Large & Small Ship Cruise
Vacations for Families

Think you already know which ship and destination you want to see via cruise? Let us help you sort out the finer details. Lodging should be comfortable; we can determine which cabin category makes sense for your family’s needs and what area of the ship is best. We’ll also sort through dining plans help you pre-book the most popular onboard activities. We excel at arranging uniquely tailored shore excursions so families can visit all the must-see landmarks in popular  ports of call.

Our favorite destinations to experience by way of large or small-ship cruises include the following:

Caribbean

The Caribbean Sea is by far one of the most popular destinations in the world for cruise lines. Many brands distinguish their routes between the western and eastern regions. Western routes might stop in Grand Cayman, Jamaica or Mexico, for example, while eastern routes port in places like the Bahamas, Haiti and Puerto Rico. Some of the larger lines even have their own private islands. Families love the convenient departure points in Florida, often with cheap, direct flights from around the U.S.

Galapagos Islands

The smaller ships that take families around these special islands are one of the best cruise experiences in the world, especially for animal- and nature-loving families. A cruise around the Galapagos is an unforgettable educational trip, while also being a relaxing family vacation. The cruise length is usually 4 or 7 days, and pairs well with some time exploring mainland Ecuador.

Alaska

Departing from either western Canada or the Pacific Northwest of the U.S., Alaskan cruises are one of the best ways to experience this beautiful state. Deciding between a large or small ship is a big factor when planning a trip — bigger cruise lines offer robust onboard activities, while smaller ships mean more opportunities for up-close and personal encounters with nature. Be sure to book far in advance; weather limits the cruising season in Alaska from late spring to early fall, so ships fill up fast. Go later in the summer if seeing the salmon runs and bears is high on your wish list.

Amazon River

Cruising the Amazon River feels like a real expedition that gets families deep into one of the world’s most fascinating ecosystems. Yet it is surprisingly easy to arrange this adventure, even during short school breaks. Onboard staff keep safety a top priority, but kids are drawn to what they believe to be risky adventure, like fishing for piranhas and swimming in the murky water. We can advise as to whether a Brazil- or Peru-based cruise is the right one for you; both offer incredible immersion in the rainforest.

Mediterranean

Families who want a taste of several European countries in just one trip, or who are daunted by the logistics of changing accommodations several times, should consider a cruise around the Mediterranean Sea. We can help determine which cruise lines will stop at your top-priority cities, and we love to arrange shore excursions that get families away from the throngs of tourists in major ports.

Central America

Nothing gets families feeling like real global explorers quite like a cruise through the Panama Canal. It pairs perfectly with stops in various tropical locations like Costa Rica and time at the front end wandering colorful Panama City. For families who crave authentic, local experiences, the brands we love best here are staffed with locals and stops are often in their hometowns.

Baltic Sea

Scandinavia is intriguing to families, but planning a vacation here can be daunting due to long drive times between destinations and rugged terrain as you head north. Enter a cruise through the Baltic Sea, which solves these challenges. Families enjoy a mix of urban experiences in cities like Copenhagen, Stockholm or even St. Petersburg, Russia, as well as time spent in rural areas highlighted by the Norwegian fjords.

Greece

Cruising the Greek islands solves the transportation headaches that often come up when planning a trip to Greece. Instead of boarding flights or ferries to transfer between locations (which inevitably means packing and repacking everyone’s suitcases), simply disembark from your cruise ship each morning in a new location and spend your time enjoying these incredibly beautiful isles.

Mexico

The Mexican Riviera has been a popular vacation destination for many years, especially for residents of the west coast of America. And it’s not just for those seeking beaches and margaritas —whale watching, cliff diving and exploring historic ruins are highlights here, too.

France

Small ships that can easily navigate France’s beautiful rivers are a great way to get around the country. Any of the luxury lines will do for older teens, as the appeal is in the interesting destinations themselves, like Paris and Normandy. For younger children, choose a line with dedicated family-focused sailings so that there is a range of onboard activities offered.

Germany

River cruising through Germany works in almost every season. In summer, families love an immersion into German culture, cuisine and scenery along the Danube, Elbe or Mosel. The ease and convenience are especially great for those new to European travel. In winter, riverboat cruises make visiting various German Christmas markets fun and hassle-free, as the boats typically dock right in the city centers.

Booking a large- or small-ship cruise vacation isn’t as simple as it initially appears. Our clients benefit from our firsthand experience with the major vessels and brands along routes around the world. Families who frequently cruise love the insider pro tips we share with our clients. We’ve managed to convince even staunch cruise doubters that, with our help identifying the right type of cruise experience for their family, it really can be the way to go.