The multi-gen market is growing at a rate of knots – Jeannine Williamson unearths the best family focused cruise lines and itineraries to book now
Cruises are perfect for families: fun-packed ships provide a safe environment for youngsters and a stress-free holiday for parents and grandparents alike.
From amazing waterparks to adult-only chill-out zones, there really is something for all ages. And with meals, entertainment, kids’ clubs and more included, it’s far easier to budget for a cruise than a land-based holiday.
Andy Harmer, managing director of CLIA UK & Ireland, said: “A cruise offers the ideal escape for families. Whether it is parents and children travelling together, multigenerational or grandparents with grandchildren, agents can be confident a cruise offers something to suit all ages and interests.
“The sheer variety of places to visit means the whole family can visit multiple destinations, and there are more exciting cruise itineraries than ever before, with many lines sailing directly from the UK to the Mediterranean, Caribbean or round Britain. A huge range of excursions are on offer, including child-friendly trips visiting water parks, animal attractions or iconic sites such as Pompeii.”
Take your pick from our top family-friendly lines and school holiday itineraries.
Carnival Cruise Line
The world’s largest cruise line is big on providing affordable cruises jam-packed with fun for everyone, and some of the largest waterparks at sea. The 6,500-passenger flagship Carnival Celebration, recently launched to mark the line’s 50th anniversary, includes Family Harbor cabins next to a dedicated family lounge. The Bolt rollercoaster and three big slides are among the adrenaline-fuelled attractions, while smaller children will enjoy hours of fun in the SplashZone.
We suggest: Six-night Exotic Caribbean round-trip Miami sailing on Carnival Celebration calling at Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico and St Maarten. Departing August 20, 2023; prices from £2,332 for a family of four sharing an inside cabin. Flights extra.
Adrenalin-fuelled adventures abound with Carnival. Image: Carnival Cruise Line
Disney Cruise Line
Disney knows a thing or two about entertaining families with magical cruises for the young and young at heart. This year marks the first-ever European summer season for the 4,000-passenger Disney Dream. Children can rub shoulders with Super Heroes and princesses while parents can take time out at adult-only areas such as the Quiet Cove pool. Entertainment includes the enchanting musical Beauty and the Beast.
We suggest: Seven-night Mediterranean sailing from Barcelona to Palma, calling at Provence, Florence, Rome, Naples and Palma de Mallorca. Departing May 20, 2023; prices from £1,167pp based on a family of four sharing a standard inside stateroom, including flights from Gatwick.
Slide into a new day… Image: Disney Cruise Line
Royal Caribbean International
Royal Caribbean’s kids’ clubs are among the largest, and there will certainly be plenty of room to play on the 5,610-passenger Icon of the Seas launching next January and set to become the world’s largest ship. All-new areas include Thrill Island with a family raft slide and Surfside splash and play area. The Ultimate Family Townhouse stateroom sleeps up to eight and has a private entrance to Surfside.
We suggest: Seven-night Western Caribbean & Perfect Day round-trip Miami cruise, calling at St Kitts, St Thomas and CocoCay private island, departing August 10, 2024. Prices from £4,276 for a family of four sharing an Ocean View cabin. Flights extra.
The new Surfside splash and play area. Image: Royal Caribbean
MSC Cruises
MSC’s big and bold ships serve some of the best pizza and ice cream at sea, alongside mouth-watering chocolate shops. Adults will love sophisticated touches like Swarovski crystal-studded stairs, while youngsters can let off steam in the sports complex and waterpark. All Caribbean sailings include a stop at MSC’s private Bahamian island, Ocean Cay, with miles of beaches and kayaking excursions.
We suggest: 10-night Caribbean round-trip New York itinerary on MSC Meraviglia with three-night hotel stay and ports including Port Canaveral, Bahamas and Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve. Prices from £2,399pp departing August 3, 2023, including flights from Edinburgh.
Kids will never be bored on MSC Cruises. Image: MSC Cruises
Norwegian Cruise Line
Norwegian’s ‘Freestyle Cruising’ concept, with its laid-back atmosphere and flexible dining times, is perfect for families. Setting sail this summer, the 3,219-passenger Norwegian Viva will have plenty of room for fun in the sun, with more pool deck space than any other ship in the NCL fleet. Thrill-seeking families can speed across the horizon on the world’s first three-level race track at sea, before heading down one of the fastest free-fall dry slides.
We suggest: A six-night Caribbean: Barbados, Antigua & St Lucia round-trip sailing from San Juan, departing on December 15, 2023; prices from £1,148pp based on four people sharing a Family Oceanview cabin. Flights extra.
Race around the world on Viva’s track. Image: NCL
Celestyal Cruises
Budget-friendly Celestyal Cruises operates two – soon to be three – friendly mid-size ships and extends a warm welcome to families. Port intensive itineraries with up to two stops a day, bring Greek history and culture to life while the authentic local experience continues back on board. Waiters dote on youngsters and quickly remember favourite food items. Activities include Greek dancing lessons, language classes and food demos.
We suggest: The seven-night Idyllic Aegean round-trip sailing from Athens on Celestyal Olympia includes calls at Thessaloniki, Kusadasi, Heraklion, Santorini, Mykonos and Milos. Departing August 19, 2023; prices from £2,696 for a family of four. Flights extra.