Globetrotter's Guidebook

Time Together and Apart

Your extended family probably consists of different generations with different sleep schedules and different ideas of fun, so coordinating a trip for them may seem akin to trying to herd flamingos. But there’s one vacation in which no one has to compromise on comfort, cuisine, or entertainment, from toddlers and teens to parents and grandparents: the multigenerational cruise.

With new adventures at every port and enough onboard options to keep everyone captivated, multigenerational family cruises offer just the right balance between family time and alone time—and you set that balance.

Unpack Once, Explore Endlessly

The true magic of cruising is in its simplicity. You unpack only once, yet you’ll wake up in a new destination almost every day. Whether it's sailing between Mediterranean isles or gliding through castle-studded landscapes on a river cruise, there’s something freeing about skipping airport transfers and hotel check-ins. Your “hotel” floats with you, and the staff remembers not only your name but also your favorite drink.

For older travelers, this means less physical stress and more time for enjoyment, too. For kids, it means each day is a new discovery. And for everyone, it’s a chance to experience the world without the hassle of constant repacking and managing tight timelines.

Designed for All Ages

Today’s cruise ships aren’t built just for adults who love poolside cocktails and behemoth buffets. They’re floating playgrounds and learning labs. Disney Cruise Line has mastered the art of immersive storytelling and themed entertainment, while Royal Caribbean offers activities like zip lining, surf simulators, and bumper cars. All provide quiet lounges and fine dining for grown-up retreats, too.

River cruises, such as those offered by AmaWaterways in partnership with Adventures by Disney, cater to families with purpose-built luxury ships, tailored shore excursions, and educational programming. These cruises often cap guest capacity and offer smaller-group touring, ideal for multigenerational travelers who crave meaningful connections and personalized service.

Some ships have conjoining rooms or oversize family suites, making it easy to be close without feeling cramped. Provident Travel advisors know exactly which configurations work best for different family structures and can secure those hard-to-get adjoining staterooms or balcony staterooms for enjoying morning coffee while the kids sleep in.

A Cruise for Every Family Personality

No two families are the same, which is why Provident Travel clients appreciate having options that match a variety of travel styles. Prefer something luxe and low-key? An AmaWaterways river cruise offers the elegance of boutique hotels with curated culinary experiences and intimate port towns. Want the wow factor of impressive scale and countless amenities? Royal Caribbean’s Wonder of the Seas has an entire neighborhood designed for families, complete with a carousel, a water park, and even its own candy shop.

And for the globe-trotting crew? Disney’s Small Ship Adventures take families into the heart of Croatia, Norway, the Galápagos, and beyond. Plus, thanks to Provident’s affiliation with Virtuoso, your travel advisor can often unlock perks like shipboard credits, private transfers, or hosted excursions not always available to the public.

Shared Experiences, Lifelong Memories

Some of the most touching moments on a cruise happen when generations connect through shared wonder: watching whales breach in Alaska, dancing barefoot at a beach barbecue in the Caribbean, or tasting gelato in a Tuscan piazza. These are the moments that become family memories retold at holidays and celebrations.

Cruising also creates opportunities for bonding in ways traditional land travel may not. When the environment is contained but full of possibilities, it becomes easier to gather for meals, reconnect during downtime, or simply be present with one another. And when grandparents are helping with bedtime routines or kids are off on their own adventures, parents actually get a vacation, too.

Whether it’s a 50th anniversary, a graduation trip, or just the first chance to reunite after being too long apart, your Provident Travel Advisor knows the right ship and right itinerary for your family’s travel style and vacation goals. All you need to do is show up and set sail.

With Provident Travel Advisors, you'll find the perfect cruise partner, itinerary, and experience to create unforgettable multi-generational family memories.

Contact us to start planning your next adventure!

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