Cruising with Kids: 11 Great Destinations to Explore by Ship

Cruising with kids isn’t just about the amenities and fun to be had onboard a ship. While cruise lines continuously push for bigger, better, more innovative and more luxurious experiences, the real beauty of a cruise is the ability to show your kids multiple destinations in a single trip. Treating a vessel like a floating hotel room with access to a succession of different stops means introducing them to a variety of cultures, foods, people and sights in one go.

Each port of call is an open classroom that fosters an environment of learning and curiosity, offering hands-on lessons in geography, history and sociology. The inclusive nature of cruising also allows you to explore diverse destinations without the stress of continual packing and unpacking.

Additionally, today’s luxury cruises are designed with family bonding in mind. They provide a range of activities tailored to all ages, so every family member has something to look forward to each day. Whether it’s a cooking class highlighting local cuisine or a guided tour through historic ruins, these experiences are curated to deepen the family bond while broadening your horizons. Here are the best destinations to consider when considering a family cruise.

Best Destinations for Cruising with Kids

Alaska

The Last Frontier offers families one of the most unique cruising experiences in the world. Rather than flying to the northernmost state’s remote national parks and taking planes, trains and buses to see multiple villages and sights, a cruise to this northern wonderland allows you to get a taste of its untouched beauty and witness its expansive wilderness in comfort.

Many port calls in Alaska are contained within the Inside Passage. This sheltered coastal route provides smooth sailing while offering panoramic views of some of the most dramatic scenery in Alaska, including glaciers that descend right to the water’s edge. In Juneau, accessible only by sea or air, families can explore the famous Mendenhall Glacier or embark on a whale-watching expedition. Skagway provides a gateway to Klondike Gold Rush National Historic Park and to rides on the vintage White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad. Further south, Ketchikan invites visitors to delve into native Alaskan culture at the Totem Heritage Center or venture into the Misty Fjords National Monument, often called the “Yosemite of the North.”

Smaller villages include Sitka, with its intriguing blend of native Tlingit culture and Russian history; Haines, which is excellent for wildlife watching with frequent sightings of bald eagles, especially around the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve; Valdez, known as “Little Switzerland” for its stunning mountain landscape; and Homer, with its famous Homer Spit offering an array of shops, eateries and beaches.

Asian River Cruises

Meander down the rivers of Asia to explore this vast continent and witness the rural and urban life of various countries. One of the most iconic routes is along the Mekong River through Vietnam and Cambodia, allowing families to journey from the exotic Ho Chi Minh City to the fertile networked Mekong Delta and on to the historic wonders of Cambodia’s Angkor Wat, a sprawling ancient temple complex that stands as a testament to the Khmer Empire.

In China, Yangtze River cruises typically span from cosmopolitan Shanghai to the steep, dramatic cliffs of the Three Gorges, renowned for the monumental Three Gorges Dam. Farther along, the river flows past historical cities like Wuhan and ends in the mountainous city of Chongqing, known for its food and urban life.

India’s Ganges River is another option, perfect for families eager to explore the country’s sacred sites. As you travel along the water, you’ll spot ancient temples, bustling marketplaces and deeply spiritual locations.

The Nordic Region

A cruise to the Nordic Region allows unparalleled access to some of the planet’s most breathtaking fjords, especially in Norway (like Geirangerfjord and Sognefjord, the deepest fjord in Norway) where steep mountainsides meet up with pristine waters that reflect the sky like a mirror. And if you’re lucky, cruises in this region also come with a bonus: the awe-inspiring Northern Lights, which you might get to witness as the ship moves north. The best times for this spectacular display are in the late fall and winter months, when the nights are longest.

Consider an expedition-style cruise to Iceland, Greenland or Scandinavia, which allows your family to be more than passive observers — you may find yourself ice fishing in remote locations or snowmobiling across frozen tundra. Kids will also find the region’s Viking history fascinating, and in cities like Stockholm and Copenhagen, families can explore royal palaces, historic sites and fabulous museums. Stockholm’s Vasa Museum, for example, houses the remarkably preserved 17th-century Vasa warship.

Nordic cruises often extend to nearby Baltic states, with stops in cities like Helsinki, Finland, and Tallinn, Estonia. Here, you’ll experience a mix of medieval history and modern living far from the madding crowds of Western European capitals.

The Mediterranean

A cruise through the Mediterranean, particularly its western region, encompasses the coastlines of Italy, France and Spain, and occasionally extends to the shores of northern Africa, providing your family with an easy way to visit multiple must-see destinations. Italy is a common starting point, with ports like Rome, Venice and Naples acting as entranceways to cultural and historical riches such as ancient ruins and artistic masterpieces.

Moving westward, the cruise might take you to the glittering French Riviera and cities like Nice, Cannes and Monaco, which boast stunning seaside promenades. Beyond the glitz and glamour, the region offers deeper cultural dives in places like Provence, where lavender fields and quiet medieval towns dot the countryside that inspired so many Impressionist painters.

Spain brings a distinctly vibrant culture into the mix, with Barcelona being one of the most oft-visited ports in the Med. The city is a showcase of modernist architecture, especially Antoni Gaudí’ structures like La Sagrada Familia and Park Güell. The bustling Las Ramblas and the historic Gothic Quarter contain markets, shops and more historic sites, as do the enchanting ports of less frequented calls in Tangier, Morocco, and Tunis, Tunisia. These latter destinations blend Arabic, African,and European influences, visible in souks, medinas and architectural details.

European River Cruises

River cruising is an idyllic way to explore the inner heart of Europe. The Rhine and Danube Rivers are among the continent’s most famous waterways, each offering sights, cities and experiences that capture the distinct essence of the countries they traverse.

For example, the Rhine, flowing from the Swiss Alps to the North Sea, cuts a path through six countries and offers panoramic vistas of steep vineyards, medieval castles and timeless villages. Cruises typically begin in Amsterdam and travel through the historic heartlands of Germany and France before ending in the picturesque Swiss city of Basel.

Meanwhile, the Danube offers a different but equally enchanting cruise experience. As Europe’s second-longest river, it flows through 10 countries, more than any other river in the world. Starting from Germany’s forested Bavarian region, the Danube passes through classically beautiful Vienna, the charming cobblestone streets of Bratislava and the historic bridges and baths of Budapest.

Beyond these, France’s Seine and Rhône Rivers, Portugal’s Douro River, Germany and the Czech Republic’s Elbe River, and Italy’s Po River offer appealing alternatives.

Galápagos Islands

A cruise is by far the most practical way to experience the Galápagos Islands, Ecuador‘s isolated and protected archipelago. These cruises, on smaller vessels, typically involve daily land excursions to explore the ecosystem and wildlife of the various islands. For instance, a visit to Isabela Island allows families to walk through landscapes dotted with volcanoes and interact with pink flamingoes. On Santa Cruz Island, visitors can learn about conservation efforts at the Charles Darwin Research Station and see giant tortoises.

Of course, water activities are also integral to a cruise in the Galápagos, with snorkeling, kayaking and scuba diving all active and fun ways to interact with marine species like sea lions, tropical fish and even sharks.

The relatively small size of cruise ships in the Galápagos ensures visits to islands are intimate and that the impact on the ecosystem is minimized, and expedition lines like Lindblad Expeditions, which partners with National Geographic, include expert naturalists and guest scientist onboard, providing an educational aspect to a sailing. However, there are still elements of luxury, especially on a line like Silversea, which includes all-suite accommodations and gourmet dining to the experience.

The Amazon

Another immersive expedition cruise journeys into the heart of the world’s largest rainforest. The mighty Amazon River system winds its way across South America, diving deep into one of the most biodiverse regions on the planet

Cruises on the Amazon River often start from cities like Manaus in Brazil, Iquitos in Peru or Leticia in Colombia. The river itself is home to fascinating aquatic life such as pink river dolphins, manatees and piranhas. Traveling by ship also provides opportunities for guided excursions in small boats to explore narrower tributaries and flooded forests.

Beyond wildlife, Amazon River cruises offer cultural encounters with the indigenous communities living along the riverbanks. Kids might learn about local customs, medicinal plants and survival techniques in the jungle.

The Greek Isles

Famed for their stunning natural beauty, the bucket-list Greek Isles are ideal to explore by boat, preferably small luxury yachts and cruise liners that can sneak your family into private coves and secluded harbors that larger ships cannot access. A typical cruise itinerary might include stops at iconic islands such as Mykonos, known for its winding maze of whitewashed streets and beautiful beaches. (Not to mention its vibrant nightlife — if you are traveling with older teens and college-age kids, they will thank you.)

Santorini, perhaps the most photographed of the Greek Isles, offers cliffside homes overlooking the sea. A visit isn’t complete without exploring the ancient ruins of Akrotiri, enjoying the stunning sunset from Oia and sampling the local wines, known for their distinctive flavor due to the volcanic soil.

Crete, the largest of the Greek Isles, features ancient palaces and a tapestry of historical sites that reflect its storied past, while Rhodes in the Dodecanese boasts extensive medieval history and Skiathos in the Sporades features crystal-clear waters ideal for sailing.

Antarctica

There is no greater expedition cruise than Antarctica, which is growing in popularity as well-traveled families seek adventures beyond the traditional. But the journey is not for the faint. The crossing from Argentina through the Drake Passage can be rough, but it will give your family a chance to step foot on the Antarctic Peninsula.

Upon arriving in Antarctica, kids will be greeted by an array of wildlife that has adapted to the harsh environment, such as several species of penguins congregating on the ice, seals lounging on ice floes and humpback whales and orcas surfacing in the frigid waters.

Most cruises offer zodiac excursions that allow passengers to land on the continent and walk on the ice, visit research stations or kayak through the waters. The excursions are guided by experts who will teach kids about the impacts of climate change on the fragile environment and the significance of Antarctic ice.

Eastern Caribbean

When considering a Caribbean cruise, you’ll want to decide between the eastern or western islands, the latter often including Mexican and Central American ports. While both have warm turquoise waters that make the region a prime destination for cruisers (it’s the No. 1 cruising destination in the world), the eastern region combines the allure of pristine beaches with rich historical experiences.

In the U.S. Virgin Islands, for example, you’ll find the home to the only underwater national park in the United States. Established in 2001, the Virgin Islands Coral Reef National Monument off the island of St. John encompasses approximately 12,708 acres of submerged lands and is a haven for snorkelers and divers.

There is also a mosaic of European influences in the eastern Caribbean, from the remnants of Spanish colonialism in Puerto Rico to the Dutch and French duality of St. Maarten/St. Martin. Sophistication can be found in St. Barth’s, where French chic meets Caribbean cool, while British influence prevails in Barbados, as evident in the island’s penchant for cricket, afternoon tea and well-maintained Victorian architecture.

With the Caribbean so popular, seek out smaller luxury cruise ships, which offer a distinctive advantage of reaching intimate ports via narrower channels. This will allow your family to explore hidden gems away from the typical tourist track and experience a deeper connection with the local cultures and environments.

Western Caribbean

Offering a distinct contrast to its eastern counterpart, the western Caribbean can introduce your family to the lush landscapes of Central America and the rich coasts of Mexico. One of the highlights of a western Caribbean voyage is the opportunity to explore ancient Mayan ruins in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, including Chichen Itza and Tulum.

Farther south in Belize, the smaller port of Harvest Caye offers a gateway to some of the world’s most pristine natural reserves, including the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, known for its jaguar preservation efforts. Here, families can enjoy eco-tours that include river tubing and zip-lining.

Cruise itineraries in the western Caribbean also typically include stops in Grand Cayman, where the stingray-friendly waters of Stingray City provide an unforgettable interactive wildlife experience to pair with the island’s high-end shopping and world-class dining.

Relevant Links:

Browse all ideas for large and small ship cruises on Ciao Bambino

10 must-know tips before booking a family cruise

Consider an AmaWaterways river cruise with kids

A small-ship cruise visit to Panama and Costa Rica

Set sail for a family-friendly taste of Southeast Asia

A superyacht Croatia vacation on the new kid-friendly Ohana

Editor’s note: This post was accurate when published. We advise checking independently for the latest information and updates. Ciao Bambino does not accept responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions in, or for any actions taken based on, the information presented.