More and more families are seeing the benefits of a cruise, but which itineraries are most suited to those with children? Discover the best family cruises here.

Choose fun

There’s little doubt that Carnival Cruise Line is well known for its on-board atmosphere and sheer number of activities suitable for all ages. Its tagline of “Choose Fun” has struck a chord with families, as the line’s vice-president of international sales, Iain Baillie, described to Cruise Trade News earlier this year: “Carnival is the global leader, carrying more than 800,000 children each year. We take fun very seriously and our ships feature numerous kid-friendly amenities. There’s more to come, with a trampoline park on Carnival Panorama at the end of this year and an incredible rollercoaster on Mardi Gras next August.” A six-day Mexican Riviera cruise on Carnival Panorama departs 18 December 2021. Prices from approximately £500pp, carnival.com.

The A-Rosa attitude

A-Rosa River Cruises has long positioned itself as a go-to for multigenerational travel, evidenced by its free cruises for children under 15 on all itineraries (except the Douro, which instead features a 25 per cent discount). However, the line is going further: in 2021 it will launch a battery-powered ship specially designed for family cruises. The vessel will feature family-orientated cabins and a separate children’s pool, next to a large swimming pool on the sun deck, a dedicated kids’ club and a restaurant with a children’s area. Prices for a seven-night Rhine cruise, departing 18 October 2020, start from approximately £860pp,
arosa-cruises.com/river-cruises.

Travel for free

As with A-Rosa, CroisiEurope is another river line that has seen the desire for family cruises and devised a strategy to tap into the trend. It offers a free cruise for children under 16 on Portugal, Spain, Italy and Rhine itineraries, as well as a 30 per cent discount for kids on its Dalmatian coast voyage in Croatia and Montenegro. The line also has menus with kids in mind, ensuring there’s something for everyone at dinner. Prices for a six-day Porto and the Douro Valley itinerary on MS Amalia Rodrigues start from £1,112pp, departing 31 March 2020, croisieurope.co.uk.

All-inclusive on Uniworld

Luxury river line Uniworld is known for opulence, but it also runs a programme, Uniworld Generations, in which all applicable departures include special events and excursions for families. It also offers 25 per cent off the fare for guests aged 4 to 17 travelling with an adult (suites excluded). Visitors can book the programme on cruises such as SS Beatrice’s Delightful Danube and Prague itinerary on 13, 22 and 27 July 2020. Prices for the 13 July departure start from £3,509pp, uniworld.com/uk.

The Lego experience

Another line that has beefed up its offering is MSC Cruises, with a host of clubs, excursions and events to keep little ones happy. Clubs range in age from baby groups up to the teen area, designed for guests aged 15-17. In addition, the MSC Family Explorer Club offers excursions tailored to families, to keep kids entertained while adults benefit from educational activities. Last but not least is Lego Experience, an all-day event dedicated to a favoured pastime. The eight-night Mediterranean cruise on MSC Grandiosa departs 29 March 2020. Prices from £799pp, msccruises.co.uk.

Splashers and surfers

While excursions are a great way for groups to spend quality time together, those of certain ages are also keen to find their own space – think teens or even those a little younger. P&O Cruises has Reef clubs, for four groups: Splashers (2-4 year olds); Surfers (5-8 year olds); Scubas (9-12-year olds); and H20 (13-17 year olds). Each has its own identity, so, while slides and books are the key attractions in Splashers, over at H20 it’s a retro arcade and pool table. The seven-night Western Europe cruise, departing 23 May 2020, is priced from £835pp, sailing on Ventura, pocruises.com.