Family Cruise Holidays 2026, 2027 & 2028
Make your next family holiday one everyone will remember. Family cruises combine exciting destinations with entertainment, activities, dining and accommodation all in one holiday, making it easier to find something for every generation.
Whether you are travelling with toddlers, teenagers or the whole extended family, discover family-friendly cruises from leading cruise lines including Royal Caribbean, MSC Cruises, P&O Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Princess Cruises and Disney Cruise Line.
Choose from convenient no-fly family cruises departing from the UK or fly-cruise holidays to the Mediterranean, Caribbean and beyond.
Find the Right Cruise for Your Family
No two families are the same, and neither are cruise holidays. Some ships are packed with waterslides, surf simulators and high-energy entertainment, while others offer a more relaxed experience with spacious pools, family-friendly dining and dedicated clubs for different age groups.
Choosing the right ship can make a huge difference to your holiday. Think about the ages of your children, the activities they enjoy, the type of cabin you need and whether you would prefer to sail directly from the UK or fly to join your ship overseas.
Our cruise experts can help match your family with the ships and itineraries that suit you best.
Which cruise lines are best for families?
There is no single best cruise line for every family. The right choice depends on your children's ages, your budget and what you want from your holiday.
Family Cruises from the UK
Want to make your family holiday as simple as possible? A no-fly cruise holiday allows you and your family to join your ship in the UK without worrying about airports, luggage restrictions or arranging overseas transfers.
Southampton is the UK's biggest cruise departure port and offers family cruises to destinations including the Norwegian Fjords, Mediterranean, Canary Islands, Northern Europe and beyond.
Travelling directly from the UK can be particularly convenient for families with younger children or anyone who prefers to avoid flying.
Fly-Cruise Family Holidays
Flying to join your ship opens up an even wider choice of destinations and itineraries.
Barcelona, Rome, Miami and other major cruise ports provide access to some of the world's most popular family cruising regions, including the Mediterranean and Caribbean.
A fly-cruise holiday can also be combined with a hotel stay before or after your cruise, giving your family even more time to explore.
Best Family Cruise Destinations
From sunny Mediterranean escapes to scenic Norway and tropical Caribbean adventures, discover family cruise destinations offering the perfect mix of fun, relaxation and unforgettable experiences.
Family Cruises with Toddlers and Younger Children
Cruising with younger children can be surprisingly straightforward when you choose the right ship.
Family-friendly cruise lines may offer children's clubs, splash areas, family dining, children's menus and entertainment designed for younger guests. Some ships also have nurseries or sessions specifically designed for babies and toddlers.
Facilities and minimum ages vary significantly between cruise lines and ships, so it is worth checking what is available before booking.
Our cruise experts can help you find ships that are better suited to younger families.
Best Cruises for Teenagers
A good teenage club can make the difference between a good family holiday and a brilliant one.
Many modern cruise ships have dedicated spaces where teenagers can meet people their own age, along with sports, gaming, entertainment and activities designed specifically for older children.
For active teenagers, look for larger resort-style ships offering facilities such as waterslides, sports courts, climbing activities and other high-energy attractions.
The best option will depend on the individual ship, so speak to our team if keeping teenagers entertained is high on your priority list.
Cruises for Families of Five or More
Finding the right accommodation is especially important for larger families.
Standard cruise cabins are often designed for two to four guests, but many ships also offer family cabins, interconnecting rooms and larger suites that can accommodate more passengers.
Availability can be limited, particularly during school holidays, so families of five or more should consider booking earlier to secure the most suitable accommodation.
In some cases, two connecting cabins can provide more space and additional bathroom facilities while still keeping the family together.
Multigenerational Family Cruises
Cruises are particularly well suited to holidays involving grandparents, parents and children because everyone can enjoy the holiday at their own pace.
Children can spend time in kids' clubs, adults can relax by the pool or visit the spa, and the whole family can come together for meals, entertainment and days ashore.
With accommodation, dining and entertainment all available onboard, cruising also removes much of the organisation involved in planning a holiday for a large group.
Family Cruises During the School Holidays
Planning around school dates? Summer holidays, Easter, Christmas and half-term are some of the most popular times for family cruising.
These dates can sell quickly, especially when families need larger cabins, interconnecting rooms or accommodation for five or more guests.
Booking early usually gives you the widest choice of ships, itineraries and cabins. However, family cruise offers can also become available throughout the year, so it is always worth checking our latest deals.
What Is Included on a Family Cruise?
Your cruise fare will usually include your accommodation, meals in selected restaurants and a wide range of entertainment and activities onboard.
Many ships also include access to children's clubs and family entertainment within the cruise fare.
Exactly what is included varies between cruise lines, ships and fare types. Speciality restaurants, drinks packages, Wi-Fi, shore excursions and some activities may cost extra.
Our team can explain what is included before you book so you can compare the overall cost of different family cruise options.
Why Book Your Family Cruise with Paramount Cruises?
Choosing between different cruise lines, ships, cabin types and children's facilities can quickly become overwhelming.
Our experienced cruise team can help you narrow down the options and find a holiday that works for your whole family.
Tell us who is travelling, the ages of your children, where you would like to go and what matters most to you. We can then help you compare suitable cruise lines, ships, itineraries and cabins.
Whether you are planning your family's first cruise or looking for your next adventure at sea, we are here to help make finding the right holiday easier.
Family Cruise - Frequently Asked Questions
The best family cruise line depends on the ages of your children and the type of holiday you want. Royal Caribbean is particularly popular with active families, P&O Cruises is a convenient choice for no-fly cruises from the UK, MSC Cruises can offer excellent value, while Disney Cruise Line is ideal for families looking for a Disney-focused experience.
There are also excellent family options with Norwegian Cruise Line and Princess Cruises. Comparing individual ships is just as important as comparing cruise lines, as facilities can vary considerably.
Yes. Many cruise ships are designed with families in mind and offer children's clubs, family pools, entertainment and child-friendly dining.
If you are travelling with a baby or toddler, check the facilities on the individual ship carefully. Minimum ages for children's clubs, nurseries, pools and activities can vary.
Cruises can be an excellent holiday for teenagers, particularly on larger ships with dedicated teen clubs, sports, entertainment and activity facilities.
Choosing the right ship is important. Some cruise ships are much more focused on teenage activities than others.
Some cruise lines run promotions where children or additional guests in the same cabin receive reduced fares or other savings.
These offers vary by cruise line, sailing date and cabin type and can change throughout the year. Check our latest family cruise deals for current offers.
Yes. There is a wide choice of family cruises departing directly from UK ports, particularly Southampton.
Depending on the itinerary, you could cruise from the UK to destinations including the Norwegian Fjords, Northern Europe, Mediterranean, Canary Islands and beyond.
The best cabin depends on your family size, budget and how much space you need.
Families may be able to choose from cabins sleeping three or four guests, dedicated family cabins, interconnecting rooms and larger suites. Families of five or more should book early as suitable accommodation can be more limited.
If you need to travel during the school holidays or require a particular family cabin, booking early usually gives you the widest choice.
Popular summer, Easter, Christmas and half-term departures can fill quickly. You may also find family cruise deals closer to departure if your dates and cabin requirements are more flexible.
Start with the ages and interests of your children. Look at the children's clubs, pools, activities, dining options, entertainment and cabin arrangements available on each ship.
You should also consider the itinerary. Some families want lots of time onboard enjoying the ship, while others prefer destination-focused cruises with plenty of opportunities to explore ashore.
Find Your Next Family Cruise
Ready for your next family adventure?
Explore family cruises from the UK and around the world, compare leading cruise lines and discover holidays designed to keep children, parents and grandparents smiling.
Search our latest family cruise deals or speak to one of our cruise experts for personalised help finding the right holiday.