The Ultimate Guide to Kids Clubs on Family Cruises 

Planning a family holiday can feel like a balancing act, especially when you want to make sure that everyone in the family – kids included – has a blast. This is where family cruises truly shine, offering the perfect mix of activities, entertainment, and relaxation for parents, while the little ones have their own world of fun in the onboard kids’ clubs. If you’re wondering what’s available for your children on a cruise, from toddlers to teenagers, this guide will help you navigate the exciting world of cruise kids’ clubs. 

Do Cruises Have a Kids Club? 

Yes, most family-friendly cruises offer kids clubs that cater to children of various ages. These clubs are designed to give kids an unforgettable experience with fun, supervised activities, so parents can enjoy some downtime knowing their little ones are in safe hands.  

Whether your child is a baby, a toddler, or a teenager, there’s typically a dedicated space and programme just for them. Let’s take a closer look at what the different cruise lines offer for kids.  

MSC Cruises 

MSC Cruises is a great option if you’re looking for variety and inclusivity. MSC’s kids’ clubs are packed with activities that are included in your cruise fare, meaning you don’t have to worry about paying extra for your children to enjoy themselves. MSC offers five separate clubs for kids and teens, divided by age: 

• Baby Club (0-3 years): Perfect for infants and toddlers, this club allows even the smallest guests to enjoy some safe playtime under the watchful eye of qualified professionals. 
• Mini Club (3-6 years) and Junior Club (7-11 years): Kids can enjoy sports, games, competitions, and even parties! The activities are tailored to keep them entertained for hours. 
• Young Club (12-14 years) and Teen Club (15-17 years): These clubs cater to older children and teens, with activities like gaming, music, sports, and teen-only parties. 

MSC Cruises also ensures flexibility by offering open clubs every day, meaning you can drop off or pick up your kids as your family schedule allows. Whether you want a couple of hours of alone time or need the whole day to explore the ship, MSC’s kids’ clubs have you covered. 

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) 

NCL is another popular cruise line for families, offering complimentary youth programmes. Here’s a breakdown of what’s available: 

• Splash Academy (3-12 years): This programme is designed for younger children who love to stay active. From scavenger hunts and game shows to sports challenges and creative activities, there’s always something going on. Kids can choose their favourite activities, and the highly trained Youth Counsellors make sure everyone is having a blast. 
• Entourage (13-17 years): Teenagers can hang out in style with NCL’s Entourage programme, which includes video games, movie nights, arts and crafts, and themed parties. Whether it’s College Night or the Glow Party, there’s always a reason to celebrate. It’s a perfect way for teens to meet new friends and have fun on their own terms. 

One of the standout features of NCL’s youth programmes is that they are free of charge. The only time you may need to pay is for group babysitting services in the late evening or for special events, but most of the daily kids’ activities are part of the cruise experience. 

Royal Caribbean 

For families travelling with Royal Caribbean, the Adventure Ocean® Youth Program is a big draw. It combines fun and education with programmes divided into specific age groups: 

• Aquanauts (3-5 years): Young explorers can get their hands dirty with fun science experiments, while the ship’s counsellors supervise.
• Explorers (6-8 years): These kids will have a chance to take part in themed parties, hands-on activities, and games. 
• Voyagers (9-12 years): For older kids, the Voyagers group offers exciting learning adventures, ensuring that kids can play and discover new interests at the same time. 

Best of all, Royal Caribbean’s Adventure Ocean programme is completely free, meaning your kids can participate in all these activities without any added costs. The only potential fee comes after 10 pm., when an hourly rate applies for the Late Night Party Zone – so your kids can keep having fun while you enjoy a quiet evening. 

For teenagers, Royal Caribbean provides separate lounges and teen-only hangout spaces, giving them the freedom to socialise, play video games, watch movies, and attend cool themed parties. It’s a space where teens can connect with others their age and enjoy activities in a more relaxed setting. 

Do You Pay for Kids Clubs on a Cruise? 

On most family-friendly cruises, kids clubs are included in the fare, so there are no additional costs for your children to join in the fun. However, there can be some charges for late-night services or babysitting. On Royal Caribbean, for example, the Adventure Ocean® youth programmes are free during regular hours, but if you want to take advantage of the Late Night Party Zone after 10 pm, there is an hourly fee. 

Similarly, NCL offers complimentary programmes for kids and teens, but late-night group babysitting services may incur an additional charge. MSC Cruises offers complimentary kids clubs as well, so you won’t need to pay extra for your children to participate in daily activities, unless you’re booking special experiences outside of the standard programming. 

Is There Enough for Kids to Do on a Cruise? 

Without a doubt! Family cruises are designed to keep kids engaged, entertained, and happy from the moment they board until the end of the trip. Aside from the kids’ clubs, many cruise lines offer additional attractions for younger passengers, such as: 

• Water parks and pools: MSC and Royal Caribbean have onboard water parks with slides, splash zones, and kiddie pools that are sure to delight children of all ages. 
• Sports and games: From mini golf to basketball courts and soccer fields, kids and teens can stay active throughout the cruise. 
• Movie nights and shows: There’s often a wide selection of family-friendly movies and entertainment, so everyone can sit back and enjoy. 
• Arcades and video games: Some ships have dedicated arcades and gaming lounges for kids to get their game on. 

So, while the kids are off having a blast with their new friends, parents can relax, enjoy some quiet time, or indulge in the many adult-friendly activities onboard. 

Book Your Cruise with Pentravel 

Family cruises offer a world of fun and adventure for kids, making them an ideal holiday choice. So, pack those bags and get ready to make amazing family memories. Chat with a Pentravel agent today to book the perfect cruise and enjoy a stress-free, fun-filled family adventure!