Going on a cruise with your family isn’t just a fun holiday – cruising immerses children in different cultures and teaches them how to master new skills, such as surfing, hip-hop dancing, and filmmaking. But it’s not just the kids who get to have all the fun. Grown-ups are not forgotten, with adult-only options including luxurious spas, cooking classes, and serenity decks. With kids’ club facilities for tots, teens, and every age in between, entertainment and dining options galore, and accommodation to suit every family, one of the following cruises is sure to float your boat.
Carnival Cruise Line: Perfect for cruising with kids and teens
Carnival has officially become Australia’s largest cruise line, now boasting a fleet of four ships sailing locally. With Carnival Splendor and Carnival Adventure sailing year-round from Sydney, and Carnival Encounter based in Brisbane, Carnival is the only line offering year-round departures from Australian shores. Families are spoilt for choice with 2026 itineraries ranging from 3-day “tester” getaways to 10-day Great Barrier Reef adventures.
What sets Carnival apart is its industry-leading youth programming. While the bigger kids tackle the Carnival EDGE adventure park, featuring a top-deck Flying Fox, the younger crew can dive into Camp Ocean. Carnival is unique in offering the Turtles program for toddlers under two, alongside age-specific clubs like Circle C for tweens and Club O2 for teens. From July 2026, the whimsical Seuss at Sea experience will be available across all four ships, bringing the world of Dr. Seuss to life with character parades and themed breakfasts.
Disney Cruise Line: Filled with unforgettable excitement and enchantment!
If your cruise-loving family is looking for the ultimate mix of magic and adventure, Disney Cruise Line continues to raise the bar. The big news this season is the arrival of the Disney Adventure, which officially begins sailing from Singapore on 10 March 2026. This massive ship is a destination in itself, featuring seven themed areas, including Marvel Landing, where brave recruits can ride the Ironcycle Test Run—the longest rollercoaster at sea. For those looking even further ahead, Disney has just announced a spectacular wave of Summer 2027 itineraries, including the European debut of the Disney Wish.
Onboard, the legendary Disney service remains a highlight. The family dining program ensures little ones are served quickly so they can head off to supervised fun at the Oceaneer Club, leaving adults to enjoy a quiet “date night” at upscale, adult-only restaurants like Palo.
Blue Lagoon Cruises: An intimate Fijian island escape
For families seeking a boutique way to explore the South Pacific, Blue Lagoon Cruises offers a breathtaking alternative to the larger liners. Sailing on the 68-passenger M.V. Fiji Princess, these cruises focus on “island time,” taking you into the heart of the Mamanuca and Yasawa Islands. While typically adult-exclusive, they open their decks to all ages during designated Family Cruise Departures, timed with Australian and New Zealand school holidays.
The focus here is on shared adventures: snorkelling in crystal-clear reefs, visiting remote villages, and swimming in the famous Sawa-I-Lau Caves. A highlight is the day spent at Blue Lagoon’s private beach on Nanuya Lailai island, where you can enjoy a traditional Lovo feast and learn Fijian crafts.
MSC Cruises: Mediterranean style and LEGO® magic for global explorers
MSC Cruises is a global leader renowned for delivering enriching, family-friendly holidays that blend stylish European design with warm hospitality. Families can enjoy award-winning kids’ clubs developed with LEGO® and Chicco, alongside expansive water parks and spectacular shows. While they don’t base a ship here year-round, families can board the MSC Magnifica in March 2026 during her World Cruise visit to Sydney and Auckland. For those heading overseas, their “Kids Sail Free” promotions and earlybird savings (up to 50% for 2026/27 bookings) make exploring the Mediterranean or the Caribbean an affordable dream.
Princess Cruises: Fun and discovery for the whole family!
Princess Cruises continues to be a gold standard for Australian families who want a touch of sophisticated relaxation. The Princess MedallionClass® experience makes family travel seamless, allowing for touchless boarding and a “ShipMates” locator to find the kids anywhere on deck. Whether you’re staying in a cozy stateroom or a spacious Family Suite that sleeps eight, the focus here is on multi-generational togetherness.
The magic happens at Camp Discovery, a unique partnership with Discovery™ that turns the ship into a floating classroom of fun. While the “Treehouse” (ages 3-7) and “The Lodge” (ages 8-12) keep younger explorers busy, teens can find their own rhythm at The Beach House. From watching “Movies Under the Stars” with warm cookies to the thrill of “The Voice of the Ocean” talent quest, Princess ensures every member of the family finds their version of paradise.
Royal Caribbean: Endless fun for kids and grown-ups
Royal Caribbean is doubling down on family thrills for the 2026/27 Australian summer season, with the fan-favourite Quantum of the Seas returning to Brisbane and the innovative Anthem of the Seas making an encore in Sydney. These ships are legendary for their “firsts” at sea, including the RipCord by iFLY skydiving simulator, the North Star observation capsule, and the FlowRider surf simulator.
In an exciting partnership, the summer of 2026/27 will also feature three exclusive Wiggly-themed sailings, bringing the world’s most popular children’s entertainment group to the high seas. Families can sing, dance, and “wiggle” alongside beloved characters like Dorothy the Dinosaur and Henry the Octopus. These special cruises include a 4-night getaway from Brisbane to Airlie Beach (30 Nov 2026), a 4-night Sydney to Hobart holiday (1 March 2027), and a 7-night South Pacific adventure from Brisbane (19 March 2027).
Cruising tips
Book your kids’ club early
The best family cruise lines sailing from Australia fill their kids’ clubs fast — especially during school holidays. Register online as soon as your booking opens to secure a spot in the right age group. Pre-booking also speeds up embarkation day, so the kids can head straight to the fun while you explore the ship (or the cocktail list).
Check the age requirements
Not all cruise lines treat little cruisers the same. Some have minimum ages for drop-and-go kids’ clubs, while others offer dedicated nursery programs for babies and toddlers under two. Double-check age brackets, toilet-training rules and “family-only” play times before booking — it can make a big difference if you’re travelling with preschoolers or a mixed-age crew.
Download the ship’s app
Most major cruise lines now have a free onboard app — and you’ll use it constantly. It’s where you’ll check daily activity schedules, book shows and dining, reserve kids’ club sessions, and message family members around the ship. Download it before you leave Australia and log in early to save time (and ship Wi-Fi stress) once onboard.
