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When you are sailing with a family, whether big or small, getting a good cruise deal is always good for your wallet. And when it comes to choosing a good deal you have three types of cruises to choose from. These are short cruises, long cruises, and budget cruises.
Getting the best cruise deal isn’t about the price alone. It is also about the cruise line. Choosing the wrong cruise line will ruin the vacation for your family. With those things in mind, I recommend the following best cruise deals for 2024:
- 4 Nights Bahamas Cruise from Carnival.
- 12 Nights Europe Cruise from Norwegian Cruise Line.
- 3 Nights Caribbean Cruise from Norwegian Cruise Line.
Keep reading to learn more about each of these cruise deals and how to choose the right cruise for your family.
Best Cruise Deals
The most convenient way to get a good cruise deal is through an online portal like CruiseDirect. Here are three great options for every budget.
Best Short Cruise for Families
4-Night Bahamas Cruise from Carnival
Departing from Port Canaveral (Orlando) you will sail to the Bimini and Nassau islands in the Bahamas. Get up to 52% discount and a 10% discount on excursions. There are many activities for both adults and kids on the cruise ship.
The 4 night Bahamas cruise aboard Carnival Glory is a great cruise deal for families.
You will get up to 52% discount depending on your age if you book through CruiseDirect. You will also get a Visa gift card worth up to $500 per stateroom, and a 10% discount on shore excursions.
Here is the Itinerary:
- Day 1: The cruise leaves for the Bahamas at 3:30 PM.
- Day 2: You will reach Bimini at 8:00 AM. You have a full day to enjoy the beach and activities such as snorkeling and stingray adventure. The ship leaves the island at 4:00 PM.
- Day 3: You will reach Nassau at 8:00 AM. You will enjoy the beaches, Queens Staircase, and Atlantis Resort on Paradise Island. You can also enjoy shopping at the local markets. The ship leaves at 4:00 PM.
- Day 4: You can enjoy all the activities on the cruise ship as you will be sailing back home.
- Day 5: You will reach Port Canaveral at 8:00 AM.
Carnival Glory has a great waterpark – the WaterWorks. You will get four water rides depending on the ship. These are “Twister Waterslide”, “Speedway Splash”, “DrainPipe” and “PowerDrencher”.
Kids will love the live characters from Dr. Seuss.
They can also enjoy the activities at Camp Ocean. There are arts and crafts, songs, games, toys, dancing, movies, and video games for them.
Adults can enjoy the pools, musical productions, and a comedy club. There is also an exclusive place to relax with drinks. You can also enjoy sports like golf, pool, basketball, volleyball, etc. at SportsSquare.
You will also get a wide range of dining options from buffets and bars to specialty restaurants on the ship.
Best Long Cruise for Families
12-Night Europe Cruise from Norwegian Cruise Line
Go on a transatlantic voyage from Port Canaveral to the UK, Spain, and Italy. Get a Visa gift card up to $1500 and a 10% discount on shore excursions. You will also get $50 credit on shore excursions per port. You will enjoy an open bar, a specialty dining package for 2 people per stateroom, and free WiFi.
This 12-night transatlantic cruise is full of value. But you may have to compromise with small-sized staterooms.
You will get the Free At Sea package from Norwegian Cruise Line. It includes an open bar, free WIFI, and free specialty dining for the first two guests in a stateroom. You will also get $50 credit per port on a shore excursion.
If you book through CruiseDirect, you get the best discounts. You will also get a Visa gift card worth up to $1500, and a 10% discount on shore excursions.
Here is the itinerary:
- Day 1: The cruise will leave from Port Canaveral at 4:00 PM.
- Day 2 – Day 9: You will be sailing across the Atlantic Ocean.
- Day 10: You will reach Gibraltar, United Kingdom at 10:AM. Choose an excursion package and explore the region. The cruise leaves at 6:00 PM.
- Day 11: You will reach Alicante, Spain at noon. The ship will leave for Italy at 8:00 PM.
- Day 12: You will be sailing.
- Day 13: You will reach Civitavecchia, Italy at 6:00 AM, and the cruise will end. You can continue your vacation to other places in Europe if you want. Or return home. But remember to explore Rome first.
The Epic from Norwegian Cruise Line is an ideal cruise ship to make your journey enjoyable.
There are 8 complementary restaurants and 6 specialty restaurants. There is also an exclusive restaurant for you if you choose to stay at their suite.
There are 16 bars and lounges. You can also enjoy coffee at Starbucks.
You can enjoy the Aqua Park which has two pools, five hot tubs, a kid’s pool, and three multi-story water slides. There is a teen center, sports academy, bowling alley, etc. for your children. And the kids can enjoy Playstation too.
There is a theatre, a comedy club, and a casino. And also a spa and salon, a fitness center, and a jogging track.
If you are in the mood, there is a shopping center and an art gallery for you too.
Best Budget Cruise for Families
3-Night Caribbean Cruise from Norwegian Cruise Line
Get the best value for money on this cruise. You will love the beaches, mountains, and historical monuments at the ports. There are also plenty of options for dining, shopping, and cultural activities. Plus you will enjoy great amenities on the ship.
If you are on a budget but want everything that a cruise has to offer, this is the one for you. This is one of the cheapest cruises, but being on the Norwegian Sky cruise ship makes all the difference.
You will get the signature perks from Norwegian. That is a free open bar, a dining package at the specialty restaurants, and free WiFi. Plus you will also get a $50 credit towards shore excursions per port.
You will also get a Visa gift card worth up to $500 and a 10% discount on shore excursions through CruiseDirect. There is a $300 onboard credit too for select categories.
Here is the itinerary:
- Day 1: Leave Miami at 5:00 PM.
- Day 2: Sail at sea.
- Day 3: Arrive at Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic at 7:00 AM. There are 10 types of shore excursions for you to choose from. The ship leaves at 3:30 PM.
- Day 4: Arrive at Punta Cana (La Romana), Dominican Republic at 7:00 AM. The cruise ends here. Enjoy the town on your own. It has beautiful beaches and many dining and shopping options.
Norwegian Cruise Line remodeled the Sky cruise ship in 2022.
The staterooms are small, yet cozy. There are two main restaurants, four cafes, and four specialty restaurants. There are also eight bars and lounges. It also has a Starbucks cafe.
The kids can enjoy the children’s pool, arts and crafts, and video games. While you can enjoy at the swimming pool, casino or spa. And the whole family can enjoy the musical shows, interactive games, and theatre.
You can also play basketball and golf. Or work out at the gym. And there are 10 onboard shopping zones too.
How do you choose the best cruises for families?
When looking for a family cruise, there are several key factors to consider:
Stateroom Configuration
Look for adjoining rooms and family suites with separate sleeping areas for kids. You can also opt for cabins with extra beds to accommodate everyone. Multi-generational groups may want cabins close together on the same deck.
Kids’ Activities
Most cruise lines offer supervised youth programs, play areas, pools, and game rooms. Check if the activities match your kids’ ages and interests.
Family Dining
Will you have designated dining times or can you eat when you want? Are there casual dining options that are suitable for kids? Can kids order from a children’s menu?
Ports of Call
Pick itineraries and destinations that interest both kids and adults. There are many types of shore excursions to choose from. Pick the one that is the most interesting for everybody in the family.
Budget
To save money on a cruise look for discounts for large groups. Most cruise lines have reduced fares for the 3rd and 4th passengers in a stateroom. Keep an eye on upgrade offers, all-inclusive packages, and early booking savings.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cruises
What’s included in a cruise fare for kids?
Most cruise lines provide kids’ meals, entertainment activities, pools/slides, and clubs. But items like souvenirs, photos, ice cream, arcade games, and nursery care cost extra.
What documentation do kids need?
Kids under 18 need proof of citizenship like a passport or birth certificate. Ages and ID requirements vary by cruise line.
Should you book adjoining cabins?
Booking adjoining cabins allows families to separate but still access each other. Kids can sleep in one cabin while parents enjoy private time in another.
Are there age restrictions for certain onboard activities?
Yes, some activities may have age restrictions. Check with the cruise line for specific guidelines. Plan the activities that suit the interests and ages of all family members.
What dining options are suitable for people with dietary restrictions?
Most cruise lines offer a variety of cuisines to choose from. The main restaurants have buffets and the specialty restaurants have a la carte menu. There are also special menus for kids on some cruise lines. But inform the cruise line in advance about any dietary restrictions.
See our other popular guides on planning and saving money on cruises here.