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7 Great Cruises for a Family with Teenagers 

two girls at ocean
Allianz - two girls at ocean

Anyone who has ever traveled with teenagers knows that the process can be exciting at best and terrifying at worst. Because of this, it's important to consider your teen while planning a family cruise. There are many cruises available throughout North America, Europe and the Caribbean and, while cruises offer a wide variety of exciting activities for travelers, some are specially tailored toward accommodating families with teens. Check out one of these great cruises when it's time to plan your next family vacation and don't forget to visit Allianz's cruise portal page for plenty of cruise-related ideas and inspiration.

1. Carnival Dream Cruises

Carnival Cruise Lines live up to their name. Although this line's ships are all equipped with top-notch accommodations such as swimming pools, spas and athletic clubs, the Carnival Dream cruise is designed to cater especially to the needs of teens. This cruise features soda bars, teen-focused athletic clubs with cool features like climbing walls, and even an ultra-exclusive selection of teens-only clubs for kids aged 12 to 17.

2. Disney Fantasy Cruises

Even though they make you believe differently, kids never outgrow Disney. Although not everything on Disney Fantasy cruises is Disney-themed, these cruises offer a wide variety of fun Disney attractions geared toward older kids. Examples include the Aqua Duck — an exciting water coaster that runs the length of two football fields and provides teens with a rush of adrenaline. Additionally, the Disney Fantasy cruises also offer The Edge, a teens-only club complete with video-game walls and plenty of fun games.

3. Royal Caribbean Cruises

Known for their luxurious amenities, the Royal Caribbean cruises have recently instituted some features designed to cater especially for teens. These cruises now offer 3-D film screenings, surf simulators, climbing walls, expedited dining options for kids and teens, as well as teens clubs.

4. Norwegian Breakaway Cruises

Operated by Norwegian Cruise Lines, the Norwegian Breakaway cruise ships are specially outfitted to accommodate kids. In fact, these ships have the largest youth and teen facilities of any of the company's fleet. Included in these cruises is access to a video arcade, youth athletic facilities, and even Cirque du Soleil-style activities. Additionally, these cruises offer supervised nighttime activities and social events, as well as a huge variety of live shows featuring "Nickelodeon" characters.

5. Holland America Cruises

While Holland America cruises don't offer all the glitz and glam of some larger cruise lines, they are sure to please teens nonetheless. With activities like supervised pajama parties, athletic events and karaoke, these cruises offer plenty of attractions. Their crowning glory, however, is a secret teens-only area known as The Loft, which features juice bars, nighttime events and a resort-style swimming pool surrounded by waterfalls.

6. Ruby Princess Cruises

Ruby Princess cruises are a great option for kinds who like fun educational activities. Unlike many other cruises, which feature high-intensity events and activities for teens, Ruby Princess offers pottery and cooking classes. These cruises aren't completely tech-free, though, and all of them offer video game banks, mini-golf courses and well-stocked teen centers.

7. Oasis of the Seas Cruises

Operated by Royal Caribbean, the Oasis of the Seas is the world's largest cruise ship. Boasting everything from teen centers to yoga studios, this cruise offers ample attractions for every teen. Some examples include DJ lessons, juice bars, hip youth lounges designs to feel like ultra-luxurious nightclubs, and even teens-only spas that deliver treatments like pedicures and facials. Additionally, Oasis of the Seas Cruise staff host a variety of themed nighttime events for teens, such as slumber parties and costume events. Finally, teens can take advantage of the on-board surf simulator, rock climbing walls, zip lines, and cupcake shop.

Tips for Traveling With Teens

When you choose to take your family on any one of these seven cruises, your teens will thank you. Packed with fun, teen-specific activities, these cruises cater to everyone in the family. Whether you have a teen who loves rock climbing or one who just wants a pedicure and a glass of fizzy soda, these cruises are sure to deliver amenities that will make everyone in the family happy. Additionally, many cruise lines offer teen-specific travel tips to help families better plan their upcoming adventure.

Once you've chosen your cruise, ensure that you've adequately prepared everyone in the family. Do some research to make sure that nobody needs additional vaccines or medications prior to the cruise, and consider purchasing international travel insurance if your cruise will take you out of the country.

There is nothing quite as beautiful, majestic and exciting as a cruise, and families with teens can rest assured that these companies understand their needs. Designed to offer a fun, relaxing experience for everyone in the family, these cruise lines will take the burden of being entertainer and parent off your shoulders. So go ahead, kick your feet up and relax as your teen enjoys any one of the fun, unique, teen-specific activities these cruises have to offer.

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May 07, 2019