Best Cruises for Multigenerational Travel: How AAA Helps Families Plan the Perfect Trip

Planning a vacation with kids and grandparents? Multigenerational family travel can be full of joy — and full of stress. From choosing the best cruise line to coordinating mealtimes and cabins, there are more logistics than you’d expect. In this post, I’m sharing what went wrong on our DIY cruise vacation — and how AAA travel advisors can help turn multigenerational trips into smooth sailing.

This article is sponsored by AAA.

Why Multigenerational Trips Can Be Complicated

Multigenerational family travel is rewarding, but it comes with unique challenges. Different generations have different needs, energy levels, and expectations. What works for a couple or a group of adults doesn’t always work when you add a child and grandparents into the mix.

Cruises are one of the best vacation options for multigenerational families — but only if planned with care. Cabin location, dining times, mobility accommodations, and onboard activities all need to work for everyone in the group.

Pro Tip: If you have the ship select your room for you, you can save a few bucks; however, they will not take into account your other party members. 

Common Cruise Mistakes Families Make (and How to Avoid Them)

Last year, we booked a cruise for our family — just me, my husband, our young daughter, and her grandparents — without using a travel advisor. We thought we could handle it all online. But we made some big mistakes:

• Our cabins were spread out on different decks, making it hard to coordinate.
• Pro Tip: If you have the ship select your room for you, you can save a few bucks; however, they will not take into account your other party members.
• We didn’t request early dining and were stuck with a late seating that didn’t work for our daughter.
• We assumed we could sign up for the kids’ club once onboard, but many programs were already full.

After that experience, we vowed never to book a cruise with family on our own again. And that’s where booking with AAA changes the game.

How AAA Travel Advisors Make Multigenerational Travel Easier

Booking a cruise through AAA takes the guesswork out of vacation planning. AAA travel advisors are experts at helping families navigate the complexities of multigenerational vacations. They help with:

• Finding the best cruises for families with kids and grandparents
• Ensuring cabin locations work for your family dynamic
• Selecting appropriate dining times
• Providing insight on kids’ clubs and age requirements
• Recommending excursions and onboard activities that suit all ages

Not to mention, AAA members often get exclusive perks like onboard credits, upgrades, or welcome gifts.

What to Look for in a Cruise for Kids and Grandparents

Family Dining Options

Ensure that early or flexible dining options are available — young children and older adults often benefit from earlier meals. AAA advisors will ensure your preferences are locked in ahead of time.

Kid’s Clubs and Activities

Not all cruise lines are created equal when it comes to kids’ programs. AAA can guide you toward ships with great options for your child’s age, including registration tips to avoid missing out.

Accessibility for Older Travelers

Some ships are easier to navigate for seniors than others. Your advisor can help you choose one with elevators, quiet lounges, and accessible staterooms.

Our Experience: What We Learned the Hard Way

On our first multigenerational cruise, we were overwhelmed by decisions we didn’t even know we had to make. We assumed proximity, dining, and kids’ activities would just work out, but without insider knowledge, we missed key details.

Traveling with one child and grandparents made us realize how important it is to consider everyone’s comfort and routine. 

Why We Now Book Cruises Through AAA

Our next multigenerational cruise — we will book with AAA — it will offer a completely different experience. The travel advisor can ensure:

• Our cabins are close together
• We have a dining option that works for our daughter and her grandparents
• Our daughter was registered in advance for age-appropriate kids’ club activities

Everything will be smooth and stress-free — exactly what a vacation should be.

Final Tips for Multigenerational Cruise Planning

• Start early: Popular kids’ programs and early dining fill up quickly
• Be honest about your family’s pace and needs
• Let a AAA travel advisor handle the details — they know what to ask and what to look for

Whether you’re cruising with young children and seniors or planning a first-time multigenerational trip, working with AAA is the key to creating a vacation that truly works for everyone.