Teenagers are notoriously hard to please, especially when it comes to family holidays. Those wild, young things want to be hanging with their mates not schlepping around castles with their younger siblings.
There is one vacation we guarantee will please the whole family, from toddlers to grandparents and everyone in between; and that’s a cruise. With enough onboard activities to keep everyone busy from dusk ‘til dawn and brilliant kids clubs so the adults can have a break, it’s a no-brainer. Below are five of our favourite teen-friendly cruises.
Carnival Dream
Carnival is one of the most youngster-friendly cruise lines. Dream is our top choice for teens as it’s a ludicrously fun ship, perfect for action-packed holidays.
There are two teen clubs; Circle C for 12-14 year olds and Club 02 for older teens (15-17). Both clubs have brilliantly decadent facilities, like a soda bar and 24/7 pizza. Events include movie screenings, late-night dance parties and game nights.
Away from the clubs kids can explore the water parks and let off steam playing ping pong, mini golf and basketball at the SportSquare complex. And when it’s finally time to relax there are a host of teen-friendly spa facilities to choose from.
P&O’s Ventura
Another family-friendly line and utterly unique ship, Ventura is sure to delight even the most discerning teens. Adults can relax in the spa and thermal suite while the kids are entertained by a host of exciting activies.
Swimming pools, kids clubs, a bungee trampoline and teen-only talent shows are just a few of the attractions. But it’s Cirque Ventura – the onboard circus school – that will really capture the imagination. Anyone (yep, even adults!) can learn how to juggle, trapeze and tightrope walk while on a ship at sea – weird but totally wonderful!
Dining is a family affair at The Beachouse buffet restaurant, where there is enough choice to please the fussiest of eaters.
Norwegian Epic
Epic is about right! This innovative ship by Norwegian Cruise Line will impress with its array of onboard attractions.
For teenagers, the place to be is Entourage. This teens-only club serves up 24/7 food, all-you-can-drink soda, foosball, air hockey and video games by day and ultra cool parties by night. When the kids are done partying, they can check out the water park with its epic slide. And of course there’s the amazing sports complex which has a batting cage, rock climbing wall and full-sized basketball court.
The trendy, modern decor, huge selection of dining options and brilliant evening entertainment is sure to be a hit with kids of all ages.
Royal Caribbean’s Quantum of the Seas
Quantum of the Seas is Royal Caribbean’s newest ship. Its maiden voyage isn’t until November, so you’ve got plenty of time to book your state-of-the art cabin. Quantum is an incredibly modern liner with some of the most exciting facilities we’ve ever seen.
SeaPlexSM is the ships huge indoor activity centre featuring fairground bumper cars, a roller skating rink, circus school, table tennis and basketball. On deck, kids will love the rock climbing wall and wave simulator where they can boogie board and learn to surf.
Teens and adults alike will be wowed by the evening entertainment; spell-binding light shows and digital scenery at the revolutionary TWO70°SM venue.
Royal Caribbean’s Allure of the Seas
Royal Caribbean’s second largest ship promises an unforgettable family holiday. The youngsters will love all that the Allure has to offer. There are special teen-only areas where kids can kick back and relax away from the parents. They’ll love the trendy lounges, healthy juice bar and DJ lessons! There’s even a youth spa where they can indulge in some pampering.
The whole family can enjoy numerous onboard attractions like the surf simulator, zip line, rock climbing wall, 3D cinema and AquaTheatre. There’s even a water park with four swimming pools and ten whirlpools, plus a snack bar for refuelling after all that excitement.
A cruise is the ultimate stress-free option for family holidays, even with sulky teenagers in tow. Everything from accommodation and itinerary to travel and dining is organised for you. Most ships have a team of onboard childcare professionals so you can relax knowing the kids are safe. All you have to do is choose your cruise and enjoy the trip!
Images sourced via Royal Caribbean Press Center and MSC Cruises
