Known as the “Fun Ships” for nearly 40 years, Carnival’s fleet of 22 is dedicated to your family’s good time—think one big floating party—as you cruise to the Bahamas, Bermuda, the Caribbean, Mexico, Alaska, Hawaii, New England, Canada, South America or Europe for 3 to 16 days. On deck you’ll find pools, the colorful Twister waterslide, nine-hole golf, concerts, movies and more. Inside: shops, art galleries, cafés, bistros, clubs—there’s something for everyone from loungechair potatoes to pool addicts.

What’s special Carnival is committed to kids and expects to welcome aboard some 600,000 children this year. The line also promotes a healthy lifestyle, featuring the largest and most ornate health clubs at sea with state-of-the-art gym equipment, fitness classes and Spa Fare—menu choices lower in fat, sodium, cholesterol and calories. What’s new In September, the line will launch Carnival Dream, the largest “Fun Ship” ever. One of its many features is the Ocean Plaza, an indoor/outdoor café and live music venue. The ship will also host the most elaborate children’s facility at sea, with multiple play areas and the WaterWorks Aqua Park. Carnival has recently added its fleetwide Y-Spa program, offering a variety of soothing body and facial treatments geared exclusively to teens. Adult spas now feature specialties like teeth whitening, as well as barber services and other treatments just for men. Cool for kids There are three age-appropriate kids’ clubs: Camp Carnival for ages 2 through 11, featuring expansive indoor play areas with art, music, movement, games and parties; Circle C for ages 12 to 14, offering dancing, movies and the latest game consoles; and Club O2 for ages 15 to 17, with its “Coke-tail” lounge, karaoke sessions and nightly theme parties. Carnival embraces kids who have disabilities and other special needs, and those in wheelchairs or who are otherwise physically challenged are encouraged to join in the activities. Hot for moms All of the line’s ships offer pampering spas with treatments from traditional massages, seaweed wraps and mud packs to exotic therapies like the 90-minute slimming Ionithermie Superdetoxification Treatment and La Therapie, a facial combining organic gels and creams with low-level electronic stimuli. Sophisticated dining options include sushi bars and the reservations-only Supper Club. Price and contact info From $199 per person for a 3-night cruise. 800-CARNIVAL, carnival.com.