Best family cruises departing from the NYC area

The young and the young at heart will get a kick out of Carnival’s Seuss at Sea, a playful experience that brings the author’s beloved children’s books to life through parades, interactive story sessions, DIY activities and even a delightful Green Eggs and Ham breakfast. Let Thing 1 and Thing 2 be your guide while you set sail for destinations such as Canada, New England and the Caribbean, among others. This offering is available on various Carnival cruise ships and will soon head for Carnival Horizon. Naturally, such a wonderful journey deserves a spot on our best family cruises list! (800-764-7419, carnival.com).

If the family can’t fly down to Disney World, then let your favorite characters come to you. A Disney cruise is truly magic on water, and your kids won't even give the amusement parks a second thought. Aboard, families can dine with princesses and other characters, see favorite animated films come to life on stage and participate in awesome parties on deck. Epic waterslides and youth clubs for all ages (even teens and tweens) will keep everyone occupied, something all family cruises should strive to do. Currently, 2018 locations departing from NYC include Bermuda, the Bahamas and Canada. (800-951-3532, disneycruise.disney.go.com).

Your whole brood will find something to love while onboard a Norwegian Cruise Line. Avant garde activities such as the Circus School in Splash Academy will keep curious minds entertained while artsy courses such as cupcake decorating will give youngsters a chance to have some sweet treats. Four youth programs are divided by age groups and offer fun happenings such as music and movies, sports and a lounge for some r&r. Explore Canada or New England or go tropical with destinations like the Bahamas. (866-234-7350, ncl.com).

If you're wondering what to do this vacation season, a Royal Caribbean cruise just might be the answer. The amenity-packed adventure offers free poolside movie screenings, RipCord by iFLY (a skydiving simulator), a zip-line, mini golf and rock climbing, just to name a few activities. Kids can also try out the Seaplex, supposedly the largest indoor activity center at sea. It houses bumper cars, a circus school and so many other activities your energetic kiddos will adore! Parents' favorite part will probably be the adults-only solarium, a glass canopied pool area. These family cruises depart from New Jersey and head to locations such as Bermuda or the Bahamas. (866-662-7625, royalcaribbean.com).

Thanks to the Club Hal youth programs, your youngest cruise-goers will find something to their liking, whether that includes storytimes, ice cream eating contests that are perfect for summer vacation or even the BBC Earth Experience that is sure to be kiddos' new favorite exhibit on water. Each activities are split up according to age, so those 3–17 will make the most out of the amenities available. Thinking of taking the family to Canada or New England? Now's your chance thanks to family cruises on Holland America. (877-932-4259, hollandamerica.com) 

The sky's the limit (well, the ocean) when you head for a family vacation on the Princess Cruise line. Activities range from summer camp (yes, camp) to indoor fun at the sports activity center called The Lodge, to actual outdoor sports, movie nights and everything else you can possibly imagine. These are one of the best cruises for families because youngsters and teens will find something that suits their taste. (800-774-6237, princess.com)