14 BEST FAMILY VACATION SPOTS TO VISIT WITH A CRUISE

Take the whole gang miles away from the ordinary to see mysterious jungles and deep blue fjords in the world's best family vacation spots.

Published on January 31, 2020

Looking to create lasting memories with the whole family? Take the gang on a cruise to the Caribbean, Hawaii or Alaska and soak up the sun in style. From the thrilling onboard kids activities to family-friendly on-land excursions, these cruises have something for everyone in the gang. So get the whole family ready for the vacation of a lifetime that everyone will be talking about for decades to come.

1. PERFECT DAY AT COCOCAY, BAHAMAS

You don't have to look any further to find the best family vacation spot. CocoCay, Royal Caribbean's private eco-certified island in the Bahamas, offers pristine white-sand beaches and bright-blue waters, along with plenty of exciting, family-oriented activities. Book an ocean-view cabana or beach bungalow, so the kids can play on floating beach mats while you lounge in style. Take the family on a kayaking adventure at the secluded Barefoot Beach, or explore the abandoned island community of Cistern Cay together on your own personal watercraft. How about snorkeling between tropical coral reefs teeming with colorful fish? Then pick up some souvenirs or crafts from the Straw Market.

Perfect Day at CocoCay is a child-friendly destination where you can enjoy various thrilling activities. Kids will absolutely love the Splashaway Bay water park, with its fountains, water cannons and drench buckets. Have a splash in the biggest wave pool in the Caribbean, relax in the beachfront infinity pool and conquer the island's 13 water slides, including the tallest in North America. Next, take the whole family up 450 feet in a hot air balloon to find an unrivaled view of Perfect Day. By now, you and your children have probably worked up an appetite with all the fun activities, so head to Captain Jack's restaurant for some mouthwatering Bahamian food like conch salad, fish stew or baked crab fresh from the sea.

2. GRAND BAHAMA ISLAND

It's no surprise Grand Bahama Island, with its postcard-perfect beaches, is one of the most popular sites in the Bahamas and also one of the world's best family vacation spots. Children will enjoy exploring one of the longest underwater cave systems in the world at Lucayan National Park or visiting the cascading waterfalls at the Garden of the Groves. And the whole family will find lifelong keepsakes at Freeport's International Bazaar or Port Lucaya's 80 duty-free shops and specialty boutiques. With its breathtaking views and family-friendly adventures, Grand Bahama Island is one of the most unforgettable family vacation destinations.

3. PUERTO COSTA MAYA, MEXICO

Want to give your kids a glimpse into the ancient past? Explore ancient Mayan ruins and mysterious jungles in Puerto Costa Maya in Mexico. This family-friendly destination is packed with entertainment and history that will leave your whole family in awe. Grab some snorkeling gear to discover the underwater world of the Great Maya Reef, the world's second largest reef, located just off the coast. For a more laid-back coastal vacation, head to the relaxing private beach club and sample some Maya-inspired dishes. Wash it away with the Mexican favorite, agua de Jamaica, a sweetened hibiscus flower iced tea that everyone in the family will love. Take on exciting adventures or relax beachside with the family — the choice is yours.

4. KOHUNLICH, MEXICO

From Puerto Costa Maya, take your family on an excursion to Kohunlich, a large, archaeological site of the Maya civilization surrounded by a dense subtropical rainforest. Witness the wonders of ancient structures surrounded by lush, bright green trees, and have your kids walk in the footsteps of the Maya, who lived here from 200 BC onward. The site is best-known for its fascinating Templo de los Mascarones (Temple of the Masks), a pyramid-like structure with a central stairway flanked by huge masks of the sun god. With the whole family in tow, make this vacation educational and exciting in Kohunlich.

5. COZUMEL, MEXICO

Journey to the Mexican island of Cozumel for tropical adventures your family won't quickly forget. Chankanaab National Park is the perfect family-friendly snorkeling location, with colorful tropical reefs and crystal-clear waters. Make lasting memories with your kids as you all swim with dolphins in the pristine waters off the coast or explore San Gervasio, the largest ancient Maya site on Cozumel, which dates back to the third century. For a bit of family exercise and adventure, visit the towering Mayan ruins of Tulum, where you can walk among ancient history. Afterwards, relax with a beachside massage at Playa Mia while the kids splash about. With expeditions and activities for the whole gang, it's no surprise why Cozumel is one of the world's best family vacation spots.

6. YUCATAN, MEXICO

To show your family all that the Caribbean has to offer, cruise from Orlando to Haiti, Jamaica, Cozumel and, of course, Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula. Let the adventure begin from Yucatan's laid-back beach town Progreso, which is one of the best places for family vacations due to its pristine beaches and exciting water activities. Here you'll find the longest pier (4 miles) in Mexico and a relaxed beach-town vibe that the whole family will enjoy. Unwind on the sandy Malecon Beach, or go kayaking through fascinating mangrove estuaries near the fishing villages of Chelem and Chuburna.

When in Progreso, don't miss the opportunity to take a family excursion to the impressive Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza, a UNESCO World Heritage Site around 100 miles inland. Discover the well-preserved palaces, grand temples and the iconic El Castillo (or the Pyramid of Kukulcan), a massive Maya calendar formed in stone. To give your family an even bigger history lesson, head to nearby Merida, known as "The White City," to witness the majesty of its pearl-white Spanish architecture. In addition to strolling around and admiring the buildings, your family can visit art galleries and the region's best museums — or just enjoy some delicious ice cream.

7. OAHU, HAWAII

Take the family on a journey to Oahu, the third-largest of the Hawaiian Islands, where you'll find world-class beaches, designer shopping and distinctive cuisine. Hawaii is a family-friendly destination with plenty of facilities for children, so there's something for everyone on this paradise island. In Honolulu, Hawaii's capital, head to its popular surf beach, and treat your family to a traditional Hawaiian meal in the vibrant neighborhood of Waikiki. At Pearl Harbor, take a boat ride out to the historic ship, and teach the kids about what happened on that fateful day in 1941. To view the thousands of species of colorful and tropical marine life close up, join a family-friendly snorkeling tour to explore the coast line. Finish the day with shaved ice, a cold treat covered in flavored syrups that the kids will soon call their favorite treat. Set sail from Honolulu to travel to the town of Kailua-Kona on Hawaii Island, where the whole family can visit the impressive volcano crater of Mount Kilauea.

8. KAUAI, HAWAII

Kauai is rightly known as the Garden Island for the lush greenery of gorgeous spots like Wailua Falls, a beautiful set of waterfalls you can see right from the road. One of the most awe-inspiring parts of the island of Kauai is the pristine Napali Coast State Wilderness Park with its emerald valleys, white-sand beaches, jagged cliffs and sharp mountain spires. Take the family on a hike through the Haʻena to Kalalau Valley, or experience the stunning coastline by kayak, catamaran or raft. Families will also enjoy spending time unwinding on the white sandy Kauapea Beach, also known as the "secret beach," but kids will especially love snorkeling amid the tropical fish and being treated to Hawaiian shave ice topped with coconut cream.

9. LAHAINA, HAWAII

If your family is looking to have fun in the sun, travel to Lahaina, a historic town on the Island of Maui in Hawaii. Be sure to check out Kaanapali Beach, where the whole family can swim in the crystal-clear water, sunbathe on the perfect white sand or snorkel in the shallow waters of the coast. If you're on a winter family vacation, keep your eyes peeled for breaching humpback whales off the coast. No matter when you visit Lahaina you definitely don't want to miss the area's impressive banyan tree, which was imported from India in 1873 and is the size of a city block. Interesting art exhibits and other events are often held beneath its shady branches. For youngster-approved adventure, take the kiddos on a horse riding excursion through the magnificent Haleakala National Park.

10. INSIDE PASSAGE, ALASKA

Looking for something entirely different for your family? Head to Seattle, Washington, for your cruise to Inside Passage, Alaska. On this whirlwind northwestern adventure, you set sail to Juneau, Skagway and Endicott Arm and Dawes Glacier in Alaska before reaching Victoria, British Columbia, and finally Seattle again. Alaska's Inside Passage in southeast Alaska is a coastal route that spans 500 miles of shoreline, so you're sure to see roaming moose and sunbathing seals on your family journey. Be sure to keep your eye out for the Alexander Archipelago, a collection of about 1,100 coastal islands and to teach your kids about nature as you pass rugged snow-capped mountains, ice-blue glaciers, spruce forests and a few small settlements, where the Tlingit and Kaigani Haida people live.

11. GLACIER BAY, ALASKA

On your way to Juneau, your family will admire fjords, glaciers, spruce and cedar trees. You'll cruise through the Tongass National Park, 16.7 million acres of the world's largest temperate rainforest and the second biggest national park in the world. The Glacier Bay National Park, an area covering 3.3 million acres of active glaciers, is another imposing nature area here with rugged mountains, a temperate rainforest, wild coastlines and deep-sheltered fjords. On the way, kids will love watching whales, sea lions, seals, eagles and puffins as they roam the icy grounds and air. When passing Admiralty Island, be on the lookout for bears — the island is called Xootsnoowu, or "Fortress of the Bears" in the local language of the Tlingit, for a reason. While only 650 people live in this area, an estimated 1,600 brown bears inhabit the island, the highest density of brown bears in North America — so your kids' keen eyes are sure to spot some along the way.

12. JUNEAU, ALASKA

You've arrived at Juneau, Alaska's capital, which is only accessible by sea or air. Take the family on a stroll around the historic district of this small town, snow-capped by Mount Juneau and Mount Roberts. Families can get to know more about the indigenous people in the Alaska State Museum or purchase native art and local crafts from one of the many boutiques in the area. To see your children's eyes light up, take them on a whale watching tour through Auke Bay Harbor. Or have them follow in the footsteps of the fortune hunters who came here over a hundred years ago during the Juneau gold rush by visiting the Last Chance Basin Camp, a former gold mining camp. History, beauty and adventure — Juneau has it all.

13. MENDENHALL, ALASKA

A must-see for families in Juneau, Alaska, is the stunning Mendenhall Glacier about 12 miles from downtown. The impressive glacier, with its various shades of deep blue, is about 13 miles long and flows from its source, the Juneau Icefield, and ends at Mendenhall Lake. If your family is full of explorers, head to the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center, where you can follow one of several hiking trails. The half-mile Nugget Falls Trail leads to a beautiful waterfall, and in summer, the 0.3-mile Steep Creek Trail offers the chance to view brown and black bears.

When you reach the end of Lynn Canal, the longest fjord in North America, you'll arrive at Skagway. With its well-preserved buildings and fun activities, this small town is a great family destination that hasn't changed much since the 1898 Klondike Gold Rush. A fun activity for children is a ride in the vintage locomotive along the 2,885-foot White Pass and Yukon Route railroad. You'll pass breathtaking scenery and spots with evocative names like Bridal Veil Falls, Dead Horse Gulch and Glacier Gorge. Your kids are sure to love following in the footsteps of the Klondike stampeders at the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park.

14. ENDICOTT ARM AND DAWES GLACIER, ALASKA

A family visit to Endicott Arm and Dawes Glacier is an exceptional experience you won't forget. Start your cruise in Seattle, Washington, and sail to Inside Passage, Juneau and Skagway. This route will take you through Endicott Arm and Dawes Glacier before you continue your journey to Victoria, British Columbia, and back to Seattle again. When sailing through the southern edge of Fords Terror Wilderness area, your family will be blown away by the various spectacular landscapes, like drifting icebergs in the deep blue waters, snow-capped granite cliffs and the huge Dawes Glacier. Children will be excited to watch the harbor seals splashing in the icy waters, and they may also glimpse some brown bears, moose, bald eagles, wolves, sea ducks and deer. The whole family will find magic in this breathtaking area of Alaska.

Between tropical adventures and icy expeditions, cruises can offer unforgettable access to all of the world's best family vacation spots. Once your kids have snorkeled with brightly colored fish, soared through massive on-deck waterslides or kayaked among breaching humpback whales, they'll never want to head back home.

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INSIDER TIPS

At Perfect Day at Cococay, your Beverage or Wi-Fi packages can be used on the island too!.

Tap water in Mexico is generally not potable, and if you go snorkeling, bring biodegradable sunscreen.

Dress in wind-resistant layers in Alaska, and bring sunglasses for the days (the sun's glare off the snow can be intense) and a sleep mask for the nights — the sun is hardly ever set here in summer!