Top 10 Activities for Kids

There’s only one problem with introducing children to cruising – they may never want to disembark because there are so many great experiences on offer! 

From having breakfast with Disney characters to whizzing down a water slide, learning how to hip-hop, discovering the science behind a simple experiment and learning how to ice skate, there is just so much to do. Cruises are perfect for fun family holidays catering for all age groups and interests and you will probably never hear those words – “I’m bored” – the whole time you’re on board. 

Here's our list for the top 10 activities for kids:

1. Water Fun

There are swimming pools, water parks and giant slides that will keep kids amused for hours on many family-friendly ships, then there are the poolside cafes where young cruisers can order pizza, hot dogs and ice-creams for free. There’s lots of competition to provide the fastest, wettest rides and new attractions.

2. Circus Activities

Young cruisers will be juggling, spinning and tumbling in no time as they learn easy circus skills and cool tricks to show off in a performance after attending circus workshops. P&O Cruises was the first cruise line to introduce Circus at Sea, with many following and offering great workshops.

3. Go Surfing

Surf simulator FlowRider features on some Royal Caribbean International ships. It’s a free attraction located on the rear deck with waves created by water rushing at up to 40kmh. Surfers can stand on a surfboard or hug a boogie board, and lessons are available.

4. Ice skating

Skates and skating are free on Royal Caribbean International ships that feature cool ice-skating rinks and ice-skating classes. It’s a fun family activity available on the cruise line’s five Voyager-class ships. At night the professionals take over with dazzling shows from talented figure skaters.

5. Movies

Kids are well catered for on child-friendly ships. The latest Disney movie releases, some in digital 3D, are shown on Disney cruises in the Buena Vista Theatres, luxurious movie palaces inspired by Hollywood’s golden age. Movies are also screened under the stars, in theatres and inroom. 

6. Kids’ clubs

Family cruising is a huge market and family-friendly ships offer clubs catering for all ages from young children to teenagers with age-appropriate activities, movies, tournaments, games, theme nights and scavenger hunts. Staff are well trained to keep youngsters happy and safe and there are cruises that offer specific parent-children activities.

7. Deck parties

Kids never know who they may meet on deck – much-loved Disney characters parade on Disney cruises and stop for a photo, hug or autograph. Fireworks follow, providing memorable moments for all. Themed parties are held on child-friendly ships, with the pirate dress-up parties always a favourite.

8. Cooking classes

Budding chefs are offered their own cooking classes on child-friendly ships including Royal Caribbean. Princess Cruises offers a Jr.CHEF @Sea program where kids can go “behind the scenes” in the shipboard galleys to learn how to decorate a cake or make a fruit pizza. 

9. Sports Galore

Kids are well catered for with mini golf, ping pong, basketball courts, rock-climbing walls, bungy trampoline, tennis, cricket and golf nets. Friendly sports matches are also scheduled on various cruises, as well as mini soccer and dodgeball games. Dance classes such as hip-hop and flash mob dance workshops are also popular.

10. Kids Dining

Kids’ clubs supervise dinner and hold theme nights as well as pizza and ice-cream parties. Teens often have their own formal nights in a separate section of the dining room reserved for them. Early meals are available for families, and children are welcome at most specialty restaurants at a charge.