Cruising is often thought of as the ultimate stress-free vacation, with meals, entertainment, and accommodations wrapped into one floating resort. But for families of five, simply finding a room that fits everyone can feel like solving a puzzle. While most cruise cabins are designed with couples or families of four in mind, those with three kids or multigenerational travelers quickly discover that options for five in one room are not as plentiful. Still, a growing demand for more spacious and flexible accommodations has led cruise lines to get creative, offering families unique setups that prioritize comfort, convenience, and, yes, a little magic.
Recently, I embarked on a Disney cruise with my sister and her three children aboard the new Disney Treasure. As we explored the ship on embarkation day, the kids were buzzing with curiosity about what our stateroom would look like once it was “ready.” They’d had a peek before dinner—an ordinary room with a couch and a bed—but it didn’t seem physically possible that all five of us could sleep there. As a seasoned cruiser, I knew that these rooms are built to transform. But I kept quiet, waiting for their delighted reactions later that evening when we returned and found a bunk pulled from the ceiling, the couch converted into a bed, and a hidden Murphy bed folded down to complete the setup.
For families larger than four, the key to a successful cruise often lies in advanced planning and working with a travel advisor who knows the nuances of cruise line offerings. Kelly Aleman, a travel advisor with Moms at Sea Travel, helps families navigate the maze of limited stateroom inventory and creatively pair cabins or recommend ships with more accommodating room types. As she puts it, “five is the new four,” signaling just how common larger family units have become in cruising.
Cruise lines are catching on. Norwegian Cruise Line, for instance, offers luxurious multi-room suites in The Haven area, such as the Three-Bedroom Garden Villa, with perks like butler service and exclusive amenities. While these rooms book quickly, Norwegian also recommends connecting balcony staterooms as an alternative. Carnival Cruise Line has dedicated Family Harbor rooms, where guests not only enjoy larger spaces but also access to a family lounge, complimentary dining perks, and even babysitting services.
Disney Cruise Line, known for its family-first approach, arguably sets the standard for accommodating groups of five. Several of its ships, including the Disney Wish and Disney Fantasy, feature deluxe oceanview or veranda staterooms that fit five people comfortably. For larger or more luxurious setups, concierge suites or connecting cabins can host even more. Hilary MacIsaac, a Disney vacation planner and mom of three, points out that while things can get cozy, the time spent in the room is minimal compared to the rest of the cruise experience.
Royal Caribbean’s newest megaship, the Icon of the Seas, is also leaning into multigenerational travel with cabins like the Ultimate Family Townhouse, a three-level suite complete with its own slide and space for eight. But these unique rooms are few, and the demand is high. That’s why families are encouraged to book early or consider flexible sailing dates to snag the right configuration.
Despite the occasional tight squeeze and the strategic dance required to get ready for dinner in a small space, many families find joy in the togetherness that a single cabin offers. After all, some of the best moments come from the quiet end-of-day rituals—watching a movie together, laughing about the day’s adventures, or simply hearing the gentle hum of the ocean as everyone drifts off to sleep. For families of five, a cruise cabin may not always be roomy, but it can still be just right.
