With the brand-new Disney Cruise Line ship, Disney Destiny, about to be christened next week, I can feel that familiar itch to set sail! There’s something magical about unpacking once and waking up somewhere new each day, and when it comes to family vacations, a cruise checks all the boxes. Whether your family travels together often or you’re celebrating a special milestone, a cruise can please everyone from toddlers to grandparents and everyone in between. In fact, more families are choosing multi-generational cruises as Baby Boomers retire and plan special trips with their kids and grandkids. Cruise lines have noticed and are making it easier than ever to travel together in comfort and style.

1️⃣ Spacious & Flexible Staterooms for Families

Cruise lines now offer family suites that can sleep up to eight guests, making it easy to stay close while still having your own space. Many ships also feature connecting cabins, perfect for families who want to create a shared suite or close the doors for a little privacy.

The best part? Whether you’re all in one suite or spread out in separate cabins, you’re never far from each other. Everyone can do their own thing during the day whether that’s the spa, pool deck, or kids’ club and still come together for dinner or evening entertainment.

2️⃣ Dining for Every Taste

Cruises are a dream come true for families with both picky eaters and adventurous foodies. Gone are the days when your only options were a buffet and a formal dining room. Today’s ships feature multiple themed restaurants serving everything from sushi to handmade pasta to gourmet burgers.

You can enjoy a sit-down dinner together in the main dining room one night, grab casual bites by the pool the next, and even indulge in room service (sometimes 24/7!). The variety ensures everyone from your fruit-only toddler to your foodie teen will find something to love.

3️⃣ Togetherness… or Time Apart 😉

One of the biggest perks of cruising is that it gives everyone the freedom to choose how they spend their time. Want to stick together all day? Great! Prefer a few hours apart? Also great!

Kids’ clubs and teen lounges offer age-appropriate fun, from arts and crafts to pool games to teen DJ lessons. These spaces are designed just for them, giving parents and grandparents a chance to relax and recharge.

Adults can unwind at the spa, hit the fitness center, catch a show, or sneak away to adults-only areas (yes, that includes tranquil pools where the only sound is the music, not cannonball splashes!).

A good travel advisor (me!) can help you pick a ship that has the right balance of amenities for everyone in your group.

4️⃣ A World of Destinations

While the Caribbean remains a family favorite (warm, beautiful, and easily accessible from U.S. ports), there’s an entire world to explore by sea. Imagine spotting whales and glaciers on an Alaska cruise, sailing the Mediterranean to explore European gems, or island-hopping through Hawaii.

You could even make the destination part of your celebration. If you’re celebrating Grandma and Grandpa’s 50th anniversary and they met in Rome, why not plan a cruise along the coasts of Italy?

Ready to start planning your family cruise?
I’d love to help you find the perfect ship, itinerary, and stateroom to fit your family’s travel style.

Let’s make your next vacation smooth sailing from start to finish!