With so many large ships afloat these days, many families are discovering the appeal of smaller luxury cruises, where space, personalised service and thoughtfully designed experiences create a more relaxed setting for a family holiday.
Our family cruise guide brings together our favourite luxury offerings for cruising with children, introducing families to a more refined way to set sail. From smaller family groups to multi-generational trips, each ship we explore welcomes children aboard while maintaining a distinctly luxurious atmosphere.
To answer some common questions and help you plan your family-friendly cruise with confidence, we turned to our Cruise expert, Denise, who has more than 20 years’ experience crafting exceptional journeys at sea.
What makes a luxury cruise particularly well-suited to family travel?
A luxury cruise gives you the chance to visit multiple ports and countries in one simple, easy trip – with the bonus of unpacking only once. Each stop offers something different: culture and history in one destination, a relaxing beach escape in another or adventure activities such as ziplining and white-water rafting.
For children, this variety keeps the journey exciting as they make friends in dedicated kids' hangout zones. With so much available for younger travellers on certain sailings, you’ll also have time to unwind and enjoy the ship’s extensive facilities.
Luxury family-friendly cruises also work particularly well for multi-generational holidays, allowing the whole family to travel together while enjoying the comfort, space and exceptional service that define a luxury voyage.
When it comes to luxury cruises with children, what are some of the best options?
A fantastic option for cruising with children, Explora Journeys promises a ‘Home at Sea’ for your entire family, welcoming all generations so you can focus on making memories together. In addition to top-notch pool areas and sports courts, children aged 6 to 17 will find their own hub at The Nautilus Club. Here, expert hosts provide entertainment, education and enrichment, with activities ranging from foosball and pool to board games, a digital library and the latest-generation video games and VR consoles.
Explora Journeys also offers Destination Experiences specifically for families, ranging from spending a day on a local farm to visiting a space centre, where children will meet a real astronaut.
Another standout choice, Regent Seven Seas also offers cruise ship activities for children on dedicated sailings through its Club Mariner Youth Programme. Children aged 5 to 17 can enjoy a range of supervised activities, including mini-putt tournaments, karaoke parties and movie nights. Both Explora Journeys and Regent Seven Seas children’s programmes go far beyond mainstream offerings, with an educational focus that ensures voyages are just as enriching for children as for adults.
While the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection is primarily adult-focused, it also welcomes families on select voyages, particularly during summer and holiday periods. The Ritz Kids programme offers tailored activities focused on marine conservation, local culture and environmental responsibility.
Meanwhile, Hapag-Lloyd’s luxury ships MS Europa 2 and MS Europa offer facilities for families travelling with younger children, including childcare and family-friendly shore excursions.
How do Explora Journeys and Regent Seven Seas differ when it comes to welcoming families?
Regent Seven Seas offers a more traditional style of ocean cruising, with exceptional dining, elegant formal evenings and classic evening entertainment such as dance parties and theatrical performances. This creates a refined onboard atmosphere that families can enjoy together while still experiencing the hallmarks of luxury cruising.
Explora Journeys, meanwhile, feels more like an independent boutique hotel at sea, which can appeal to new-to-cruise travellers and modern audiences. Rather than a traditional main dining room, the ship features a collection of smaller, speciality restaurants, offering families greater flexibility in how and where they dine. Its relaxed ‘Home at Sea’ concept invites all generations, with connecting suites, The Nautilus Club and a collection of Destination Experiences curated with families in mind.
Discover Explora Journeys' A Journey to the Whispering Sands of Oman voyage.
What is the ideal cruise length for families, particularly for a first luxury sailing?
Around 7-14 nights is the ideal length for a family cruise, though this may vary by itinerary. For example, on a family Alaskan cruise, I’d recommend pairing it with a land adventure in Denali National Park or the Canadian Rockies to make the most of the destination, where young explorers can enjoy bear watching and wildlife encounters.
Discover the best first-time cruise tips.
Which destinations are especially well-suited to family travel?
A top family cruise destination I’d always recommend is Europe. Not only does the ease of a shorter flight make it particularly well-suited to younger children, but it’s also ideal for first-time cruisers, helping you decide whether a luxury family cruise is right for you.
For older children and teens, a Regent Seven Seas Alaskan adventure is an excellent choice for a wildlife-filled trip. Budding explorers can benefit from the Club Mariner Youth Programme, science programmes and educational lectures designed to enrich their journey.
If you’re unsure where to go, a family beach holiday in the Caribbean is always a great option if you don’t mind venturing further afield. It offers itineraries that appeal to both children and adults, as well as plenty of time to soak up the pristine beaches.
Ready to explore Alaska? Discover the Regent Seven Seas Alaska Glaciers cruise.
Which suite categories are best for families?
Interconnecting suites are a must for families on board, something that both Regent Seven Seas and Explora Journeys provide. EXPLORA I and EXPLORA II offer 82 multi-generation-friendly connected suites. Choose from Ocean Suites, Ocean Penthouses and Ocean Residences, where a true ‘Home at Sea’ experience awaits.
What are some of your top cruise tips for families?
When planning your family cruise, start by thinking about what your children would most like to experience and see, and consider their ages. Check whether the cruise line offers childcare or kids’ clubs – for example, Explora Journeys and Regent Seven Seas are suitable for children aged five and up, while lines such as Hapag-Lloyd also have facilities for babies and younger children.
Next, plan your suite or stateroom carefully. Consider sleeping arrangements for families of four or more and whether connecting rooms are available. Dining is another key consideration – check whether the cruise allows early dining or in-suite options for younger children, so mealtimes work for the whole family.
A final tip for cruising as a family is to balance time on board with time on shore. Choose itineraries that offer a mix of adventure, culture and relaxation to keep everyone engaged, while allowing enough downtime to enjoy the ship’s luxurious facilities.
More from our cruise expert
Ready to find your ideal family cruise?
If you’re feeling inspired to discover the joys of cruising with the whole family, contact us to speak to our Travel Specialists. As experts in all our destinations, they’ll be more than happy to help you explore luxury family-friendly cruise lines. They can also tailor your holiday exactly as you like, finding the perfect itinerary and arranging any pre- or post-cruise stays for a seamless voyage.
