A cruise solves all these potential pitfalls to give every family member what they’re looking for. A quiet place to read a book, set mealtimes (and plenty of snack stations in between), swimming pools, waterslides and kids clubs to blow off steam in, the list goes on, and that’s just the ship!
One room, one home base, but endlessly changing views outside your window. No hauling luggage from city to city. No debates over where to eat every night. And no complicated day-by-day schedule unless you want one. You simply wake up somewhere new, explore, come back on board, and let the next day unfold.
But which destination is best for you and your family? Here are five cruise destinations popular around the world with both parents and children- each one offering something quite different.
1. The Caribbean
With its sun-kissed beaches and variety of islands to explore, such as the Bahamas, St Kitts, and Jamaica, the Caribbean is synonymous with family cruise vacations. Ideal for those wanting peace and thrills in equal measure, here you can relax by the sea with a cocktail, make some waves or explore the locals’ cosy culture and comforting cuisine inland on a day trip – the choice is yours! Even better, many cruise lines have their own private islands in the Caribbean, like Royal Caribbean’s CocoCay and Virgin Voyage’s Bimini. Complete with beach clubs, water parks and more, to splash, scuba, jetski or just soak in some rays with a thirst-quenching cocktail, none of the gang will be bored onboard or ashore!
Mostly booked in the winter months, such as Black Friday cruise deals, Caribbean cruises are popular for those looking for both fun and sun at sea, away from the cold back home or something to look forward to as the post-Christmas blues set in. If your family has never cruised before, the Caribbean is the most seamless introduction.
2. The Mediterranean
With a completely different vibe, the Mediterranean packs so much into one itinerary like no other cruise destination. Ideal for culture vultures, history lovers and foodies, how else could you take in the Colosseum of Rome, sample Paella in Barcelona and explore the ruins of ancient Athens all in just a few days? The Mediterranean lets parents unwind and kids’ imaginations fly as their school history books come alive.
Cruises around the Mediterranean are in no short supply as the world’s top cruise region after the Caribbean. With plenty of cruise companies like P&O and Royal Caribbean taking in all the top ports, and plenty in between, there’s lots of fun to be had at sea before the next day’s adventure begins!
3. Norwegian Fjords
For those looking for cooler climes, less crowds and the most dramatic scenery in the northern hemisphere, the incredible Norwegian Fjords are simply a must. Not only can you explore the ravines, waterfalls and chocolate-box towns each day, but also take in the awe-inspiring views while aboard your ship as you navigate through the vast formations of the world-famous fjords. Perfect for nature lovers and hikers, or even those who are brave enough to swim in the glacier-melt lakes and streams!
A cruise is definitely the best way to see the Norwegian Fjords for several reasons. Firstly, it’s great value for money with Norway being such an otherwise expensive country for most tourists. Secondly, the fjords are calm waters yet open enough to cater to larger ships such as P&O Iona, ideal for those who otherwise suffer from seasickness.
4. Iceland
Nowhere on Earth is like Iceland for otherworldly landscapes and unique local culture. Here your kids’ imaginations will come alive as they take in the plunging waterfalls, black-sand beaches, thermal springs, spewing geysers and hear of the epic sagas of the land of ice and fire. There’s plenty of cruise ships great for all the gang sailing to Iceland too, so if you don’t find time to soak in the famous hot springs, there’s always the ship’s pools and spas to relax in before the next day’s port of call.
Again, a cruise is not only a cost-effective way to explore the country, but also the most convenient. By ship you can reach points of interest otherwise difficult to catch in one trip while regular tours inland, such as the Golden Triangle, mean you’re not just limited to the coastal areas.
5. The Canary Islands
Stress free yet varied, as a cruise destination the Canary Islands bring the best of the Caribbean and Mediterranean into one fantastic package. Enjoy European cuisine, culture and currency, yet that more Caribbean island-life feel where everything moves just that little bit slower, allowing you to totally unwind on the perfect beaches of Tenerife, Lanzarote and Gran Canaria.
With sunshine year round, the Canaries are always a great option for families looking for a stress-free getaway during any school holidays. If you have lots of time, you can even sail from the UK, giving your family the opportunity to fully explore and enjoy the ship before getting stuck into some serious relaxing when you anchor at your destination. Alternatively, you can fly out and meet your ship if more strapped for time away.
Final Thoughts
With something for all your family’s wants, needs and budgets, there’s sure to be a cruise destination and ship for you. The only question is, where to go first!?