Cruise vacations provide a host of opportunities for families of all sizes and types. They combine the convenience of an all inclusive resort, with the mobility to take in a variety of locations while staying in the same room (or in this case, cabin). When you factor in the activities on board and the excursions on land, there are just so many opportunities for family fun, including things for kids, adults and great shared activities.

To dive further into cruising as a family vacation, see our recent Spotlight On: Norwegian’s Epic for a top-down review of this ship, the Caribbean, and family cruising in general.

Today we would like to look at the opportunities offered by the wide array of specialty cruises and the way certain ships can cater to specific families and tastes in a way that is sure to create a memorable experience without parallel.

Here are some top recommended specialty cruises. Who they’re for and what they offer:

For Artistic Kids and Families

The Cruise: Cunard’s Queen Mary II

Who is it for? Families with children who have an interest in the arts, especially teenagers.

What Do they offer? A weeklong arts camp at sea, while on a route from New England to Quebec, Canada. Events include theater workshops, dance classes, and even astronomy presentations in a shipboard planetarium.

Cost: Prices vary by season, but can range from approximately $1,298 per person and up.

For Curious Kids and Junior Explorers

The Cruise: Un-Cruise’s Safari Endeavor

Who is it for? Perfect for all ages, and for families who prefer or don’t mind a small ship (84 passengers).

What Do they offer? Choose a focus for your family cruise, from choices including photography, marine biology or ornithology (bird watching). You’ll spend the week expanding your knowledge of this subject as you explore the Baja Peninsula of Mexico, throughout the stunning Sea of Cortez.

Cost: Prices vary by season, but can range from approximately $2,995 per person and up.

Take an Alaskan Adventure

The Cruise: Lindblad‘s National Geographic Sea Bird

Who is it for? Perfect for older kids and active families, while it is still vacation, this is not for those just looking to relax. Prepare for activity and reap the rewards.

What Do they offer? Pass by glaciers, wind through Fjords, and make stops in national Parks. This cruise sets sail from Juneau and spends a week winding south to explore the Alaskan coastline and drop you off for wilderness excursions. The ship is small (62 guests) and the excursions rigorous, but if this is up your alley you will find unforgettable experiences along the way.

Cost: Prices vary by season, but can range from approximately $6,290 per person and up.

Beautiful Caribbean Beaches and a Relaxing Escape

The Cruise: Norwegian’s Jewel (as well as other ships, including the Epic)

Who is it for? All ages and all levels of activity. Beaches are the common denominator, but you can do as much or as little as you want. The ship if large (The Jewel carries 2,376 passengers) so if you’re open to this, you’ll have a great time.

What Do they offer? It may be easier to list what they don’t offer. Norwegian cruises have a variety of options for activities, dining, entertainment and more. The Jewel sails a unique route with a new port in Honduras, as well as stops in Belize and the Bay Islands of the Western Caribbean.. The Epic and other ships sail more traditional Caribbean routes, including Islands like Jamaica, Grand Cayman, and beautiful Cozumel, Mexico.

Cost: Prices vary by season, but can range from approximately $490 per person and up.

A Unique and Luxurious Experience, Going Where Few Families Ever Go

The Cruise: Jacada’s private 12 person yacht charters

Who is it for? The most discerning families, looking for adventure and who appreciate the finest details. This trip is a travel investment, where your family of up to 12 people, are served by a dedicated crew of 21.

What Do they offer? There truly is no experience like this one, as you and your family have a chance to experience premium travel and top notch amenities while being the only guests on the boat. On top of the incredible feeling of having your run of the ship, Jacada offers premium charters to Antarctica, a destination few others have ever seen and a sure way to guarantee your family with come home closer, with memories to last a lifetime. Stop in a bay with over 100,000 penguins, dine with off-duty scientists, and swim in volcanically heated waters. More impressively, you can choose the itinerary, and change it at a moment’s notice. This is the ultimate custom vacation, for the most serious family travellers.

Cost: Prices vary by season, but can range from approximately $454,000 per charter and up.

Please Note: All prices are approximate and accurate as of the date of this publication. See provider’s website for details, rules, exclusions and policies.