Which ship should i pick when sailing with a tween or teen
One of the most common questions I get from families is:
"Which cruise ship should I choose if I'm traveling with a tween or teenager?"
The truth is that not all cruise ships are created equal when it comes to keeping older kids entertained. While younger children may be happy with a splash pad and a kids club, tweens and teens need much more to stay engaged throughout the cruise.
If you're looking for a ship that will keep your kids busy from sunrise to bedtime, these are my top recommendations.
1. Royal Caribbean Icon Class – The Ultimate Choice for Active Families
If your tween or teen loves excitement, the Icon Class is currently the gold standard for family cruising.
Ships include:
Icon of the Seas
Star of the Seas
Legend of the Seas
Hero of the Seas (Coming Soon)
Why Teens Love It
Category 6 Waterpark (largest at sea)
Multiple waterslides
FlowRider surf simulator
Sports courts
Rock climbing wall
Ice skating rink
Escape rooms
Aqua shows
Laser tag
Dedicated teen spaces
Multiple pools and hangout areas
The Icon Class was designed with families in mind, and there is truly something for every age group. Your teen can spend an entire sea day without ever saying they're bored. There is so much more included food on the Icon Class which I really liked. We actually didn’t even eat in the dining room once when we sailed on Icon. We wanted to try all the new dining options. I can honestly say my teen and tween never complained once.
Best for: Active families with kids ages 10–18 who want nonstop activities.
2. Royal Caribbean Oasis Class – Still One of the Best Family Ships Ever Built
Ships include:
Oasis of the Seas
Allure of the Seas
Harmony of the Seas
Symphony of the Seas
Wonder of the Seas
Utopia of the Seas
Why Teens Love It
FlowRider surf simulator
Zip line
Ultimate Abyss dry slide
Ice skating rink
Sports court
Escape rooms
Mini golf
AquaTheater performances
Teen lounges
Multiple pools
The Oasis Class offers an incredible variety of activities while feeling less overwhelming than the Icon Class. Many families consider these ships the perfect balance of excitement and relaxation. Harmony just came out of dry dock so this ship is refreshed with new additions. Symphony has my heart though. I truly fell in-love with the Oasis class when I sailed on her. My kids loved the show Hairspray and the Aqua show. Honestly I liked the Aqua show more on Symphony than I did on Icon
Best for: Families wanting lots of activities without paying Icon Class prices.
3. Disney Wish Class – Perfect for Disney-Loving Tweens and Teens
Ships include:
Disney Wish
Disney Treasure
Disney Destiny
Disney Believe (Coming Soon)
Why Teens Love It
AquaMouse attraction
Hero Zone sports area
Marvel and Star Wars experiences
Broadway-style entertainment
Teen-exclusive clubs
Character experiences
Movie screenings
Disney does an amazing job creating spaces where tweens and teens can socialize with others their age. The youth programming is often considered some of the best in the cruise industry.
While Disney has fewer thrill attractions than Royal Caribbean, the immersive entertainment and storytelling are unmatched.
Best for: Disney fans and families who value entertainment over adrenaline attractions.
4. Carnival Excel Class – Great Fun at a Great Value
Ships include:
Mardi Gras
Celebration
Jubilee
Festivale (coming soon)
Why Teens Love It
BOLT Roller Coaster
WaterWorks water park
SportsSquare
SkyCourse ropes course
Basketball courts
Mini golf
Arcade
Teen clubs
Family Feud Live
Carnival has always been known as the "Fun Ship," and the Excel Class takes that reputation to another level. These ships offer many activities at a price point that is often more affordable than comparable Royal Caribbean ships.
Best for: Families looking for maximum fun and value.
5. Norwegian Cruise Line – Freedom and Flexibility
Top ships for families:
Prima Class
Breakaway Class
Breakaway Plus Class
Why Teens Love It
Speedway race tracks (select ships)
Virtual reality experiences
Waterslides
Glow parties
Sports complexes
Laser tag
Teen clubs
Many teens enjoy Norwegian because of its laid-back atmosphere and "Freestyle Cruising" concept. There are no formal nights required, making it a great option for families wanting a relaxed vacation.
Best for: Families who prefer flexibility and casual cruising.
6. MSC Cruises – Growing Fast for Families
Top ships:
World Europa
World America
Seascape
Seashore
Why Teens Love It
Water parks
Rope courses
Formula One simulators
VR experiences
Sports courts
Teen clubs
Family game shows
MSC continues to improve its family offerings and often provides excellent pricing for larger families. Their newer ships feature plenty of activities while maintaining a modern European feel.
Best for: Families looking for newer ships and excellent value.
My Overall Ranking for Families with Tweens and Teens
1st Place: Royal Caribbean Icon Class
The most activities, the biggest waterpark, and endless entertainment.
2nd Place: Royal Caribbean Oasis Class
An amazing balance of thrills, entertainment, and value.
3rd Place: Carnival Excel Class
Fantastic family fun at a budget-friendly price.
4th Place: Disney Wish Class
Perfect for Disney-loving families and exceptional youth programs.
5th Place: Norwegian Cruise Line
Great flexibility and unique attractions.
6th Place: MSC Cruises
Excellent value and rapidly improving family experiences.
Final Thoughts
The best cruise ship for your family depends on your children's interests.
Love waterslides and action? Choose Royal Caribbean Icon Class.
Want thrills without the Icon price tag? Choose Oasis Class.
Disney fans? Sail the Wish Class.
Looking for value? Carnival Excel Class is hard to beat.
Prefer flexibility? Norwegian is a great option.
Want a newer ship at an affordable price? Consider MSC.
No matter which option you choose, today's cruise ships offer more activities for tweens and teens than ever before. The hardest part may be convincing them to leave the ship when you reach port!
