Sail Away: Cruise Lines for Every Family Vacation

Whether your family's vacation style is laid-back or bustling, there's a cruise line just for you. Read on to learn which one will suit you best -- and how to have the best time on board.

By Laura Manske

Courtesy of Princess Cruises

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Fun-Loving

Best cruise line: Princess Cruises is well known for romantic adult diversions, like wedding vow renewals and dancing under the stars. These days, though, its 17 ships have plenty of perks for kids, including treasure hunts and the latest movies and music.

Family fun: In the scholarship@sea classes, pick up a new hobby, such as pottery or photography. Learn to scuba dive or snorkel as a family in the New Waves Program, or take waltz, cha-cha, or hip-hop lessons.

Pick your ship: Both the 3,080-guest Crown Princess and 3,100-guest Caribbean Princess offer four pools (one with a swim-against-the-current rush for a more invigorating workout), a nine-hole putting green, the Asian-themed Lotus spa (where teens can get a manicure) and Skywalkers Nightclub, perched high above the waves. The ships sail the Caribbean year-round; a 7-night Crown or Caribbean trip in March starts at $749. This summer the ships will also head to Europe, starting at $749.

Info: www.princess.com or 800-PRINCESS

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