Best Family Accommodations on Cruise Ships

Top Suites and Staterooms when Cruising with a Family

Mar 22, 2009
Renee Ruggero

: Balcony in Presidential Suite - Royal Caribbean International

Multi-generational families taking a cruise can book a family suite with multiple bedrooms, bathrooms, outside dining areas and access to exclusive lounges.

“Family vacations are one of the fastest growing segments of the travel industry and this is certainly true for cruises,” says Terry Dale, president of Cruise Lines International Association. In a survey conducted by CLIA, over 60 percent of respondents say that they sometimes or always travel as an extended family. Here are some choices of staterooms for cruising with a family.

Biggest Suites for Multigenerational Families

Disney Cruise Line - The Royal Suite is Disney’s largest stateroom at 1,029 square feet. It features a veranda, two bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms (including whirlpool tubs), media library, pantry, wet bar, and concierge service.

Norwegian Cruise Line - The Garden Villa Suites are the largest suites at sea with around 5,750 square feet of living space. These three bedroom / three bathroom suites feature a private terrace with a six-person hot tub. Suite guests also have access to the Concierge Lounge and an exclusive Courtyard area.

Royal Caribbean International - On the Freedom-class ships, the Presidential Family Suites are four-bedroom / four bathroom suites that can accommodate up to 14 guests within its 2,025 square feet of space. The 810 square foot veranda features a hot tub, wet bar, lounge chairs and an al fresco dining area. The Presidential Suites on the Oasis of the Seas (December 2009) are slightly smaller at 1,618 square feet in total.

Family Suites Under 1,000 Square Feet

Celebrity Cruises – The Family Veranda Suite is exclusive to the Solstice-class vessels. The two-bedroom / one bathroom stateroom is approximately 575 square feet with a veranda (53 to 105 sq. ft.).

Disney Cruise Line – The Disney Wonder and Disney Magic both offer two-bedroom suites (945 sq. ft.) and one-bedroom suites (614 sq. ft.). Guests staying in these veranda suites enjoy daily canapés, fruit and cookies, and the option of in-suite dining.

Princess Cruises – On select Princess Cruises’ vessels, the Family Suite is actually two self-contained staterooms interconnecting through a large living room and sharing an oversized private balcony. The Family Suite sleeps up to eight people.

Royal Caribbean International – The Royal Family Suites can accommodate eight guests within approximately 600 square feet (plus a 234 sq. ft veranda). They have two bedrooms and two bathrooms with Pullman beds to accommodate the additional guests. Guests of these suites can also access the Concierge Club Lounge serving a continental breakfast every morning and hors d’oeuvres every evening

Additional Family Friendly Stateroom Options

When travelling with teenagers, two separate cabins means two bathrooms. A good idea is to book an outside or balcony suite for mom and dad, and an inside stateroom across the hallway for the kids.

When travelling with babies and toddlers, a bathtub is a great convenience. Most cruise lines only offer bathtubs in their suite categories. Disney is the exception with bathtubs in all staterooms.

Multi-generational families can choose to book separate cabins or take advantage of a large suite to accommodate the whole family. Potential cruisers need to weigh the cost of the total number of berths to be booked. Usually the first two berths in a room are the most expensive, with the third and additional berths booked at a discount. Whatever the choice, a second or third bathroom is one way to keep everyone happy.