You’ll find cruises in just about every corner of the world. Because it’s so easy for families to board a ship, unpack only once, and see multiple destinations in one trip, many opt to travel by sea. There’s certainly merit to this sense of effortlessness, but that doesn’t mean cruising is the best option for every destination (or family).
Despite having nearly 50 cruises under my belt, I still default to staying in local hotels and bed-and-breakfasts, enveloping myself in the culture of a single place, and venturing off the beaten path. In the following five destinations, however, I’d consider taking my family on cruise vs. land tour for a more hassle-free experience.
1. Alaska
A 2014 cruise to Alaska ‘sold’ me on the concept of exploring this destination by ship. It’s undeniably the best way to see a wide stretch of Alaska’s coastal scenery and passages, glaciers, and wildlife. While big ships tend to offer more family-friendly experiences onboard and on shore, small ships are able to get closer to the glaciers, and also visit more remote villages that aren’t found on traditional itineraries. For those who still don’t want to choose between a cruise and land stay in Alaska, some lines also offer cruisetours, which combine sailings with time at a wilderness lodge.
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My favorite Alaska cruise for families: Princess Cruises has always been a leader in family-friendly Alaska cruises. With the most ships sailing in the region, it offers myriad itineraries as well as cruisetours that include a stay at one of its five private, wilderness lodges. Deeply rooted relationships with local experts underpin Princess’ North to Alaska program, which features onboard lumberjack demonstrations, the chance to cook your own salmon or halibut caught during an excursion, and other exclusive experiences.
2. Greek Islands
The history, culture, and enchantment of Greece are palpable as soon as you arrive. Each island tells its own story, which is why you should experience more than one. The easiest way to do this with kids in tow is by cruise. Rather than juggle multiple accommodations, ferry rides, and tours, hop on a ship that takes you to the most prominent islands a la Mykonos and Santorini, as well as smaller ones that encourage you to ‘get lost’ in a canvas of whitewashed buildings, volcanic mountains, and cerulean seas.
My favorite Greek Islands cruise for families: Greek-founded Celestyal Cruises serves as more than a means of transportation around the islands. It’s a conduit for authentic experiences thanks to its years of expertise and the relationships it has with local tour operators and government officials. This translates to more thoughtfully designed itineraries that might include access to islands when no other ships are there; the ability to easily change course, if needed due to weather; and exclusive tours offered only to Celestyal passengers.
3. Iceland
Those unfamiliar with Iceland—but no less mystified by its otherworldliness—might be surprised to learn that there are many regions within the island nation to explore. They can’t all be seen in one day; in fact, visiting the most iconic landmarks requires several days, between transportation and tours, to take it all in. That’s why I’m a big fan of cruises to Iceland. Most ships sailing from Reykjavik allow you to soak up the sights while connecting you to must-sees like the famed Blue Lagoon and breathtaking glaciers and waterfalls. Longer itineraries also might include visits to some of the more than 2,000 islands peppered off the coast.
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My favorite Iceland cruise for families: Don’t choose a broader European itinerary that spends only a day or two in Iceland. Go with a line like Celebrity Cruises, which sails roundtrip from the capital city of Reykjavik and circumnavigates the coast. You’ll get to see every side of the island within a week’s span, and have ample time to experience its Nordic culture and rugged beauty. Tack on a few days before or after your cruise to see more of Reykjavik, including the kid-friendly Perlan museum, Laugardalur pool, and lava show.
4. Hawaii
With so much diversity across the Hawaiian Islands, families find it hard to choose only one. The solution? Book a cruise. Learn about volcanoes while hiking up them on the Big Island, kick back on the picture-perfect beaches of Maui, follow in the footsteps of fictional “Jurassic Park” dinosaurs in Kauai, and explore the urban jungles of Oahu. Along with the chance to sample different parts of Hawaii, a cruise is almost always more cost-effective—especially if you’re set on seeing see more than one island.
My favorite Hawaii cruise for families: Norwegian Cruise Line’s Pride of America is the only ship based year-round in Hawaii, making it easy for families to book a cruise that works with their schedule. No sea days means more time to explore on land—across four islands in seven days. Didn’t have a chance to chow down on local delicacies in port? The island’s culinary culture is infused into the ship’s dining program, where you’ll find staples like pineapple beurre blanc with fresh seafood and papaya with Asian short ribs.
5. The Galapagos
With strict tourism laws in place to protect the Galapagos’ ecosystem, a cruise welcomes the chance to see more wildlife and remote landscapes that otherwise might not be so easy to access. Cruise lines adhere to local restrictions by keeping passenger counts low and offering carefully vetted and controlled tours—bringing peace of mind that all the logistics have been worked out for you. So long as you uphold those values, families can get up close and personal with blue-footed boobies, giant tortoises, sea lions, and more on consciously designed tours.
My favorite Galapagos cruise for families: Unlike mainstream cruise lines that offer the Galapagos as one of many itineraries around the world, Ecoventura sails the archipelago exclusively. The Relais & Chateaux line comprises three 20-passenger luxury expedition ships that aim to “explore Galapagos the way nature intended.” While you’ll pay a pretty penny, it’s the most intimate way to immerse yourself in nature. Dedicated Family Departures cater to kids as young as five with family-friendly excursions and onboard enrichment ranging from bridge tours to ice cream sundae socials.
