Family cruising is booming — and that trend is likely to continue. "When analyzing which vacation types families would like to try in the future, the FTA’s 2018 research shows that cruises are one of the fastest-growing areas of appeal," according to Peter Bopp, director of strategy for the FTA.

Popular family travel styles are playing a role in this market, as well, with cruise lines seeing increasing numbers of “skip-gen” vacationers (where grandparents take their grandkids on a trip) and “framily” (a mix of friends and family) groups onboard. Given all this, it’s easy to see why today's cruise ships and experiences are designed with families in mind. 

Cruise lines are catering to today’s wide range of family travelers with accommodations of all types, from large family cabins and connecting staterooms to ultra-luxurious options. Disney Cruise Line is known for its roomy family-friendly staterooms with pull-down bunk beds and convenient split bathroom concept. For families seeking an over-the-top vacation experience, Royal Caribbean International’s Symphony of the Seas features a two-level Ultimate Family Suite complete with a floor-to-ceiling Lego wall, spiral slide and a private cinema.

On MSC Cruises’ newest ships, families can book up to three flexible connecting modular staterooms accommodating up to 10 people. These ships also feature the MSC Yacht Club, an all-inclusive private VIP area. Family groups vacationing on Norwegian Cruise Line’s latest ships have a wide choice of accommodations including family-friendly Mini-Suites, studio staterooms and The Haven by Norwegian, an exclusive luxury boutique-hotel-within-a-ship area.

And Carnival Cruise Line’s unique Family Harbor area has specially designed family staterooms and its own private lounge.

"Family Harbor has been extremely well-received since being introduced on Carnival Vista, and we've expanded the area for both Carnival Horizon and Carnival Panorama due to increased popularity," said Vance Gulliksen, public relations manager at Carnival Corporation.

And it’s not just ocean-going families who are enjoying expanded accommodations options.

“When Disney partnered with AmaWaterways, family demand for river cruising skyrocketed,” said Amanda Storm, owner of Lawrence, Kan.-based Amanda’s Travels. “Now, families can enjoy connecting and triple-occupancy staterooms aboard their newer ships.” 

Today’s action-packed family cruises are designed to make memories that last a lifetime. Cruise lines are catering to kids (and kids at heart) with a mind-bending array of tricked-out onboard features including MSC Cruises' thrilling ziplines and Himalayan Bridge ropes course, Carnival's aerial SkyRide and IMAX Theatre, Royal Caribbean's 10-story Ultimate Abyss slide and RipCord by iFly skydiving simulators, and Norwegian Cruise Line's intergalactic laser tag arena and two-story race track.

Additionally, cruise lines have designed engaging experiences to please every family member. While kids and teens programs offer a never-ending lineup, cruise lines are also showcasing activities families can enjoy together, including spectacular Broadway-style entertainment, iconic character interactions, cooking classes and game shows. Family meals at a dazzling array of dining venues are always a highlight, too.

And brand-name partnerships, including Princess Cruises’ with Discovery, Inc. and Celebrity Cruises’ collaboration with companies such as Lonely Planet, have resulted in exceptional family programs onboard and hundreds of shore excursions in ports of call. MSC Cruises’ new content master class even shows families how to capture the best sharable photos and videos on their cruise.

Cruise lines are reimagining their destinations, as well. Royal Caribbean’s new private island transformation, Perfect Day at CocoCay, will allow families to enjoy memorable adventures together beginning in 2019. The attraction-packed island will include North America’s tallest waterslide, the Caribbean’s largest wave pool and a beach club with overwater cabanas.

Families are venturing to a wider variety of destinations on ships large and small.

"Family cruises have always been popular in the Caribbean, but they’re really on the rise in other destinations," said Bob Levinstein, CEO of CruiseCompete.com/Compete Ventures, LLC. The same trend is true for multigenerational cruises, as well. At CruiseCompete.com, the percentage of multigenerational Alaska cruise bookings showed a 35.2 percent increase in the last four years.

With this strong demand, many cruise lines are positioning multiple family-friendly ships in Alaska.

“Alaska is a bucket-list trip for families, and cruising is a great way to see this destination on ships of all sizes,” said Amie O’Shaughnessy, CEO of Ciao Bambino! Inc. UnCruise Adventures’ Alaska itineraries are particularly popular with families, and family-owned Alaskan Dream Cruises now offers three dedicated family cruise departures.

Additionally, Lindblad Expeditions is seeing substantially more family and multigenerational guests, particularly on their Galapagos, Alaska and Baja Mexico sailings. More families are booking Lindblad’s Antarctica and Arctic voyages, too. Exciting European cruise itineraries are enticing families to experience enchanting new destinations on attraction-filled megaships, and select river cruise lines are embracing travelers with children.

“Our ships have always welcomed children ages four and up, as we believe it is so important for young people to be exposed to new places, cultures, languages and ideas,” said Kristin Karst, vice president and co-owner of AmaWaterways.