Cruise ships with the best cabins for families

Finding the right family cruise cabin is essential for a stress-free voyage.  After all, a cramped space, a lack of privacy or missing child-friendly features can quickly turn excitement into stress. 

From spacious suites and family-friendly cruise cabins with extra space to budget-friendly connecting rooms and bunk beds designed for kids, cruise lines offer options tailored to families. But with so many choices, how do you pick the best one?

This guide explores cruise cabin recommendations across top lines, tips for securing the best deals and essential factors to consider so you can book the perfect stateroom for your family’s next adventure at sea.

What to look for in a family cruise cabin.

Choosing the right cabin can make or break your family's cruise experience. While standard staterooms may work for solo travellers or couples, families need extra space, smart sleeping arrangements and added convenience. 

Thankfully, many cruise lines offer family staterooms to keep parents and kids comfortable throughout the voyage.

Here are a few things to consider before choosing your accommodation:

Space and layout: Families need room on a cruise

Family cruise cabins are designed with space in mind, offering more square footage than standard staterooms. Many ships now feature family-friendly cabins with separate sleeping areas, extra storage and larger living spaces. Royal Caribbean’s Ultra Spacious Ocean View staterooms and Disney Cruise Line’s Deluxe Family Oceanview rooms are great examples, providing plenty of room for everyone to spread out.

Sleeping arrangements: Making bedtime easier

Not all cruise cabins are created equal when it comes to sleeping arrangements. Families should look for options like bunk beds, sofa beds or pull-down berths, which maximise space without compromising comfort. Ships like Norwegian Cruise Line’s Family Balcony Staterooms and MSC Cruises’ Super Family Cabins even offer interconnecting rooms, perfect for larger families who need flexible sleeping setups.

Privacy and convenience: Connecting cabins vs. family suites

For those wanting extra privacy, connecting cruise cabins for families are a game-changer. These allow parents and kids to have separate spaces while staying within easy reach. Not to mention a second bathroom! An essential if travelling with teenagers (or my husband!) Meanwhile, cruise lines like Norwegian Cruise Line, Princess Cruises and Carnival Cruise Lines offer two-bedroom suites with separate living areas, ideal for multi-generational trips. While more expensive, these upgraded options can provide much-needed breathing room, especially on longer itineraries.

Bathroom facilities: No more queues

One bathroom for a whole family? It’s not always ideal. Many family-friendly cruise cabins now feature split bathrooms – like those on Disney Cruise Line and Norwegian Cruise Line, where one section has a sink and shower, and another has a toilet. This simple design tweak makes a world of difference when getting everyone ready for the day’s adventures or parry night!

Bonus features: More than just a place to sleep

Beyond the basics, the best cruise ship cabins for families come with perks like balconies for fresh air, extra storage for all your essentials and in-room entertainment to keep kids happy. Some newer ships even feature family suites with game consoles, kid-friendly décor and concierge services to enhance your trip.

Best cruise lines for family-friendly cabins

When it comes to the best cruise lines for families, choosing the right ship can make all the difference to your family cruise. From themed family suites to more budget-friendly connecting cabins, cruise lines offer options to suit different needs. Whether you're looking for affordable family cruise cabins or luxury multi-room suites, here’s what top cruise lines bring to the table.

Disney Cruise Line: The ultimate family-friendly cabins

Disney Cruise Line is widely considered the best cruise ship for kids, thanks to its themed staterooms, magical décor, and family-focused layout. Disney Dream and Disney Treasure Family Suites and Deluxe Family Oceanview Staterooms feature split bathrooms, allowing multiple people to get ready at once – a lifesaver for families. Parents can enjoy privacy with curtained sleeping areas while kids get dedicated spaces designed with Disney magic.

Royal Caribbean: Spacious suites and adventure-filled staterooms

Known for innovation, Royal Caribbean offers some of the largest family-friendly cabins at sea. The Ultimate Family Suite - found on ships like Symphony of the Seas - spans two levels, complete with a slide, an air hockey table and a private balcony with a whirlpool. These are also available onboard Spectrum of the Seas, Wonder of the Seas, Utopia of the Seas and Icon of the Seas (which also features the Ultimate Family Townhouse). For families needing budget-friendly options, connecting cabins on cruise ships like the Freedom- and Quantum-class vessels are perfect for groups of five or more.

Norwegian Cruise Line: Family-friendly suites for all budgets

Norwegian Cruise Line Family Suites balance comfort and affordability, catering to large and small families. Family staterooms with balconies are ideal for those wanting extra space without splurging on a suite. The outdoor space is a blessing for parents of younger ones who need their rest and a superb spot for a sundowner. Luxury family cruise seekers can book The Haven, an exclusive ship-within-a-ship experience offering VIP perks, private pools and spacious multi-bedroomed accommodations for families.

MSC Cruises: Affordable family comforts

MSC Cruises is known for offering some of the most affordable cruise cabins for families, often with free child fares on select sailings, too. MSC’s Super Family Cabins combine two or three staterooms into one, accommodating up to 10 guests - perfect for large families. These are found on MSC Virtuosa, MSC Grandiosa, MSC Bellissima, MSC Meraviglia, MSC Seaview, MSC Seaside, MSC Preziosa, MSC Divina and MSC Opera. Guests enjoy family-focused perks, including dedicated kids’ clubs and entertainment tailored to all age groups.

Carnival Cruise Line: Choose Fun and great value for families

Carnival is one of the best budget-friendly cruise lines for families, offering plenty of cruise cabins for three people or more. Family Harbor cabins provide exclusive lounge access with free breakfast, board games and movies - a perfect retreat for kids. Carnival's Family Harbor cabins are available on the Carnival Celebration, Carnival Horizon, Carnival Panorama, Carnival Vista and Mardi Gras ships. With a mix of standard staterooms and connecting suites, Carnival is ideal for multi-generational cruising on a budget.

Luxury family suites: Worth the upgrade?

Luxury cruise family suites offer more than just extra space, they can deliver a VIP experience at sea. Families booking cabins with two bedrooms enjoy added privacy and expansive living areas. Plus, some cruise lines even throw in exclusive perks like butler service, priority boarding and private pools.

Some of the best family suites on cruise ships include Royal Caribbean’s Ultimate Family Suite, Disney’s Concierge-Level Staterooms, MSC Yacht Club Cabins and Norwegian Cruise Line’s The Haven. If you value comfort, convenience and special amenities (and can afford to splash out), upgrading to a luxury suite is well worth it.

Cruise cabins for larger families of more than five people

Looking for cruise cabins for five people or more? Your options can be challenging, but many cruise lines now offer solutions, including family suites, connecting cabins and multi-room staterooms. Royal Caribbean, MSC and Norwegian Cruise Line provide some of the best cruise ship cabins for large families, including spacious suites and interconnecting rooms. 

While cruise cabins that sleep five can be convenient, booking two adjoining cabins is often a more budget-friendly alternative. Weighing the cost of multiple rooms versus a large suite can help families find the perfect balance of space, privacy and affordability.

Best budget cruise cabins for families: How to save

Finding cheap family-friendly cruise cabins doesn’t mean sacrificing comfort. The most affordable cruise cabins are often inside or ocean-view staterooms, but some cruise lines, like Carnival and MSC, offer spacious family options at great prices. 

To secure the best budget cruise line for families, book early and take advantage of kids-sail-free promotions with school holiday availability. Considering an off-peak sailing can also lead to major savings. Whether choosing a discounted suite or a well-placed inside cabin, smart planning ensures families get the best value for money without stretching your budget. 

Tips for choosing the right family cabin: What to know before you book

Use these top tips to pick the perfect family cruise cabin:

• Avoid noisy spots near nightclubs, engine rooms, or lifts
• Reduce motion sickness in mid-ship cabins, which offer the best stability
• Balcony cabins provide extra space and stunning views all day and night
• Look for hidden perks like extra storage, proximity to kids' clubs, and connecting room options
• Take a read of our cruise packing tips, including family cruise cabin hacks like magnetic hooks for organisation

Choosing the best ship cabins for families is super important for a smooth and stress-free sailing. From Disney Cruise Line’s themed staterooms to Royal Caribbean’s spacious suites, there’s a perfect option for every family. 

Book early to secure the best rates and availability, especially for connecting cabins or suites at peak dates. Budget-conscious travellers can find great deals with Carnival or MSC, while those seeking luxury should explore The Haven on NCL or Royal Caribbean’s Ultimate Family Suite. No matter your budget or family size, careful family cruise planning ensures a comfortable and enjoyable stay at sea.

For more family tips, check out our guide to keeping kids safe on a cruise.