How 6 cruise lines keep kids entertained on board

Cruise lines are more than accommodating to family cruisers. Here is a round-up of what you can do to keep the kids entertained on the waves

Carnival offers activities for kids of all ages. Children and adults alike can join in the fun with all-ages activities such as waterslides, movies by the pool or on-board sports such as basketball and mini golf.

There are also kids-only activities with Carnivals kids club options such as Seuss at Sea where the kids can have breakfast with Thing 1 and Thing 2, Zumbini, Build-a-Bear Workshop, or Seuss-a-palooza Story Time.

Most activities are included in the price of your cruise and are available on most Carnival Ships.

There are some activities that do cost extra, however. These include IMAX, ZSpa, Thrill Theater and Video Arcade.

While you may not think of Celebrity as a kid-friendly line, there are many opportunities for kids to have fun and make new friends aboard Celebrity ships.

Most Celebrity Cruise ships feature Camp at Sea an on-board entertainment centre and program designed for kids three to 17, separated into different age groups.

On board Celebrity ships, Captains, aged 10 to 12, can meet other pre-teens through scavenger hunts and STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) programs.

With more than 500 activities to enjoy, the schedules vary every sail depending on the interests of kid passengers.

NCLs new generation of ships offer laser tag obstacle courses and go-karts for older kids. But if youre looking to drop the kids off and enjoy some adult time, the Splash Academy is organised for a range of children. Kids aged six to nine can join the Seals group, where they can try their hand at circus skills.

Even if youve got a six-month-old on your hip, the Guppies group is designed for the youngest of cruisers, and the carers include sensory play and music lessons in their program.

If your kids are older than 12, dont worry: music jams, improv classes, movies, parties and sports are available to teens on board.

Kids can learn to juggle at Circus School in Splash Academy and teens have the coolest themed parties in Entourage, NCLs on-board youth club.

In partnership with Discovery, Princess has developed engaging new youth programming and centres designed for young passengers, such as Camp Discovery. Activities are themed around popular shows such as Mythbusters and Animal Planet documentaries.

The Treehouse is designed for kids aged three to seven and offers activities and programs in a whimsical play centre inspired by the forests, while the Beach House is a space for teens to make mocktails, join dance classes or catch movies under the stars.

The whole family can enjoy the Reef Family Splash Zone, which features an interactive splash pad with a giant whale.

Known as a family-friendly cruise line, P&O offers a host of activities that you can do with your kids, and others that they can enjoy all on their own.

The on-board kids club group activities are split into four age groups, and include arts and crafts, sport, music, video games and movies.

On-board activities for kids of all ages including the kids at heart include waterslides, slacklines, and even the chance to walk the plank.

Every RC ship offers activities for kids, with specialised youth groups ranging from Royal tots to 12-year-olds.

The ship also hosts epic experiences such as glow-in-the-dark laser tag battles and plunging down the Ultimate Abyss, which is bound to boost your adrenaline.

FlowRider surf simulator is another popular kids area aboard Royal Caribbean.