Cruise lines with the best kids' clubs
Wondering which cruise line has the best kids' club? Discover the family cruise lines offering fun and safe kids' programmes, from toddlers to teens.
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About the author
Kate Holroyd is a writer and avid cruiser. Having been on dozens of cruises with her husband and two children, she knows a thing or two about getting the best experience at sea for parents and little ones.
At a glance
Choosing the right cruise line with a fantastic kids' club can make or break your family holiday. From Disney’s magical adventures to Royal Caribbean’s action-packed Adventure Ocean programme, today’s best cruise lines offer incredible activities for toddlers, kids and teens alike. Here’s everything you need to know to pick the perfect one for your next family cruise.
When we book a cruise, one of the first things we check is the kids' programme – because if the children are happy, the whole family can truly relax. I often describe a family cruise as four holidays in one: a family adventure, a couple’s retreat, a cultural city break, and a beach escape, all rolled together.
A great kids' club transforms the experience, offering activities children genuinely want to join, without any of the guilt sometimes associated with childcare. On our first cruise with our eldest, she would wake up asking, “When can I go to the kids' club?” It was a huge relief – and a reminder of just how important a brilliant club can be. With the right cruise line, parents can enjoy the adults-only pools, late-night cocktail bars, or even a special anniversary dinner, knowing their children are safe, entertained, and having the time of their lives.
In this guide, we’ll reveal the cruise lines with the best kids' clubs, helping you choose the perfect option for your next family adventure.
Top cruise lines with exceptional kids' clubs
Today’s cruise lines know that keeping young guests happy is key to creating unforgettable family holidays. Here’s a look at some of the cruise lines’ very best kids' clubs at sea:
Disney Cruise Line: Themed adventures & character magic
Disney is often considered the gold standard for family cruising, and it’s easy to see why. The line’s famous Oceaneer Club and Oceaneer Lab are packed with magical spaces themed around Marvel, Star Wars and Frozen, designed to captivate young imaginations. On newer ships like the Disney Wish and Disney Treasure, there’s even a slide that leads directly from the main deck into the kids' club – strictly for young guests only!
Regular character meet-and-greets, immersive storytelling sessions and interactive play zones keep children engaged from morning until late into the evening, with most kids' clubs typically operating from around 9am to midnight. Even the littlest cruisers are well catered for: Disney’s nurseries offer trained youth counsellors and dedicated baby and toddler care, making it easy for parents to relax knowing every age is thoughtfully looked after.
Visit website: Disney Cruise Line
Carnival Cruise Line: Camp Ocean, Circle "C" and Club O2
Carnival’s famously relaxed, fun-first approach makes it a hit for families on a cruise holiday, offering a vibrant atmosphere where kids, teens and parents alike can enjoy stress-free entertainment.
- Camp Ocean for kids aged two to 11 immerses young cruisers in engaging ocean-themed activities, from arts and crafts to interactive marine exploration sessions.
- Circle "C" (ages 12–14), a mix of social hangouts, dance parties and video games, fostering friendships in a laid-back, energetic setting.
- Club O2 (ages 15–17) gives teens their own spaces with music, movies, sports and exclusive teen-only events.
View offers: Carnival Cruise Line
Royal Caribbean: Adventure Ocean & Thrilling Teen Lounges
It’s the wide range of activities that makes Royal Caribbean’s Adventure Ocean programme and teen lounges stand out. Kids can enjoy everything from science experiments and dance parties to pool games and sports tournaments, all grouped by age to ensure the right mix of fun and freedom.
From personal experience, our eldest loved spending time in The Living Room teen lounge aboard Anthem of the Seas, even if, true to teenage form, enthusiasm was shown in small doses! It was wonderful to see her making friends, gaining independence and truly enjoying the experience. For families cruising with older kids, Royal Caribbean offers a fantastic balance of structured activities and relaxed social spaces, keeping everyone entertained at sea on your family cruise.
View offers: Royal Caribbean
Norwegian Cruise Line: Splash Academy and Entourage
Based on my own experiences cruising with NCL, their kids' programme truly shines. It’s a great option for active, sociable kids who love to mix structured fun with free time.
- Splash Academy (ages 3–12) is packed with creative workshops, themed nights and sports competitions
- Entourage offers teenagers a chilled-out lounge with foosball, video games, movies and themed parties
View offers: Norwegian Cruise Line
Princess Cruises: Discovery at SEA kids' Programme
Princess Cruises stands out with its Discovery and Animal Planet partnerships, turning family cruises into immersive learning experiences. Young explorers can become Junior Rangers, diving into wildlife, conservation, and hands-on nature activities. Older kids get interactive science sessions, making learning feel more like an adventure than education.
For teens, late-night movies, DJ workshops, and dance classes create the perfect mix of fun and independence. Whether they’re honing their mixing skills or just enjoying their own space, Princess Cruises delivers a unique blend of education, adventure, and entertainment, ideal for families who love exploration.
View offers: Princess Cruises
MSC Cruises: LEGO Fun and DOREMI Clubs
MSC Cruises makes family cruising effortless with exciting partnerships and dedicated kids' programmes designed for all ages:
- LEGO Play Zones & Activities immerse kids in creative play with specially designed LEGO-themed spaces, fostering imagination and hands-on fun
- DOREMI Clubs, tailored clubs cater to babies, minis, juniors and teens, ensuring age-appropriate entertainment
Promotions like “kids cruise free” make family cruising more affordable.
View offers: MSC Cruises
Age groups & activities in kids' clubs
Every great family cruise is packed with adventure, and for the youngest, the best kids' clubs transform these into unforgettable experiences. Whether it’s tiny tots splashing into nursery care or teens ruling their own lounges, cruise lines craft magical experiences tailored to every age group.
Babies and toddlers (six months to three years)
Not all cruise lines offer nursery care, but some standouts do: Disney Cruise Line’s “It’s a Small World Nursery” and Royal Caribbean’s “Royal Babies & Tots” programme provide professional care in safe, engaging spaces.
Parent-involved sessions (like MSC’s Baby Time) offer interactive play and bonding
Independent babysitting options allow parents to enjoy onboard amenities while little ones are cared for
Kids (from four to 12 years)
At this age, cruise lines focus on hands-on fun and learning, blending entertainment with education.
Art workshops, science experiments, cooking and pirate parties keep kids engaged in creative activities
Structured social fun encourages friendships through scavenger hunts, dance parties and themed adventures
Teen Clubs (13–17 years)
Cruise lines recognise the need for independence within boundaries, creating safe spaces where teens can relax and socialise.
Teen-only discos, karaoke nights and sports tournaments ensure there’s always something happening
Exclusive lounges (like Carnival’s Club O2 and Royal Caribbean’s The Living Room) let teens hang out without parents, fostering independence in a supervised setting.
How to choose the best kids' club for your family
Picking the right cruise line’s kids' club can make or break a family holiday, ensuring your little VIPs stay entertained while you enjoy some well-earned relaxation. Here’s what we recommend you check before booking:
- Minimum age requirements: cruise lines vary when it comes to age eligibility, with some clubs starting at six months (nurseries) and others catering to four years and up. Make sure your child fits the age bracket before booking.
- Opening hours and sign-in/out policies: some kids' clubs run morning-to-night programmes, while others have set sessions.
- Registration process: some clubs allow pre-registration online, but others require onboard sign-ups (insider tip: do this on Day 1 to secure a spot!).
- Parent communication apps: family-friendly cruise lines like Disney offer real-time updates via apps like the Disney Navigator, helping parents stay connected while kids enjoy the club experience.
Insider tip: Some ships let teens sign themselves out – great for independent kids, but something to consider based on your family’s rules and boundaries!
Making memories for the whole family
Even as experienced cruisers, we’ve sometimes been guilty of booking a cruise based on the itinerary first. But cruise kids' clubs are more than just playrooms – they’re game-changers. Dedicated spaces give children the freedom to explore, learn and make new friends, while parents can enjoy a well-earned break, making a superb family cruise holiday. Whether it’s a toddler discovering the magic of Disney’s nursery, a tween bonding over science experiments or a teen dancing the night away at a private lounge, kids' clubs turn a cruise into an unforgettable adventure for every age.
If you’re planning a family cruise, book early and check the kids' club details – spots can fill up fast, and each cruise line offers something different. Ensuring your child is in the right age group and club can make all the difference in creating a seamless, joy-filled holiday.
