By Amanda Mesa | Published on January 26, 2024
The best family vacation can look very different depending on whether you’re traveling with toddlers, teens, newborns or kids who are in college or older. Age can influence everything from where you eat to what activities you choose to fill your days off with as your family’s interests evolve throughout the years. I know firsthand how challenging it can seem to plan a vacation that will appeal to everyone in your group — which is why cruising has become my go-to when it comes to planning group escapes. Family cruises make it easy to cater to a diverse range of needs and preferences because they offer so many different options, from restaurants to shows and onboard experiences. There are plenty of cruise attractions for kids, cruise activities for teens, things for adults to do and childcare options that even make cruising with a baby a breeze.
Of course, once you start researching the wide world of cruising, you’ll quickly realize you have lots of ships to choose from. But one of my all-time favorites for low-key, laidback family cruises is Brilliance of the Seas. This Radiance Class cruise ship isn’t one of the biggest on offer, but that’s one of the things I love best about it. Because it’s a midsized ship, the vibe tends to be more intimate and relaxed — and relaxing is my favorite thing to do on family cruises. Because there are fewer guests onboard, it’s also easier to get to know other cruising families throughout your sailing.
That said, Brilliance of the Seas still offers plenty of activities to ensure a fun vacation for the whole family. There’s a 40-foot rock-climbing wall that offers awe-inspiring views of the ocean (and a pretty solid workout, to boot). A sunny pool deck that doubles as the setting for bellyflop competitions, dance parties and movie nights under the stars. A stellar dining scene that offers delicious options sure to please even the pickiest eaters. A mini golf course that promises hours of family fun for all ages. And dazzling, family-friendly cruise entertainment every night of your sailing that’s completely complimentary. Here are just some of the many experiences that make Brilliance of the Seas one of my top picks for the best family cruises.
When you sail onboard Brilliance of the Seas, your evenings are just as exciting and filled with possibility as your days. The ship has three spectacular Broadway-style productions on the playbill, so you can fill an entire weekend with incredible choreography and musical performances. There are also pop-up performances to look forward to at Schooner Bar and the King and Country Pub, as well as an indoor cinema. If you’d rather catch a flick outdoors under the stars, hit the pool deck during one of the ship’s outdoor movie nights.
These are just some of the many family-friendly activities and experiences that Brilliance of the Seas has to offer. Take the next step in planning the best family cruise by finding the perfect itinerary for you and your crew or check out the rest of the great attractions and experiences that await onboard.