10 Cruise Lines That Treat Kids Like Royalty (5 No Family Should Consider)

Going on a cruise can mean an exceptional vacation without ever leaving the ship (unless you want to). But for families, special considerations include things like whether amenities are available for kids, and whether other passengers will be happy about them making noise and taking up space.

It's not easy planning a family vacation, and it's even tougher to shell out the big bucks required for a cruise without a bit of insight on what to choose. After all, some cruise lines treat kids like royalty. Others, sadly, either don't allow kids or are totally not into catering to children's needs.

Here are the best options for families, plus the cruise lines you should avoid if you have kiddos.

15 Best In The Business: Disney, Duh

Tons of families rave about Disney Cruises, and really, are you surprised? They feature costumed characters, fun meals and desserts, themed movie nights, interactive experiences, and just generally treat your kids like they're special little someones. Who wouldn't love to go on a Disney cruise?

14 It's All In Their Name: Royal Caribbean

If you want everyone in the family to feel absolutely royal, critics say Royal Caribbean is an excellent choice. According to the Royal Caribbean blog, they offer amenities like kids-only tournaments, rock climbing, ice skating, scavenger hunts, and more. Cruise Critic specifies that ships in the Oasis class offer peak perks for families.

13 Every Day Is Fun-Filled: Carnival Cruises

If you want your kids to have a good time while you're having a good time, you'll like Carnival Cruises. They offer on-ship babysitting services, even for the littlest tots in your crew, plus Camp Carnival for age-appropriate activities for everyone. Sounds like a good time for all.

12 Princess Cruises: No Tiaras, But Plenty Of Kid-Friendly Perks

If a Princess Cruise is on your itinerary, rest assured your kids' experience will be great, too. They offer fun events like outdoor movies, educational programs, pajama parties, arts and crafts, dance lounges for teens, and even a teen spa program on some cruises. Oh, and the ice cream isn't bad, either.

11 Endless Amenities (Literally, 24-Hours): Norwegian

The Norwegian Cruise Line travel blog explains that Breakaway and Breakaway Plus ships (and Norwegian Epic) have water parks, including kids' water parks, and 24-hour arcades and bowling. Cruise Critic also explains that sometimes NCL offers discounts for families staying in the same cabin (IE third/fourth passengers free).

10 Celebrity: Makes Your Kid Feel Like A Star

While a lot of cruise lines claim to be family-friendly, Celebrity goes beyond the basics. Sure, they have family activities and dining (including a special kids' menu), but they also have STEM at Sea camps, a teen spa, and even unique amenities for children with autism (there are special features for adults with autism, too!).

9 Fun With Peppa (What Every Parent Wants) On Costa Cruises

If your tot is a big fan of Peppa Pig, Costa Cruises are for you. From open-air water parks to kids' clubs according to age, there are endless recreational opportunities for kids on Costa. The cruise line even has "Princess for a Day" and "Captain in Training" programs for the kiddos.

8 Holland America: Kids Travel Free!

Holland America is another cruise line that offers kids' fares for free (on specific cruises, of course). Plus, they have a kids club with arts and crafts, games, and more. You'll also find family-friendly accommodations like connecting rooms and sea views, though kids can hang out just about anywhere, too.

7 Tots Travel In Style On MSC Cruises

So, the water parks on MSC Cruises are clearly a win for kids. But there's also babysitting help (more of a perk for parents, admittedly), a literal chocolate wall, kids' clubs, and family-friendly cabins with room for everyone from toddler to tween to spread out. The LEGO theme helps enchant kids of all ages, too.

6 High-Class Cunard Doesn't Forget About The Kids

Cunard Cruises is a bit stuffier for most folks, but the cruise line hasn't forgotten about the kiddos. Their kids' area is all-inclusive, but each age group has a separate zone. Parents can hang out with their little ones (and for the younger set, they're required to) and play, watch cartoons, or just chill.

5 Basically Rated R (For Rebellious): Virgin Voyages

What did you expect from Richard Branson, really? One of their first ships was called Scarlet Lady, and the ships are proudly adults-only. Their big billing is "adults only and rebellious luxe," so clearly, children are not welcome.

4 Regent Seven Seas Is Mostly For Mature Folks

Regent Seven Seas might have some family-friendly amenities, but Covington Travel reports that their average traveler age is 58. While a lot of the folks aboard might be grandparents, we're pretty sure they won't tolerate toddlers in their space.

3 Silversea Doesn't Have A Spotlight On Kids' Services

Silversea doesn't outright ban children from its voyages. That said, they also don't pander to the under-50 crowd. There isn't any kid-specific entertainment or childcare available, and even teens would probably get bored. Of course, unless they're into fine dining or elegant stage shows.

2 A Few Basics, But Nothing Special: Crystal Cruises

Crystal Cruises does offer a few amenities for kids, like a children's play/activity area. That said, only the Symphony and Serenity ships offer special attractions for the kiddos. The rest of the fleet focuses on grown-ups, so this isn't ideal for families. If you do board Crystal Cruises, choose your ship carefully.

1 Uncruise Is Kind Of Un-Tot Friendly, TBH

Uncruises has a great concept going. Their cruise line focuses on adventure, both on the water and on land. Uncruises specializes in on-shore excursions that get everyone hiking, climbing, and exploring. Which might be great for kids ages 8+, which is the minimum for most adventures, except that you have to bring your own gear and equipment... And there's no on-ship entertainment, either.

Next: 15 Strange (But True) Facts Parents Should Know About Disney Cruises