Why Royal Caribbean Is ONE Of The Best Cruise Lines For Families
The Points Guy Awards Celebrates Royal Caribbean
By Sascha Zuger | Published on May 6, 2026
In the recent 2026 The Points Guy Awards, Royal Caribbean won Best Cruise Line Overall for Families and Best Cruise Line Loyalty Program. Discover why Royal Caribbean earned these prestigious nods as one of the best cruise lines for families — from award‑winning ships and family‑focused neighborhoods to unforgettable entertainment, dining and private‑island ports.
Plan an adventure at sea for your family and explore all the amazing things to do on board to boldly bond and reconnect with your busy crew. Use these tried-and-true tips to make the most of your Royal Caribbean family cruise vacation.
Royal Caribbean Named Best Cruise Line Overall For Families
The 2026 The Points Guy (TPG) Awards celebrate the brands and experiences that define exceptional travel, along with the loyalty programs that make it all possible. The TPG expert panel selected Royal Caribbean as the Best Cruise Line Overall for Families, highlighting Star of the Seas® and Utopia of the Seas® in particular.
Itineraries for both ships start within an hour of Orlando theme parks. They also offer stops at the “most alluring array of private island and beach destinations of any major cruise line catering to families,” creating the perfect family getaway.
“Icon Class truly set a new standard for family vacations,” said Michael Bayley, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean. “With more water, more thrills and more choices for all ages, we’re continuing to build on what our guests love about Royal Caribbean and delivering the experiences families are looking for when vacationing together.”
TPG chose Royal Caribbean for a variety of reasons, including:
- ● Family-focused amusements.
- ● Family-friendly destinations, including private islands and beach club experiences.
- ● Multi-generational experiences.
“What truly sets the brand apart is the incredibly wide array of attractions and venues on its newest and biggest ships that are designed for families to enjoy together,” says Gene Sloan, TPG Cruise Team Lead and respected cruise industry authority.
Family-Focused Fun Right In The Neighborhood
Royal Caribbean earns its title as best family cruise line by centering the fun in distinct neighborhoods on its ships. Stay where you play, leaving more time for bolder bonding with your crew. Just pick a neighborhood that speaks to your idea of an amazing family cruise vacation and make your floating home an elevator ride from the fun.
Thanks to this unique neighborhood setup, you can settle in to a one-stop spot with comfy chairs to lounge, kid-friendly activities, drinks and eats with endless ways to play, all just steps away. The best cruise lines keep convenience with kids in mind — including easy access to staterooms for sunscreen, baby supplies, fresh clothes and naps.
Family Activities And Showstopping Entertainment
Parades, Parties And Family Jam Bands
Storm The Stage For Entertainment For Everyone
The included live entertainment on Royal Caribbean makes it one of the best cruise lines to enjoy world-class artistry with your family. Broadway’s best take the stage in crowd-pleaser performances; experts steal the show in jaw-dropping, high-dive, stunt-driven musicals; magic comes to life in wow-worthy ice skating shows that will make your head spin.
Better yet, a book-ahead reservation system for these complimentary shows helps parents plan a seamless cruise.
Game On — Win The Day!
The Dish On Dining With The Best Cruise Line For Families
One of the challenges for every parent — whether at sea, on land or sitting at the kitchen table — is the forever food fight of satisfying picky eaters’ tastes. Royal Caribbean ships offer dozens of eateries, including 23 cuisines at complimentary restaurants. You can find snacks and treats in all corners of the ships, so fun doesn’t have to stop for a mid-afternoon fuel-up.
Specialty restaurants aren’t just for the grown-ups. Treat your family to a high-flying shrimp fling at Izumi Hibachi & Sushi® or a ride on the Royal Railway℠, where high-tech effects meld dinner and a show. Drink and dining packages provide deals for every budget.
Kids Clubs So Cool They Make Parents Jealous
The best cruise lines know that a big part of a quality family getaway is giving everyone their own space. Parents can relax and enjoy much-needed date nights knowing their kiddos are having good times with new friends.
Royal Caribbean offers complimentary kids clubs for guests, 3-17:
- ● Adventure Ocean® Youth Program: Sport star, science buff, artist extraordinaire, gamer, performer or culinary wunderkind — new friends and awesome activities await.
- ● Teen Clubs: Tech’d out gaming lounges, open-air patios, discos, movie and secret entrances where only teens can pass are a few favorites for the 13-17 set.
- ● Royal Babies and TotsSM: Specialized infant and toddler care is available for 0-3.
Onboard Waterparks To Chill And Attractions To Thrill
The expansive onboard waterparks on Royal Caribbean ships offer record-breaking features and were part of the deciding factor for winning TPG’s Best Overall Cruise Line for Families Award. Splash out on sun-soaked stunners and adrenaline-amped attractions, all included in the fare on your next family cruise:
- ● FlowRider® surf simulator.
- ● SeaPlex® bumper cars.
- ● Studio B ice skating rink.
- ● Rock Climbing Wall.
- ● Playscape℠ ocean-themed water playground.
- ● The Ultimate Abyss℠ slide.
- ● Boardwalk hand-carved carousel.
- ● The North Star® glass observation capsule.
- ● Complimentary zip lines over the Boardwalk neighborhood.
Sweet Suites And Staterooms With Room For Everyone
The best family cruise line must include the best family staterooms. Royal Caribbean offers specialized family options designed for 5+ guests featuring extra space, split bathrooms, bunk areas, adjoining balconies and over-the-top suites where kids are king.
When planning your cruise, check out fun options like the Ultimate Family Suite®, a multi-level space which includes an in-suite slide, game-dining combo table, in-suite movie and video game lounge with Royal Genie butler.
On the upcoming Hero of the Seas®, these epic staterooms reach new heights. The all-new Ultimate Family Treehouse® spans three decks with an ocean-view rooftop terrace and private whirlpool. Don’t forget the ocean views, two-story teen hideout with a game room and spiral staircase, all in a room that sleeps 12.
Beach Clubs, Private Islands And Perfect Ports For Families
Being one of the best cruise lines for families means Royal Caribbean kept kids and parents in mind when creating beach play spaces. Adults-only areas mean families can relax and let kids be kids on the rest of the island, or sneak away for a dose of chill of their own on multi-gen cruises with grandparents. Beach barbecues, pools, bars, loungers and rental watersports gear equal foolproof fun.
- ● Perfect Day CocoCay: This private island is pure stress-free fun for families. Enjoy Thrill Island slides and spray play, check out the Caribbean’s largest freshwater pool of Oasis Lagoon or find clear, shallow seas for family-focused snorkel and swimming.
- ● Perfect Day Mexico: This experience soon joins the Bahamian oasis with record-breaking waterslides and family raft rides.
-
● Royal Beach Club℠: A growing number of idyllic beach stops serve families, including:
- Royal Beach Club Paradise Island in The Bahamas.
- Royal Beach Club Cozumel in Mexico.
- Royal Beach Club Santorini in Greece.
- Royal Beach Club Lelepa in Vanuatu.
Earn Loyalty Royalty With Crown & Anchor Society
Royal Caribbean also came out on top in another hotly contested category: the Best Cruise Line Loyalty Program Award. TPG loved the Crown & Anchor Society Points Choice, calling it a “new super-perk and incredibly positive change for the program.” This allows passengers to allocate loyalty points across the Royal Caribbean Group — Royal Caribbean®, Celebrity Cruises® and Silversea®. Fans of Royal Caribbean can build up status faster and enjoy a status match between the brands.
Crown & Anchor Society perks include:
- ● Unique amenities.
- ● Enhanced cruise planning benefits.
- ● Access to exclusive onboard events.
- ● Discounts and complimentary offers on drinks, dining, internet, photos, spa and more depending on level.
- ● Discounts on booking, depending on level.
Tips For Planning Cruise Travel With Toddlers, Teens And Kids In Between
- ● Cruise travel tips for babies to toddlers: Save your suitcase and plan a stop en route to the port to pick up extra diapers and snacks. Book a veranda stateroom to have a comfortable place to relax during nap times or early nights.
- ● Cruising with kids — what to know to keep the crew happy: Pick your stateroom for proximity to extended family. Keep in mind that the fun activities right outside your balcony might make bedtime or naps a tough sell for excited small sailors. A white noise machine always helped when my son was small.
- ● Teens can be tough critics: Cruise your crew into calm seas and seamless internet connectivity, letting new ship-friends plan meetups. Visit the awesome club on departure day, where unsure teens will find their happy place.
Book The Best Cruise For Your Crew With Royal Caribbean
Royal Caribbean recently won the nod from 2026 The Points Guy Awards as the Best Overall Cruise Line for Families and Best Cruise Line Loyalty Program, and there’s no question why.
Make sailing with Royal Caribbean your favorite new family tradition. Book your vacation on one of the best cruise lines for families with award‑winning ships, dozens of dining options and family‑focused fun from ship-to-shore. You’ll form cherished family moments to remember, from memory-maxing excursions to private island experiences.
Related Articles
What to Pack for a Cruise With the Whole Family
READ MORE
10 Fun Family Vacation Spots for Kids (That Parents Will Love Too)
READ MORE
Why Icon of the Seas is the Best Cruise Ship for Teens
READ MORE
