Get Ready to Set Sail with This Guide to Family Cruises

Go on a family vacation like never before when you go on a cruise! Spend days on end at sea, without ever a dull moment.

On a family-friendly cruise, you can combine adventure, relaxation, and entertainment. It’s the perfect balance for everyone in the family! From thrilling onboard activities and gourmet dining to picturesque destinations and breathtaking ocean vistas, cruises provide an all-encompassing escape. The possibilities are endless in the open sea!

Embark on an unforgettable journey aboard the Royal Caribbean Spectrum of the Seas! With its plethora of activities and world-class amenities, you and your family will surely make memories that will last a lifetime. From Singapore, you can choose where you’d like to visit on this family-friendly cruise. 

Here are some of the amazing locations you can visit:

The length of your stay at sea depends on the package you choose. The Penang-only package is a 3-night cruise that stops on the island on your second day. Here, you can visit the capital city of George Town to check out the Blue Mansion, Dharmikarama Burmese Temple, and try out their famous street food, the famous char koay teow, a flavorful stir-fried noodle-based dish!

The Penang and Phuket package is a 4-night cruise that stops in Penang on the second day and Phuket on the third. While in Phuket, you can visit Pha Nga Bay, Wat Chalong Temple, and even snorkel in the waters of Ao Sane! Thailand is also known for its silk products, like pillowcases and scarves, so don’t forget to buy some to bring home. 

If you want to explore more of Malaysia and Thailand, this package is a 5-night cruise that has stops in Kuala Lumpur, Penang, and Phuket. In Kuala Lumpur, you can see the Petronas Towers, walk around ​​KLCC Park, and visit the iconic Thean Hou Temple.

The Singapore and Tokyo package is available for 12 nights and has stops at Nha Trang, Hong Kong, Nagasaki, Kumamoto, Kagoshima, and Tokyo. While in Nha Trang on the third day, stroll through their beautiful Bai Duong Beach or hike to their Ba Ho Waterfalls. Days 5 and 6 are reserved for Hong Kong, where you can shop ‘til you drop at Causeway Bay after you ride the Peak Tram to Victoria Peak! The first stop once you get to Japan is Nagasaki, where you can catch views of Mt. Inasa, the tallest mountain in the city. The next day is a visit to Kumamoto, which is filled with history from its 16th-century Suizenji Garden to its 17th-century Kumamoto Castle. Afterward, visit Kagoshima, where you can get an overlooking view of the city at the Shiroyama Lookout. Save your energy for your final day’s trip to Tokyo, as there’s just so much to do here! Shop in Harajuku, learn more about Otaku culture in Akihabara, try nigirizushi, and the list goes on.

Similar to the Singapore and Tokyo package, the Singapore, Taipei, and Japan is a 12-night cruise that visits Nha Trang and Hong Kong, but visits other sites like Taipei, Kobe, Mt. Fuji (Shimizu), and Tokyo (Yokohama). On the eighth, you can sip tea while in Taipei as you take a stroll on Jiu Fen Old Street. On day 11, the first stop in Japan is Kobe, where you can relax in their onsen. The next day is a visit to the iconic Mt. Fuji, which you can hike on its beginner-friendly trails.

Step into the enchanting world of Disney Wonder at Sea and create magical moments with the whole family! Enjoy Disney-themed entertainment with Broadway-style shows, imaginative dining with your favorite characters, and under-the-sun activities, all while cruising the beautiful waters of the South Pacific Ocean. You can choose to depart from either Brisbane or Sydney and stay for 2, 4, 5, or 6 nights. For the full experience, take the whole week!

Want to learn more about these two family-oriented cruises? Continue reading with our guide, where we’ll give you everything you need to know. Whether you opt for Royal Caribbean Spectrum of the Seas or Disney Wonder at Sea, you’re guaranteed an extraordinary family expedition!

Not sure of what to bring on a cruise? Here’s everything you need!

First and foremost, make sure you have ALL the necessary travel documents for a hassle-free experience. Always remember to have your passports, up-to-date visas, and proof of vaccination and/or negative COVID-19 results because some cruise lines may ask for them. It’s also a good idea to purchase travel insurance to protect your purchase in case of unexpected cancellations or emergencies!

With all your documents prepared, be sure to pack enough outfits for the duration of your trip! This requires you to plan ahead, but it’ll be worth it as there are dress codes in place during some activities and dining areas in cruises. When in doubt, bring comfortable and breathable clothes like T-shirts, shorts, jeans, and sneakers. Include one formal outfit as well since some cruises may have formal nights as part of their itinerary. Oh, and don’t forget to bring your swimsuit! 

Of course, toiletries are must-haves, too—especially sunscreen! Bring hats and shades for the sunny days ahead, and pack your camera for all the amazing photos you can take on board!

After your cruise, don’t forget to settle any outstanding bills and double-check that you have all of your belongings. Most cruises will have a debarkation process where guests are assigned a specific time to leave the ship and retrieve their luggage.

Besides the luxurious experience Spectrum of the Seas offers, they also have many adrenaline-pumping activities for guests to try out. 

Love surfing? No need to miss prime waves while on board! If you’re a beginner, you unlock a new skill when you catch waves on the FlowRider Simulator. Or, if you’re into skydiving (yes, skydiving!), you can also simulate the experience without the fear of heights on the RipCord by iFLY Simulator! The FlowRider is for people 6 years old and above, while iFly starts at ages 3 and above. For those looking to stay active while on this cruise, you can challenge yourself on the rock-climbing wall and showcase your skills in the action-packed indoor sports complex. 

If you’re on this cruise to relax and rejuvenate, Spectrum of the Seas also has wellness centers available. There’s a Body and Mind Spa and Fitness Center, Vitality Fitness Center, and the adults-only Solarium. Additionally, they have manicure and pedicure services, and yoga classes for an additional fee.

Disney Wonder at Sea is also filled with activities for everyone. Kids can play inside the Oceaneer Club and Oceaneer Lab, where they can play with their favorite characters during Puzzle Playtime with Mickey and Friends! Teens and tweens also have their own clubs, specially designed for their enjoyment. Adults can unwind and relax at the Quiet Cove Pool or the Senses Spa.  

For the entire family, take a splash at their many themed pools! Have fun in Goofy’s Pool, or try out the Twist ‘n’ Spout slide at Dory’s Reef. The fun never ends!

You and your family don't have to worry about food while at sea because both cruises have a whole lot of options prepared to meet the taste of the pickiest of eaters!

Featuring an impressive selection of 20 dining venues, the Spectrum of the Seas cruise has something to satisfy every palate. Delight in the flavors of Japan at Izumi, where the chef specializes in the seared tuna tataki roll. If you’re craving Italian, try out Jamie’s Italian by Jamie Oliver. Our recommendations include their homemade truffle tagliatelle, Jamie’s famous prawn linguine, and the chianti-braised short rib. 

Embark on a gastronomic journey at Wonderland. Here, dishes are served in the most imaginative way possible. Think crispy crab cones with fluffy avocado mousse, then add in liquid lobster with bone marrow AND caviar—don’t those sound scrumptious? If you’re celebrating something with the family, treat yourselves to steaks at Chops Grille. Fear not, vegetarian and Halal options are available at Windjammer Marketplace, where you can enjoy a variety of buffet-style meals throughout the day.

Looking for something to keep you energized for all the activities you’re doing? Head to the SeaPlex Dog House for some hotdogs, Splashaway Café for coffee or tea, or La Patisserie for some pastries. Make sure to try out Noodle Bar for some Asian noodles, Sorrento’s for New York-style pizza, and more while you’re at it!

Dine with your favorite characters when you go aboard Disney Wonder at Sea. Do fine dining under the sea at Triton’s, where you can expect American classics for breakfast like waffles and pancakes, then French cuisine for dinner, where you can try Prince Eric’s escargots gratinés. For those who love live jazz music, visit Tiana’s Place and enjoy southern cuisine. Don’t miss out on Tiana's buttermilk beignets for dessert! Adults can go on a special night out at Palo, an adults-exclusive restaurant serving Northern Italian specialties.

Unwind and be entertained after a thrilling day of activities and culinary delights with captivating shows for all ages. From dazzling performances to engaging events, both cruises offer a range of entertainment options that guarantee a memorable experience for the entire family. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the fantastic shows that await you!

By their very own Royal Caribbean productions, Spectrum of the Seas has many shows to keep everyone delighted. Original shows include The Silk Road, The Effectors, and Showgirl, which showcase cutting-edge technology and extraordinary talent. For a truly immersive experience, indulge in Virtual Concerts, where you can witness stunning performances in breathtaking 4K quality. Standup comedy is also available for those looking for a laugh to end the day!

Other than these productions, they also have events where you can mingle with other guests. These include guest lectures, outdoor movie nights, pool parties, and even game shows!

Experience one-of-a-kind Disney entertainment with their Broadway-style musicals, exclusively available for the cruise. Relive the magic of Frozen on stage and be mesmerized by Disney Dreams - An Enchanted Classic, a breathtaking live show that transports guests into a realm of fantasy and wonder. 

Meet other guests at the French Quarter Lounge for live entertainment and at the Crown & Fin Pub for some drinks and dancing!

Since there are so many things you can do on a cruise, check all the schedules for what you and your family want to try and plan your stay accordingly! With so many amenities available on board, cruises are perfect for families since it combines the excitement of traveling with the ease and convenience of everything being in one place! Each day is sure to be an exciting one at either of these cruises. There are new adventures for everyone to experience, so pack your bags and go all aboard for a fun-filled family vacation!