8 Best Family Cruises 2024

Carnival’s new 3,934-passenger ship, Vista (launched in 2016), is chock full of all the usual merry mayhem but with surprisingly sophisticated decor and entertaining innovations the entire family will love, including the first IMAX at sea and SkyRide, which zips around the upper deck.

Best for: Social moms and dads seeking poolside fun and a free program, Camp Ocean, for kids 24 months and up, including those who are still in diapers.

Coolest itinerary: Six nights round trip from Miami to the Western Caribbean, with calls on Grand Cayman; Ocho Rios, Jamaica; and Cozumel, Mexico, as well as two sea days. Price: from $749 per person.

Why it's great: Parents pining for more carefree days can relive them on this lively ship that’s ideal for all ages—as long as you’re not sensitive to loud music.