With so many cruise lines to choose from for a multi-generational vacation at sea, you'll need Grandma Molly's cruise reviews to decide on which one and why.

For your consideration, I present the best options among major cruise lines that welcome or cater to families. All of the following offer cabins outfitted for handicapped passengers, and, in general, most kids’ programs are complimentary, but a few incur a charge

In terms of child security, some lines supply pagers, others require that youngsters be signed in and out. Some even allow the kids to sign themselves in and out. Make sure you’re comfortable with the procedure.

Be prepared: Expect video arcades (for a fee). Most ships offer hi-tech computer stations for youngsters, with many featuring SONY PlayStation, and charge fees for Internet access.

Finally, be sure to inquire about specials and deals which may include reduced prices for kids and other incentives.

Disney Cruise Line

The Disney Cruise Line ships offer the most fanciful play areas at sea; almost one complete deck on both the Disney Magic and Disney Wonder beckons children. Highly appealing are its in-cabin two bathrooms with a shower and sink in one room and a shower and commode in another, certainly easing up preparation-time.

At the “Oceaneer Club,” for ages 3 to 7, little tykes love dressing up in Disney movie costumes. In “Oceaneer Lab” for ages 8 to 12, they may star in a “High School Musical” Talent Show or learn to draw animated characters. Teens in “The Stack” or “Aloft” find their own special activities. Live on-stage production numbers featuring familiar Disney characters introduce many to theater for the first time. Naturally, Disney characters appear throughout the cruise. Character breakfasts and Tea with Wendy Darling prolong the dreams.

This line also offers the most forethought for those with physical challenges. For the hearing-impaired, assisted listening devices are available in all theaters and show rooms. Kits that include visual door-knockers, phone alerts, phone amplifiers, bed-shaker notification, strobe light detectors and TTYs are available. This is the only line where ships dock directly at the line’s private island, Castaway Cay. Therefore, passengers don’t need to transfer to a tender or small boat before going ashore. Once ashore, a tram transports those wheelchair-bound, on crutches or using strollers. Sand wheelchairs are available for those with difficulty ambulating the beach.

My grandson Andrew Freudenberg, then 3, was reluctant about sailing off on the Disney Magic. But he so loved the experience, that when we disembarked a few days later he cried real tears: "But I don’t want to leave the boat," he said. The love affair was triggered the moment we entered the classy Art Deco-ish terminal, where he studied the ship’s model and was immediately greeted by a life-size Minnie Mouse, whom he hugged gleefully and who hugged him. Yet when I took granddaughter Anna, and Goofy tried to hug her, she cringed. "Too big," she said. Another passenger suggested she might be more comfortable at eye level and lifted her up. Everything was fine after that.

Carnival Cruise Line

Carnival Cruise Line hosts a tremendous numbers of youngsters (an estimated 625,000 this year, more than any other line) and makes great provisions for them, while consistently winning awards for best value. Reduced rates for third and fourth passenger in cabin bring down costs, although connecting cabins on some ships have their devotees. The new Carnival Dream boasts family accommodations with ample closet space and two bathrooms -- ideal when traveling with teens.

A gala orientation party on some ships introduces the “Camp Carnival” counselors and their activities: Kids and grandparents get into the act with rousing renditions of "YMCA," "Celebration" and a long congo line. The two youngest groups for ages 2 to 11, enjoy theme nights. Older kids, ages 12 to 14 (Circle C) and 15 to 17 (Club O2) love meeting with entertainers. Every Carnival ship features the signature "Twister Waterslide," but the latest amusement is the "Carnival WaterWorks." This water spray park/pool will appear on all eight Fantasy-class ships and the Carnival Splendor, while the new Carnival Dream will have the largest and most elaborate version.

Royal Caribbean International

Royal Caribbean International claims it’s the leading family cruise line, since its fares are lower than Disney’s, and it caters to every age, providing more facilities than Carnival. Freedom-class ships, among the most popular for families, offer accommodations at all budget levels, from interiors to Royal Family Suites.

This line has the most age-specific groups: 3 to 5, 6 to 8, 9 to 11, 12 to 14 and 15 to 17 in its “Adventure Ocean” programs on all its ships. Voyager- and Freedom-class ships boast their teen spaces “The Living Room” and “Fuel” while “Optix” is available on other ships. “Adventure Science” includes Wacky Water Workshop, Experimentation Station and Ooze Cruise Laboratory, while “Adventure Art” teaches about different cultures through art projects such as Japanese fish printing, Native American stone decoration and making Mexican silver trinkets. Little people don pirate costumes and parade through the dining rooms, delighting adults.

On RCI’s private island, kids discover a huge slide and in-water adventures. In Alaska, wacky Alaskan Olympics is popular. Voyage- and Freedom- class ships boast ice-skating rinks, the iconic rock-climbing walls and miniature golf courses. Freedom-class ships also host the FlowRider, an onboard surfing park. This line was the first to introduce “H2O,” the water park featuring oversized sculptures and shooting water. New during summer 2009 is a "Gotta Dance" program on select ships, where grands and kids view the new film, then learn a dance together from the ship’s instructors and perform onstage! The new Oasis of the Seas, to debut in November, 2009 as the largest cruise ship ever, will hold two FlowRider surf simulators and an Adventure Ocean Theater. The latter, the first-ever children’s theater at sea, will teach youngsters about theatrical productions and permit them to participate in productions.

All public spaces are wheelchair accessible on Freedom class ships, including a wheelchair lift for the pool -- a blessing for wheelchair-bound youngsters and grandparents. Braille signage is available for public rooms across the fleet and for cabins on a majority of the ships, and service dogs for the blind are welcome.

Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian Cruise Line has kids’ playrooms on its ships that incorporate their “Officer Snook Water Pollution Program.” Teens may also earn community service points at their high schools for their environmental work on board. Included in the “Kid’s Crew” program (for ages 2 to 5, 6 to 9, 10 to 12 and 13 to 17) are wacky cooking classes, sand castle competitions on NCL’s private island and autograph-signing sessions with professional athletes during sports-themed cruises. NCL, always an innovator, was the first line to offer Nintendo’s Wii, now aboard all its ships, and there are bowling alleys on the Norwegian Pearl, Gem and the new Epic.

NCL offers extremely luxurious digs for those who want some privacy: the Garden Villas aboard the Norwegian Dawn, Gem, Jade, Jewel, Pearl and Star are lovely and spacious, while the Courtyard Villas aboard the Norwegian Gem, Jade, Jewel and Pearl deliver even more space, amenities and a courtyard with pool. With up to 11 onboard restaurants, youngsters have no lack of eating options, including the entertaining Teppanyaki eateries with performing chefs. Little ones may indulge in the adorable pint-sized buffets, with miniature tables, chairs and low-level food offerings.

Service dogs are welcome for the blind fleetwide.

Princess Cruises

Princess Cruises recommends their mini-suite featuring upper sleeping for grandparents and pull-out sofa bed for grandchildren.

Their “Love Boat” kids’ programs are divided into three age-appropriate groups, 3 to 7, 8 to 12 and 13 to 17, including programs developed by the California Science Center. Exceptions are on the Royal Tahitian and Pacific Princess.

The “Adventures Ashore” program relates to explorations while in ports such as Alaska or the Caribbean. In the "Science on the Seas" program, activities teach youngsters about the oceans and marine life. The “Jr. CHEF@Sea” program brings junior passengers into the galley for hands-on cooking sessions. The children’s program continues on the line’s private island in a fenced-in, colorful area dubbed Pelicans’ Perch.

Handicapped-accessible cabins are offered in several categories.

Holland America Line

Holland America Line sometimes offers free or reduced rates for passengers under 18.

Club HAL accommodates youngsters in three groups: ages 3 to 7, 8 to 12 and 13 to 17. Teens enjoy a delightful area, “The Loft,” decorated like a New York artist’s loft, plus a teen disco. Most ships also feature “The Oasis,” a teens-only tropical-looking sun deck area, with a waterfall where they can try Dance Dance Revolution. HAL offers kids’ Olympics and golf putting. A kids’ and teens’ “Culinary Arts Center” activity program adds hands-on, complimentary cooking classes. Complimentary workshops led by Microsoft-trained "techsperts" enable all levels of computer and camera users to improve their skills.

Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity Cruises luxury suites or family ocean-view cabins work best for families.

Celebrity boasts specified children’s areas in its “X-Club” program on all its ships for ages 3 to 5, 6 to 8, 9 to 11 and 12 to 17. On the Solstice, little ones enjoy Story Time on the real, growing lawn; older kids enjoy visits to the “Team Earth” venue (in partnership with Conservation International), learning about environmental and conservation issues. At the Hot Glass Show, youngsters design a treasure and glassblowing artists create a unique souvenir to take home. Fleetwide, "Alien Night," "Survivor Night" and "Battle of the Bands" employing a Wii Rock Band Game get high marks. To involve grandparents, family events include Family Bingo and Family Karaoke.

Celebrity staterooms for handicapped include thoughtful features such as pull-down clothes racks accessible to wheelchair-bound occupants, flashing alarm lights for the hearing impaired and cabins for the handicapped located near Guest Relations, elevators and reception areas.

Cunard Line

Cunard Line’s staterooms with third and fourth berths or adjoining cabins are recommended for families. Children’s areas are dubbed “Play Zone” and “The Zone,” for ages 3 to 6, 7 to 12 and teens. True to its British heritage, the nursery’s counselors are referred to as nannies. Children’s Tea (like an American supper) is served daily. Special enticements include Queen Mary 2's onboard planetarium and her drama workshops, conducted by members of the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art.

Costa Cruises

Costa Cruises  permits youngsters up to age 17 to sail free on most Caribbean cruises on its “Costa Kids” program. The line recommends quad triple accommodations.

It has dedicated children’s playrooms for four different age groups: 3 to 6, 7 to 11, 12 to 14 and 15 to 17. The latter’s activities include graffiti lessons! Youngsters may participate in and partake of the line’s heritage through Italian language lessons and pasta art.

Crystal Cruises

Crystal Cruises offers children 11 and younger traveling in a third berth 50% off the minimum fare with two full-paying adults. Occasionally, kids sail free under special promotions. Connecting staterooms and penthouse suites also are popular with families.

Crystal offers dedicated playrooms aboard the upscale Crystal Harmony and Crystal Symphony. Activities for youngsters aged 3 to 7, 8 to 12 and 13 to 17 are available on select sailings – summer and school holidays. More unusual activities include bridge and galley tours, cookie and pizza baking, and Computer University@Sea.

Some Alternative Cruise Styles

While the following cruiseline’s ships lack specific spaces for children’s programs, they do offer some unique incentives for bringing them along.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises  is a luxury line minus kids’ facilities. Nevertheless, it offers free cruises for kids in Alaska aboard the Seven Seas Mariner and on several European itineraries aboard the Seven Seas Navigator. Youngsters must sail with two full-fare paying adults in the same suite.

In Alaska, kids are divided into three age groups: 5 to 8, 9 to 12 and 13 to 17. There’s a complimentary program, plus a for-fee program for those 9 to 17 run by Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Futures Society, dubbed “Ambassadors of the Environment.” It includes nature watching and baking Alaskan bread.

Windstar Cruises  provides no special facilities or programs. Yet these sailing vessels lure their share of youngsters whose families don’t need them entertained electronically. The informality and interesting ports are reason enough. One family aboard a Windstar cruise traveled with two young sons – who were very well-behaved. The parents arranged private tours so the kids wouldn’t get bored or tired on excursions geared to older passengers and they wouldn’t impose on other passengers.

The Galapagos Explorer II has no program or staff for youngsters. However, grandparents of children above age seven who love wildlife may sail on this 100-passenger, air conditioned vessel, experiencing the astonishing Galapagos Islands’ inhabitants daily.