Family cruises: A guide to cruising with kids

Southampton Cruise Centre says that there’s no better family holiday than ​family cruise holidays. And we agree. Here’s why.

Why is a cruise perfect for families?

It’s an old trope that cruises offer something for everyone – but it’s so true. Especially lines like Royal Caribbean, with their multi-generational family cruise ships.

Escape the usual hassle of taking the whole family away and simplify the holiday with an incredible cruise adventure.

The kids are well-entertained throughout the day, whether that’s in the award-winning Adventure Ocean kids club, or playing in the dedicated family pools.

Teenagers have the best holiday of their lives too, with adrenaline pumping activities including skydive simulators, surfing, ice skating and even ziplining onboard the ship*. Plus, an exclusive teens-only hangout gives an extra space to chill with new friends away from the parents.

And, of course, for parents (and maybe grandparents), Royal Caribbean’s vast range of speciality restaurants and popular bars make for laid back evenings in great company.

For quality time together, gather the family for nightly shows in the main theatre, and – depending on your ship – you’ll also be blown away by magnificent ​​dive shows and spectacles on ice*.

Where is best for family cruise holidays?

In many ways the ship is the destination with ​​Royal Caribbean’s mega ships. With rides, and parks, and countless entertainment venues all over the ship, it’s easy to see why some families stay onboard during port days just to enjoy even more of the ship.

But, of course, one of the greatest draws of cruising is the ability to take the family away to so many fabulous places without the chaos of herding kids through airports and train stations. Cruising makes travel easy – pack once, travel once, and see so much more.

​Royal Caribbean cruises from Southampton in the summer, which is so convenient for easy access to Europe, whether that’s heading south into the golden Mediterranean, or north towards Norway’s majestic fjords.

Alternatively, experience a Royal Caribbean cruise from Miami, incorporating their famed ‘Perfect Day at CocoCay’, which is the line’s private island resort in the Bahamas, with a massive saltwater lagoon pool, towering waterslides, and even hot air balloon rides… plus there’s an adult only zone for anyone who wants a day of pure zen on the beach in a cabana.

Just a short flight away are the stunning Mediterranean ports of Rome (Civitavecchia) or Barcelona. Your gateway to beautiful beaches, warm weather and iconic architecture along the Spanish, Greek or Italian coastlines.

Enjoy a night of karaoke on one of Royal Caribbean's Eurovision-themed cruises, enjoy a day in the history-soaked city of Rome, or watch the sun set against the backdrop of Santorini.

Take advantage of great family ​cruise deals with Southampton Cruise Centre

Southampton Cruise Centre specialises in no-fly cruises from the UK, which is an ideal choice for a family cruise holiday. If you are looking to take the family slightly further afield, then there are also tempting deals on Caribbean and other worldwide itineraries with flights included in the package.

​In May 2024 get your family a cabin on ​​Anthem of the Seas™, Explorer of the Seas™, Odyssey of the Seas™, or Oasis of the Seas™ for the ultimate Eurovision viewing party. You’ve never experienced a Eurovision quite like it, on some of the most exciting family-friendly ships out there.

Southampton Cruise Centre has a world of choice online for families, so whether you’ve sailed with Royal Caribbean before and know you love their breath-taking entertainment and kids’ activities, or you’re tempted to give the biggest cruise ships in the world a spin… or maybe you’re interested in other family lines sailing from Southampton this year, it’s worth ​​checking out their website for the latest deals.

* Available onboard selected ships