ComparisonWhich one we would choose, and why
Best for
Teenagers are the easiest age to take on a luxury cruise and the easiest to bore. Which ships give them somewhere to be, food they will eat and days they will talk about, and which to avoid.
Teenagers want three things on a ship: somewhere that is theirs, food at odd hours, and a day they can tell their friends about. The lines that understand this are few. The lines that tolerate teenagers politely are many, and the difference shows by day three.
Below, the ships we book for families with thirteen to eighteen year olds, and the ones we steer away from.
| Criterion | Our pick |
|---|---|
| First choice | Explora I or II: teenage spaces, nine venues, four pools, no dress code |
| For adventure | Silver Endeavor to Antarctica, or Seabourn Venture to the Arctic: Zodiacs, kayaks, a submarine |
| For a yacht week | Evrima or Ilma: the marina off the stern, water sports at anchor, Ritz Kids on most sailings |
| Avoid | Viking (adults only), the classic Silversea and Seabourn ships in term time: nothing for them |
| Cabins | A connecting suite, or two suites across the corridor for sixteen and over |
| When to book | 9–12 months ahead for July and August; the connecting suites go first |
Explora is the only luxury line that built for teenagers rather than around them: a teen space with a program on school-vacation sailings, restaurants that open when they are hungry, pools where nobody minds noise. For a family of two parents, two teenagers and grandparents, it is the ship we sketch first.
Expedition is the other answer. A fifteen year old who would roll their eyes at Dubrovnik will not roll them at a Zodiac among icebergs. Silver Endeavor to Antarctica with the fly-cruise option, or Seabourn Venture to Svalbard, are the trips grandparents give that get remembered.
Where we say no: adults-only lines, obviously; and the classic small ships outside school vacations, where a teenager will be the only one aboard and know it. We would rather tell you than let you find out.
Our promise
We do not recommend a cruise because it is expensive, and we do not put people on the wrong ship. If the ship we recommend here is not right for your party, we will tell you and suggest the one that is, even if it costs less or is sold by someone else. We are an advisor, not a booking engine.
Speak to a specialistIn pictures
Licensed photographs of the lines compared above, credited; not brochure renders.
Tell us who is traveling and we will tell you which one we would choose, and why.
The lines
Modern, relaxed, generous with space, and genuinely happy to see children.
Butler-served suites, serious destinations, and one of the strongest expedition fleets afloat.
Hotel-style luxury on yachts of roughly 300 to 450 guests, with a surprisingly warm welcome for children.
Small, sociable, quietly luxurious ships, with a sister expedition fleet.
Good to know
Explora does, with a program on school-vacation sailings. Ritz-Carlton runs Ritz Kids up to twelve. Most other luxury lines have nothing specific for teenagers, which is fine for a week of adventure and poor for a week of ports.
Yes, from about twelve or thirteen, on a ship with a strong expedition team. Zodiac boarding needs reasonable agility; most teenagers have more of it than their grandparents.
Keep reading
Luxury Caribbean cruises shortlisted by Blackbury for families at Christmas, couples in search of small islands and grandparents who want warm, easy weeks.
Planning a luxury cruise for ten people: how many cabins, which ships have the connecting suites, where to go, when to book and how to split the cost. Blackbury's working method.
Which ships change the mind of someone who thinks they would hate cruising: relaxed modern ships, yachts and one all-inclusive line, and the itinerary we suggest for a first week at sea.
Tell us who is traveling and we will tell you which one we would choose. If neither is right for your party, we will say that too.
