be it the kids or those who are kids at heart. 

 

Bookmark this list, save it or share it with someone who needs it. It will help you plan the best cruise vacation of your lifetime. 

Happy cruising to you!