Three Tips for Planning a European Cruise With Your Kids

Consult the experts

Your Ensemble travel advisor knows the ins and outs of cruise lines and itineraries and can identify things like the best family accommodations (including those with features such as bunk beds and connecting rooms), onboard entertainment options and kid-approved shore excursions.

The ship makes a difference

A river cruise can be a good pick for teens and older children, and some companies like Adventures by Disney (which partners with AmaWaterways) have options for families with kids as young as five. For little tykes and first-time cruisers, you might consider an ocean cruise on a larger ship with a cruise line like Royal Caribbean, which offers more onboard amenities, including waterslides, nurseries, youth programs and extra support for children with autism and other developmental disabilities.

Get them involved in trip planning

School-age kids, tweens and teens will have opinions about where to go and what to do. If the destination is off the table (e.g., you’ve already decided on the Mediterranean), consider letting each child choose a port activity for ultimate buy-in.