Many South Florida families are sticking closer to home these days, and with 16 cruise ships sailing from Florida ports this summer, a sea vacation is a good option. An added plus: Even though summer is high season for family travel, families can still find some good deals, particularly in early and late summer.

But with so many options, which is best for your family? To help you decide, we've evaluated sailings from Florida this summer and come up with our own recommendations for each age group, based on facilities, itineraries and programs onboard and on shore.

When making your own choice, you'll want to bear these factors in mind:

• Minimum sailing age: This ranges from 12 weeks to 1 year old, depending on the cruise company. If your children are that young, you'll want to check details before you book.

• Supervised programs: Most lines have them. The exact age groups vary, but generally there are five groupings, roughly 3-5, 6-8, 9-11, 12-14 and 13-17. Participation is free for most organized activities on board, though shoreside activities often charge a fee. Ask.

• Baby-sitting: Some ships offer baby-sitting for a fee; ask for details.

• Cabins / prices: Cruise line prices quoted here are per person, per adult, based on double occupancy. Some cabins allow third and fourth passengers (that's usually kids), who travel at a lesser cost. The number of cabins allowing this is sometimes limited.

• Itineraries: A variety of three-, four-, five- and seven-day itineraries is offered from Florida.

And now, our recommendations:

MULTIPLE CHILDREN,

DIFFERING AGES

TOP CHOICE: Disney Cruise Line's Disney Wonder, three- and four-night cruises from Port Canaveral, $499-up for three-nighters, $569-up for four-nighters

Why: You've heard it before, but it's true: Disney's brand of magic appeals to kids of all ages. Plus, the line's staterooms are designed with families in mind. Larger than most cruise ship cabins, most feature split baths that put the sink, vanity and toilet in a separate compartment from a second sink, vanity and tub.

Ages are grouped together in tighter age groups than on most ships: 3-4, 5-7, 8-9, 10-12, 11-13 (yes, there's overlap) plus a teen lounge with videos, Internet access and a lounge for ages 13-17. Count on most activities to have a Disney theme; many feature Disney characters.

Bonus: Eight summer sailings between July 9 and Aug. 2 will feature Disney Channel stars from shows such as Hannah Montana and High School Musical for autograph sessions, preview screenings and deck parties. (Don't expect Miley Cyrus herself.)

Disney provides parents-only features as well, including a kid-less dining room and adults-only pool area.

Disney's private island, Castaway Cay, is one of the most attractive in the cruising world -- and is the only one at which the ship docks, a major convenience.

Special incentive: Until June 18, kids aged 12 and under get 50 percent off when traveling in the same cabin with two full-fare guests.

Drawbacks: For South Floridians, it's a four-hour drive to Port Canaveral. Disney cruise fares tend to be higher than on other ships. And if your teens aren't Disney fans, you'll be in for a long cruise.

ALTERNATIVE: Royal Caribbean's Liberty of the Seas, seven-night cruises out of Miami; $649-up.

Why: On Royal Caribbean's biggest ship, beyond-the-norm attractions hit all ages. In addition to such iconic features as a rock-climbing wall, water park, ice-skating rink, boxing ring and surfing machine, the Liberty offers supervised play for various age groups under its Adventure Ocean program.