Popularity

You won't be alone. More than a million passengers per year take family cruises.

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Popular destinations

The top two for families are the Caribbean and Mediterranean, followed by Mexico and Alaska.

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Cruise Length

The average is seven days, though some cruises are as short as 2 days and as long as 10 or more days.

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Travel agents

A good, well-connected travel agent can often get you a lower price and/or a better cabin than you probably could do on your own. They also offer you sound advice based on years of experience.

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Air travel

If you choose a departure port within driving distance of your home, you can eliminate the expense and hassle of family air travel.

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Know the real total cost

While most advertised cruise fares include your cabin, food, and entertainment, they don't include tips, alcohol, alternative onboard restaurants, laundry, transportation, shore excursions, among other extras. They collectively represent a tidy sum.

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Trip insurance

Sometimes families must cancel their cruise because of an unexpected illness, family death, among other circumstances. Those with trip-cancellation insurance get their money back. Those without it, lose it.

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Multi-generational cruises

I've known people who selected their cruises based solely on their children's desires. Those of the parents and grandparents should count, too.

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My other family cruise pages

Best 2 cruise lines for families

Top 10 mistakes to avoid - #1 to 4

Top 10 mistakes to avoid -  #5 to 7

Top 10 mistakes to avoid -  #8 to 10

Children activity checklists

World's Top 100 Wonders

World's Top 1000 Wonders

Site map

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Cruise Lines International Association

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Pirate photo courtesy of Disney Cruises

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