Winner:GOLD Best Family Cruise
Who:MSC Cruises
What:A Swiss-Italian family cruise line.
Why:
As the world’s third-largest cruise line and Europe’s market leader, MSC Cruises offers families a stylish and wonderfully immersive way to explore the globe. With a fleet of 23 sleek and contemporary ships visiting over 300 exciting destinations across five continents, guests can experience new cultures and breathtaking scenery, while making unforgettable memories at sea.
Designed with families in mind, MSC boasts award-winning children’s programmes, created with LEGO® and Chicco®, that will engage kids of all ages, while water parks, live entertainment, sports facilities, and family-friendly dining create bonding moments for everyone.
The judges were pleased to hear that sustainability is central to the MSC experience. The line is committed to net zero emissions by 2050 and has already cut carbon intensity by nearly 39% through cleaner fuels, innovative ship technologies, and efficiency improvements. They have also just announced a landmark partnership with marine conservation charity ORCA and will be introducing the first ORCA-trained Marine Mammal Observer aboard MSC Poesia during its inaugural Alaska season in summer 2026. Excitingly, a dedicated marine life observer will be on look out during peak whale season to collect valuable scientific data on whale behaviour around cruise vessels.
“MSC Cruises is stylish, elevated, and very family-friendly, with excellent kids’ programmes, dedicated spaces, and interconnecting cabins. Mediterranean warmth, thoughtful design, and growing sustainability efforts combine with a relaxed, inclusive atmosphere, making every voyage a shared, meaningful experience. Families love the variety, energy, and sense of celebration at sea.”
"Well thought out - extra points for having sustainability as a pillar; good value."
“A fantastic mix of fun and educational cruises for families at surprisingly affordable prices, with beautifully designed interiors, luxe touches, and activities that keep kids - and adults - entertained. Collaborations like LEGO and kid-friendly pools show how the brand is embracing the rise of multi-generation family cruising, making every voyage both memorable and timely.”
“Having been on my first family cruise in recent years, I can honestly say it opened up a whole new world of holiday possibilities. I love the ease, style, and facilities that delight all ages - husbands, kids, and everyone in between! I’m thrilled to see MSC win, and I just know that Junior readers will adore this cruise operator.”
Ideal for...
MSC Cruises increasingly attracts younger travellers, with the average passenger age now 42, reflecting its appeal to new generations. Families are at the heart of the experience, with activities and spaces designed for all ages. Children enjoy dedicated kids’ clubs, teens have their own social zones, and adults and grandparents can relax in the spa, visit the gym, or unwind in quiet areas. Shared family experiences—from water parks and arcade games to live shows—mean that every member of the family can connect, play, and create lasting memories together.
What makes it Special...
MSC is guided by its four pillars—family, innovation, sustainability, and destination exploration.
Did you Know?
MSC Cruises is a Swiss-Italian cruise line headquartered in Geneva, with
operational offices in Naples, Genoa, and Venice. The company also has
offices in 30 locations worldwide, including the UK, Europe, America, Africa,
Asia, and Australia.
Junior Fact File
Families can explore Northern Europe this winter aboard MSC Poesia from Southampton, with fares from £399, visiting Hamburg, Rotterdam, Zeebrugge, and Le Havre.
For those chasing winter sun, fly-cruise packages from UK airports—including London Heathrow, Manchester, and Glasgow—sail on MSC World America to Miami, Isla de Roatán, Costa Maya, Cozumel, and MSC’s private island, Ocean Cay, are from £1,896.
Next summer, Mediterranean itineraries depart from Civitavecchia (Rome) to Mykonos, Kusadası, Marmaris, and Naples on MSC Divina, from £1,119 or £1,318 including flights.
More details are available at MSC Cruises.
