Short cruises from U.S. homeports are ideal for affordable multigenerational vacations and reunions, offering opportunities for family bonding and fun for all
Multigenerational travel is booming, and cruises are a popular vacation choice for family groups. According to the latest Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) report, 28% of today’s cruise travelers sail with three to five generations. Short trips are another of this year’s travel trends, and cruise lines offer exciting options on ships with attractions, venues and entertainment for all ages and interests.
Short cruises are perfect for multigenerational vacations, family reunions and groups with budget and time constraints. These popular three- to five-night getaways are affordable, easy to plan and offer a superb vacation value compared to similar land-based options. Vacation planners can choose sailings on a variety of family-friendly cruise lines, including some on the world’s newest ships. These short voyages take guests to enticing destinations, including the Bahamas, Bermuda, the Caribbean and Mexico.
Cruise vacations allow family groups to have fun together and apart. Today’s cruise ships offer something for everyone, enabling family members to customize their vacations and enjoy the kinds of experiences they prefer. The wide range of price points and accommodations makes short cruises accessible for every budget. Daily meals and many activities are included in the cruise fare, and ships can cater to many special needs.
Short sailings depart from convenient U.S. homeports in a variety of cities, often stretching vacation budgets by eliminating airfare costs. These action-packed cruises are available on amenity-filled mega-ships, smaller floating resorts and even historic sailing ships. While three- to five-night voyages pass by quickly, it’s easy to pack a lot into these experiences with proper planning.
If you’re thinking about reuniting on a fun-filled short cruise from U.S. homeports, here are 15 great options to consider for your next family trip.
Families enjoy interacting with beloved Disney characters on Disney Cruise Line ships. (Photo credit: Disney Cruise Line, Matt Stroshane photographer)
Disney Cruise Line
Disney Cruise Line offers four- and five-night Bahamas and Western Caribbean cruises from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on its brand new 4,000-passenger Disney Destiny. The recently launched heroes-and-villains-themed ship is filled with immersive storytelling, spectacular entertainment and dining experiences, memorable character interactions and Disney attractions perfect for families of all ages. Ports of call on these short sailings include Nassau, Bahamas; Disney’s popular private Bahamas retreats – Disney Castaway Cay and Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point; and Cozumel, Mexico. Families can dine at “The Lion King” and Marvel-themed restaurants, take thrilling rides on the AquaMouse water coaster, enjoy Broadway-style Disney entertainment, and relive legendary films and theme park attractions in spaces throughout the ship.
Families can choose from other short Disney Cruise Line voyages as well. The Disney Destiny’s sister ship, the Disney Wish, offers short cruises and Walt Disney World land and sea vacation packages from Port Canaveral, Florida. Families reuniting on the West Coast can have fun together on the Disney Wonder, now sailing short Baja and Pacific Coast cruises from San Diego, California. Guests rave about the superb dining options, dazzling entertainment, action-packed kids and teens clubs, and the wide range of attractions to please all age groups.
Carnival Cruise Line ships at Celebration Key, Carnival’s exclusive new destination in the Bahamas. (Photo credit: Carnival Cruise Line)
Carnival Cruise Line
Carnival Cruise Line is one of the most popular cruise options for family vacations and reunions. It offers a wide variety of short cruises from more than 10 homeports throughout the United States. Galveston, Texas, is a convenient port for many families, and Carnival Cruise Line offers year-round four- and five-day Western Caribbean voyages on the Carnival Breeze. The fun-filled itineraries include visits to sunny Cozumel and Progreso, Mexico. This Carnival Fun Ship offers a thrilling top-deck WaterWorks water park, a large Serenity Adults-Only Retreat, Cloud 9 Spa, SportSquare’s ropes course and games, and Camp Ocean kids and teens clubs for children aged 2-17.
Families can also find their brand of fun on short Carnival Cruise Line voyages from sunny homeports along the nation’s East Coast, including Norfolk, Virginia. The 3,000-passenger Carnival Sunshine offers exciting Bahamas and Bermuda cruises during the summer months. Family groups can reunite during meals at Guy’s Burger Joint and JiJi Asian Kitchen and enjoy Playlist Production shows. The Carnival Sunshine’s five-night Bahamas itineraries visit Bimini and Carnival’s new private Bahamas destination, Celebration Key. Exclusively designed for Carnival guests, Celebration Key features a mile-long sandy beach, massive lagoons and five distinct areas with unique attractions and experiences.
Royal Caribbean’s Utopia of the Seas features a wide array of family-friendly staterooms, including the Ultimate Family Suite. (Photo credit: Royal Caribbean International, Michel Verdure photographer)
Royal Caribbean International
Reuniting families can have an unforgettable time together on a wide range of Royal Caribbean ships departing from homeports across the United States. One of Royal Caribbean’s newest ships, the Utopia of the Seas, sails three- and four-night Bahamas cruises from Port Canaveral, Florida, to Nassau and Perfect Day at CocoCay, Royal Caribbean’s attraction-filled private island destination. Dubbed “The World’s Biggest Weekend,” the Utopia of the Seas is one of the world’s largest cruise ships and was designed with families in mind. The Oasis-class ship caters to all generations with a fantastic selection of over 20 dining options, 23 bars and lounges, dazzling Broadway-style performances, family-friendly accommodations and tons of activities. The Utopia of the Seas’ multiple pools and waterslides, surf simulator, and exceptional kids and teens clubs are sure to please younger guests. The ship also features plenty of adult-focused areas and adventures, making it a great choice for large family groups.
Royal Caribbean also offers exciting options for families reuniting on the West Coast. Royal Caribbean’s Quantum of the Seas sails three-, four- and five-night cruises to Baja California from Los Angeles. Ports of call on these family-friendly getaways include Catalina Island, California, and Ensenada and Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. Families enjoy the ship’s onboard dining, entertainment, and attractions such as laser tag, an escape room, and multiple water parks.
Celebrity Cruises
Celebrity Cruises offers an upscale vacation experience that is well suited to multigenerational groups. The cruise line’s mid-size ships feature a wide variety of engaging activities, enrichment experiences and specially designed spaces for all ages. The Celebrity Reflection sails three- and four-night Bahamas cruises from Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Ports of call on these cruises include Key West, Florida, and Bahamas ports such as Bimini, Nassau and Perfect Day at CocoCay. Groups can reconnect on the Celebrity Reflection while enjoying interactive entertainment, exciting shore excursions and excellent meals at an extensive array of dining venues. A variety of spacious staterooms are available, including accommodations in The Retreat, an exclusive high-end sanctuary featuring luxurious suites with personal butlers, a private restaurant and lounge, and numerous special perks.
The pools and twisting water slide on Margaritaville at Sea Islander appeal to adults and kids alike. (Photo credit: Margaritaville at Sea)
Margaritaville at Sea
If your group is looking for a short cruise that’s easy on the wallet, check out Margaritaville at Sea. The cruise line was recently named the #1 Cruiser’s Choice Cruise Line in Cruise Critic’s Best in Cruise Awards, and its laid-back voyages are ideal for affordable family reunions and multigenerational trips. The 2,100-passenger Margaritaville at Sea Islander sails an array of four- and five-night Western Caribbean itineraries from Tampa, Florida. Families enjoy the multiple pools and dining venues on the Margaritaville at Sea Islander, and the ship features plenty of live entertainment and clubs for kids and teens.
Margaritaville at Sea offers highly affordable two-, three- and four-night Bahamas cruises on the Margaritaville at Sea Paradise, sailing from the Port of Palm Beach. The ship’s relaxed Jimmy Buffett-themed vibe fits perfectly with its tropical island destinations. Ports of call on these wallet-friendly Bahamas voyages include Nassau and Freeport, and some itineraries also visit Key West. In Nassau, families can extend their Margaritaville vacation ashore with Sail & Splash Pass experiences at Margaritaville Beach Resort Nassau’s Fins Up! Water Park.
Maine Windjammer Association
Reuniting families can enjoy exploring Maine’s spectacular coast and spotting wildlife together on short cruises aboard the Maine Windjammer Association’s fleet of traditional tall ships. On these relaxing all-inclusive adventures, multigenerational groups can bond and make lasting memories while beachcombing for treasures on deserted islands, taking in Maine’s magnificent scenery, and savoring delicious Downeast cuisine. In the evenings, families can relax on deck together and soak up the beauty of a star-filled sky.
The association’s nine individually owned ships offer a variety of short, themed voyages from Camden and Rockland, Maine. Most ships accommodate guests aged 12 and older, and some feature select family-specific departures. Full-ship charters for tailor-made celebrations and special multigenerational family events are available throughout the fleet, with overnight accommodations for approximately 17-30 guests.
Norwegian Cruise Line’s new Norwegian Aqua offers memorable short cruises to Bermuda. (Photo credit: Norwegian Cruise Line)
Norwegian Cruise Line
Norwegian Cruise Line is known for its signature Freestyle Cruising approach and its wide variety of exceptional dining venues, entertainment and attractions. “Free at Sea” packages and group perks add to Norwegian Cruise Line’s appeal. The line’s newest ship, Norwegian Aqua, sails a variety of short voyages to Bermuda from New York City. The ship’s itinerary includes two days at Bermuda’s Royal Naval Dockyard, allowing guests to spend time exploring the island’s pink sand beaches, charming towns and historic sites. Norwegian Aqua is home to an array of thrilling new experiences and onboard amenities, making days at sea fun for everyone. Some of the ship’s unique features include the Aqua Slidecoaster, Glow Court digital sports complex, and the all-new Aqua Game Zone venue.
Families seeking a relaxed vibe and lots of onboard activities will enjoy cruising aboard the Norwegian Getaway. The ship sails a variety of short cruise itineraries from Port Canaveral and Miami, Florida, to the Bahamas and the Caribbean. The Norwegian Getaway is a mid-size vessel accommodating around 3,900 guests. Groups can find staterooms to suit a broad array of budgets, from cozy cabins to luxurious suites in The Haven, an exclusive ship-within-a-ship boutique hotel concept. The Norwegian Getaway offers plenty of family-friendly attractions, including multiple pools, theater shows, a ropes course, and kids and teens programs for children ages six months to 17 years of age.
MSC Seaside at MSC Cruises’ private island in the Bahamas, Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve. (Photo credit: MSC Cruises)
MSC Cruises
Family-friendly MSC Cruises offers three- and four-night Bahamas cruises from two Florida homeports, including voyages from Miami on the MSC Seaside. Ports of call on these Bahamas voyages include Nassau and MSC Cruises’ private island, Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve. Family groups can choose from a wide range of staterooms and suites on the MSC Seaside, including specially designed connecting room for families and suites in the MSC Yacht Club, an exclusive enclave loaded with perks. Families will appreciate the MSC Seaside’s extensive dining and entertainment options, as well as the age-specific kids clubs designed for babies through teens. Kids Sail Free deals are available on select cruises.
Virgin Voyages
If your group consists solely of adults seeking superb cuisine and a grown-up atmosphere, Virgin Voyages may be a good option for your crew. The adults-only cruise line offers guests a wide array of events, entertainment, activities and attractions. Virgin Voyages’ Scarlet Lady sails a variety of four- and five-night cruises from Miami, Florida. Ports of call on these itineraries include Key West, Florida, Bimini, Bahamas, and exciting destinations in the Eastern and Western Caribbean. Virgin Voyages offers a highly inclusive vacation experience, with all specialty dining and gratuities are included in the cruise fare.
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By Nancy Schretter, Contributing Editor
Header Photo Credit: Carnival Cruise Line
