There are two things I wish someone had told me before my first cruise. These days a cruise cabin looks more like a boutique hotel suite than a squashed hamster cage — just take a look at the European singles cruise Edge and the MSC Bellissima, newly launched for 2019.

Carnival is a favorite for families and friends in the cruise industry, and there are plenty of reasons why. The price is right, the food is decent, and the destinations are gorgeous. The launch of the Carnival Vista brought IMAX movies to the Caribbean. The Carnival Panorama, which is due to launch in December 2019 out of Long Beach, CA, will see the first Sky Zone Indoor Trampoline Park and Challenge Zone hit the high seas. Carnival is a staple in the cruise industry and families and friends continue to go back to it over and over again for a reason. The launch of the Carnival Vista now means that you can not only see the southern Caribbean, but you can also watch IMAX movies while onboard. Everyone loves bumping into a pantless Donald Duck running around a cruise ship.

The beauty of a Disney cruise for the very tired parent is that everything from the parks is packed into a confined space. Is your kid screaming for a kiss from Mickey? The mouse is outside the restaurant ready for photos as you walk up for dinner. Does your princess just have to meet a princess? Moms and dads deserve to have a vacation too, and the cruise is where you get the best of Disney, but with many, many places to ditch your kids. The boat has screening rooms to catch the latest Disney films, live Broadway-style shows, swimming pools with waterslides, and loads of games and activities throughout the day. Naturally that Disney level of service from the parks extends to the boat.