If you are in the process of planning the perfect cruise for your family, you might be debating what staterooms are available for you to choose from.
You're in luck: cruises have a wide variety of accommodations to appease all budgets. Whether you are looking to cruise on a budget or splurge on a luxurious suite, there is the perfect cabin for all travel parties!
That being said, most staterooms can accommodate anywhere from two to four guests. If you have a larger family -- say of five, six, or seven --, you will need to either book a suite or split your party into two separate rooms.
From private dining rooms and sun decks to priority boarding, more living space, and concierge services, suites come with more perks and amenities than standard staterooms.
Here are some jaw dropping cruise ships with family suites that you should consider for your next vacation!
Read more: 7 best suites on big-ship cruises
Ultimate Family Townhouse onboard Icon of the Seas
The three-story "Ultimate Family Townhouse" is located in Icon's Surfside neighborhood, which has been designed to appeal to young families.
It's 1,772-square-foot Ultimate Family Townhouse that can sleep up to eight people and features an in-suite slide, movie theater, and karaoke machine. Outside, you will find a "backyard" complete with a ping pong table, outdoor seating, and a white picket fence leading directly to Surfside.
This elusive suite costs around $80,000 per week, making it unaffordable for the average family. Don't worry! Icon of the Seas has other family-friendly cabin options, such as the Surfside Family Suite. There's even a Family Infinite Oceanview Balcony that comes with a separate bunk area for children if you want to sail on the world's largest cruise ship and cannot justify a suite.
Read more: Guide to Icon of the Seas cruise ship: pricing, things to do, and more
Ultimate Family Suite onboard Symphony, Spectrum, Wonder, and Utopia of the Seas
Like Icon's Ultimate Family Townhouse, the Ultimate Family Suite onboard select Royal Caribbean ships is a multi-story paradise that kids -- and parents -- will love! The suites, which are over 1,300 square feet each, feature an in-suite slide, movie theater, game room, and more.
Plus, these suites are part of the highest tier of the Royal Suite Class, meaning that you'll get some pretty awesome perks like a butler (called a Royal Genie) and complimentary drink packages.
Select Royal Caribbean ships have "ultra spacious" cabins. While you will not gain access to any suite-only amenities, they are a good option for families who want additional living space for a fraction of the cost. These rooms can sleep up to six with two twin beds that convert to a Royal King, a double sofa bed, and two bunk beds.
Read more: Royal Caribbean Cruise Cabins and Suites Guide
Wish Concierge Tower Suite onboard Disney Wish
You can now stay inside Disney Cruise Line's infamous funnel on their newest ship: Disney Wish.
The 1,966-square-foot Tower Suite on Disney Wish is a two-story suite with four bedrooms and 4.5 baths. The living room has a sitting area and dining space, a pantry, and a wet bar with a wine fridge.
Staying in this suite will get you upgraded luxuries, such as 1,000-thread-count Frette cotton linens, a pillow menu, free Wi-Fi, concierge services, priority boarding and tendering, and access to the Concierge Lounge and VIP sun deck.
Since there's only one of these suites in existence, it is likely that you will have to consider other accommodation options. Thankfully, Disney Cruise Line has "Deluxe Family" cabins that feature more living space than standard staterooms, as well as a split bathroom. This makes family-friendly rooms a little bit more affordable.
Additionally, all Concierge cabins can sleep anywhere from five to seven guests, making them ideal for families who want more space to spread out. You'll also be able to utilize concierge services to help plan an amazing family vacation, as well as the private lounge and sun deck.
Read more: 10 reasons to spend extra for a suite on a cruise
Carnival Cruise Line's Family Harbor Suites onboard Carnival Celebration, Mardi Gras, and Jubilee
While you'll find Family Harbor staterooms on other ships in the fleet, Carnival Celebration, Mardi Gras, and Jubilee offer the most to do onboard.
These rooms feature a classic nautical theme, making them different from standard cabins. In addition to more space, you'll be able to access the Family Harbor Lounge, an exclusive spot for those staying in Family Harbor rooms that has video games, family movies, and more.
Additionally, children get to dine for free in specialty restaurants, and parents can take advantage of some adults-only time with a free evening of Night Owls babysitting.
The great thing about Family Harbor rooms is that they come in a variety of categories and sizes, from inside cabins to suites. If you need a room that sleeps five, make sure that you book a Deluxe Family Harbor cabin or suite.
If, however, you are looking for a special suite, consider the Excel Presidential Suite. It comes with a separate living room and bedroom, as well as a split bathroom. This means that you'll have one bathroom with a large shower and two sinks, plus a separate half bath with a toilet and sink. On the wraparound balcony, you'll find a hot tub, numerous seating options, and an al fresco dining table.
Older Carnival ships (i.e., Dream and Conquest Class ships) have Family Oceanview Staterooms. These 230-square-foot rooms are an affordable option for families of five. While there is no balcony, there's a large picture window, two twin beds, two bunk beds, and a single sofa bed.
Read more: 10 Weird and Wonderful Cruise Ship Cabin Types
2-Bedroom "The Haven" Family Villa onboard Norwegian Escape, Getaway, Breakaway, Epic, Gem, Jade, Jewel, Bliss, and Pearl
When you book a Haven suite onboard Norwegian Cruise Line, you will gain access to exclusive areas that are not available to standard passengers. It truly is a way to elevate your overall cruising experience! In addition to suite-only areas, your accommodation will be upgraded, too.
The 2-bedroom Family Villa can be found on nine different ships in the fleet. The biggest, though, are Norwegian Escape, Getaway, Bliss, and Breakaway. These will offer more onboard amenities than smaller Jewel Class ships.
This suite can sleep up to six guests. With two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a separate living and dining area, you surely won't ever feel cramped. The master bathroom features a beautiful tub that will allow you to soak in some of the best ocean views. Plus, you cannot forget about the expansive balcony.
Budget-conscious families can still find plenty of cabins that sleep four. Rooms dubbed “family balcony” or “family inside” are standard cabins that sleep four and are located near the kids club and pool deck.
MSC Yacht Club Owner's Suite onboard MSC Seashore, Seascape, World Europa, and World America
The largest suite you can book on an MSC cruise is the Owner's Suite. It can accommodate up to five passengers and features a separate living and dining area, a large balcony with a private whirlpool, and even a walk-in wardrobe.
MSC has other options for large families, too, including the 2-Bedroom Aurea Grand Suite and Super Family cabins. Super Family rooms are standard staterooms that can be combined with others to be able to host up to ten guests.
Super Family Plus cabins combine three connecting rooms (one inside and two balconies), while Super Family rooms combine two connecting balconies for up to six people.
You can find Super Family rooms onboard MSC Virtuosa, Grandiosa, Bellissima, Meraviglia, Seaview, Seaside, Preziosa, Divina, and Opera.
Read more: 25 ways to take advantage of staying in MSC Cruises Yacht Club
Reflection Suite onboard Celebrity Reflection
Celebrity Reflection is not the cruise line's newest ship. In fact, she's been sailing for over ten years already! That being said, the Reflection Suite is exclusive to the ship; you will not find it onboard any other Celebrity vessel.
With over 1,600 square feet of living space, you'll get two bedrooms and two full bathrooms, with the primary bathroom featuring a cantilevered shower. It's also located on the corner of the ship, meaning you will have panoramic ocean views through the floor-to-ceiling windows.
Like Norwegian's "The Haven" and MSC Cruises' "Yacht Club," this suite is part of "The Retreat," which is Celebrity's ship-within-a-ship concept. As a Retreat guest, you’ll enjoy a long list of curated amenities, such as premium drinks and Wi-Fi.
Onboard Edge Class ships, you'll find the Iconic Suite. This is the largest suite in the fleet and, like the Reflection Suite, has two bedrooms and two bathrooms for your family to spread out in. Situated above the Bridge, you will get panoramic views through the floor-to-ceiling windows similar to what the Captain sees!
Of course, these are pricey options. Thankfully, Celebrity offers Family Veranda cabins that range from 270 to 575 square feet and can sleep more people than traditional balcony rooms.
Family Ocean View Stateroom onboard MS Rotterdam
Holland America Line isn't what most people think of as a family-friendly cruise line, as they target an older clientele and have far less for children to do onboard. You won't find any water slides, bumper cars, roller coasters, or go-karts on these ships!
MS Koningsdam, which launched in 2016, was the first in the fleet to have staterooms for five. Since then, they've put these cabins on their newer ships, including MS Rotterdam (2021) and MS Nieuw Statendam (2018).
When you enter the Family Ocean View cabin, you'll be greeted by a long hallway that has two separate bathrooms, as well as tons of storage. One of the bathrooms even has a bathtub!
Read more: Holland America Line Ships By Age - Newest to Oldest
Elizabeth Wright
Elizabeth graduated from New York University's Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute with her M.A. in Journalism in May 2023. Growing up, she had the privilege of traveling frequently with her family and fell in love with cruising after sailing on the Oasis of the Seas her freshman year of high school. She wanted to pursue a career that highlighted her passion for travel and strengths as a writer.
