When Carnival Cruise Line first installed a bonafide roller coaster on its Mardi Gras ship, it was a game changer for the industry — particularly for family cruisers looking for the most exciting attractions at sea. Now, in 2022, several cruise lines are focused on exciting features for families. Here are the most anticipated offerings that have already set sail or soon will.
Carnival Celebration, Carnival Cruise Line
As a sister ship to Mardi Gras, Carnival Cruise Line’s Carnival Celebration may be familiar to loyalists setting sail in November and beyond. Family Harbor staterooms and suites will again feature split bathrooms, and will come with exclusive access to the Family Harbor Lounge, which is conveniently located adjacent to the Camp Ocean kids’ club with its themed library, called Dr. Seuss Bookville. Circle C for tweens and Club O2 for teens will also be available onboard, and The Ultimate Playground will contain the Bolt coaster; the WaterWorks waterpark; mini golf; and SportSquare, which includes the ship’s extensive ropes course and more.
Celebrity Beyond, Celebrity Cruises
Celebrity Cruises’ new premium ship, Celebrity Beyond, has begun welcoming its first guests, and there are several options for kids onboard. In particular, Shipmates (ages 3-5), Cadets (ages 6-9) and Captains (ages 10-12) have Camp At Sea at their disposal, and tweens and teens (ages 13-17) can mingle in The Basement, a cool hideaway nestled low in the hull.
Discovery Princess, Princess Cruises
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Princess Cruises’ Discovery Princess is also already sailing, and befitting its name, the line’s partnership with the Discovery Network is highlighted on the ship as part of its Discovery at Sea programming. Advisors can picture shore excursions recommended by Animal Planet, plus onboard activities such as stargazing, or other options that take inspiration from television programming such as “Shark Week” and “Finding Bigfoot.”
The ship’s expansive Camp Discovery youth facility is broken down into The Tree House (ages 3-7), The Lodge (ages 8-12) and The Beach House (ages 13-17), and there’s even a kids’ corner of the buffet to satisfy the tastes of little ones. Also, don’t forget Princess’ signature teddy bear, Stanley, which is available for meet and greets.
Disney Wish, Disney Cruise Line
There is not enough room here to list all the things clients are expecting on Disney Cruise Line’s Disney Wish when it embarks on its maiden sailing next month, but suffice it to say, it will be the ship with the most character. With no casino onboard, there will be that much more space for kid, tween and teen venues, as well as those shared by the whole family.
Among the most anticipated highlights on Disney Wish will be AquaMouse, touted as the first-ever Disney attraction at sea; Arendelle: A Frozen Dining Adventure; Worlds of Marvel dinner theater; Disney’s Oceaneer Club (ages 3-12), consisting of Marvel Super Hero Academy and Fairytale Hall; Walt Disney Imagineering Lab; It’s a Small World Nursery; clubs Edge (ages 11-14) and Vibe (ages 14-17); Walt Disney Theatre; a pair of cinemas; and much more.
AquaMouse on Disney Wish is the first Disney attraction at sea.
Credit: 2022 Disney Cruise LineMSC Seascape and MSC World Europa, MSC Cruises
MSC Cruises has two new ships on the calendar for 2022. MSC Seascape will be the line’s second Seaside EVO-class ship when it comes online in December, and it will feature family attractions similar to sister ship MSC Seashore, including collaborations with LEGO and Chicco.
The other ship, MSC World Europa, also debuts in December. It will be the first to offer the line’s largest children’s space at more than 8,200 square feet, encompassing seven distinct rooms for ages 17 and under. Of particular interest will be the Luna Park Arena, a multipurpose venue for film screenings, game shows and other family activities, in addition to bumper cars, the Aquapark, World Theatre and The Venom Drop @ The Spiral, the longest dry slide at sea.
Norwegian Prima will feature the line’s longest go-kart track.
Credit: 2022 Norwegian Cruise LineNorwegian Prima, Norwegian Cruise Line
Norwegian Prima, first in Norwegian Cruise Line’s latest class, will add not just one, but three dry slides to its array of attractions when it launches in August — The Rush consists of a pair of dueling slides spiraling down the side of the ship, while The Drop will be a 10-story free-fall. Plus, the ship will feature The Tidal Wave, a waterslide for riders on inner tubes.
Norwegian Prima will also feature the line’s longest go-kart racetrack, and The Galaxy Pavilion virtual gaming arena with four simulator experiences, a pair of escape rooms and a Topgolf Swing Suite.
Royal Caribbean’s Wonder of the Seas has many activities for families, including Splashaway Bay.
Credit: 2022 Royal Caribbean InternationalWonder of the Seas, Royal Caribbean International
Wonder of the Seas, Royal Caribbean International’s fifth Oasis-class ship, includes its signature Ultimate Abyss dual dry slides descending to its Boardwalk District. Plus, young guests have plenty to do at Adventure Ocean (ages 3-11) and Social 100 (for tweens and teens), which has a newly expanded outdoor Social 100 Patio that features its own whirlpool.
Other onboard favorites include the Perfect Storm trio of waterslides; a FlowRider surf simulator; a zipline; Splashaway Bay waterpark; rock-climbing walls; the AquaTheater; and Studio B ice rink.
