The family that plays together stays together. Spending quality time as a family can strengthen the ties that bind. Increasingly, one way to do that is a family vacation at sea. According to the 2024 State of the Cruise Industry report from Cruise Lines International Association, multigenerational travel is a rising trend. More than 30 percent of families now cruise with at least two generations on board, and nearly a third travel with three to five generations.

With clubs for kids, tweens and teens; waterslides; mini golf; pools as well as adults-only pools; pickleball; spas; nightclubs; and more, cruising proves a crowd-pleaser. There’s something for everyone on board and excursions to excite all ages. Ship suites have families in mind with multiple rooms and bathrooms and options like connecting cabins.

If your family is ready to set sail, here’s where to go.

RIVERSIDE LUXURY CRUISES
What better way to celebrate the holidays than sailing on the Rhine or Danube? Often, river cruise lines have a minimum age limit or don’t allow kids. You don’t have to worry about that with Riverside Luxury Cruises. Each ship offers connecting suites, and larger suites accommodate a cot or crib. Each suite features a butler to help families curate their vacation. Older kids can look after the little ones as they eat in the room and watch a movie while mom, dad and grandparents have grown-up time.

Ports include Vienna; Budapest; Koblenz, Germany; and Krems, Austria. While you’re en route to those famous Christmas markets, life on board includes an indoor pool and 24-hour room service. The Christmas markets are magical, like a scene out of a movie, with lights aglow, music, and the most amazing ornaments and unique gifts for your loved ones. The eating and drinking prove excellent: bratwurst; roasted chestnuts; pastries; hot cocoa; and gluhwein, a seasonal mulled wine served warm and with spices like cinnamon. Excursions include walking tours, museum visits and more. You’ll talk about this trip long after you return home.

PHOTO: © MSC CRUISES

MSC CRUISES
Enjoy seven nights on MSC Cruises’ flagship MSC World America, launched this past spring. Choose a Caribbean adventure to destinations like Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic; San Juan, Puerto Rico; and Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, a private island in the Bahamas. Catch a catamaran to Cayo Arena, one of the Dominican Republic’s best snorkeling reefs, or make your way to Damajagua Waterfalls and jump, climb and swim 27 separate falls. In San Juan kayak the bioluminescent bay at Laguna Grande and hike in tropical rainforest El Yunque. In the Bahamas go for a beachside spa treatment, shop the Bahamian Village and Marina, and drink up at the Lighthouse Bar.

Your time at sea between destinations will prove just as eventful. On board hit Family Aventura, home of The Harbour, featuring an outdoor adventure zone with a ropes course and aquapark; the Jaw Drop @ The Spiral dry slide; and Cliffhanger, an overwater swing at sea. Then there’s Doremiland, the largest kids’ area in the MSC Cruises fleet with LEGO play zones, lounges and VR games. No doubt everyone in your family will get their fun fix in the Sportplex with its bumper cars, zorb ball and more. The grownups can relax at the Balinese- inspired Aurea Spa and 20 bars. Come together to enjoy 19 restaurants, acrobatic and illusion shows, and the much-talked-about Dirty Dancing in Concert.

UNIWORLD BOUTIQUE RIVER CRUISES
The Generations Collection is a group of all-inclusive sailings designed to captivate children, teens, parents, grandparents, and aunties and uncles, too. Kids enjoy dessert-making sessions with the pastry chef, Viking-themed shore excursions, crafting workshops, a V.I.P. tour of the ship and more. There’s a young travelers’ lounge and game room, PlayStation, and movies. Family hosts organize kid-centric activities like movie nights and arrange special dining options.

The collection’s sailings are scheduled during school breaks, such as one during December to Egypt that showcases the country’s ancient wonders and the capital. The whole family will ooh and aah at the Pyramids of Giza; the Valley of the Kings; and the temples of Karnak, Luxor and Hatshepsut. Other activities include participating in a football match with local children and ship crew members, sand dune boarding, and swimming in the Nile.

HOLLAND AMERICA LINE
A trip to Alaska tops bucket lists. Holland America’s seven-day Alaska Inside Passage includes whale-watching, dog sledding on a glacier, zip lining, salmon fishing, ATV tours and more. Hike Mount Roberts in Juneau or stroll Glacier Gardens. In Skagway the galleries and curio shops are must-sees. Then there’s the beauty of Glacier Bay, and Ketchikan is beloved for sportfishing, walking the boardwalk and admiring the many carved totem poles. The varied itinerary should leave all family members smiling.

When not exploring the great outdoors, the ship sets the table for fun, be it the casino, pickleball, or Kids Club’s video game competitions and themed parties. Gather for meals at the popular Pinnacle Grill or the Dive-In for gourmet hot dogs and burgers.

Exhale in your connecting rooms, take in the panoramic views, and marvel at the bald eagles and sea lions you’re likely to sail by.