Easter at sea: Top cruise line celebrations for families, faith & fun

It’s no surprise that Easter cruises are becoming a new spring tradition for families. There’s something undeniably appealing about trading in the dining room table for a pool deck, and the never-ending to-do list for a mimosa and an Easter brunch at sea.

Cruise lines have embraced Easter at sea with open arms, offering everything from pastel-decked atriums to heartfelt onboard Easter services, Easter Bunny meet-and-greets, and chocolate eggs around every corner. For families planning a spring break cruise, the timing couldn’t be better. Many Easter sailing dates overlap with school holidays, making it an ideal moment for a family Easter vacation that blends celebration, relaxation, and maybe even a FlowRider session or two.

Related: Best cruise lines for families

On this page:

• Easter magic for families: Onboard fun for kids
• Holiday meals to remember: Easter brunch & special menus
• Faith at sea: Religious Easter services and worship options
• Grown-up indulgences: Easter for adults, too
• Which cruise line is best for your Easter?
• FAQ

Explore Easter sailings:

Easter magic for families: Onboard fun for kids

For parents, a successful cruise hinges on one thing: keeping the kids happy. And during Easter at sea, cruise lines step up their game.

Onboard Carnival Cruise Lines, the holiday turns into a ship-wide celebration with egg hunts, spring crafts, and Bunny photo ops. Royal Caribbean may host an Easter family festival on the Boardwalk, complete with games, music, and colorful egg hunts scattered through Adventure Ocean. Disney Cruise Line doesn’t hold back either—expect characters like Mickey and Minnie in pastel outfits, festive activities in the kids' clubs, and a special Bunny-led singalong in the atrium.

Even Norwegian Cruise Line gets into the spirit, transforming their Splash Academy with themed crafts and games for younger cruisers, plus more active hunts and contests for teens. And MSC Cruises, true to its Italian flair, stages elaborate scavenger hunts and even Peppa Pig appearances on select sailings.

No matter the line, cruise ship Easter entertainment is a full-day affair, with Easter Bunny cruise experiences that create moments your kids won’t forget—and give you a little downtime in the process.

Holiday meals to remember: Easter brunch & special menus

Easter cruise dining isn’t just festive, it’s delicious. On Easter Sunday, cruise ships turn out the culinary charm with everything from glazed ham and roast lamb to chocolate showpieces worthy of a bakery window.

Carnival serves up classics like honey mustard ham with pineapple relish and finishes strong with a carrot cake parfait “nest.” Disney Cruise Line Easter menus lean whimsical—cupcakes with bunny ears, brunch with themed pastries, and desserts so cute they practically beg for a photo. Over at Princess Cruises, you’ll find a more traditional approach: roast lamb, rich gravy, and family-style seating that evokes a homey, celebratory vibe.

Some lines take it even further. MSC Cruises celebrates “La Pasquetta” onboard, reimagining the Italian Easter Monday picnic with ricotta pies, chocolate Easter eggs, and creamy tiramisu. And if you’re lucky enough to be sailing on Oceania Cruises Easter, don’t miss the buffet. You’ll find decadent pastries, herb-crusted lamb, and a massive Easter chocolate display sculpted by their pastry team.

No matter which ship you choose, holiday cruise menus bring people together in the best way: over food. And yes, there will be chocolate Easter eggs—on your dessert plate, on the buffet line, and maybe even waiting in your cabin.

Faith at sea: Religious Easter services and worship options

Many families value keeping the spiritual part of the holiday front and center. Fortunately, cruise line religious services are widely available on Easter cruises, especially on the major family-friendly lines.

Easter Mass at sea is offered by lines like Princess, Celebrity Cruises Royal Caribbean, Holland America Cruise Line, and Seabourn, often with clergy brought onboard specifically for the holiday. Whether you're Catholic or Protestant, you’ll likely find a service listed in the daily schedule—often held in a lounge, theater, or even outdoors if the weather allows.

If a formal service isn’t offered, some ships, like Viking Ocean Cruises Easter sailings, provide details for church services in port or host a quiet non-denominational gathering led by staff. And even on Virgin Voyages, where the focus is secular, crew are happy to help you find services ashore.

These holiday worship opportunities allow families to pause, reflect, and celebrate the deeper meaning of the season—before heading off to brunch or a round of Easter trivia.

Grown-up indulgences: Easter for adults, too

Let’s be honest: while the kids are off hunting eggs, you deserve a little pampering. And cruise lines have thought of that too.

If you’re craving a calm, refined escape, Oceania Cruises sailings are known for their gourmet brunches, serene atmosphere, and culinary flair. You might spend the morning admiring a chocolate sculpture, then savoring hot cross buns with fresh-squeezed juice and live piano music.

Celebrity Cruises Easter guests often head to the spa for holiday specials or lounge in The Lawn Club before dressing up for dinner. Meanwhile, Seabourn Cruises Easter celebrations bring understated luxury: champagne brunches, flower arrangements, and elegant dining—without a bunny in sight.

Looking for something a little less traditional? Virgin Voyages reimagines the holiday with adult-only Easter cruises that include themed cocktails, cheeky brunch menus, and maybe a surprise pop-up performance or bunny-ear bar crawl. It's playful, festive, and just edgy enough to feel like a treat.

Wherever you sail, luxury Easter vacations can be as tranquil or as quirky as you like—no cooking required.

Which cruise line is best for your Easter?

Choosing the right ship for your family Easter cruise comes down to what kind of experience you want. Here’s a quick guide:

• Disney Easter sailings are packed with kid-friendly magic and character encounters. Expect to see Mickey and Minnie in pastel outfits, Easter egg hunts led by the Bunny himself, and festive cupcakes in the buffet. Great for younger children who love immersive experiences and Disney-style whimsy.

• Carnival Easter cruise itineraries offer tons of family activities, laid-back dining, and vibrant onboard celebrations. You’ll find ship-wide scavenger hunts, bunny-themed games, and a special Easter Sunday menu with glazed ham and carrot cake “nests.” A fun choice for larger families looking for value and plenty to do.

• Royal Caribbean Easter sailings bring energy, shows, and entertainment for all ages.
  From egg hunts on the Boardwalk to bunny-themed science experiments in Adventure Ocean, it’s ideal for families with mixed age groups. After morning services, you can hit the FlowRider or take in a Broadway-style show.

• Norwegian Cruise Line Easter offerings shine for families with older kids, thanks to youth clubs and onboard games. Look for costume contests, age-grouped egg hunts, and even themed bar crawls for adults. It's a good fit for parents cruising with tweens or teens who like a casual, flexible vibe.

• Princess Cruises Easter itineraries appeal to multigenerational groups who appreciate traditional worship and meals. You’ll find a balance of family fun and reverent celebration, with Catholic and Protestant services onboard, a classic Easter dinner in the main dining room, and activities for all ages.

• Regent Seven Seas Easter cruises offer all-inclusive luxury with subtle holiday touches. Enjoy an upscale Easter brunch with champagne, optional onboard services, and quiet moments like classical music in the lounge. Perfect for couples or families who want refined celebration without the crowds.

• Seabourn Easter voyages are designed for serenity and indulgence. You’ll find spa specials, a beautifully plated Easter dinner, and understated décor like floral arrangements and gourmet chocolate truffles in your suite. A peaceful option for adults who prefer elegance over high-energy holiday festivities.

Whichever you choose, there are Easter cruise packages out there that fit your family’s vibe—whether you want water slides and chocolate eggs or spa days and jazz brunch.

FAQ

1. Which cruise lines have Easter egg hunts on cruises?

Carnival, Disney, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, MSC, Princess, and Celebrity all offer Easter egg hunts, often organized by age and held in kids' clubs, atriums, or on deck.

2. Are there religious Easter services onboard?

Yes, most major lines like Princess, Royal Caribbean, Holland America, Celebrity, Seabourn, MSC, and Cunard offer Catholic Mass and non-denominational services. If services aren’t onboard, staff can help guests attend church ashore.

3. What’s on the Easter cruise dining menu?

Expect glazed ham, roast lamb, brunch buffets, and themed desserts like chocolate Easter eggs or carrot cake. MSC and Oceania often feature regional specialties and elaborate chocolate displays.

4. How do you celebrate Easter on a cruise?

Join a religious service, enjoy Easter egg hunts on cruises, meet the Easter Bunny, and indulge in a special brunch or dinner. Adults can also enjoy spa deals or seasonal cocktails.

5. Is Easter a good time to cruise?

Yes, Easter often aligns with spring break, and cruise lines add family-friendly events. The weather is great in the Caribbean and Mediterranean, but sailings book quickly—plan early.

Celebrate, relax, repeat

A cruise line Easter celebration takes the best parts of the holiday—family time, great food, meaningful traditions—and delivers them with a view of the ocean.

There’s no pressure, no prep work, and absolutely no dishes. Just spring sunshine, sea breezes, and plenty of surprises to keep the whole family smiling. With high demand for spring break cruises, it's a good idea to book early for the best Easter cruise packages and start dreaming about where you’ll be when the Easter Bunny finds you.

Browse Cruisebound’s top Easter cruises and lock in your holiday cruise booking today.