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Family Cruises are holidays designed to accommodate different age groups, combining accommodation, meals, entertainment and destinations in one trip. Family-friendly cruise ships typically offer children's clubs, teen activities, swimming pools, family entertainment and age-appropriate facilities, making it possible for parents and children to enjoy both shared activities and independent time.
The best family cruises depend on the ages of your children, the facilities available onboard, the itinerary, cruise duration and your budget. Families travelling with toddlers may prioritise childcare facilities and splash areas, while families with teenagers may look for waterslides, sports, gaming and dedicated social spaces. Families can also find Family cruise deals on sailings from Southampton and other UK ports, making cruising a convenient option for a UK family holiday.
Alaska is an exciting choice for families fascinated by wildlife and the natural world. Cruises can provide views of glaciers and mountains, while excursions may offer opportunities to spot whales, eagles and other wildlife. Family highlights: Glaciers, wildlife, wilderness, whale watching and outdoor excursions.
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The Caribbean is a popular choice for families wanting warm weather and plenty of time outdoors. Expect beautiful beaches, clear waters and excursions ranging from snorkelling and wildlife encounters to boat trips and adventure activities. Family highlights: Tropical beaches, swimming, snorkelling, water activities and island excursions.
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The Canary Islands are a convenient option for families seeking sunshine, beaches and outdoor attractions, particularly during the UK winter. Tenerife, Gran Canaria and Lanzarote each offer their own combination of beaches, volcanic scenery and family activities. Family highlights: Winter sunshine, beaches, volcanic landscapes, waterparks and outdoor activities.
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Europe gives families plenty of choice, from historic cities and coastal resorts to cooler northern destinations. Families can combine sightseeing, beaches and cultural experiences while visiting several countries on one cruise. Family highlights: Historic landmarks, beaches, museums, family attractions and varied European cuisine.
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A Mediterranean cruise combines seaside relaxation with some of Europe's most famous historical destinations. Families can explore ancient sites in Greece and Italy, enjoy Spanish beaches or discover the islands of the Mediterranean. Family highlights: Ancient landmarks, beaches, Greek islands, Italian cities and Mediterranean food.
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North America can turn a family cruise into a much bigger holiday. Families can combine a Florida cruise with theme parks and beaches, or begin in New York with its famous landmarks, museums and city attractions before sailing onwards. Family highlights: Florida theme parks, Miami beaches, New York City, Central Park and the Statue of Liberty.
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The Norwegian Fjords offer a spectacular alternative to traditional beach holidays, with towering mountains, waterfalls and peaceful waterways. Families can enjoy scenic sailing, outdoor excursions and attractions such as the Flåm Railway. Family highlights: Fjords, waterfalls, mountain scenery, wildlife and outdoor adventures.
READ MOREAustralia and New Zealand offer families a long-haul adventure combining vibrant cities with beaches, wildlife and spectacular scenery. Sydney, Auckland and New Zealand's scenic coastline can all feature on different itineraries. Family highlights: Sydney Harbour, beaches, wildlife, national parks and dramatic landscapes.
Spain and Portugal are ideal for families looking for sunshine, beaches and easy sightseeing. Barcelona, Lisbon, Málaga and other ports offer a mixture of historic attractions, waterfront areas and family-friendly excursions. Family highlights: Barcelona, Lisbon, sandy beaches, local food and warm weather.
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UK cruises offer families the chance to discover Britain's coastline, historic cities and scenic landscapes without travelling overseas by air. They can be particularly appealing for first-time cruisers or families wanting a simpler journey to the port. Family highlights: Castles, museums, coastal scenery, Scottish islands and British history.
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“When families ask me which cruise is right for them, I always start by looking at what everyone actually wants from the holiday. The best family cruises give children plenty to keep them entertained, while parents can still enjoy some time to themselves. It’s that balance that can make a cruise work so well for the whole family”Robyn, Cruise Expert
The best family-friendly cruises combine facilities and entertainment for several age groups with itineraries that appeal to the whole family. Important features include children's clubs, teen programmes, family cabins, flexible dining, swimming pools, waterslides and entertainment suitable for different ages.
A family cruise can also make travelling between destinations easier because the family stays in the same accommodation while the ship moves between ports. This means there is no need to pack and unpack at every destination.
When choosing a family cruise, consider:
There is no single cruise that is the best choice for every family. A cruise that suits a family with toddlers may be very different from one that appeals to teenagers.
The length of the sailing should also be considered. A three-night cruise may be ideal for first-time cruisers, while a seven-night itinerary gives families more time to settle into life onboard and explore several destinations.
The best time for a family cruise depends on school holidays, the destination, weather and the ages of the children.
Families with school-age children commonly cruise during Easter, half-term, summer and Christmas holidays because these periods do not require children to miss school. Families with pre-school children have more flexibility and may be able to travel outside peak holiday periods.
For warm-weather holidays, Mediterranean and Caribbean cruises are popular choices. Families interested in scenery and outdoor exploration may prefer Northern Europe or Norwegian fjord itineraries.
The ideal cruise duration depends on the family's age, experience and preferred pace.
Families cruising for the first time may prefer a shorter sailing. Families with older children who enjoy onboard entertainment may be more comfortable choosing a longer itinerary.
The most suitable cruise line depends on the age of the children and the type of holiday the family wants.
Royal Caribbean is known for large ships with waterslides, pools, sports, adventure attractions and age-specific youth programmes. It can suit families looking for an activity-focused cruise.
Disney Cruise Line places family entertainment and Disney-themed experiences at the centre of its cruises. It offers dedicated spaces and activities for younger children, tweens and teenagers.
NCL provides children's and teen programmes alongside casual dining and a variety of onboard activities. Several of its newer ships also feature extensive water attractions.
MSC Cruises combines children's facilities and family entertainment with a wide choice of European and international itineraries. Selected ships also offer LEGO-themed activities.
Cunard Line provides a more traditional cruise experience alongside children's and youth programmes, making it an option for families travelling across several generations.
The right cruise line depends on what each family considers important. Parents travelling with toddlers may prioritise childcare and splash areas, while families with teenagers may place greater importance on waterslides, sports and social spaces.
For many families, the ship is one of the main attractions. A vessel with extensive facilities can provide plenty to do on days when you are not visiting a port.
Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas has been designed with several family-focused areas. Its waterpark provides multiple slides, while the Surfside neighbourhood caters particularly to families with younger children.
The ship also includes activities aimed at older children and teenagers, giving families with children of different ages plenty of choice.
Its range of attractions means a family can spend a sea day swimming, trying an adventure activity, enjoying entertainment or simply relaxing without needing to leave the ship.
Norwegian Aqua combines water attractions with activities aimed at younger passengers and families.
The ship includes an Aqua Park as well as a dedicated Kids' Aqua Park. Families can also find activities such as interactive mini golf alongside children's and teenage facilities.
This variety makes it possible for family members to divide their time according to their interests and then come together for meals and other activities.
Norwegian Aura provides another activity-focused option for families. Its onboard attractions include water activities, sports and adventure experiences, with additional spaces for younger children and teenagers.
It can appeal to families who want a holiday where there is plenty happening onboard, particularly on days when the ship is at sea.
MSC Virtuosa offers a combination of children's activities, swimming facilities and entertainment.
Younger guests can take part in age-specific programmes, while the wider ship provides entertainment venues and activities suitable for families.
For families who want to combine a European itinerary with a ship offering plenty of onboard entertainment, MSC Virtuosa is one vessel worth comparing with other family-friendly options.
A ship's facilities should always be matched to the children travelling. Younger children may benefit most from splash areas, play spaces and supervised clubs. Older children may prefer waterslides and sports, while teenagers can place greater importance on social areas, gaming, entertainment and activities they can enjoy with people their own age.
This is why the best family cruises will look different from one family to another.
What are the best family cruises from Southampton?
Southampton is one of the UK's major cruise departure points and offers families the opportunity to begin their holiday without flying to another country.
Cruises from Southampton can visit destinations including Northern Europe, Spain, Portugal, the Mediterranean, the Canary Islands and the Norwegian fjords, depending on the cruise line and sailing date.
A Southampton departure can offer several practical benefits:
Other UK ports can also provide alternatives depending on the season and cruise schedule. The best departure port will depend on where you live, the itinerary you want and which ships are available.
When searching for Family cruise deals, compare the total cost of the holiday rather than just the initial fare.
A cruise advertised at a low price may have additional costs for items such as drinks, Wi-Fi, excursions or speciality dining, while a higher-priced fare may include extras that make the overall package better value for your family.
Here at Cruise118, our cruise experts are available via phone or live chat to match you with the perfect cruise itinerary for your family
Before booking, compare:
It is also worth checking the age requirements for children and the facilities available on the specific ship you are considering. Two ships from the same cruise line can have noticeably different onboard features.
Booking ahead can be useful if you need a particular family cabin or want to travel during a popular school holiday. However, keeping an eye on Family cruise deals can also help you identify promotional fares and special offers when they become available.
Ultimately, choosing the right family cruise comes down to finding the combination that works for your family. Consider the children's ages, your preferred destination, the length of the holiday, the facilities you are likely to use and the overall cost.
Find our wide range of Family Cruises, from activity-packed mega-ships to more traditional vessels and convenient departures from Southampton; families can find an itinerary that suits their holiday style. Compare the available options, explore the latest Family cruise deals and discover the best family cruises for your next adventure.
