Oh Buoy! The Best Cruises for Kids in 2025

Embarking on a cruise adventure with kids can be an unforgettable experience, filled with excitement, exploration, and endless fun. But with so many options available, finding the perfect cruise tailored to your family's needs can feel like navigating uncharted waters.

We've rounded up the best cruises for kids, designed specifically with families in mind. From epic onboard activities and kid-friendly entertainment to family-friendly dining options and immersive shore excursions, these are the best family cruises that promise to create lasting memories for both children and parents alike. 

Oh Buoy! The Best Cruises for Kids in 2025

1. The Ultimate Wiggly Adventure on Royal Caribbean

Royal Caribbean is taking family holidays to the next level with The Ultimate Wiggly Adventure, a series of six Wiggly-themed cruises sailing from Sydney and Brisbane in summer 2025/26. Perfectly designed for families with little ones, these cruises bring the magic of The Wiggles to the high seas. Kids will sing, dance and laugh alongside their favourite Wiggly Friends, Dorothy the Dinosaur, Wags the Dog, Henry the Octopus and Captain Feathersword^ while enjoying Live Shows, Wiggly Disco Party, Dance Class with Dorothy the Dinosaur, Story Time with Wags the Dog, Character Photo Opportunities and so much more.

Kids' clubs on board: The fun doesn’t stop there, families have access to Royal Caribbean’s award-winning Adventure Ocean® Kids Club. Kids stay engaged with everything from games and creative play to themed activities for every age, giving parents the chance to relax and enjoy some well-earned downtime.

Recommended family activities: Families can make the most of all the perks of a Royal Caribbean holiday, including delicious dining, world-class entertainment, resort- style pools, sports courts and, of course, unlimited free ice cream. With bold new experiences and big family fun, The Ultimate Wiggly Adventure is set to be one of the most exciting cruises for families in summer 2025/26.

^Individual performers may be substituted.

2. Voyager of the Seas

The incredible, legendary Voyager of the Seas is one of Royal Caribbean’s most family-friendly ships, departing from Brisbane, Queensland.

Packed with exciting attractions and plenty of kid-approved entertainment, Voyager of the Seas is a floating playground at sea. With multiple family dining options, world-class Broadway-style shows and action around every corner, this ship is tailor-made for adventure-loving families and offers plenty to keep kids and parents entertained both day and night. It’s a great choice for families who want a balance of adventure and poolside relaxation.

Kids' clubs on board: The acclaimed Adventure Ocean Youth Programme is all about keeping young travellers happy and engaged. With Aquanauts for ages three to five, Explorers for six to eight-year-olds, and Voyagers for nine to 11-year-olds, there's something for every age group. 

Recommended family activities: Where to start! There’s no shortage of family fun onboard Voyager of the Seas. Spend the day swimming in the pools, battling it out in Laser Tag, hitting a game of mini-golf, scaling the rock wall, or testing your skills on the FlowRider surf simulator. With something for everyone, this ship delivers one of the best cruise holidays for kids in 2025.

3. Pacific Adventure

Get ready to dive into the amazing new offerings aboard Pacific Adventure!

From the fantastic restaurants and bars to the family-friendly delights like Byron Beach Club, and a special pool area just for families, there's so much to explore. With all the classic P&O signature features and plenty of exciting additions, Pacific Adventure promises an unforgettable experience for the whole family. Cruises for kids don't come much better than this one! 

Kids' clubs on board: Under the supervision of experienced childhood educators, P&O have curated an epic array of daily activities tailored just for kids. From creative arts and crafts to exciting sports and musical adventures, their onboard kids' clubs cater to different age groups, ensuring every child finds their perfect fit. Dive into Turtle Cove for the littlest ones aged two to five, explore the fun at Shark Shack for six to nine-year-olds, embark on adventures at HQ for 10 to 13-year-olds, and delve into cool hangouts at HQ+ for 14 to 17-year-olds!

Recommended family activities: Talent shows, music lessons, water parks, an abundance of pools, a dedicated indoor-outdoor family space, open 365 days a year, plus sports, family games, family parties, and more.

Check out our review of P&O Pacific Adventure: The Family Getaway You Didn't Know You Needed.

4. Carnival Splendor

Looking for the ultimate holiday escape and one of the best cruises for kids? Carnival Splendor has it all!

Stretching the length of three football fields, this ship is in a league of its own. Following a refurbishment in 2019, it's now equipped with Fun-Ship 2.0 upgrades, including the thrilling Green Thunder Waterslide & Waterpark, Guy's Burger Joint, and the Blue Iguana Tequila Bar. The moment you step aboard, you'll feel the fun vibes with vibrant decor, thrilling waterslides, lively entertainment, and delicious dining options. Safe to say, Carnival Splendor promises non-stop excitement and relaxation for guests of all ages.

Kids' clubs on board: Step aboard a Carnival destination cruise and dive into the excitement of Camp Ocean! Designed for kids aged two to 11, it's a sea-themed paradise bursting with age-appropriate activities. From the Penguin colony (two to five-year-olds) learning about buoyancy to Stingrays (six to eight-year-olds) getting crafty with sea salt art, and Sharks (nine to 11-year-olds) diving into marine trivia and sports, there's endless fun for every young cruiser. 

Recommended family activities: There's dive-in movies, mini golf, Carnival WaterWorks, waterslides aplenty, stage shows, Warehouse Arcade, games, parties, arts and crafts, a library, Dr. Seuss Story Time—need we go on?! 

5. Disney Magic at Sea

The ultimate choice for the ultimate Disney fan, Disney Magic at Sea lets you embark on a magical adventure sailing from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, or Auckland with Disney!

Experience the enchantment of beloved characters, themed dining, Broadway-style shows, exciting kids' clubs, and lively deck parties. Dive into Goofy’s Pool for splashing fun in the sun or explore a variety of unforgettable spaces designed for every member of the family. From dynamic clubs for kids to luxurious adult-exclusive retreats, there's something for everyone to enjoy!

Kids' clubs on board: For every age and stage! It's a Small World Nursery caters to the youngest cruisers, while Vibe offers a teens-only hangout. Edge is all about creative pursuits, games, and movies for tweens, while Disney's Oceaneer Lab is bursting with activities. 

Recommended family activities: If your family loves Disney, this is hands down one of the best cruises for kids. From musicals and character experiences to a plethora of pools for everyone to enjoy, you certainly won't get bored onboard Disney Magic.

6. Coral Princess

Coral Princess, a luxurious cruise ship by the renowned Princess Cruises, promises an unforgettable experience for 2,000 guests.

From elegant accommodations to a plethora of onboard activities, and entertainment, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Set sail on this magnificent liner and embark on a journey filled with excitement and relaxation for the whole family!

Kids' clubs on board: At The Treehouse, kids aged three to seven can dance, enjoy pyjama movie nights, create art projects like Animal Planet™ puppets, and masks or compete in a Lego® boat-building contest. The Lodge is for eight to 12-year-olds and is bursting with talent shows, themed nights and treasure hunts. Or, The Beach House is perfect for teens with late-night movies, hip-hop dance classes and video game tournaments on offer, as well as sports competitions.

Recommended family activities: There's something for every member of the family aboard the Coral Princess—from theatre shows and live entertainers to Movies Under the Stars, plenty of pools, and more. 

7. Carnival Luminosa

Setting sail to both local and international destinations, Carnival Luminosa promises an exhilarating adventure like no other.

Featuring beloved Carnival attractions such as the RedFrog Rum Bar, Fahrenheit 555, and the Cloud 9 Spa and Serenity, your journey aboard Carnival Luminosa will be nothing short of magical. Whether you're travelling with your partner, friends, or family, Carnival Luminosa offers a variety of accommodations and itineraries to suit everyone's preferences. Get ready for unforgettable memories at sea!

Kids' clubs on board: Step aboard a Carnival destination cruise and dive into the excitement of Camp Ocean! Designed for kids aged two to 11, it's a sea-themed paradise bursting with age-appropriate activities. From the Penguin colony (two to five-year-olds) learning about buoyancy to Stingrays (six to eight-year-olds) getting crafty with sea salt art, and Sharks (nine to 11-year-olds) diving into marine trivia and sports, there's endless fun for every young cruiser. 

Recommended family activities: There's dive-in movies, mini golf, Carnival WaterWorks, waterslides aplenty, stage shows, Warehouse Arcade, games, parties, arts and crafts, a library, Dr. Seuss Story Time, and the list just goes on and on!

8. Anthem of the Seas

An incredibly popular pick among families and one of the best cruises for kids, Anthem of the Seas departs Sydney this summer. Known for its mix of cutting-edge technology and family-friendly fun, this ship blends incredible entertainment, innovative dining and jaw-dropping activities that kids (and parents) will love. From sunrise to sunset, there’s always something happening onboard.

Take in panoramic ocean views from the North Star observation capsule, experience skydiving at sea with or test your balance on the surf simulator. When it comes to dining, the whole family can enjoy everything from casual bites to globally inspired cuisine in stylish restaurants and vibrant cafés.

Kids' clubs on board: Anthem of the Seas features the acclaimed Adventure Ocean® Youth Programme, keeping kids engaged with age-appropriate fun. Aquanauts (three to five years), Explorers (six to eight years), and Voyagers (nine to 11 years) all get their own tailored activities, while teens have dedicated spaces to chill and socialise.

Recommended family activities: Families can make the most of multiple pools, bumper cars and rock climbing, alongside skydiving with RipCord by iFLY^®, and surfing on the FlowRider. With so much variety, Anthem of the Seas makes every day at sea an adventure.

9. Disney Wonder

Picture a destination where families come together, parents unwind, and children dive into enchanting adventures crafted by Disney's magic. With its timeless charm, innovative features, and captivating experiences, Disney Wonder invites you to embark on an unforgettable journey across 11 magnificent decks.

From epic dining options to an abundance of pools and exciting activities, every corner of this ship is a gateway to new and exciting destinations. Get ready to sail away to exotic places and create memories that will last a lifetime aboard the Disney Wonder!

Kids' clubs on board: For every age and stage! It's a Small World Nursery caters to the youngest cruisers, while Vibe offers a teens-only hangout. Edge is all about creative pursuits, games, and movies for tweens, while Disney's Oceaneer Lab is bursting with activities. 

Recommended family activities: This really is an incredible option for a cruise for kids. From musicals and character experiences to a plethora of pools for everyone to enjoy, you certainly won't get bored onboard Disney Wonder!

More Family Holiday Destinations

Why Port Douglas is Your Next Budget-Friendly Family Getaway
Queenstown Family Activities: Your Ultimate Guide
The Best Things to Do in Perth for Families

Have you signed up to our newsletter? Join ellaslist to get the best family and kid-friendly events, venues, classes and things to do NEAR YOU!