Best Expedition Ships for Families: Luxury Cruises with Kids
Expedition cruising isn’t just for solo travelers and retirees—it’s an incredible way for families to explore the world together. Whether you’re spotting penguins in Antarctica, snorkeling with sea turtles in the Galápagos, or kayaking through Alaska’s fjords, today’s best expedition ships offer kid-friendly activities, expert guides, and luxurious comfort for all ages.
But not all expedition cruises are family-friendly. Some cater to serious adventurers, while others provide educational programs, kid-approved excursions, and special onboard activities that make them perfect for multi-generational travel.
In this guide, we’ll compare the best luxury expedition ships for families, so you can choose the perfect adventure for your crew.
What Makes an Expedition Ship Family-Friendly?
Not every small ship is designed with families in mind. Here’s what sets the best apart:
✔ Interconnected & Family Suites – More space for parents & kids to stay together
✔ Educational Programs – National Geographic experts, marine biologists, and historians on board
✔ Hands-On Activities – Snorkeling, kayaking, wildlife photography, and Zodiac excursions
✔ Kid-Friendly Menus – Gourmet dining with options kids will actually eat
✔ Casual, Laid-Back Atmosphere – No formal dress code—just comfortable adventure travel
✔ Multi-Generational Options – Something for kids, parents, and grandparents
💡 Pro Tip: Many expedition lines have minimum age requirements, so always check before booking. Some ships allow kids as young as 5, while others require them to be 8+ or even 12+.
Top Family-Friendly Expedition Ships
We’ve ranked these luxury expedition ships based on family amenities, adventure programs, and kid-friendly experiences.
🚢 1. Lindblad Expeditions – National Geographic Explorer (Best for Young Explorers)
✔ Best for: Families with curious, science-loving kids
✔ Ages: 8+ recommended
✔ Where it Sails: Galápagos, Alaska, Antarctica, Arctic, Baja California
Why Families Love It:
- National Geographic Young Explorers Program – Hands-on science, photography, and wildlife workshops
- Top-tier naturalists & marine biologists lead kid-friendly learning
- Kayaking, Zodiac landings, and snorkeling for active families
- Casual, family-friendly dining with flexible meal times
💡 Best Destination for Families: The Galápagos Islands! Kids can snorkel with sea lions, walk among giant tortoises, and see blue-footed boobies up close.
🚢 2. Silversea Expeditions – Silver Endeavour (Best for Multi-Generational Families)
✔ Best for: Families traveling with grandparents & young kids
✔ Ages: 6+ recommended
✔ Where it Sails: Antarctica, Arctic, Galápagos, Kimberley Coast
Why Families Love It:
- Ultra-luxury expedition with butler service & interconnecting suites
- Private balconies so kids can spot wildlife from their cabin
- All-inclusive pricing (WiFi, excursions, gourmet dining)
- Gentle Zodiac landings & heated indoor pool for relaxing after adventures
💡 Best Destination for Families: Antarctica Fly-Cruises! Skip the Drake Passage crossing and fly directly to the White Continent.
🚢 3. Ponant – Le Commandant Charcot (Best for Luxury Family Adventures)
✔ Best for: Families wanting French elegance + adventure
✔ Ages: 8+ recommended
✔ Where it Sails: Antarctica, Arctic, North Pole
Why Families Love It:
- Spacious suites & connecting family rooms
- Onboard spa & indoor pool (perfect after a day of Arctic exploration!)
- Icebreaker ship – Sail where no other ships can
- Bilingual guides (French & English) for an immersive experience
💡 Best Destination for Families: Arctic Wildlife Cruises! Spot polar bears, reindeer, and walruses in Svalbard.
🚢 4. Hurtigruten – MS Roald Amundsen (Best for Eco-Conscious Families)
✔ Best for: Families interested in science & sustainability
✔ Ages: 6+ recommended
✔ Where it Sails: Antarctica, Arctic, Norway, Alaska
Why Families Love It:
- Science Center onboard – Kids can use microscopes & learn from scientists
- Hybrid-powered ship – Eco-friendly travel for environmentally-conscious families
- Flexible expedition activities – Hiking, kayaking, Zodiac cruises
💡 Best Destination for Families: Norway & Alaska! See the Northern Lights, fjords, and glaciers while enjoying a cultural experience.
🚢 5. Quark Expeditions – Ultramarine (Best for Teens & Adventure-Seeking Families)
✔ Best for: Families with older kids who love action-packed activities
✔ Ages: 12+ recommended
✔ Where it Sails: Antarctica, Arctic, Greenland
Why Families Love It:
- Helicopter excursions & stand-up paddleboarding
- Camping on the Antarctic ice (for the ultimate family bonding experience!)
- Small, adventure-driven ship with expert guides
💡 Best Destination for Families: Antarctica! Teens will love camping overnight on the ice & hiking glaciers.
Best Destinations for Family Expedition Cruises
Wondering where to take the kids? These are the best family-friendly expedition cruise destinations:
🏝 The Galápagos Islands – Hands-on wildlife encounters, snorkeling with sea lions, and ancient tortoises.
🏔 Alaska – Whale watching, glacier hikes, and Native Alaskan culture.
🧊 Antarctica – Penguin colonies, Zodiac adventures, and surreal landscapes.
🌿 The Amazon – Rainforest exploration, pink dolphins, and indigenous village visits.
🌎 Norway & Svalbard – Northern Lights, polar bears, and Viking history.
💡 Pro Tip: If it’s your first expedition cruise with kids, start with the Galápagos or Alaska. They’re easier to reach, warmer, and packed with wildlife.
How to Choose the Right Expedition Cruise for Your Family
✔ Consider Your Kids’ Ages – Galápagos & Alaska are great for young kids, while Antarctica & the Arctic are better for teens.
✔ Pick the Right Ship Size – Smaller ships (100 passengers or less) feel more intimate and personalized.
✔ Look for Family Amenities – Connecting rooms, flexible dining, and onboard activities make a difference.
✔ Decide on Activity Level – Some cruises are more relaxed, while others offer camping, kayaking, and hiking.
🚢 Ready to book a luxury family expedition cruise? Contact us today to find the perfect adventure for your family!