Many of the new cruise ships built today by the world’s leading cruise lines are built to cater for families. Jampacked with exciting, innovative amenities, cruise lines know how to entertain the whole family, no matter your age! Pair that with the excellent value cruises offer and you have the perfect holiday just waiting for you. If you never thought you’d take your kids on a cruise and you need some convincing as to why you should, here are 10 family cruise ship attractions your kids will love!

1. Aqua Parks

A popular feature on cruise ships these days is the addition of water slides and on some ships, water parks! Popular with all the family, water slides are one of the great activities included in the cost of your cruise holiday that your family can enjoy as many times as they wish while on board. When you consider the cost of waterparks on land, you can see the value of family cruising already and we have only touched on water slides!

2. Ziplines

Another thrill for all the family to enjoy is ziplining! Soar high above your ship and take in the views from a totally new perspective. Royal Caribbean’s Oasis Class ships all have ziplining as do MSC Cruises Seaside Class ships. What an exhilarating way to view the ship below and the destination you are in.

3. Go-Karting

Onboard five of Norwegian Cruise Lines ships (Norwegian Bliss, Norwegian Encore, Norwegian Joy, Norwegian Prima, Norwegian Viva) you can let your competitive spirit run free and race your entire family on a go-kart track like no other! This is a great experience and one for both adults and kids. With hairpin turns, checkered flags and three stories of track, you’re sure to have a blast on this unique attraction.

4. Laser Tag

Both Norwegian Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean offer laser tag onboard a select number of their ships and this exciting game is perfect once again for the families that love to enjoy some competitive fun!

5. Bumper Cars

Enjoy some childhood carnival vibes with a go on Royal Caribbean’s bumper cars at sea in their entertainment venue SeaPlex which you will find onboard their Quantum Class ships. This is always a lot of fun for the family and something that will no doubt encourage plenty of memories and laughs.

6. Skydiving

Did you know you can virtually skydive at sea? Onboard Royal Caribbean’s Quantum Class and Quantum Ultra Class ships, check out Ripcord by i-Fly, a virtual skydive simulator that gives you the sensation of skydiving without needing to jump out of an airplane 10,000 feet above ground! We’ve tried, we’ve tested, and we love! A must do for thrill seekers.

7. Dry Slides

Did someone say slide with a 10-deck drop!? Both Royal Caribbean and MSC Cruises have paved the way with their thrilling dry slides that shoot you down from the top of the ship, a casual ten decks below! Royal Caribbean’s Ultimate Abyss was the first dry slide at sea which now features on a number of their Oasis Class ships. While over on MSC Cruises World Europa, you can enjoy Venom Drop, the longest dry slide currently at sea.

8. FlowRider

Surfs up and it’s your turn to hit the waves! Royal Caribbean’s FlowRider is featured across their fleet on many of their ships and this adrenaline pumping activity is always a crowd pleaser! Royal Caribbean’s excellent surf staff will guide you to surf the waves in style! If you prefer not to wipe out, watching other cool dudes and dudette’s surf is a fun pastime on Royal Caribbean ships.

9. Rope Courses

Suspension bridges, obstacles, planks and more await you on your next cruise if you choose a ship with a rope course. A fantastic family activity for the whole family, rope courses are a great way to spend time together and being positioned at the top of the ship, they also offer impressive views over your port of call (or the ocean), and of course, the ship below.

10. Kids Clubs

Of course, we couldn’t write a post on things your kids will love about cruising without mentioning the incredible kids’ clubs at sea. Each cruise line offers incredible kids clubs on board. Divided into age-appropriate groups so your little ones, or your teens, can enjoy entertainment and games that are appropriate to them, cruise line kids’ clubs are safe, educational, fun and the perfect place for your kiddies to make friends on holidays. The facilities are out of this world and many of the cruise lines have partnerships with key partners such as MSC Cruises and LEGO, ensuring your children are content with brands they are familiar with from home.

Family cruising is the ultimate way to holiday and if you would like to learn more about taking your family on a cruise holiday, visit our website here. Alternatively, our cruise experts are available seven days a week to help you plan the holiday of a lifetime. Call 01-6995329.