Going on family cruises is a great way to spend some fun filled time with the family and with the summer vacations coming the time is ideal for them. There are many cruise lines which operate large cruise ships that can cater to all the members of the family from the grandfather to the toddler.

These family cruises offer various activities, accommodations, itineraries and cuisine and as per these facilities, there are some very popular ones. Here are the ten most popular ones.

1. Princess Cruises

The Princess Cruise lines have some of the best cruises fit for the large families having many generations together. The ships not only take care of the kids and little ones, but they have enough facilities for the adults and the senior citizens too.

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The lines have programs lined up for all the kids between the ages 3 and 17. The adults can spoil themselves at the spa or refine their golf swings on board. While the kids can attend ‘kids only’ dinners the parents can enjoy a romantic one on the balcony of their stateroom.

2. Crystal Cruises

This is another cruise line that has programs for all the generations of a family. Though not as refined and state of the art as the Princess, it has enough for all. The kids have their own age specific activities like games, arts and crafts and PlayStations to outdoor activities like diving for pennies in the pool.

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The kids can even visit the galley of the ship to design their own pastries. There is also a Junior Cruiser’s menu for the discerning young people. The ship offers babysitting for a fee.

3. Royal Caribbean

Royal Caribbean is well known for the great cruises it offers. Every member of the family can enjoy on board. It is particularly exciting for the kids who love all that the latest technology has to offer.

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The Freedom class ships of this line offers facilities that include on board rock climbing walls, surf pools, and a great water park to splash about. It also offers hot tubs for two adults jutting out 12 feet from the side of ship for a dramatic view. There are also many activities where the whole family can take part.

4. Celebrity Cruise Lines

If a family is looking for luxury on the ocean at a moderate charge then it can surely go for Celebrity lines. It has one of the best family programs and many of the activities are designed with the whole family participation in mind.

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Its award winning four-tired youth program is supervised by professionals and include games, activities, parties and many other attractions designed appropriately for everyone from 3 to 17. There are special areas for the kids of various age groups like clubhouses, pools, teen centers and movie theaters.

5. Norwegian Cruise Lines

If the children think that they will have nothing to do while on board a cruise ship then they should be taken on a voyage aboard the any of the Norwegian’s cruises. It is one great experience for both the parents and the kids.

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While the parents can relax in the spa, the kids can go on an adventure trail; or, while the parents are engrossed in roulette, the kids can have a day out camping and so on. There are also many activities that take place everyday from circuses and parades to stories, parties and sports and games.

6. Holland America Lines

It is one of the most popular cruise lines for the families. The cruises have specially designed programs for kids between 5 and 17 and no kid will complain. The moment the kids come aboard they are greeted by the youth coordinators in a Welcome Aboard meeting.

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From the very next day the activities start. Everyday is filled with games, parties, storytelling, pool parties and video games. The food is what the kids love and these include hamburgers, pizzas and hotdogs. On its Alaskan cruises, it offers special shore excursions for the kids.

7. Regent Seven Seas

The adults who want their kids and young members of the family to have a great time on a cruise can easily choose this. The cruises offer specially designed programs for age groups 5-8, 9-12 and 13 to 17. The staff includes specially trained youth counselors who coordinate many activities all designed on the themes of the cruise destinations the voyage calls on.

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So the young people can have unique experience on each new voyage. While the kids enjoy the parents can experience everything from the finest music, theater and art on the voyages.

8. Cunard Lines

If anybody wants to be aboard any of the largest cruise ships afloat and take the whole family along with the kids on a voyage then they must sail the Queen Elizabeth 2 or the Queen Mary 2. Both these ships have a British flair on their voyages including the children’s programs.

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While there are children clubs and special activities on board all the ships only Queen Mary 2 and Queen Victoria offer group baby sitting for children above the age of one year.

9. Carnival Cruise Lines

The undoubted leader in cruises, carnival has something for everyone of the family. Indeed Carnival ships are called ‘family fun ships’. The Camp Carnival is a program that is available on all the ships of the line all over the year.

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The playrooms are filled up with all kinds of toys, puzzles and games for the little kids and the electronic games rooms are always stacked with the latest video games. The best thing is that the family can spend time together or in the company of their same aged peers and the ships have activities for both options.

10. Disney Cruises

Considered the best cruises for the whole family, the name Disney itself spells fun and enjoyment. An entire deck devoted to kids is the ultimate dream of any kid. There are continuous activities from 9 in the morning till midnight in the company of Disney characters.

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The teens are not treated as kids either, they have their own hangout at New York style coffee house on board. The parents will not feel like outcasts in this kid-pampering atmosphere. They can relax in the adults’ only pools area, or spend their time wine tasting or going through cooking demonstrations.