Finding the best cruises for kids isn’t a challenge with Princess®. Aboard every ship lies a world of entertainment. On board, family time comes built in. You can gather for Movies Under the Stars®, cheer each other on during trivia in the Piazza, dive into festivals and themed events, or sit down together in the main dining room where children’s menus and quick-service options make mealtime easy. Your cruise fare includes supervised youth programming, family-friendly events and a variety of dining options designed to keep every age happily fueled for adventure. And with dedicated youth clubs, teen lounges and entertainment that spans Broadway-caliber productions to poolside movie nights, Princess makes it simple for everyone to share the fun — and still enjoy a little space of their own.

The experiences continue on land with excursions like relaxing beach getaways and tours that take you back in time to make history come alive. Some itineraries even include family-friendly beach destinations or private islands that are ideal for adventuring with kids. 

Whether traveling with infants or teens, here are the best kid-friendly cruises from Princess®.

Key takeaways

Princess Cruises offers kid-friendly itineraries designed for every age group, from infants and toddlers to teens and young adults.

Family-focused shore excursions — including beach parks, eco-adventure tours, wildlife encounters and cultural sites — create enriching experiences both onboard and ashore.

Short Caribbean and Mexico sailings are ideal for families with younger children, offering manageable travel times and relaxing beach destinations.

European and longer international voyages provide teens and young adults with immersive cultural experiences, historic landmarks and active excursions.

With engaging onboard activities and thoughtfully planned itineraries, Princess Cruises makes multigenerational travel seamless and memorable for the whole family.

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Cruises for kids ages 6 months to 2 years

Adventure has no age requirement — though a good nap schedule certainly helps. For families traveling with infants and toddlers, a Western Caribbean cruise with Princess keeps discovery simple, sunny and easy to shape around your little one’s pace. Depending on your itinerary, you may visit ports such as Cozumel, Costa Maya or Falmouth, where warm beaches, shaded breaks and stroller-friendly planning can turn a day ashore into a soft introduction to the wider world. In Cozumel, families can pair beach time with glimpses of Mayan history or colorful reef life; in Costa Maya, ancient ruins and white-sand shores bring culture and calm close together; and in Falmouth, Jamaica, relaxed beach time and lush countryside offer plenty to notice without overfilling the day.

Onboard activities for babies and toddlers

Even the tiniest cruisers are welcome aboard Princess. During dedicated Family Play Times, little ones ages six months to two years can explore the youth centers alongside a parent or guardian. You’ll also find complimentary childcare during port days for older siblings, giving you flexibility while your tiniest traveler keeps things cozy at your side.

A young family walks together along a bright blue deck of a cruise ship. The parents hold their toddler’s hands as they stroll under a covered walkway. Calm ocean water stretches out beside the ship with distant land visible on the horizon. The scene suggests a relaxed vacation atmosphere on a warm, sunny day.
Even the tiniest cruisers are welcome aboard Princess.

Best cruises for kids ages 3-12

With a convenient Los Angeles departure, the 7-day Mexican Riviera cruise aboard Discovery Princess® gives young children more time to ease into vacation mode before each new port brings a fresh story to tell. Cabo San Lucas welcomes families with warm water, bright marina views and shore excursions that make discovery feel close and easy. On a Dolphin Encounter at the Cabo Dolphin Center, children can stand on a shallow-water ledge, meet a Pacific bottlenose dolphin and learn from a trained naturalist about how these curious mammals communicate beneath the surface. The journey continues with calls in Mazatlan and Puerto Vallarta before two relaxing sea days carry everyone back toward Los Angeles.

Onboard youth programming

Princess Youth Programs are divided by age so kids can connect with peers and activities that match their energy level. Children ages 3–7 gather in The Treehouse, a bright, forest-themed space filled with hands-on crafts, Pirate Night adventures and creative play, while ages 8–12 head to The Lodge for rocket building, Mini Olympics and interactive destination challenges. Supervised by trained youth staff — and free during the day and evening — these centers let you enjoy your cruise while your kids enjoy theirs.

Two young children are playing and smiling on the deck of a boat. The younger child in front wears a bright orange hat and a light sweater with a playful design, while the older child behind wears a yellow top. They appear to be enjoying a sunny day on the water, with the sea and distant shoreline visible in the background. The scene captures a carefree, joyful moment during a boat ride.
Princess Youth Programs are divided by age so kids can connect with peers and activities that match their energy level.

Best cruises for teens

Old enough to appreciate the rich history and classical cultures, a seven-day European explorer from Barcelona is the best cruise for kids ages 13-17. After one day at sea, revel in four consecutive days on land exploring new ports of call and uncovering ancient treasures. Keep teens fascinated on an exhilarating kayak tour through the bay of Cadiz or on a walking tour among the golden, gothic-style buildings in Seville. Enjoy panoramic views of the enchanting lands while also getting up close and personal with the local wildlife — including soaring storks and majestic flamingoes. In Lisbon, embark on a half-day excursion to Portugal’s towering town of Sintra. Dotted in lemon yellows and scarlet reds, this small city sits among lush hills and grants visitors 360-degree views of Portugal. Saunter through lavish royal residences, and explore Sintra’s flavorful history of feudal lords and monarchs.

Onboard experiences for teens

Teens have their own social scene at The Beach House, a contemporary lounge designed just for ages 13–17. Think video game tournaments, movie nights with PG and PG-13 favorites, dance classes, themed parties and plenty of space to simply hang out with new friends. It’s an adult-free zone run by experienced youth staff, so your teen gets independence — and you get peace of mind.

Three young people stand at the railing of a large cruise ship, smiling toward the camera. They are sailing on a calm blue ocean under a partly cloudy sky. Warm sunlight illuminates their faces and the white structure of the ship, creating a cheerful vacation atmosphere. The wake of the ship is visible in the water, emphasizing movement and travel.
Teens have their own social scene at The Beach House, a contemporary lounge designed just for ages 13–17.

Best cruises for young adults

Make the most of late Autumn with the 18-day Brazilian adventure from Ft. Lauderdale. Step into treasured plantain homes in Martinique where you can learn about the production of the island’s most cherished crop. At the end of your tour, taste bananas straight from the field as you admire historic Creole architecture. At your next stop, hop in a 4x4 Jeep Wrangler and journey along tree-studded roads and up grandiose mountains for breathtaking views of St. Kitts. Or stroll by pastel-colored houses and boutiques lining the cobbled streets of Pelourinho, a Unesco world heritage site, and relive Brazil's Portuguese colonial past. During your last few days, visit the 125-foot Christ the Redeemer statue and the iconic Rio de Janeiro cathedral for insight into the country’s rich spiritual history that has influenced cities around the world. Wherever your journey takes you, capture timeless photos and make awe-inspiring memories for your children along the way.

Onboard activities for young adults

Once your “kids” hit 18, they’re free to chart their own onboard course. From late-night entertainment and fitness classes to spa treatments and casino action, young adults can enjoy the full lineup of onboard programming alongside you — or carve out their own at-sea rhythm. It’s that sweet spot where family vacation meets grown-up freedom.

With various cruises for kids, our itineraries can ignite a newfound sense of wonder in any child — no matter how old they are. Give your kids the everlasting gift of adventure on a cruise with Princess.

Four young adults run hand in hand through shallow ocean waves at sunset. A large white cruise ship is visible in the background, illuminated by the warm glow of the setting sun. The group appears joyful and carefree, splashing water as they move toward the shore. The scene conveys a fun vacation atmosphere with vibrant orange and pink sky tones.
Once your “kids” hit 18, they’re free to chart their own onboard course.

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