Best cruise lines for families

Looking for a family cruise that the entire clan can get on board with? Forget about the usual routine of school and work, opt instead for adventure, relaxation and quality time aboard a family-friendly cruise ship that’s a destination in itself. Thanks to a boom in multi-generational cruising, cruise lines are now offering innovative programs that bring family members together while also offering age-appropriate entertainment. From water parks to bumper cars, character meets and greets to poolside fun, here are the best cruise lines for families:

The oldest cruise line in the world, P&O Cruises is a firm favourite with the British cruising market thanks to their generous variety of no-fly cruises from Southampton. Though P&O may not initially spring to mind when planning a family cruise, the line offers fun for all; a selection of child-friendly shore excursions, excellent kids clubs for children aged 2 to 17, an abundance of group activities including karaoke, board games, deck games, mini-golf and table tennis as well as swimming pools, jacuzzis and splash areas for the little ones.

Steph from Cruise with Amber loves P&O Cruises and has spent over 100 nights on board with them. She said, “P&O Cruises offer so much variety for all the family; popular destinations, family-focused shore excursions and fun onboard activities whilst still retaining a relaxed, classic cruise ship ambience. P&O’s no-fly cruises from Southampton are also a convenient and stress-free way for families to get on board quickly.

“When sailing with P&O Cruises, our children love the kids’ tea served at 5 pm each day in the Horizon Restaurant, which is exclusively for younger guests. As parents, we also love the opportunity for rare date nights while the kids enjoy time with their friends in the Reef Club.”

Four of the fleet's sevens ships are child-friendly, look out for family cruises aboard Azura, Britannia, Iona and Ventura.

Princess Cruises offers a voyage like no other. Journeying to over 380 destinations around the world, the cruise line offers unique, immersive experiences for the whole family both on board and at shore. The cruise line have joined forces with Discovery™ to bring enriching new experiences with their Discovery at Sea programme; enjoy meet and greets with local animals, tours around indoor planetariums, impressive entertainment including The Voice of the Ocean and storytime, photos, games and crafts with Princess Cruises’ beloved mascot, Stanley.

Alongside this, families can splash around in the many swimming pools found on board, be entertained at one of the poolside cinemas which feature child-friendly matinees and art and craft projects or learn at one of the relevant kids’ clubs that host educational programmes.

Princess Cruises make it easy for families to sail together in comfort. Families can stay in mini-suites, suites or family suites. Family suites are two interconnecting staterooms that accommodate up to eight people and feature more living space, a balcony and two bathrooms.

Royal Caribbean wins the title for best family cruise line hands down. With the biggest and boldest ships, the cruise line pairs innovative ideas with one-of-a-kind activities not found elsewhere. Ice rinks, basketball courts, rock climbing walls, escape rooms, laser tag and much, much more keep the whole family occupied during voyages to all four corners of the world.

Each vessel in the soon-to-be 26-ship fleet is family-friendly and offers superb kids' clubs to keep the children entertained while the parents relax by the pool. An exclusive arrangement with DreamWorks means there are lots of free films playing in your cabin and movie theatres - plus, don’t forget to look out for movie characters as they wander the ship, the perfect photo opportunity and a moment the children will never forget.