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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.