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8 Kid-Friendly Cruises in Malaysia and Asia for Your Next Family Holiday

Ahoy, matey! Curious about amping up your family travel adventures by taking a cruise together? From magnificent themed-cruises to short sunset dining cruises, here are some wholesome kid-friendly options you can explore:


1. Genting Dream

Hop on a splendid resort cruise and enjoy a break with amazing offerings. Bigger than a skyscraper, the Genting Dream cruise ship is packed with awesome activities for all. Have a splashing good time by the pool and Waterslide Park, or get a heart-thumping experience at the rope course and 35-metre zipline station. Younger children aged two to 12 can hangout at the Little Dreamers club, a kids-only zone that hosts workshops, games sessions, and costume parties.

After a day of excitement, mellow down at the spa, or check out the retail selections. For a night to remember, treat your family to a scrumptious buffet (halal, international, vegetarian and non-vegetarian Indian menus are available) and catch a live production show at their grand Zodiac Theatre. The cruises depart from Singapore, or from Port Klang – check out the itineraries here.


2. Costa Serena

Returning to homeport in Port Klang after its maiden voyage earlier this year is the majestic Costa Serena. Plan a voyage on this Italian-themed cruise and be entertained by crew performances, live shows, and themed parties such as the ‘Venetian Carnival at Sea’ — cruisers will be invited to a workshop to create their own fabulous masks to be worn at the party (fun!) Kick back and relax with a cup of smooth homemade gelato and taste delicious pizzas on board too.

In conjunction with its return, the cruise is currently offering attractive holiday packages departing from Port Klang, which includes free sailing for children aged 12 and below, plus an extra 10% off for senior citizens.


3. Disney Cruise Line (Disney Adventure)

Set sail on a magical journey aboard Disney Cruise Line’s Disney Adventure, launching from Singapore on 15th December 2025! This enchanting ship is packed with Disney, Pixar, and Marvel-themed fun just for guests in Asia. Enjoy thrilling attractions like the Ironcycle Test Run, the longest rollercoaster at sea, plus incredible dining options that bring together global and Asian flavors. Explore seven fantastic zones, with entertainment and surprises for everyone! Relax in cozy staterooms, exclusive adult zones, or drop your kids off at the kid-friendly clubs. Bookings open to the general public in Singapore on 10th December 2024! Sign up here for updates.

At the heart of the ship, Disney Imagination Garden features a grand Garden Stage with towering LED screens and open-air seating. Guests can enjoy lively shows with beloved Disney and Marvel characters, including dance parties as well as productions such as the Avengers Assemble! battle, Captain Jack Sparrow’s adventure, Baymax Super Exercise Expo and much more.


4. Anthem of the Seas

The ship, Anthem of the Seas,  is home to a one-of-a-kind observation ‘pod’ called the ‘North Star’ amid a myriad of other exciting highlights. The glass viewing ‘pod’ takes 14 persons per ride above the top deck in a crane-like arrangement and reveals a stunning view of the open seas and occasionally, the ship’s port cities. Curated for a great family vacation, the ship also has a full-sized basketball court, an arcade, bumper car course, and a 40-foot rock climbing wall — perfect set-ups for nurturing a spot of healthy competition between family members!


5. Queen Elizabeth

Chart through the waters on Cunard Line’s prestigious Queen Elizabeth cruise ship via Singapore to Hong Kong in under a week. A spectacle to behold, the ship has a touch of art deco styling and can occupy a total of 2,081 guests and 911 crew members at once. Despite its intended capacity, the staterooms and suites are spacious and the hallways are filled with high ceilings adorned with gleaming chandeliers and grand furniture.

For entertainment, pop by the Royal Court Theatre for a musical, comedy show, or Shakespeare classic. Love to groove and feel the need to move your body? Book a dance or fitness class together! There are also various kids’ activities for toddlers, right up to youths. You don’t ever have to worry about getting hungry onboard this vessel as your fare includes an Afternoon Tea of sandwiches, cakes, pastries daily, room service, and a self-service buffet restaurant offering breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks. Other dining alternatives, such as Steakhouse at The Verandah which is popular for their surf and turf menu, can also be booked for a family dinner. 


6. Crown Princess Cruise Ship

Departing from Singapore, the Crown Princess Cruise Ship is a sweet little escape for families. Big families can opt for their spacious two-bedroom family suite, which can accommodate up to 8 people and includes two bathrooms, a living space, and a private balcony. Engaging and immersive age-appropriate areas for children aged three to 17 are readily available on-site, as well as Discovery At Sea programmes. Do sign up for stargazing at the top deck, or ‘Shark Week’ and ‘Finding Bigfoot’ themed weeks in partnership with Discoveryâ„¢. 


7. Sarawak Signature Sunset Cruise 

Enjoy a panoramic view of quaint Kuching city on board the MV Equatorial (better known as the Sarawak River Cruise) during golden hour. Departing at 5.30pm daily, the vessel will take you on a 90-minute journey along the Sarawak River, as you enjoy complimentary kuih lapis Sarawak (traditional layered cake), free-flow orange drinks, live commentary, and a vibrant cultural performance on the upper deck.

If you prefer to cruise along the river earlier in the day, sight-seeing tour cruises are also available at 3.00pm from Fridays to Sundays. Children aged four and below sail for free and tickets are available online for both cruises.


8. North Borneo Cruises 

View Kota Kinabalu’s captivating sunset on the North Borneo Cruise and end your evening on a sweet note with dinner, drinks, and live band performances on board. Cruising through the South China Sea towards Sabah’s west coast, this is a romantic and scenic route. Along the way, spot water villages and the islands of Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, as well as the city’s famous waterfront. The short cruise is suitable for all ages and is wheelchair and stroller-friendly.


Top Cruise Tips for Families

Looking to book your next family cruise? Read on for some handy tips from families on how to prepare yourselves beforehand:

“We were so fortunate to have a wonderful experience on our first cruise together. The Pacific Islands, in particular, were stunning. Whether at sea or exploring the islands, each day was memorable. We swam with the turtles in Vanuatu and it sparked my son’s newfound love for marine life. Everything we saw and did during the holiday was beyond what textbooks could teach. It was an amazing hands-on (and hassle-free) experience and still feels like a dream.”

Top tip: If we had the luxury of time, we would have booked the cruise a year earlier for better pricing. Planning ahead is key. 

 â€œWe love Disney so it was a real treat that everything Disney was contained in one ship! Disney-themed food and decorations, meeting Disney characters, a Disney musical, and the experience was just magical (bonus points for Christmas season and seeing the cruise light up with Christmas lights). Next time, I would opt to go with another family; the more people there are, the more fun you’ll have!”

Top tip: Travel light because there’s not a lot of space to store your luggages; be compact! Pack a separate carry-on bag with your swimsuits, change of clothes, and toiletries (not to be checked in), so you can take it directly to the ship and go straight to the pool or water play activities. 

Also, if you are prone to motion sickness, try and pick a route that doesn’t ‘cross the ocean’ i.e. stay coastal, or take a cruise to ‘nowhere’.

Happy sailing, #makchicmumsquad!

By Amanda Sura


Amanda is a freelance writer, aspiring businesswoman, and mother of two. She’s a proud Sarawakian who hails from Kuching. Apart from writing, she loves mixing natural body scrubs and foot soaks with her business partner for their small business, Suravont.

Photos are taken from the respective brands’ websites, press releases, and social media pages. For more details and prices, please contact the attractions respectively.

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