When considering what cruise line to sail on, it’s not just about the adults. Most cruise lines offer a kids club, where kids can spend their time playing games and making new friends. Some aspects of kids clubs are pretty standard across cruise lines. Generally, kids around the ages of 12 and under require an adult to sign them in and out, while tweens and teens have the freedom to come and go from the designated areas as they please.

While you may see some similarities across cruise lines, their offerings and activities vary greatly. We have sailed with several cruise lines, and some in our family have even experienced these kids’ spaces firsthand. So to help you make your decisions a little easier, we have put together some useful information that may just point you in the direction of your kids’ new favorite cruise line.

royal caribbean

Royal Caribbean is by far one of the most family-friendly cruise lines out there. They offer a program called Adventure Ocean for kids aged 3 to 17. They separate children based on age to ensure all activities are age-appropriate and loads of fun. Ships are equipped with various spaces to ensure kids can enjoy a variety of activities, including art projects, science experiments, games, and so much more. For parents traveling with even younger children, Royal Caribbean does have trained staff ready to entertain even the smallest passengers on board. If you do choose to drop your little ones off for some adults-only time, you will need to plan for them to be there for at least 2 hours, and you can expect to pay an hourly fee.

Adventure Ocean is generally open 9am to noon, 2pm to 5pm, and 7pm to 10pm on sea days. Parents do have the option to leave their kids checked in until 2am; however, this will cost $7/hour per child for kids ages 3 to 11. On port days, Adventure Ocean is open 30 minutes prior to the first shore excursion and remains open during meal times to ensure adults can disembark without worry.

disney cruise line

Disney was made for kids, so it’s no surprise that its cruise line offers the most extensive youth offerings. All of the kids club space themes are based on Disney favorites like Toy Story, Tangled, and Frozen. Newer ships even include immersive rooms designed to feel like kids are in the Millennium Falcon and the Marvel Superhero Academy. Disney kids clubs are typically open from 9am to midnight, except on embarkation day.

Kids ages 3 to 10 join the Oceaneer Club for activities based on Marvel and Pixar, including arts, games, and story time. Tweens and teens have their own areas for games, movies, and socializing. The “It’s a Small World” nursery cares for young children for a fee on select ships with reservations.

MSC

Just like its competitors, MSC offers activities for kids ages 3 months to 17 years old. They have five different kids clubs so they can cater activities to children of all ages. The spaces are open from 9am to 11pm every day, so kids can enjoy activities for short or long periods. They even offer complimentary lunch and dinner, so parents can drop their kids off and have peace of mind while enjoying an adult meal.

One unique aspect MSC brings to their kids club is a partnership with LEGO. Designated LEGO play areas are available in the kids club for kids ages 3 to 11. For kids even younger than 3, MSC now offers even more. Not only does the cruise line have a dedicated room where parents can play with their babies and toddlers, but they now offer a baby care service so parents can drop off their little ones. This service comes with an additional fee, but it offers greater flexibility for parents aboard MSC ships.

carnival

Although Carnival is known for its party atmosphere, it also offers plenty for younger passengers. For kids ages 2 – 11, Carnival offers Camp Ocean, where they are entertained with activities like songs, games, and video games. For little ones 6 months to 2 years, Carnival offers child care services for an additional fee. Parents can expect Dr Seuss story times and educational games made just for them. Teens also have a space made just for them where they can partake in scheduled activities like sports and video games, or just hang out with new friends.

This cruise line will also provide kids with meals during lunch (on port days only) and dinner, so parents can enjoy shore excursions or a date night. Camp Ocean closes at 10pm, but you do have the option to keep your kids checked in until 1am for a fee.

Norwegian cruise line

Norwegian offers a similar kids club environment on all its ships, except the Norwegian Spirit. Kids can be signed up on embarkation day and will receive a wristband to participate in Splash Academy (3-12) or Entourage (13-17). The cruise line offers a variety of activities, and an itinerary is available on embarkation day.

While older kids ages 13 to 17 can come and go as they please, younger children can be dropped off at the Splash Academy as early as 9am. The kids club generally takes breaks during lunch and dinner, so children will need to be picked up for meals. Like other cruise lines, Norwegian does offer a late-night program where kids can stay past 10pm for a fee. NCL does have an open playroom where parents can take children under 3; however, the cruise line does not offer a drop-off service, so parents must supervise their children.