The Best Family Cruises for 2021

There are few things better than cruising, except perhaps going on a cruise with your family. You'll be able to spend quality time bonding, all while enjoying one of the most fun-filled vacation experiences ever. You'll be able to spend quality time bonding, all while enjoying one of the most fun-filled vacation experiences ever.

Voted as the Best Family Cruise Experience by Travel Weekly, Norwegian Cruise Line has all your family dining, family-friendly activities, accommodations, and entertainment covered. All you need to do is relax and enjoy. Sneak in some education by taking your family members on an Alaskan cruise or simply soak up the sun, and the fun, in The Caribbean or Mexico. You can't go wrong with a cruise vacation for the family; you'll find something for everyone! Explore some of the best 2021 family cruises. 

Mexican Riviera Family Cruises

While many travelers visit Mexico each year, the majority of them visit only one destination. On a Five- or Seven-Day Mexican Riviera cruise from Los Angeles, you'll maximize your Mexico vacation experience by visiting up to four different destinations including Cabo San Lucas, Ensenada, Mazatlán, and Puerto Vallarta.

Depending on your cruising dates, you'll have your choice of sailing on Norwegian Bliss or Norwegian Jewel. You may be wondering why you could choose a Mexican Riviera cruise for your family when this experience is known for its party atmosphere and lively bars. However, the Mexican Riviera is also home to iconic landscapes, world-class deep-sea fishing, and plenty of adventure activities both in the water and on dry land. Mexico radiates traditional cultural experiences, history, delicious cuisine, and golden beaches, plus the opportunity to try learning a new language!

RELATED CRUISES:
7-Day Mexican Riviera Cruise from Los Angeles
7-Day Mexican Riviera Cruise from San Diego

Family Cruises from Orlando (Port Canaveral)

While this best family cruise suggestion may sound a little vague, departing on your family cruise from Orlando & Beaches offers a few specific advantages. You can easily incorporate a pre- or post-cruise stay to include visiting the area's major theme parks including Walt Disney World, SeaWorld Orlando, and Universal Orlando Resort. You could also visit the Kennedy Space Center, tour the Daytona International Speedway NASCAR race track, ride the Orlando Eye, go on an airboat adventure, or go kayaking with gentle manatees. Plus, Cocoa Beach offers sunbathing and the opportunity to take some surfing lessons.

RELATED CRUISES:
7-Day Caribbean Cruise from Orlando (Port Canaveral)

Hawaii Family Cruise Vacations

Hawaii is another perfect destination for your 2021 family cruise. You won't have to worry about a passport or currency exchange. A Hawaii cruise is packed with many amazing things to do, including experiencing its unique Polynesian culture and gorgeous natural beauty, such as beaches, waterfalls, canyons, and volcanoes. If you sail on Pride of America from Honolulu, you'll visit four Hawaiian Islands where you can view the spectacular flora and fauna, go whale watching, or explore the underwater world through scuba diving, snorkeling, or exploring deep-sea life on a glass-bottom boat.

If your schedule allows, consider a 14-day Hawaii and French Polynesia cruise. Sail on Norwegian Jewel and explore some of the most picture-perfect destinations with your family. In addition to four ports in the Hawaiian Islands, you'll stop in Tahiti, Bora Bora, Moorea, and more. 

RELATED CRUISE:
7-Day Hawaii Cruise from Honolulu

Family Cruises to The Caribbean

Experience the diversity of cultures as you island-hop through The Caribbean on your family cruise. A Caribbean cruise is a wonderful, educational vacation for your entire family to enjoy. Home to some of the world's best beaches, The Caribbean also offers a plethora of family activities, such as discovering water parks, exploring centuries-old forts, and snorkeling with colorful tropical fish in the warm, crystal-clear ocean waters. With convenient sailings from Miami, New Orleans, New York, Orlando, San Juan, and Tampa — and 13 ships to choose from, including the incredible Norwegian Bliss — you're sure to find the ideal family cruise.

RELATED CRUISES:
7-Day Caribbean Cruise from Miami
7-Day Caribbean Cruise from New Orleans
7-Day Caribbean Cruise from Orlando (Port Canaveral)

Alaska Cruises for the Whole Family

An exciting cruise to the Last Frontier offers the ultimate nature adventure for family members of all ages. Choose a five-day, seven-day, or nine-day Alaskan adventure depending on your schedule. While many Alaska itineraries depart from Seattle, Norwegian also has cruises departing from Vancouver and one that starts in Seward, Alaska. This great itinerary enables families the ability to combine their holiday with some land-based tours.

Passive activities include glacier watching and wildlife viewing, as well as more exhilarating excursions such as seaplane explorations or driving a dog sledding team. Everyone in your family is sure to love riding the world-renowned Alaska Railroad through pristine wilderness, trying their luck at gold panning, or savoring a delicious all-you-can-eat salmon bake. Whale watching is one of the highlights of an Alaskan cruise, plus you might also see seals, porpoises, sea lions, and majestic bald eagles.

RELATED CRUISES:
7-Day Alaska Cruise from Seattle
7-Day Alaska Cruise from Vancouver
7-Day Alaska Cruise from Seward

Australia & New Zealand Family Cruises

Take your family on a cruise of a lifetime to the land down under! The recently refurbished Norwegian Spirit offers departures from Sydney and Singapore with 12- and 17-day sailings incorporating cruises for Australia and New Zealand, in addition to Indonesia and Singapore. You'll have the chance to see kangaroos and koalas, learn about Maori and Aboriginal cultures, or go snorkeling with the vibrant tropical fish along the famous Great Barrier Reef. You can also visit world-class zoos, national parks, museums, and an array of fantastic beaches ideal for sunning or surfing. 

If you choose the 17-day Southeast Asia and Australian itinerary, your ports of call will include the world-famous Komodo island in Indonesia where you can see real Komodo dragons — from a safe distance of course. Other iconic Indonesian islands on this itinerary include Bali, Surabaya, and Semarang.

To maximize your hard-earned vacation dollars, be sure to take advantage of the Free Extra Guests promotion on select cruises. Sign up with your email to get other Norwegian cruise deals delivered right to your inbox. You won't find a better way to give yourself the peace of mind that you're getting the best deal available. 

If this trip is your first family cruise, Norwegian has many resources available to help make your vacation the best family vacation ever. Remember, Norwegian Cruise Line offers complimentary programs for kids ranging in age from 6 months to teens. If you're not sure how to start planning your 2021 family cruise, check out our family cruise vacation planning tips, along with more information on family cruising on Norwegian Cruise Line. Rest assured, no matter which family cruise you choose, you'll be creating wonderful vacation memories that will no doubt last a lifetime.