The Best Cruise Liners for Children

Cruise liners have a reputation for luxury, quality and entertainment. However, if you are considering taking a cruise with young children, even the most opulent of facilities will count for very little if there aren't sufficient kids' activities. Thankfully, there are four cruise liners in particular that provide fantastic activities for kids without detracting from the lavishness and opulence for which the world's most prestigious floating cities are so renowned.

Oasis of the Seas

Generally speaking, the larger the ship, the better facilities it will have in place for children — and it doesn't come any bigger than the largest cruise ship on earth. The Oasis of the Seas is 220,000 tons of excitement and luxury, and it features a staggering wealth of activities designed just for children and teenagers.
With space for up to 6,000 passengers, the Oasis of the Seas is larger than some towns and is perfect for families that are looking for activities that will keep everyone happy. The kids can get some exercise and let off a little steam at a skating track, and a nine-hole miniature golf course provides some lighthearted fun for those who prefer something a little more sedate. An on-board FlowRider wave machine gives kids the opportunity to demonstrate their surfing skills, and the world's largest rock-climbing wall at sea delivers ample opportunity for adrenaline-fueled activity.
In many ways, the Oasis of the Seas has everything a major holiday resort has: basketball and tennis courts, a water park with slides and even a boardwalk area with its own carousel. However, younger kids will probably be most impressed with the ship's commercial relationship with DreamWorks Studios. Several iconic characters, including Shrek himself, can often be seen meeting children on deck, and a 3D theater has a constant stream of DreamWorks films to keep the youngsters entertained for hours at a time.
The world's largest cruise liner is quite simply astonishing, and the sheer range of activities and facilities for children means they are guaranteed the voyage of a lifetime.

Disney Dream

The mere mention of Disney is enough to have children's heads spinning with excitement, and that's why the Disney Dream is so popular with young children. This luxury liner is a great way to enjoy the Disney experience if you want to try something a little different from the iconic parks in Florida and California.
Every Disney character imaginable is aboard this stunning vessel, providing a magical experience for adults and children alike. Kids have plenty of exciting activities to choose from, including a 3D cinema, a selection of spectacular, Broadway-style shows and Goofy's sports deck — the home of several challenging pursuits. Kids and parents can enjoy a range of exciting activities at Goofy's, including basketball, miniature golf and a selection of virtual sports via state-of-the-art simulators.
Of course, Disney is about the whole family, so mom and dad will be able to relax and unwind in the ship's luxurious spa and fitness center. If something a little less energetic is required, the Disney Dream's many lounges, restaurants, bars and night clubs will provide refreshment and fun in equal measures. The Meridian Lounge is perfect for people who want to escape the glorious chaos that usually surrounds Disney. This adults-only bar is a great place for parents to enjoy a cocktail while the kids concentrate on having fun.
The name Disney is synonymous with family fun, and the Disney Dream delivers lots of it. However, the elegance and luxury that this cruise liner has should not be overlooked. Nowhere is that more in evident than in the beautiful staterooms. These exquisite suites provide all the modern conveniences of home and they are perfect for families looking for a comfortable, communal living area.

Crystal Symphony

The magnificent Crystal Symphony takes entertaining children very seriously. Kids are separated into three groups: three- to seven-year-olds, eight- to twelve-year-olds and thirteen- to seventeen-year-olds. A detailed schedule of interesting, educational and fun activities is managed by the ship's junior activities directors, so not a moment aboard the Crystal Symphony is wasted.
Kids will follow "Teen Scene" or "Surf Runner," depending on their age group. These activity schedules contain details of every planned event during the cruise, so families can coordinate their voyages accordingly. Treasure hunts, art workshops and miniature golf are just some of the activities that youngsters can look forward to.
The Crystal Symphony features a children's play zone called Fantasia, which has a range of video games, arts and crafts activities and TV shows to keep kids occupied throughout their trip. For the older kids, a retro-style video arcade is available, and the ship's very own library is equipped with a vast selection of children's books and DVDs.
The Crystal Symphony is a great example of a cruise liner appealing to passengers of all ages. From a dedicated children's menu to free babysitting services, parents can rely on a range of facilities designed to make a voyage aboard this stunning vessel one that the entire family will remember.

Carnival Magic

This is one of the few cruise liners in the world that actually looks like a ship that will appeal to kids. From its exciting water slides to Camp Carnival — a children's playground that occupies almost an entire deck — this vessel caters to a child's every possible desire.
A range of organized and supervised activities allows kids to be creative. Children are separated according to strict age groups, and they can enjoy a variety of activities with other kids on the ship, including swimming lessons, arts and crafts and scavenger hunts.
A magnificent outdoor theater, featuring a 22-foot screen, shows kid-themed movies and cartoons throughout the day, and "Hasbro: The Game Show" is a lavish stage production that gets parents and kids involved in a series of challenges that offer prizes for the winners. At every turn, the Carnival Magic is geared to the needs of families, but it also offers a level of luxury for grownups that is just as impressive as that offered by all the world's great cruise ships.