Stepping into the Grand Hall of Disney Cruise Line’s newest ship is like stepping into a fairy tale. Okay, so maybe that’s a given. But after over six years of hard work (and a little bit of pixie dust), the Disney Wish truly embodies the company’s mission to unlock the magic. Setting sail on its maiden voyage on July 14th, 2022, families will find the theme of enchantment winding its way through the entire ship, offering more opportunities for both family fun and adult adventures than ever before.
“A dream is a wish your heart makes.”
Cinderella’s castle is a classic symbol of magic and enchantment, and from the staterooms and the forest setting of the Walt Disney Theater to the immersive storytelling and interactive adventures, the Wish embodies that spirit everywhere. “We love to see you go WOW,” says Denise Case, Disney’s Director, Entertainment Creative. “It’s all about giving the guests the experience.” And experiences are what you’ll have. There are many firsts, from the rainforest in the Senses Spa to the Star Wars Hyperspace Lounge, the Aquamouse, and the Disney Uncharted Adventure, a multidimensional journey that takes guests on quests throughout the ship, unlocking a hidden layer of magic around every turn.
What’s different about the Disney Wish?
The pool deck on the Disney Wish courtesy of Disney Cruise Line.
The Disney Wish has 1,254 staterooms, and 451 of them have connecting doors to accommodate larger groups. There are four royal suites, one of which is the Wish Tower Suite, a nearly 2,000 square-foot penthouse suite located in the forward funnel of the ship. Designed in a breathtaking Moana theme, it sleeps up to eight guests and comes with first-class amenities, a private elevator, and concierge services.
Be sure to wander from floor to floor of the ship, looking for the tiny details Disney does best. There are subtle nods to Cinderella’s castle in the Grand Hall, wooden carvings around the portals in the Keg & Compass pub, intricate illustrations of famous Disney stories and locations in the midship lobbies, and in Cargo Bay, the Star Wars-themed space in the Oceaneer’s Club, answers to questions that fans of the franchise might not have even considered.
This shouldn’t surprise you, as Disney Cruise Line is known for its amazing kids’ spaces. “There is no doubt that kids are going to have the time of their lives aboard the Disney Wish,” said Danny Handke, senior creative director, Walt Disney Imagineering. “The nursery is a fanciful playground perfect for curious little ones. The tween and teen clubs are so stylish that adults will wish they could hang out there, too! And where else in the world can kids explore a super hero headquarters, a royal kingdom, and an Imagineering lab in a matter of steps? Put simply, it’s great to be a kid on a Disney cruise.”
The Mickey and Friends District on Deck 11 is where guests will be able to soak up the sun and have fun. There are six pools, spread out to make more space for playing and lounging. There’s an incredible Toy Story-themed space ideal for families with younger kids that includes a splash zone, wading pool, and a family waterslide.
There’s also Disney’s first attraction at sea, the AquaMouse. This impressive 760-foot waterslide takes guests on a journey with Mickey, Minnie, and the gang. Hop on your intertube and be ready for a unique ride that includes show scenes, special effects, and of course, plenty of water.
What about the entertainment on the Disney Wish?
‘The Little Mermaid’ courtesy of Disney Cruise Line.
Disney takes its entertainment seriously, and it’ll be challenging to see it all while on your cruise. In the Walt Disney Theater, there will be two brand-new shows and a re-imagined version of a favorite.
“Disney Seas the Adventure” On the first night of your cruise, join Captain Minnie and her pal Goofy as they set sail for an adventure. Goofy finally gets his chance to be the star in this charming production, and you’ll also see many Disney characters that, until now, haven’t had a chance to shine.
“The Little Mermaid” This sparkling adaptation of the beloved animated film includes a colorful set, characters portrayed in a new light, and a Broadway-caliber cast.
“Disney’s Aladdin—A Musical Spectacular” Based on the classic animated film, this live musical version is a fast-paced, delightful production featuring new sets and advanced projections.
Besides the Walt Disney Theater, two movie theaters constantly play new and classic Disney films throughout the day. In Luna, a gathering place for families and adults alike, you’ll be able to find everything from family trivia to an adults-only club at night.
There is plenty of active entertainment happening in the all-new Hero Zone, a sports arena that hosts various challenges (be sure to try the Incred-Games and the Diaper Dash), and game-show-style family competitions.
What about the food on the Disney Wish?
Worlds of Marvel courtesy of Disney Cruise Line.
There are three brand-new family restaurants on the Disney Wish, but the concept of rotating through each one with the same team of servers hasn’t changed. “Sharing a meal together is an important part of family life, and we love finding surprising new ways to show our guests a magical time as they dine on each of our ships,” said Ozer Balli, vice president of hotel operations, Disney Cruise Line. “All meals are served, of course, with the incredible care and attention to detail that families expect from our world-class Disney Cruise Line service team, ” he says.
Worlds of Marvel Be ready for interactive superhero missions (and a few shenanigans) with Ant-Man and the Wasp as they welcome guests on behalf of The Avengers for the first time. You’ll learn about Pym technology and see items like luggage, dessert, and maybe even the ship itself shrink and grow with the push of a button. You’ll also get an insider’s peek at iconic characters’ weapons, like Black Panther’s suit, Thor’s Hammer, and Iron Man’s Arc Reactor. When an unwelcome villain attacks the Disney Wish, dinner guests get help from Captain America, Ms. Marvel, and Captain Marvel. The menu is inspired by the Marvel Universe: New Asgard, Ta Lo, Wakanda, and more.
Arendelle: A Frozen Adventure Disney’s first theatrical-themed dining experience takes guests back to the Arendelle palace to continue the story of “Frozen.” You’ll walk down a long corridor designed to look just like the movie, with portraits and all, before you make your way into the dining hall to join the fun for Queen Anna and Christof’s engagement party! Join Oken, Olaf, Elsa, and “local musicians” for a night of revelry and fun. Choose your dinner from a variety of Nordic-inspired cuisine, and for the adults, the “Frozen Fractal” cocktail adds an extra sparkly touch to the evening.
1923 From the original sketches to the art deco decor, you’ll feel as if you’ve stepped back in time into the golden era of Hollywood when you dine here. The cuisine is California-inspired: burrata appetizers, Napa romaine salad, rack of lamb, pasta, and much more.
Marceline Market This buffet-style restaurant has plenty of options for parents and kids alike. Set on an upper deck, it’s right by all the outdoor fun and serves breakfast and lunch.
Mickey and Friends Festival of Foods The outside dining is just as good as what you’ll find indoors, and the new additions, Mickey’s Smokestack BBQ and Donald’s Cantina are a must-try. Plus, you’ll find Disney’s world-famous chicken tenders here!
Joyful Sweets The sweetest stop on the Disney Wish has to be Joyful Sweets. Inspired by Pixar’s Inside Out, there are not only almost 40 flavors of gelato and ice cream (and toppings) but macarons and candy and cupcakes that represent the five emotions.
Where is the adult fun?
The adults-only Quiet Cove courtesy of Gabby Cullen.
On the Disney Wish, adult spaces are spread out, and it’s easy to find a place to spend time without the kids.
Quiet Cove The upstairs adults-only pool area has an infinity pool, bar, and cafe, plus plenty of spots for lounging in the sun.
The Bayou This gathering place is inspired by The Princess and the Frog and offers not only a full bar, but you can also find beignets here! Located near the Grand Hall, you can hear live music that ranges from Disney tunes to classic country.
Star Wars Hyperspace Lounge One of the most buzzed about spots on the Disney Wish, this bar is designed to make patrons feel as if they’re been whisked through the Star Wars galaxy. Yes, that infamous $5,000 drink is available, but you’ll get just as many thrills from other offerings like The Chancellor.,
The Rose You’ll find this chic lounge near Palo Steakhouse and Enchante restaurants, the exclusive adults-only dining spots on the ship.
Nightingale’s and Keg & Compass Nightingale’s is a piano bar inspired by the story of Cinderella, and Keg & Compass celebrates stories of the sea; you’ll find three craft beers created just for the Disney Wish.
What else do I need to know?
Captain Minnie and a friend courtesy of Disney Cruise Line.
The Disney Wish heads out on its maiden voyage on July 14th, 2022, from Port Canaveral, FL for three-and four day cruises to Nassau and Castaway Cay. Make a reservation for your adventure at disneycruise.disney.go.com/why-cruise-disney/wish
Even if you begin your cruise vacation with the best of intentions, making healthy choices can be a challenge. The nightly dessert menu and 24-hour pizza and ice cream can get the best of even the most diligent efforts. So indulge. Enjoy. But find balance on your vacation with these simple tips for eating healthy on a cruise ship.
Cruises are one of the least expensive and most fun trips you can take with your family! One of the best parts about cruising is the food: the endless, decadent, bountiful array of dining options, enough to make your head spin and your stomach rumble! And moreover, food is included in the price when you book a cruise, so you have to get your money’s worth, right?
With so many restaurants and eateries on board to choose from, it’s easy to see how people can over-indulge. Cruise ships are notorious for offering lavish feasts at all hours of the day and night. And it wouldn’t be a true cruising experience if you didn’t partake a little. But with some easy tips you can make healthy choices that won’t leave you feeling left out of the fun.
Eating Healthy in the Dining Room
Every cruise ship has a formal dining room, where you can dress to the nines and enjoy a three-course meal nightly. Now I can tell you to order broiled fish instead of fried or steamed veggies instead of fries, but that’s Basic Healthy Eating 101. So here’s the deal.
Cruise lines have responded to requests for healthy choices by offering vegetarian, vegan, low-fat, gluten-free and sugar-free options in their main dining rooms. Your best tip for eating healthy in a cruise ship dining room is to introduce yourself to your waiter on the very first night and let him or her know your needs. Since you will likely have the same server throughout your trip and service is a cornerstone of any great cruise, they’ll remember your preferences.
Ask your server to be sure the kitchen staff is aware of your requests. Opt for healthy food choices and don’t be afraid to ask them to hold the sauce, the butter or whatever decadent thing they’re cooking with that night.
Don’t Be Shy
But don’t deprive yourself either, find a balance—have the juicy steak, but maybe opt for extra carrots instead of the mashed potatoes. Don’t miss out on the cheesecake, but maybe on a couple of nights try the sorbet instead. And if you’re going to have the omelet and pancakes for breakfast, maybe just a small salad for lunch. You get the idea!
All Hands on Deck
Most cruise ships offer food and snacks poolside for guests to enjoy during the day. While burgers and BBQ are the norm, Carnival Cruises stepped it up a notch with their Blue Iguana Cantina, located on the Lido Deck.
My son and I recently cruised aboard the Carnival Inspiration with a girlfriend and her kids. And I have to be honest…the Blue Iguana was my favorite place to grab a bite. If it didn’t close each day at 6pm, we probably would have had dinner there most nights, too!
The Blue Iguana Cantina serves made to order burritos and tacos on homemade tortillas for breakfast and lunch. All of the ingredients are fresh and there is a toppings and salsa bar so you can customize to your taste. Chicken or fish tacos with lettuce, salsa, beans and guacamole are a delicious and healthy mid-day meal.
Cruise the Buffet
Buffets offer you the opportunity to eat as much or as little and as healthy or unhealthy, as you want! So bring along your appetite and the willpower to make wise choices and you’ll be fine.
Salad bars as great places to fill your plate with veggies, fresh fruit, meats and cheeses. I took a Disney Cruise with my son last year and were delighted to find one of the best spreads of healthy choices at their buffet we’ve ever seen at sea.
Another area at the buffet that tends to have healthy options is the international foods section, where there may be a chef cooking stir-fry to order. Get lots of vegetables and ask the chef to go easy on the oil. You can also typically find steamed vegetables and a carving station at your ship’s buffet—opt for sliced turkey or lean roast beef and go easy on the gravy, which is often loaded with salt.
Hit the Juice Bar
We’re seeing juice bars more and more on cruises. Although these are typically one of the few items you’ll have to pay extra for, you may find it worth the splurge for a healthy snack!
Many ships are also adding frozen yogurt options alongside their infamous soft serve ice cream machines. When we sailed on the Disney Wonder, the frozen yogurt machine was the definitely the healthy snack of choice each day.
Cruise the Ship’s Casual Eateries
More relaxed than a formal dining room but a bit more fancy than poolside dining, more and more ships are embracing the notion of casual eateries on the board. And the good news is, they tend to offer lighter fare, while not skimping on flavor.
Celebrity Cruises has the AquaSpa Café. This casual eatery near the Solarium pool area on Solstice-class ships is ideal for light bites. Breakfast options include smoothies, yogurt parfaits, eggs and fresh fruit. For lunch, healthy choices include a watermelon and feta salad, steamed salmon and grilled chicken.
That is just one example. Many ships now have light fare eateries and some even feature sushi bars, which may or not come at an extra fee depending on the cruise line.
I am a travel writer, wife, mother and believer in all things happy and healthy. I created my family travel website, CaliforniaFamilyTravel.com, to share the best tips, destinations and experiences in California and beyond for active, healthy families.
In an announcement from the Walt Disney Co, The Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida will temporarily close in response to the COVID-19 virus. The closure will go into effect Sunday, Mar. 15 and continue until further notice. Disneyland Paris Resort will also temporarily close and Disney Cruise will suspend all new departures.
“Out of an abundance of caution and in the best interest of our guests and employees, we are proceeding with the closure of our theme parks at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida and Disneyland Paris Resort, beginning at the close of business on Sunday, March 15, through the end of the month. Disney Cruise Line will suspend all new departures beginning Saturday, March 14, through the end of the month,” the company said in a statement.
Cast members will continue to be paid during the closure and hotels at both Walt Disney World and Disneyland Paris will remain open until further notice along with the retail and dining complexes at Walt Disney World and Disney Village at Disneyland Paris.
This announcement comes on the heels of reports that Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, Calif., would temporarily close starting Saturday through the end of the month.
Domestic Walt Disney employees are asked to work from home including those at The Walt Disney Studios, Walt Disney Television, ESPN, Direct-toConsumer, and Parks, Experiences and Products.
Spring break will be here before you know it, and booking a trip in advance will not only afford you the best rates and availability but also, you’ll have something to look forward to as you make your way through the chilly winter months. From beach vacations to urban escapes to mountain top romps in the sunshine, we’ve got you covered. Read on for vacation inspiration as well as for trends in travel for the new year.
Splurge on a Brand-New Resort in the Northern Maldives
courtesy Emerald Maldives Resort & Spa
A splurge-worthy island adventure awaits you at the brand-new all-inclusive resort, which is also home to the largest kid’s club in the Maldives.
Play: The wraparound reef at the Emerald makes it easy for families to enjoy water sports like kayaking and kite surfing, and scuba enthusiasts can take advantage of the on-site Diving Centre, which is staffed by PADI-certified instructors. Kids ages 3-12 can spend time in the Dolphin Club. Spread out over 1500 square meters, there’s an outdoor playground with mini pool, a splash park, slides, climbing structures and even a kid-sized zip wire. Indoor activities are diverse and plentiful: cupcake making, movie nights, Zumba lessons, fruit cocktail mixology and more.
Sleep:
Eat: This is an all-inclusive resort, so there’s plenty of food and treats to be had at the signature buffet restaurantAqua, which offers menu items from all over the world including Mediterranean, Japanese, Italian, Chinese, vegetarian and even plant-based options. There are two concept restaurants worth sampling as well. The rainforest-inspired Amazònico is a fun dining experience for the whole family,Le Asiatique offers live cooking shows on a teppanyaki grill. If you’re down at the beach, theBeach Club Grill and Pool Bar has kid-friendly, to-go pizza and pasta, and for parents, be sure to try the grilled lobster and seafood platters.
Good to know: If you book now, you’ll receive 20% off the best available rate for a minimum of 7 night’s stay for a maximum of two adults and two children, applicable for all bookings received before 20th December 2020. Offer includes deluxe all-inclusive package, complimentary 60 minutes massage for two adults and 1 x in-room family breakfast. Terms and conditions apply.
The largest of the four Aspen-area ski mountains, Snowmass is one of the most family-friendly mountains with all kids skiing free up to age seven.
Play: This resort comes in at over 3,300 acres of terrain with 91 trails of groomies, halfpipes, terrain parks and more. Families flock here for their state-of-the-art Treehouse Kids’ Adventure Center, a gigantic childcare facility for kids ages eight weeks to four years old. With a nurse on staff and themed rooms, this is where your kids will get introduced to skiing. And, once your kids turn two, they’re welcome to enroll in Snowmass’ Cubs on Skis program, a mix of early childhood education and skiing based out of this nature-themed adventure center.
There's also the brand-new Snowmass Base Village Plaza, which opened in December 2018. Families will be able to ice skate, enjoy fire pits, pop-up activities and casual dining. Kids of all ages can also try their skills on the rock climbing wall that adorns the front of the new Limelight hotel built across from the plaza.
Good to Know: The Treehouse at Snowmass isn’t the only spot your kid will love. Pay a visit to nearby Buttermilk Mountain to experience The Hideout, a 7,500 square foot facility just for kids. Don’t blame your kids if they forget they’re in the mountains and get lost in The Hideout’s custom-designed play features like a lookout tower and interactive play room.
Take your brood to Northwest Costa Rica to revel in the warm weather and lush landscape, full of animals, markets, and family-friendly beach parties.
Play: Consider volunteering for one of the select Service Days while visiting Peninsula Papagayo, with an outreach program that benefits local school children. Visit Costa Rica, and you’ll be rewarded with big adventures that your family will remember and talk about for years to come.
Sleep:Peninsula Papagayo, home to the luxury Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica and Andaz Costa Rica Resort, is a private community spanning over 1,400 acres. Surrounded by Area de Conservacion Guanacaste, a UNESCO World Heritage site, you’ll see thousands of protected plant species and hundreds of multi-hued bird and butterfly types.
Wander the Windy City - Chicago, IL
Wendy Altschuler
Play: Spring in Chicago is a lovely time to visit. From museums with activities designed with littles in mind to spring break kids’ camps at Lincoln Park Zoo and The Second City to baseball season to children’s theatre, the Windy City has much to offer families. Eat your way through Chicago’s neighborhoods, sampling diverse cuisine and fan favorites like Chicago-style hot dogs and deep dish pizza.
Sleep: Hotel Zachary, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, is right across from the famous Wrigley Field as well as within walking distance to shopping, dining, and entertainment. Run around Gallagher Way, across the street from the hotel, go to a Chicago Cubs game, and hit some balls in Sluggers World Class Sports Bar’s batting cages.
Root for Your Home Team at Spring Training — FL or AZ
Daydreaming of hot dogs and Crackerjacks? Take your baseball-loving family on a memorable (and thematic) trip to see spring training in action. Catching a game at Arizona's Cactus League or Florida's Grapefruit League means you can root, root, root for your home team at smaller stadiums before Opening Day. To figure out which teams play where — and when — check out the Cactus League and Grapefruit League websites.
Play: Make sure all of your kiddos are baseball fans because Spring Training is all about the game. The major advantage to seeing teams play pre-season is that you get see games on a much smaller scale. In other words, better seats, cheaper tickets, and the opportunity to see your favorite players up close and personal.
Tip: Get there early, and be sure little ones bring their gloves and/or clean baseballs for scoring autographs
Sleep: Where you shack up depends on your favorite teams. Florida's spring training is spread across the state, with teams playing in four regions: Tampa, Fort Myers, Orlando, and the east coast between Jupiter and Port St. Lucie. If you’re Cactus League-bound, keep in mind that most games are played within a 40-mile radius of the Phoenix-Scottsdale area.
Eat: Pack a picnic! Most Spring Training stadiums offer (cheap!) lawn seats, so the whole family can spread out on the grass while keeping score of the game. The view isn't as good, but you may catch a glimpse of your favorite players as they head in and out of the stadium.
There’s more to these islands than bright azure water and fine white sand—travel here, and you’ll be rewarded with rich cultural experiences that come with the conveniences of the U.S. dollar and English language. When the kids return to school, they can tell their teachers that they traveled to where Christopher Columbus first hit land in the Americas and where pirates used to hide out within the 40 small islands and cays.
Play: Sapodilla Bay and Taylor Bay are the best for kids because of the calm waves and shallow water. Go snorkeling for an afternoon at Bight Reef and Smith’s Reef and see an array of colorful little fish and coral. Visit Little Water Cay, also called Iguana Island, and see loads of Rock Iguanas basking in the hot sand. Long Bay Beach is where you’ll see kiteboarders, a shipwreck marooned in the shallow water and beaches full of huge spiny conch shells. For a truly unique island experience, that you can’t find anywhere else, visit Potcake Place, a charity in Providenciales that rescues dogs and finds them forever homes. Volunteers can take a puppy for a walk in the morning and give them love and socialization—not to mention, fresh air and sunshine. Everything will be provided for your day out, and if you fall in love, you can adopt the puppy and bring her home.
Sleep: Ocean Club Resorts (Ocean Club and Ocean Club West), located on Grace Bay Beach in Providenciales, are perfect for families that want an affordable option with lots of choices. Plus, the pink umbrellas that line the beaches will be great backdrops for your family photos. The two properties are located 15 minutes from each other along the sand, and if you stay at one, you can play at both. Kids can take part in the interactive exploration game, Seafari Kids, where at check-in they’ll be given a kit that encourages them to find and identify indigenous plants and species that are located around the resorts—prizes are awarded for completing the adventure. Tip: Check out the Mangrove Tour.
Eat: Pop into Crackpot Kitchen, where Chef Nik will serve up authentic local Caribbean dishes, passed down from his father, Aulden “Smokey” Smith. Order family style and try a selection of favorites like the Salt Cay Fully Loaded Stew Conch or Smokey’s Loaded Peas and Grits and dine on the rooftop full of locals doing the same.
Island Serenity - Captiva and Sanibel Islands, FL
Wendy Altschuler
Sometimes less is more, and on Captiva and Sanibel Islands, where nothing is built higher than a palm tree and tchotchke shops are few and far between, your family will easily settle into a schedule that revolves around sunsets and searching for seashells. These islands are the sort of places where people laugh easily, wave at each other freely and collectively gasp at dolphin and manatee sightings.
Play: When you’ve explored your home-base beach enough, take a boat excursion with Captiva Cruises to Cayo Costa Island, a state park that is known for excellent shelling. In Sanibel, visit Gene’s Books, a fabulous store full of so many titles that they don’t all fit on the shelves. Kids can get lost in the children’s section, with stacks of books in every direction, which will make finding the perfect book an absolute adventure.
Sleep: Rest your head at the historic Tween Waters Island Resort & Spa on Captiva Island, which is located between the Gulf of Mexico and the Pine Island Sound. You’ll have access to the beach as well as the marina while staying in one of the brightly colored cottages, named after the resort’s famous past visitors—Anne Morrow Lindbergh, J.N. “Ding” Darling, and Theodore Roosevelt have all stayed here. Borrow a free bicycle and take a ride into town, or paddle in a free kayak around the mangroves.
Eat: T2 Traders, located at The Village Shops on Periwinkle Way in Sanibel, has great sandwiches, flatbreads and salads. The location is ideal because you can do a little shopping afterward. On Captiva Island, be sure to visit the Bubble Room, where kitsch reigns supreme. Order a slice of their famous orange cake, try their bubble bread and bring your camera—you’ll want to walk around and take pictures of the interior. Tween Waters also has great restaurants, namely Old Captiva House, Crow’s Nest and the Oasis Pool Bar.
Enjoy Big Views at Grand Canyon National Park, AZ
Kate Loweth
In 2019,Grand Canyon National Park celebrated the centennial. This park, full of colorful layers of geological wonders, cliff dwellings, animals, and even waterfalls, is something every family should see together.
Play: The folks at Austin Adventures appreciate history and geology and they will educate travelers about the natural history of the Grand Canyon while also acknowledging the cultural history of the native tribes that call this national park home. Adventuresome kids can hike around with an Austin Adventures’ day pack, which is full of national park keepsakes and treasures, inspiring kids to learn more and explore the park. The trip includes rafting, hiking and biking around the South Rim, Flagstaff, Williams, Prescott, Sedona and Coconino National Forest—what fun!
Sleep: Select trip dates are available for families for this six-day Grand Canyon Family Vacation Package with the expert guides at Austin Adventures. Accommodations include a wide variety of lodges and hotels over the week, including a stay at the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel, located next to the train depot, one block from downtown Williams and historic Route 66.
Eat: Dining ranges from high-quality restaurants to picnic lunches to dinner made at a campfire—you’ll enjoy healthy food and snacks all along the way.
Sail the High Seas with the Disney Dream - Port Canaveral, FL
Courtesy Disney Cruise Line
Play, Sleep & Eat: Disney is synonymous with the feeling of wonder and treating your family to a Disney Cruise, aboard the Disney Dream, is an experience that your children will always remember. From live shows to thematic restaurants to luxe accommodations to swimming pools and waterslides, Disney goes big when it comes to magical fun. You’ll also notice the high quality of service, which is the bread and butter of the whole adventure. The ship will drop anchor in Castaway Cay, a private island reserved for guests to enjoy, and the Bahamas, creating extra opportunities for exploration. Find out more from our insider's guide here.
Denver sits one mile above sea level, giving the city its moniker. There is no shortage of things to do here for families and you can expect to have a panoramic view of the mountain ranges while exploring the parks, museums, and attractions.
Play: Visit the Denver Zoo, Denver Museum of Nature & Science, Downtown Aquarium and take a ride on the Denver Trolley to learn about Denver’s gold rush history. Of course, there’s also the Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum, the Denver Art Museum and the Children’s Museum of Denver. Take a trip just outside of the city, and hike around Dinosaur Ridge at Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre—you can see Allosaurus and Stegosaurus bones and touch real dinosaur footprints preserved in the sandstone. If a visit to Rocky Mountain National Park is on your travel wish-list, and it should be, make sure you spend some time in Estes Park, the gateway to RMNP.
Sleep: One of the best places to stay is AC Hotel Denver Downtown, a stylish boutique hotel with top-notch staff that will help your family with anything you may need. The property is well-located, making it easy to get where you need to go on foot and, bonus, you’ll earn Marriott points with your stay. If you have Fido with you, the hotel is pet-friendly as well.
Eat: Enjoy outdoor dining at Corinne Restaurant and be sure to check out the views from the 54thirty alfresco rooftop, the highest one in the city. The AC Kitchen is a great breakfast option. Union Station has James Beard award-winning chefs, Jennifer Jasinski and Alex Seidel, at the helm of Stoic & Genuine, Ultreia and Mercantile (grab and go options also exist).
There’s so much to do in the consistently warm country of Panama, and with Panama City—the capital and largest city in the country—as your takeoff point, you’ll have access to popular landmarks and attractions.
Play: Don't miss a visit to the Panama Canal, a 50-mile waterway that connects the Atlantic Ocean with the Pacific Ocean, a feat that is one of the most difficult engineering projects ever completed. Kids will love watching the ships raise up in the canal and pass through Miraflores locks, bringing their cargo with them. Visit Casco Viejo “new Panama”, a UNESCO World Heritage site with Spanish colonial architecture, historic churches and plazas with boutiques, restaurants and colorful markets. Make time for a visit to the Sloth Sanctuary and the Gamboa Rainforest. Ride above the tree canopy in an aerial tram, where you may spot a white-faced capuchin monkey or hear the deep guttural sounds of a howler monkey.
Sleep: The Westin Playa Bonita, located only twenty minutes from Panama City and thirty minutes from the Miraflores Locks, is a great place to start your adventure. Romp around on Bonita Beach and cool off in the Pacific Ocean, hike in the nearby rainforests and swim in one of the three infinity pools. Free activities for kids are available every day. Kids can splash around in the Children’s Pool or parents can take kids out on a complimentary kayak.
Eat: Ocho y Media is a garden-style restaurant that serves global cuisine. Sit outside and enjoy the strung lights overhead while noshing on a slice of warm baked apple pie with vanilla ice cream. Karimar Restaurant serves up traditional Panamanian fare, by the symphonic sea—you won’t want to leave. Take advantage of The Westin Playa Bonita’s restaurants as well—there are six to choose from. For authentic Panamanian cuisine with kid-friendly entertainment, try Diablicos in the Casco Viejo district.
Resort Road Trip: If it's an all-inclusive experience you seek, head for the Buenaventura Golf & Beach Resort, which lies about two hours outside the city limits and is accessible by boat and car/shuttle service. With 12 pools (eight of them are for everyone), a kids' club with activities like overnight campouts and cookie making, this 400-acre resort has something for everyone. There's a playground, free bike rentals, a climbing wall, zip line and wildlife zoo, stables, a sports club that have both private lessons and camps like an aquatic camp or a soccer camp, two beach clubs, 10 restaurants and even a world-famous 18-hole golf course that is the crown jewel of PGA Latin America. Rooms are ample size, the smallest being 527 sq. feet, and there are five suits with connecting rooms and a half-bath in the living room. For multi-gen travel, consider one of the four-bedroom villas that line the pond.
Play: Numero uno on the list of best places to play in St. Louis no doubt goes to City Museum. It’s an all-ages, city-inspired fun house that will inspire you and get the creative juices flowing as you climb, burrow and snake your way through passageways and shafts. With no maps or any real sense of direction, you’re forced to explore, touch and interact with everything . . . and you’ll be glad you did. Plus, St. Louis boasts more free chief visitor attractions than anywhere else in America, outside of the nation’s capital that is. The Saint Louis Art Museum, Zoo, History Museum, Anheuser-Busch Brewery, Laumeier Sculpture Park, Citygarden and more are free of charge and perfect for families that want to see a lot, but not spend a lot.
Sleep: Located in the heart of all St. Louis has to offer, the Four Seasons Hotel St. Louis makes a perfect home base for your family getaway. Mini road trippers will be greeted with a Radio Flyer wagon full of toys and a plate with their names written in chocolate and handmade solid chocolate arches standing tall alongside sprinkle-covered marshmallow treats.
Eat: University City and Delmar Loop is about 20 minutes northwest of St. Louis. Here, in this old streetcar suburb, you’ll find Blueberry Hill Pub and Restaurant for American cuisine and pop culture memorabilia, Fitz’s Restaurant and Bottling Company known for their delicious pub grub and house-made soda that churns out on a visible bottling line (a bottle a second!) and Blueprint Coffee with in-house roasted beans when you’re ready for a little caffeine jolt (don’t leave without grabbing a jar of their canned jelly for home).
Nestled between the world’s second-largest barrier reef and an expansive nature preserve lies the tiny fishing village of Puerto Morelos.
Play: Home to just 1,200 year-round residents, this quaint spot is merely 11 miles away from downtown Cancun. Fresh seafood restaurants line the beaches, and there’s live music on the weekends. Stroll down the dock over clear waters to view catamaran sailboats, wander and shop the charming avenues, burn off steam at the playground in the center square and admire the leaning lighthouse that has survived nearly one-hundred years of coastal storms. Book a snorkeling adventure with Lighthouse Tours. Their two-hour guided tour is easy even for young kids. A highlight for families is nearby Crococun, a local wildlife center filled with crocodiles, parrots, turtles, iguanas, spider monkeys and more. Each tour is guided by a biologist; kids will be able to hold a baby crocodile, feed deer and turtles, plus there’s picnic/playground area that’s perfect for fueling up after seeing all the animals.
Sleep:Grand Residences Riviera Cancun is a five-star resort that feels more like a home than a hotel. If you want a truly relaxing location for your mid-winter break, spring break or beyond, this is your answer. The resort is made up of all suite-style rooms, which means you have choices: You can book anything from a one-to three-bedroom suite that comes equipped with everything from a small kitchenette to a full kitchen/laundry with extra murphy beds in the living room. There’s even a four-bedroom presidential suite that sleeps up to 13 (ahem, multi-gen vacation). You can book your stay as an all-inclusive or as an a la carte, and here’s a huge perk: kids ages 12 and under stay for free. It doesn’t take much to keep yourself entertained here, and there’s a definite wellness vibe for those who like to be active. The Grand Residences has four pools (one is a lap pool), tennis courts with thrice-weekly clinics, bike rentals, and even the option to charter a sailboat for an extra charge.
Eat: When you tire of El Faro Grill and Flor de Canela at the Grand Residences, head for downtown Puerto Morelos. For an early lunch with access to docks, try Pelicanos for excellent nachos and ceviche. For dinner, we recommend Boquinete, one of the newest restaurants to line the beachfront of Puerto Morelos. The tacos are plentiful and fresh, as is the ceviche and reef fish. They have a beachfront, which can be helpful for parents with wiggly kids or be a memorable dining spot for an adults-only night.
Looking for a healthy dose of outdoor adventure on your spring break trip? Anakeetsa, an activity and nature center in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, is the perfect destination for your family. Not only will you be able to take in the beauty of the nation’s most visited national park, but Anakeetsa is jam-packed with activities for visitors of all ages.
Play: You’ll have a hard time deciding what to tackle first at Anakeetsa, as the outdoor opportunities are endless. In addition to hiking and ziplining, kids will have a blast walking across connecting bridges, exploring treehouses, and trying their hand at gem mining. If you’re looking to get out and explore the area, there’s world-class skiing in nearby Ober, Ripley’s Aquarium, and a variety of entertainment shows.
Sleep: If you want to stay nearby, the Greystone Lodge offers spacious rooms (and free hot breakfast) on the river in downtown Gatlinburg. Cottages are also available at the Greystone for families who are looking for a little more space and privacy.
Eat: Stroll around and stop for a bite to eat in Firefly Village, which is nestled among the treetops in the heart of the Smokies. Depending on what you’re in the mood for—a quick bite or a hearty southern meal—there’s Pearl’s Pie in the Sky, which offers baked goods, ice cream, and (of course) pie; and the Anakeetsa Summit Smokehouse, where you’ll get a dose of mouth-watering barbecue.
Bring Your Brood to Bimini
Resorts World Bimini
One of the hottest destinations for 2020 is Bimini, a family-friendly island off of the Bahamas. You won’t have to travel far, as this island is only 50 miles off of the coast of Florida, but you’ll feel like you’re in a far-flung destination as soon as you poke your toes into the hot white sand and peer out onto the azure horizon.
Play: Taste Bimini Bread, made fresh in the colorful town; fill up on conch salad from one of the shacks along the beach, and learn about the culture from local Biminites. Chanel Ernest Hemingway, a resident of the island in the '30s, and go fishing or spend the day in the sea.
Sleep: The Hilton at Resorts World Bimini, a luxury beachfront resort that caters to families. All guest rooms, designed with a contemporary aesthetic, have either a terrace or balcony. Suites are large in size and complete with high-quality amenities. You’ll have many choices for dining as the resort: The Tides, The Sushi Bar or the Oasis swim-up bar. Resorts World Bimini also has multiple swimming pools and access to Paradise Beach. For fun, take a golf cart to any of the island’s other beaches to explore a different landscape. Shop at Fisherman’s Village, a market along the marina. You’ll find that for your family, there’s plenty to do, see, and eat in Bimini.
For Great Scenery & Small Town Charm - Mammoth, CA
If you're not looking for warm weather just yet, Mammoth Mountain is the ultimate spring break destination for families who want to hit the slopes. And for those times when you just want to kick back and relax, Mammoth is packed with tons of restaurants, kids' activities, and even incredible natural hot springs in the Eastern Sierra.
Play: When you go to Mammoth, you go for the skiing. But even if your kids aren't up to speed on the slopes just yet, with the help of the lessons offered, they just might be by the time you leave. Here, patient pros will help guide the most novice of skiers in small group lessons, as well as kids and adults with disabilities in their Adaptive Ski School. In addition to the skiing, Mammoth has a ton more to offer in terms of winter sports, including snowmobiling, snowshoeing, and letting loose at Wooly's Tube Park and Snow Play, where kids of all ages will have a blast.
Sleep: For cozy accommodations after a day on the slopes, look to the splurge-worthy Sierra Nevada Resort, which has been a longtime local favorite. The 149-room hotel has a super rustic feel and almost all rooms are appointed for families (with heated bathroom floors and fireplaces!). There's also a shuttle that regularly runs from the hotel to the mountain lodges, as well as to the airport.
Eat: For nights when everyone is exhausted from playing in the snow, Sierra Nevada Resort's Rafters—and all of their local, organic produce—is a fantastic option. When you want to venture out, there are tons of restaurants featuring all sorts of fare to choose from, including Jimmy's Taverna for seafood lovers, Campo to satisfy your hankering for Italian, and The Stove for an unforgettable home-style breakfast.
Check Maui Off Your Bucket List
courtesy Hyatt Regency Maui
Maui offers many adventures for families, whether you’re looking for a relaxing beach vacation or you want to toss in some intrepid experiences for good measure.
Play: Begin your trip at one of the world’s best aquariums, Maui Ocean Center, to get an idea of what you might see while snorkeling or during a boat cruise. Arrange for a luau experience to learn about the Hawaiian culture—most hotels can assist with planning. Take a family-friendly surfing lesson. Make time for a hike in Iao State Park, which is rich with history. Visit Maui Tropical Plantation and see a lush landscape full of fruits, produce, and flowers.
After touring the working farm, dine at The Mill House for a culinary experience like no other. Plan early, and see the sunrise at Haleakala National Park. Drive the Road to Hana to see rainforests, lava tubes, caves, waterfalls, and all of that jaw-dropping scenery that Maui is known for. Take lots of photographs—likely, one will make your holiday card for next year.
Sleep: The Hyatt Regency Maui's stunning oceanfront property has something for everyone. From swimming pools with water slides to penguin tours at the local wildlife center and even stargazing to the Regency Club, where for an added fee there are snacks, food and amenities all day long, this resort is ideal for your dream vacation.
Waterslide Heaven — Wisconsin Dells, WI
Wendy Altschuler
No sun? No problem. At Wisconsin Dells, every day is waterpark weather. A buzzing Midwestern tourist's destination that's located midway between Chicago and Minneapolis, Wisconsin Dells is the self-proclaimed "Waterpark Capital of the World" (21 waterparks and counting!)—and it's got a slew of indoor parks for when the weather isn't exactly bathing suit friendly.
Play: Families with wee ones will want to hit the Great Wolf Lodge or the Wilderness Resort, both of which cater to smaller visitors.
Note: You'll have to stay at these resorts to use their water parks.
Family tapped out on water? There are plenty of other options. Hop on the saddle for a trail ride at the Canyon Creek Riding Stable, speed across 6,000 feet of cables with Big Foot Ziplines (kids must be above 43 inches to zip), or give the kids a fun glimpse at the history of the circus at Circus World.
Sleep: There are so many choices when it comes to kid-centered lodging that it's hard to find a place that won't blow your kids’ minds. But the Great Wolf Lodge, the Kalahari Resort, and the Wilderness Resort top our list because of their sheer number of kid-friendly attractions (think arcades, mini-golf, kids crafts, theatrical shows, etc.) and the special attention both resorts pay to little ones.
Eat: Want your dinner delivered by miniature train? Head to Buffalo Phils, which serves up burgers and BBQ in a bustling Wild West-themed atmosphere. It's also under the same roof as Knuckleheads Bowling & Trampoline Park and right next door to the Outlets at the Dells (with over 75 shops!). It sounds like a play date to us.
Google "ranch vacations" and you’ll find a whole heap of ‘em. But the rustic-yet-luxe Tanque Verde Ranch in Arizona tops our list because it’s open year-round and has loads of fun activities for little cowboys. Like horses? Your kids can spend all day at the kids club (activities for kids under four are available by request), where they’ll enjoy riding lessons, trail rides, arts and crafts and more. For folks who aren’t keen on giddying up in the saddle, there are other activities including yoga, swimming, fishing, hiking, and a spa.
Play: Besides the plethora of activities at the ranch, you can also venture out into the Tucson area and enjoy downhill skiing, golfing, cave exploring, shopping, and more.
Sleep: After a long day of activities on the ranch, you and your kids will be happy to nestle down in Tanque Verde's modern adobe casitas, all of which boast stretching views of the surrounding desert and mountains.
Note: In keeping with the rustic theme, there aren’t TVs in any of the rooms and the WiFi can be a bit spotty.
Eat: All-inclusive means you and your kids will get three meals a day of award-winning Southwestern cuisine. Want to dine in the Great Wide Open? Sign up for a breakfast ride and feast on blueberry pancakes and ranch-style eggs amid the cacti and tumbleweeds. On Wednesdays and Sundays, the ranch has “cowboy cookouts” that include a tasty barbecue buffet and live entertainment.
Take the Kids to Tuscany
Gabby Cullen
Italy, and more specifically, Tuscany, is famous not only for the Italian Renaissance but also for the countryside. Families can explore at their own pace, traveling from Siena, known for its medieval streets, to San Gimignano, where you can stroll cobblestone streets and order gelato in one of the squares. The Leaning Tower of Pisa is also fun to see, and kids will recognize it right away.
Play: Of course, Tuscany has kid-centered activities that any major city has: zoos, theme parks (Pinocchio Park is one), waterparks, and museums, but there is so much more to experience here with your family in tow. UNESCO has declared seven World Heritage Sites in Tuscany, there are amazing underground cave and grotto systems, 120 protected nature reserves, and families can learn how to make pecorino cheese in Cugusi, the area between Pienza and Montepulciano.
Sleep: Snuggled in the Serchio Valley, between the Apuan Alps and the Tuscan Emilian Apennines, conveniently about an hour from Lucca, Florence, and Pisa, sits Renaissance Tuscany Il Ciocco Resort & Spa. A stay here rewards families with easy access to medieval towns, market tours, onsite cooking lessons, an outdoor pool with mountain views.
Eat: It’s no surprise that Italians like to eat well and spending time with family is a big part of the culture. Dining out is part of the experience and kids are welcome—and celebrated—in eateries all over Tuscany. Further, many restaurants have gardens or lovely piazzas where it’s entirely appropriate for kids to run around and play while waiting for dinner to arrive. Renaissance Tuscany Il Ciocco Resort & Spa has a wide variety of dining options as well—La Veranda has traditional favorites available or, better yet, arrange for a day with the chef. Shop in the local market and indulge in a private cooking lesson—you will eat your meal with pride having made it yourself. Kids can also join a cupcake making class and provide the dessert for your family table
If you’ve set your sights on setting sail in the near future, we’ve got the list for you. Family cruises are fantastic vacation options for big groups, as they offer tons of experiences both on- and off-ship. From roller coasters and trampoline parks to ziplining and swimming with dolphins, family cruises offer them all. We’ve rounded up a slew of our favorites—so cruise on!
Galapagos—Lindblad Expeditions
Lindblad Expeditions
Meet the wildlife of the Galapagos Islands—from sea lions and blue-footed boobies to giant tortoises and Darwin’s finches. This 48-person cruise will have you snorkeling, kayaking, paddle boarding and exploring the wildlife and local culture.
Kids will love participating in the onboard National Geographic Global Explorers program where they can choose among a host of cool activities—from recording wildlife sightings in their field notebook to collecting and observing plankton fresh from the ocean—all designed to help them develop what National Geographic Education defines as the attitudes, skills and knowledge of an explorer. They can collect points on their way to becoming a National Geographic Global Explorer—with the certification to prove it!
From $5,730/person for a 7-day Galapagos trip, kids save $500
If you want an ultra-magical family cruise experience, Disney has you covered. When you board a Disney cruise ship, character appearances, onboard themes like Pirate Night and all the magic of a Disney theme park set sail with you. Itineraries abound, from a three-to seven-night Bahamian adventure that kicks off from Texas, Florida or New York and includes an excursion to Disney’s very own private tropical island, Castaway Cay, to a two-to five-night cruise to Baja.
Onboard activities happen from opening time to closing time at the ship's kids club and the schedule varies: there are talent shows, a Magic PlayFloor where kids’ movements control the action (think flying over London with Peter Pan.) and for any Star Wars fans—Jedi Knight training and challenges. There's even a club for tweens and teens to hang out. Read all about the onboard activities here.
Stay tuned for 2022: Disney just announced that its newest ship the Disney Wish will be headed to a port near you! Around that same time, Disney plans to open another private island in the Bahamas.
UnCruise offers a different type of cruise, and families will love it. Think smaller ship, more individualized attention and programming that kids and parents will both enjoy. Just recently, UnCruise started sailing around Hawaii year round, and it's been an instant family favorite. You can visit four islands: Molokai, Hawai’i, Maui, Lanai, and you have the opportunity to view loads of marine life. No need to dock and pick up another boat to go snorkeling or swimming, there's an option to do so right off the ship, along with paddleboarding.
UnCruise prices its adventures to include everything from room charges, meals, alcoholic beverages and even off-ship excursions, so you know upfront what your vacation will cost. There won't be any expectations to bring fancy clothing to dress up for dinner, as meals are much more streamlined on UnCruise. It really caters to families looking for bucket list experiences. Kids eight and up are always welcome, and special exceptions are made for those seven and under.
Seven-day cruise costs $5,195 and up with kids 8-13 save $500
Iceland, Greenland, Arctic and More—Adventure Canada
Dennis Minty
A cruise unlike all others, an Adventure Canada expedition cruise takes you to far-away places that you've only dreamed of. Kids of every age can hop aboard zodiac boats to head ashore and explore Viking ruins, hike to waterfalls and learn all about villages buried under years-ago volcanic eruptions. Expedition cruise life means you'll get cultural immersion in the towns that you visit and learn from local experts and naturalists. These excursions are perfect for multi-generational travel as small ships are easy for the mobility-restricted to manage and not so big that you worry you'll lose the kids on board.
Kids under age 2 are free, those ages 2-4 pay only for charter airfare and everyone under 30 saves 30%.
Panama Canal, Costa Rica & Caribbean—Princess Cruises
Kristina Moy
Thanks to its Discovery at SEA program, Princess Cruises caters to kids of all ages both on deck and ashore. New programs are rolling out fleet wide, with new center designs launching throughout 2019 as part of Camp Discovery. The Treehouse is now dedicated to three-to seven-year-olds for hands-on play and fun; The Lodge serves up sports and comfort for eight-to 12-year-olds, and The Beach House will be the onboard hangout for teens. Did we mention these are all included? Learn all about it here.
Even better news? Princess Cruises MedallionClass Vacations now offer a variety of new features specifically designed to enhance everyone's vacation experience. Through the use of an OceanMedallion, families cruising with Princess can now expect an expedited ship to shore experience along with onboard on-demand delivery service, real-time navigation and interactive features on every floor. Learn more about the first MedallionClass ship enabled by OceanMedallion here.
Everyone can stay in comfort in a Mini-Suite with convertible bunk beds for the kids, or larger Family Suites with separate bedrooms. You’ll be well rested when it’s time to snorkel and kayak at a tropical port, like those on their 10-day Panama Canal with Costa Rica & Caribbean. You can get up close and personal with both baby and 600-pound turtles at Cayman Turtle Farm, encounter sloths IRL at a Costa Rican sanctuary or ride a rainforest aerial tram. Thanks to Discovery Family Tours, many hands-on experiences are designed for ages 3-12.
Guests on this European journey fly into Munich and board the riverboat in Vilshofen. A subsequent stop in Germany visits Passau (where everyone can learn to make marzipan!) before the ship sails into Austria, Slovakia and Hungary. Along the way, guests enjoy an Imperial Evening inside a private Viennese palace, a cycling excursion along the Danube, medieval games in Slovakia and visits to castles, catacombs, an amusement park and sites from the film, “The Sound of Music.”
Parents enjoy this cruise because it’s fully inclusive, so there’s zero stress about mounting costs throughout the trip. Prices include all shore excursions, all gratuities, all meals, all onboard beverages (adult and otherwise), all activities, airport transfers, luggage handling and much more.
From $4,390/person plus airfare for this 7-night cruise
The best time to visit Costa Rica is from mid-December to April (the dry season) when you can explore rain forests or lounge on the beach without weather interrupting the fun. That's also the time when most tourists want to visit, meaning higher prices on hotel rooms and at resorts, along with more people.
Enter Windstar. The cruise line sails in the region in the winter only (both the 212-passenger all-suite Star Legend and 148-passenger motorized sailing yacht Wind Star run sailings) and accesses smaller ports and islands away from the crowds. Windstar makes "wet landings" because that's the only way to reach the shore in these tiny ports. Rugged inflatable boats deliver you directly from the yacht to the beach, where you disembark directly in the water. All of this means you'll still enjoy the best weather of the year, but on an uncrowded ship that also offers boutique, small-sized (and fairly priced) shore excursions that help you do things like sport fishing in areas protected from the winter winds.
Windstar has a naturalist onboard all of their Costa Rica and Panama Canal sailings, so guests get extra insight into the flora and fauna of the region. This cruise appeals to multi-generational families traveling together because of all the varied offerings. Kids must be eight and older to sail.
From the moment guests step onboard a Costa Cruise, they're treated to a uniquely immersive cultural experience. Families can embark on an unforgettable voyage through the history books on a 10-night Mediterranean cruise. Sailing roundtrip from Venice, Costa Victoria visits legendary ports throughout Italy, Greece and Croatia. The ship calls at Bari, Italy; Argostoli/Kefalonia, Athens, Santorini, Rhodes and Crete Greece; Kotor, Montenegro; and Split, Croatia. Families can enjoy a serene gondola ride through Venice's famed canal, walk in history's footsteps with a visit to Athens' ancient Acropolis or discover the Medieval treasures of Kotor.
Children can get up close and personal with Peppa Pig at the Squok Club or experience a thrilling water slide at the popular Aquapark. The Squok Club also provides special programming that gives junior cruisers the chance to either be “Captain for a Day” or “Princess for a Day,” where they can dress up, act the part and enjoy special themed activities.
From $1,009 per person for a 10-night Mediterranean cruise
Sailing to exotic islands in French Polynesia is special and offers families a way to experience this unique destination seamlessly. On all sailings, guests receive complimentary access to Paul Gauguin Cruises’ two exclusive retreats. Off the coast of Taha’a lies the private islet of Motu Mahana, where guests can enjoy a day of watersports, Polynesian activities, a sumptuous barbecue feast and cocktails from full and floating bars. In Bora Bora, guests can relax on a private, white-sand beach and enjoy refreshments, a game of volleyball, snorkeling and paddleboarding.
The ship's Moana Explorer program invites guests to discover and value the natural wonders of this breathtaking part of the world through hands-on, interactive learning on summer and December holiday sailings. While it is designed for children and teens ages 7-17, all family members are welcome to participate. Every day of the voyage, there is a combination of naturalist-led island and/or beach excursions, science activities, crafts, games and other adventures.
From $4,295/person including economy airfare from LA. The third person 17 and under in a stateroom is free, exclusive of airfare and taxes.
Crystal Cruises’ ocean vessels feature a fully supervised Junior Activities program for kids between the ages of 3 and 17 on holiday voyages and nearly all summer sailings, each with dedicated play areas for both young kids and teens. The kids club Fantasia for ages 3-12, and Waves teen club from ages 13-17, welcomes junior cruises with games, crafts, popular Sony PlayStation and Xbox 360 kiosks to play on large-screen televisions. Children aboard call also enjoy board games and personal computers with entertainment and education. Kids of all ages can also enjoy a special Junior Cruiser's menu (hamburgers, hot dogs, pizza, etc.).
On the Colorful Cultures cruise, families can relish in the rejuvenating calm of the Caribbean while sailing from Fort Lauderdale to San Juan aboard Crystal Serenity. Families can snorkel in St. Thomas, participate in a semi-submarine adventure in St. Barts and hike in the rain forest in Saint Kitts while creating experiences to remember for a lifetime.
From $1,695/person for this 8-night cruise
Read more: crystalcruises.com
Castles along the Rhine—Uniworld
We love the river cruise option for families as it provides a smaller ship experience with tons of stops along the way. This 8-day cruise takes a maximum of 152 passengers down the Rhine—Germany on one side, France on the other. Marvel at castles that were once mighty fortresses, and get an insider’s look at one of the only castles on the Rhine that has never been destroyed, Marksburg Castle. Visit historic cities, including ancient Cologne and picturesque Strasbourg, then stroll through the fairytale town of Rüdesheim.
Families will especially enjoy the Generations Family Program, which includes special programs, events and excursions designed specifically for your world travelers in training. Travelers ages 4-17 receive a 25% fare discount on these trips.
From $2,999/person for 8-day Basel to Amsterdam journey
Why settle for seeing just one island on your Hawaiian vacation when you can cruise in style and explore four island jewels? Sailing with Princess is a far better vacation value and you’ll visit the top-rated Hawaiian islands—Maui, Oahu, Kauai and the Big Island—without all the time-consuming hassle of island hopping by plane. From enriching Discovery and Animal Planet shore excursions to the immersive "Aloha Spirit" program onboard, you'll discover each island's unique charm and fall in love with Hawaii's enchanting beauty.
This eight-day Galapagos cruise specially designed for families with children covers the highlights of the Western Islands. Spend your days discovering the beauty and wonders of the Galapagos and exploring the wildlife-rich shores of San Cristobal, Genovesa, Santa Cruz, Fernandina, Isabela and Santiago. Celebrate crossing the equator with a King Neptune kid's costume party and enjoy shipboard educational activities such as board games, games with prizes, drawing contests, talent shows and ice cream sundaes. Kids must be five or older.
The M/V Victory I, designed for coastal cruising, will set sail on the storied Georgian Bay starting in May 2019. Guests can admire the natural beauty of Niagara Falls and take in the breathtaking vistas of the Southern Canadian Coast. This ship is purposefully-designed for coastal cruising, with every modern convenience to explore North America’s maritime history throughout the Great Lakes and southern Canadian coast. Guests onboard will enjoy immersive and inclusive shore excursions in each port of call, exquisite multi-course fine dining with specialty and casual options including spirits, beer and wine; onboard enrichment, evening entertainment and Wi-Fi in public areas.
To really experience The Last Frontier, families can embark on a two-week trip on a Princess Land and Sea excursion which includes exploring the Alaska Interior (including Anchorage, Denali and Fairbanks). Princess Cruise Line has been in Alaska since the 1970s (they are celebrating 50 years in 2019), so they have deep relationships in most Alaska communities. Princess is the only cruise line that owns lodges, as well as train cars, which makes for seamless travel (music to our ears when traveling with kids), so they are the go-to partner for many travelers for Alaska Land and Sea packages. If you can, book a MedallionClass ship, Princesses newest technology that make onboarding, managing services and keeping track of kids much easier. For more detail about how the Ocean Medallion systems works, click here.
TIP: If you’re doing a Land and Seas excursion, we definitely recommend scheduling the land portion FIRST. While Princess makes moving around Alaska interior pretty easy, after 4 or 5 nights in different lodges, it was a treat to unpack our suitcase in our cabin on the cruise ship and have our cabin and personal items safely stored for the rest of the trip.
Cunard’s Quebec City itineraries offer the opportunity for multi-generational families to travel and spend much-needed quality time together. Queen Mary 2 offers unique activities for families, including taking a virtual ride into space with the ship’s full-scale planetarium, watercolor painting classes and even learning how to fence.
Cunard offers a variety of areas dedicated to hosting and entertaining children while onboard. They include the Night Nursery, where infants aged 6 to 24 months are housed by childcare professionals and parents are given a pager in case their child wakes. For older children, Cunard offers the Play Zone for kids ages 2-7, and the Kids Zone for kids ages 8-17, which includes fun activities, arts and crafts, gaming consoles and planned excursions to the ship’s theatre or cinema. The Teen Zone accommodates ages 13-17 and offers planned activities such as deck sports, karaoke, gaming, quizzes and more. Infants under two sail for free, while ages two and up sail at half fare (when sailing as the third or fourth passenger in the cabin).
If you’re looking to zoom through Haitian skies on an absolutely epic zip-line (the longest in the world over water) or swim with dolphins in perfect turquoise waters, then a Royal Caribbean seven-night Eastern Caribbean or Western Caribbean cruise is for you (they have some 299 other destinations available, too). The adventure continues on deck, whether you fancy a surf in the FlowRider, thrilling waterslides, or mini golf—their Adventure Ocean youth program is a must for families.
Once the kids have discovered the Adventure Science Lab and Imagination Studio, they won’t even ask where you’ve gone (the Bottomless Galley Brunch, perhaps?). Little cruisers can jump into ball pits at Aquanauts while teens have a whole disco to themselves (dance party included). There are even Royal Tots playgroups for babies on board. Additional stops along the way include the Perfect Day at CocoCay, the first destination in Royal’s new private island collection, St. Maarten, the Bahamas Blue Lagoon Island and St. Thomas’s Turtle Bay. For a closer look, check out our insider's guide to the Royal Caribbean’s Symphony of the Seas, the biggest cruise ship in the world!
If river cruising is more your family’s speed, Avalon Waterways has fantastic options for seeing Europe (or Asia or South America). You won’t find the clubs that keep the kids entertained during long stretches at sea, but you will find wraparound wonder with so much constantly in view right from the ship (your room included), making this a trip-of-a-lifetime for culture-seeking big kids.
If you have 9-16 days free in 2020, take a voyage down the epic Seine. A Grand France cruise stops at landmarks made famous by the likes of Napoleon, Joan of Art and Vincent Van Gogh. Plus, Paris! In addition to visits to Notre Dame Cathedral and the Eiffel Tower, the kids will love counting the 37 Parisian bridges—or challenge the family to keep a tally on the whole journey. Their MyAvalon service will also help you personalize shore excursions to your family’s liking.
If you’re not sure a week-long cruise or hours on the open sea are for you, check out Riverboat Twilight’s one and two-day cruises along the Mississippi River. The two-day cruise travels between LeClaire to Dubuque, Iowa, on an authentic paddleboat and gives the family the overnight experience of being on board a ship while taking in the gorgeous bluffs along the Mississippi. It also includes excursions like admission to the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium.
Prices start at $399/per person, with kids under 10 being just $159 (and children under 3 free).
The East Coast is a popular point of departure, and Norwegian is ready to sail you away to the Caribbean, Mexico and Central America, or the Bahamas. Head for Great Stirrup Cay—Norwegian’s own private island, complete with white sand and sea turtles to snorkel alongside. Don't forget to enjoy the complimentary taco bar, Abaco Taco (need we say more?). Norwegian’s youth programs, Splash Academy (ages three to 12) and Entourage (ages three to 17), are also complimentary for play and parties, while its Guppies Program hosts activities for parents and baby cruisers six months to three years (If you book a cruise on the Escape, there is also a Guppies Nursery.). While on Norwegian’s Breakaway, Getawa, and Epic ships, watch for Cirque Dreams to perform amazing acrobatic stunts.
TIP: On select 5 or 7-day cruises to the Bahamas, extra guests can sail for free!
Vast, wild and utterly gorgeous, Alaska tops many travelers’ must-visit lists. For families, a visit offers so much to see and do that nobody complains of being bored. Even tablets and iPods are likely to be set aside in favor of watching whales breach or listening to the thunder of a calving glacier. A cruise tour pairs the best of cruising with the best of land touring, showing off the heart of Alaska’s untamed wilderness and its scenic coastline. Aboard the Celebrity Millennium®, cruise the Inside Passage to Ketchikan, Icy Strait Point, Juneau and Skagway before disembarking in Seward. Luxury motor coaches and glass-domed trains then carry you into the unspoiled interior, to lodges set in the shadow of awesome Denali. Take time to unwind and tuck into locally-sourced meals before joining a tour of breathtaking Denali National Park.
We love Celebrity Cruises for their inclusivity. They’ve gone the extra sea mile to ensure that their onboard environments are autism friendly for kids of all ages, with sensory toys and movie-viewing environments, gluten- and dairy-free menu options and well-trained Fun Factory and Youth Staff. Other services include priority check-in, equipping parents with contact phones while their kids are signed in to Fun Factory programs, and a Cruising Social Story booklet to download ahead of the cruise.
If you have rising history buffs in the family, want to take a closer look at medieval castle life, or be amazed by wildlife, take note that Poseidon Expeditions launched a brand new 13-day cruise, British Isles: Legendary History & Wild Nature, on May 22, 2019. You’ll have the chance to see baby puffins on the Skellig Islands off Ireland or spot otters and wild ponies while exploring Snowdonia National Park in Wales. Dolphins, whales, and seals are also likely to swim by. The kids can direct their nature questions to naturalist guides led by renowned historian Dr. Hew Lewis-Jones. With 55 guest suites aboard the Sea Spirit, the scale of this cruise isn’t overwhelming either, but rather a sure way to see remote and wondrous corners of Great Britain.
Did you hear? Carnival Panorama, their newest ship, will be ready to set sail from Long Beach and take your family on Mexican Riviera cruise starting this December 2019. Featuring the first Sky Zone Trampoline Park at sea (yes, you read that right!), the ship offers SportSquare’s mini-golf and games, ropes course, and the elevated SkyRide, as well as Choose Fun Waterworks (with two epic waterslides that are kid and parent friendly). The Camp Ocean kids club is another play area just for little cruisers (ages two to 11), while Serenity is an onboard retreat just for adults. The family can reunite for a comedy show or go head to head for a Lip Sync Battle.
The 7-day cruise takes you from Long Beach, CA with stops in Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlán and Puerto Vallarta. Enjoy ziplining, snorkeling, stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking among other activities. For a kiddo’s first-hand take on all the Carnival fun, check out our report.
Disconnect completely with a phone-free family vacation along the Peruvian Amazon in 5-star luxury aboard Aqua Expeditions' Aria Amazon. With no internet or cell reception, all 16 Design Suites on the Aria Amazon across the first and second deck measure 250 square feet, include air conditioning, polished timber flooring and its most amazing feature—a wall of floor-to-ceiling glass facing the Amazon River. Guests aboard the Aria Amazon can see sloths, elusive pink dolphins, all varieties of monkey, piranha, toucans, caimans, anacondas and more, and will visit multiple indigenous villages along the banks of the river. This one-of-a-kind digital detox will have the whole family reminiscing about their Amazon adventures for years to come.
Experience Norway’s beautiful fjords, charming ports, and rare wildlife under the midnight sun or the spectacular northern lights. On select Hurtigruten cruises, kids ages 6-12 can join the Young Explorers Program and learn about other cultures, the importance of nature in our daily lives and the impact humans have on our delicate and beautiful planet. A dedicated host will plan and organize all the activities, which focus on fun and eco-friendly learning events, tailor-made to awaken a sense of adventure.
If you think exploring Europe with kids is impossible, consider taking a cruise around the Mediterranean with Royal Caribbean. You'll board in either Barcelona or Rome, and can enjoy exploring three different countries: Spain, France and Italy. There are plenty of kid-friendly excursions available to families, including pizza-making in Italy and beach days in Barcelona. Depending on which cruise you pick, you'll either be aboard the Oasis of the Seas or the Jewel of the Seas. Both ships are full of fun and adventure, including everything from Royal Caribbean's famous kids' clubs, original entertainment, pools, zip lines and more.
If you want the magic of Disney, the adventure of the high seas, and the relaxing vibe of a tropical getaway all at once, we’ve got good news. From the kids club (hello, adult time!) to character appearances and a day spent on Castaway Cay, Disney Cruise Line offers something for everyone—sprinkled with a little bit of pixie dust. We had a chance to explore the Disney Dream for a Halloween on the High Seas cruise, and there’s plenty to report. Keep reading to discover our top reasons why a Disney cruise checks all the family vacation boxes.
You Get the Disney Magic
courtesy Disney Cruise Line
From the forward part of the ship to the aft, the Disney Dream is full of magic. Find as many pieces of enchanted artwork you can (there are 18 in public spaces), stop by Vanellope’s Sweet Shop for a sundae and a sneak peek of Sour Bill hiding in gum balls, stay up late for the Pirates IN The Caribbean deck party, where you’ll see the only fireworks to be shot off a cruise ship anywhere in the world. Get an autograph from your favorite princess, give Mickey a high five and watch Peter Pan and Captain Hook battle it out.
The entertainment is impressive. The Disney Dream has three signature live shows. The Golden Mickeys is an ode to the Oscars and the gilded age of Walt Disney in Hollywood; Believe is a sweet tribute to dozens of Disney characters ranging from Baloo the Bear to Mary Poppins, but the showstopper on Disney Dream is Beauty and the Beast. The set designers use clever digital scenery to make the stage look much bigger than it is, and the cast is perfection (two of the main characters are Broadway alums). The first show on a cruise ship to win the prestigious IAAPA Brass Ring award, it’s a must-see while cruising on the Disney Dream.
Even dinner is magical. A highlight is the night you dine at the Animator's Palate. In an underwater interactive experience, Crusher the Turtle from Finding Nemo will cruise from one screen to the next, telling jokes, talking to kids and entertaining everyone from the first appetizers to dessert.
You Get the Adventure of the High Seas
Courtesy Disney Cruise Line
If you’re going to sail the high seas, you'll want plenty to do while onboard. The Disney Dream welcomes up to 4,000 guests at a time, and of the 1,250 staterooms, 88% of them are outside staterooms (199 have an ocean view and 901 have verandahs). If you should decide to take an inside stateroom, you’ll have a magical porthole, which provides you with a real-time view outside the ship. Be on the lookout for a few friends, too—kids might spot the flying house from Up, Peach the starfish from Finding Nemo or even Mickey himself. Each stateroom works to maximize the space, with nearly all offering a unique bath-and-half design (two sinks) and many offering pull-down bunk beds.
courtesy Disney Cruise Line
There’s almost an entire deck on the ship devoted to kids on the Dream. For the 3-12 set, Disney’s Oceaneer Club is headquarters. Kids can wander through Andy’s room, pilot the Millennium Falcon or relax while watching their favorite Disney movies in Pixie Hollow. Activities happen from opening time to closing time, and the schedule varies: there are talent shows, a Magic PlayFloor where kids’ movements control the action (think flying over London with Peter Pan.) and for any Star Wars fans—Jedi Knight training and challenges.
Down the hall lies the Oceaneer Lab, which is geared for the older kids, but open to all signed in to the kids club, you’ll find cooking and science labs, the opportunity to “navigate” the open seas or even try your hand at animation. Do you have a tween or teen? There’s a space for them at Edge or Vibe. Vibe has plenty of hi-tech entertainment and Vibe has a private outdoor area with deck games and wading pools.
Gabby Cullen
If it’s family time you desire, we suggest solving a mid-deck mystery, which involves exploring each floor of the ship, in search of the enchanted artwork that holds the clues you seek (look for "offices" on deck five and two). Take a dip in the mickey pool, get thrills on the AquaDuck water coaster, attend game shows, play mini golf, see a Disney movie in the theater (some movies premiere the same day on the ship as they do on land), and of course, meet up with your favorite Disney characters including Mickey and crew, the princesses, Peter Pan and more.
You Get a Tropical Getaway
Courtesy Disney Cruise Line
While we definitely recommend spending at least one day on the ship to enjoy and explore all it has to offer, a day at Castaway Cay, Disney’s private island in the Bahamas, is the final piece of your vacation puzzle. You’ll wander down the plank of the Dream (be on the lookout for Captain Jack Sparrow) to find sparkling beaches, a calm bay that's ideal for families with small kids, a game pavilion with foosball and giant chess and a large water play area that feels fresh after all the salty ocean water. There’s even an on-island kids’ club: Scuttle’s Cove, where you can drop the kids and hit Serenity Bay, the islands adults-only beach.
Another fun aspect of Castaway Cay is that you can stretch out and move. Sign up for the Castaway 5K, rent a bike to explore the island surroundings or join in on the dance party by Cookie’s BBQ after lunch. Snorkeling is best left to older kids, while Stingray Bay (when in operation) is fun for explorers ages five and up. Our pick for coolest thing to do on Castaway Cay? Swimming out to Pelican Plunge, a floating water slide with water cannons and splash buckets, and riding right into the crystal clear water.
courtesy Disney Cruise Line
The Disney Dream's home base is Port Canaveral, but ships also leave from Galveston, and in 2020, for the first time, Disney Cruise Line will have cruises departing from New Orleans.
Are you a Disney cruise fan? If so, get ready for some pretty awesome additions. Over the next few years, Disney’s magical fleet is getting some extra company.
Between 2021 and 2023, Disney Cruise Line plans on adding three new ships to its fleet. With the growing popularity of family cruises, taking a trip with Disney goes above and beyond what most kiddos could even dream of.
Photo: Courtesy of Disney Cruise Line
While specifics about each of the new ships haven’t yet been released, Disney Cruise Lines did announce that each ship will weigh in at approximately 140,000 gross tons and hold about 1,250 guest staterooms. According to a press release, “The new vessels will offer more innovation, new technologies, spectacular entertainment and more Disney stories and characters than ever before.”
As of now Disney hasn’t provided information on the names of the ships or the areas they’ll service. Look for the first new ship to start charting a course through the high seas in 2021. The second will debut the following year, in 2022. The third addition will become part of Disney’s regular fleet in 2023.
Looking to hit the open seas with the family? Make it a magical voyage with a trip aboard a Disney cruise ship. Disney Cruise Line’s 2019 itinerary lineup has been released and there are some spectacular destinations departing from both coasts.
Disney Cruise Line has just revealed its destinations and itineraries for the Fall 2019 season. Cruises begin setting sail in September and run throughout January 2020. The itineraries include ships leaving port from Florida and Texas to the islands of the Caribbean and the Bahamas, both of which give guests a stop at Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay. Further north along the east coast, are cruises from New York to Bermuda and the Canadian coast.
On the other side of the map, travelers have several options to set sail from the west coast as well. Trips headed south from California will take you to Baja and the Mexican Riviera, or you can start further north in Vancouver and work your way down along the Pacific coastline to sunny San Diego. You can also experience something really unique with a 2-week journey from California to Texas that crosses the Panama Canal.
If you’re looking to get a little further away, Disney Cruise Line is also offering a ten-night transatlantic cruise that departs from Dover, England on September 15 and lands in New York.
A Disney Cruise vacation is unlike any other cruise with amenities like character experiences, kids clubs, Disney-themed live shows and special events, like Star Wars Day at Sea, Pirate Night and Halloween on the High Seas.