The best cruises for families

The secret's out that value-packed cruises make for great family getaways, what with fun-for-everyone, multigenerational appeal at every port, and via the plentiful activities, entertainment, and dining options on board.

Now, cruise lines are upping the ante on their accommodations, too, in response to the ever-rising demand of multigenerational family travelers.

These days, you can choose from a wide selection of suites and connecting staterooms that are specifically designed to keep the whole clan connected at sea. Touting plenty of space for you to spread out in comfortable digs (with must-have features like multiple bathrooms), these 5 leading cruise lines are your best bets for finding the perfect suite for your family.

SEE ALSO: The 6 best cruise ship spas

Royal Caribbean International

Royal Caribbean ranks tops for multigenerational appeal with its lively ships that brim with diverse shows, sports, games, kids' clubs, and more; happily, its stateroom options are no exception. The line has numerous family-friendly accommodation options across its fleet, but you'll find some newer additions that really stand out on its Quantum Class ships (which include the 4,180-passenger Anthem of the Seas, Quantum of the Seas, and coming this spring, the Ovation of the Seas). We especially like the 16 spacious 575-square-foot Family Connected Junior Suites, combining three bedrooms (two of which feature sitting areas), three bathrooms (one with a tub), and a balcony (providing an additional 216 square feet of space) that can accommodate eight to 10 guests.

Alternatively, try an upscale two-bedroom, two-bathroom Royal Family Suite (the number of units vary on the 21 ships where they're featured, but include four units apiece on each Quantum Class ship), measuring 543 square feet and trimmed by a spacious wraparound balcony (that adds an additional 166 to 263 square feet)—they sleep up to eight (with a master bedroom with a king-size bed that can break down to two twins, a second bedroom with two twin beds and two Pullman beds, and a living area with a sofa bed for two). Debuting in May 2016, the Royal Suite Class will additionally offer guests staying in any suite on Quantum and Oasis Class ships a series of new perks, like free access to the Spa Thermal Room, priority boarding, complimentary Internet, and more. 

Plan Your Trip: Visit Fodor’s Royal Caribbean Guide

Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian caters to families with a slate of family-friendly suites sprinkled across its fleet, but for the newest and most noteworthy of the bunch, look to The Haven, an upscale ship-within-a-ship concept that's found aboard the 4,000-passenger Norwegian Breakaway and Norwegian Getaway, and 4,200-passenger Norwegian Escape. It's here that you'll find a tempting selection of roomy two- and three-bedroom suites, like one of 20 Two-Bedroom Family Villas with Balcony (measuring 543 square feet) aboard the Breakaway or Getaway, where up to six guests can bunk down in a master bedroom (with a king-size bed, and bathroom with both a tub and separate shower) and second bedroom with a double sofa bed, pull-down bed, and extra bathroom; there's also a living room and dining area with an additional sofa bed for one. Alternatively, try the Escape, which offers 25 slightly smaller versions of the Two-Bedroom Family Villas (measuring in at 540 square feet).

Or, for the ultimate in space (and splurge!), sign up for one of two Three-Bedroom Garden Villas that are exclusively available on the 2,340-passenger Norwegian Dawn—at a whopping 6,694 square feet (no, that's not a typo), up to seven guests can sprawl out in three rooms, each with their own king- or queen-size bed and private bathroom with bath and shower. And don't forget about the living room, dining room, terrace with dining table, and, oh yeah: a private garden with hot tub. Twenty-four hour butler service will help ensure you make the most of it all.

Carnival Cruise Line

We were already keen on Carnival's Deluxe Ocean View cabins (found on the 3,654-passenger Carnival Dream, 3,690-passengerCarnival Magic, and 3,690-passengerCarnival Breeze), which, at 230 square feet, feature berths for five (two twin beds that can convert to a king, a single sofa bed, and two Pullman-style beds)and two bathrooms (one with a small tub).

But come May 2016, Carnival's newest ship, the 3,954-passenger Carnival Vista, will roll out a new line of Family Harbor staterooms and suites, tucked into a dedicated family zone dubbed Family Harbor. The most notable of these “family ergonomic” accommodations include a slightly larger version of the above-described Deluxe Ocean View cabins (at 240 square feet), with 20 such units, as well as a duo of spacious 430-square feet Family Harbor Suites. The suites accommodate four guests with a separate sleeping area (with a queen-size bed) and sitting area (with a pullout couch and/or Pullman-style beds, depending on the unit), a spacious bathroom (including a tub), and extra closet space. Guests in the special Family Harbor section also get extra perks like exclusive access to a family-friendly lounge and free specialty restaurant meals and activities for kids. 

Plan Your Trip: Visit Fodor’s Carnival Cruise Line Guide