Family Friendly Cruises

Cruise lines have been pulling out all the stops recently to draw in the lucrative family cruise market – including teaming up with famous entertainment brands. Take Royal Caribbean, for instance. They’ve partnered up with DreamWorks – the people who brought Shrek, Kung Fu Panda and other animated favourites into our lives.

Family friendly cruises really do have so many highlights in store. There are kids' and teens' clubs, video arcades, waterslides, outdoor movies, basketball, mini-golf and much, much more.

And, not forgetting us grownups – think lavish spas, fine restaurants and sophisticated bars - just some of the other ingredients that make a great all-round ‘family’ cruise.

Royal Caribbean

Little ones

Royal Caribbean has an award winning Adventure Ocean program on board each of their ships. Catering for children of all ages from babies and toddlers through to teens, children can look forward to tons of fun stuff. There’s even a professionally run nursery for children 6-17 months or 18-36 months.

Parents

As your children will never be stuck for something to do, you have more time to kick back and relax – doing ‘adult things’. And, if you fancy a bit of time to yourself in the evening – like going for a romantic meal - then simply drop your child off (6-17 months or 18-36 months) in the professionally run nursery, Nursery Babies and Tots. The nursery is available during the day, too.

One for all the family

Thanks to a partnership with DreamWorks Animation, kids – and big kids - get to rub shoulders with characters from Shrek, Kung Fu Panda and more! Oasis Class, Freedom Class and Voyager Class ships even have an ice rink on board! Here you can all have lessons – or simply have fun on the ice.

Thomson

Little ones

On Thomson’s family-friendly ships - Thomson Destiny, Thomson Spirit and Thomson Celebration - the focus is on ensuring both youngsters and adults have a whale of a time on board. A firm favourite with kiddies (aged three to 12) is the Thomson Kidzone club. Offering the perfect place for children aged three to 12 to make new friends, your child can look forward to creative play and parties with everything from storytelling, role-playing to team challenges and mini discos.

Parents

Whilst your children are being kept happily entertained, why not have a drink in one of the wide selection of bars or have a nice quiet meal?

On board the Thomson Dream there’s not only a family-friendly pool but an adults only pool too – perfect if you want to swim some leisurely laps without having to dodge playful kiddies along the way. 

On the Thomson Celebration there’s a two-storey health and beauty spa – check in here for a spot of well-deserved pampering... Go on, you deserve it.

One for all the family

The Sports Deck is the place where you can all have fun playing badminton, basketball and table tennis. Or have a good splash about in the family friendly pool.

Disney Cruise Line

Little ones

It’s certainly a magical experience on board any of the Disney ships. And, it goes without saying; kids always have the time of their lives on board. The imaginative kids clubs are jam packed with fun activities for youngsters aged just 3 months, right the way up to teenagers.

Parents

If you’re after having a spot of ‘me time’, then the Quiet Cove Pool offers just the ticket. A relaxing, adult only pool, it is here you can enjoy the most tranquil setting – it’s the perfect place to unwind. On the odd evening or two, why not relax in one of the romantic adult only restaurants?

One for all the family

Go along to one of the deck parties – and celebrate your fabulous holiday alongside some of your favourite Disney characters – and you’ll get to enjoy the only fireworks at sea, too!