ALL ABOARD!
A cruise is the perfect way to ensure that all the family, from every generation, has an unforgettable trip
HOLIDAYS across generations can be very hard to navigate – how do you make sure that everyone, from grandparents to toddlers, is entertained and enjoys the trip, as well as spending quality time together? The answer is simple: a cruise. From kids’ clubs and comedy to teen hangouts, theatre, swimming pools, yoga, lectures, bars and restaurants, there’s something for everyone, as well as adventurous trips that can be arranged once you are on land. And there are so many plentiful and informal dining options on board that the whole family can regroup over a sea-view dinner.
P&O CRUISES
WITH a joyful collection of family-friendly ships, such as Azura, Britannia and Aurora, P&O has it covered. Its complimentary on board programme, The Reef, has everything from on board children’s tea, swimming pools and even a sports arena, to a family-friendly offshore focus for excursions – such as treasure hunts and adventure trails. Why not try seven nights in the Norwegian fjords on the Britannia? With their ancient Norse villages and coastal towns, there is something for all generations to marvel at and appreciate – including a railway ride up the mountain to take in the stunning hills and forests. >> pocruises.com
TUI
MARELLA family cruises are filled with activities for all generations – Marella Discovery and Marella Discovery 2 have Movies by Moonlight, rock climbing and even a baby centre on board, while Marella Explorer is an unbeatable option for teenagers, with its dedicated family sports deck that includes minigolf and table tennis. What about games consoles? They will be spoilt for choice in The Hide Out. Their parents, meanwhile, may wish to take to the jogging track or spa, while older generations might like to attend a lecture, show, or just sit on the deck and watch the endless ocean views. The Explorer’s Highlight of the Mediterranean takes in all the Med greats, to include a vintage electric train ride in Majorca, and all the sights and sounds of Rome and Barcelona. >> tui.co.uk/cruise
ROYAL CARIBBEAN
For a guaranteed family trip of a lifetime, there’s no end of ways to keep all generations entertained on board Royal Caribbean ships. Its Adventure Ocean Kids Club spans all ages from six months to 17 years, with slide pools (and, yes, pool parties) and splash parks to carousel rock climbing, skating, surfing, zip lining, video games and even bumper cars and discos. Meanwhile, there are Mamma Mia-style musicals, pub performances, dance classes and piano bars. And what could be better than an outdoor family movie night, with the ocean as your backdrop? How about a seven-day cruise in the Western Caribbean on the Allure of the Seas? In between your fun-filled days on deck, you will have the chance to get up close to alligators on an airboat in Florida, swim with dolphins in the Bahamas (while the kids enjoy the aqua adventure waterpark), snorkel in Mexico and take in its beautiful coral reef. >> royalcaribbean.co.uk
There is something for all generations to marvel at