Well, I’ve returned… but part of me is still floating in a hot tub somewhere in rural Ayrshire! I’ve just had the
Set sail on a family cruise and enjoy the perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and quality time together. With exciting destinations and onboard entertainment for every age group, cruising is one of the easiest and most enjoyable ways to holiday as a family.
From kids’ clubs, splash zones, and water parks to teen lounges, live shows, and interactive games, younger guests are kept entertained from morning till night. Meanwhile, parents can unwind with spa treatments, fine dining, and adults-only spaces for some well-earned downtime.
Modern family-friendly ships are packed with amenities and offer flexible dining options, spacious cabins (including family suites and interconnecting rooms), and itineraries that visit sun-soaked beaches, cultural cities, and island hideaways.
Whether you’re travelling with toddlers, teens, or three generations together, family cruises offer great value, no-stress planning, and unforgettable memories at sea.
Browse our handpicked family cruise deals or speak to our expert team to find the perfect holiday for your crew.
Fun-packed ships, flexible family cabins, and something for every age — these cruise lines are perfect for unforgettable family adventures at sea.
Top Family Ships:
Wonder of the Seas, Symphony of the Seas, Anthem of the Seas
Where You Can Go:
Caribbean, Mediterranean, Alaska, Europe, Bahamas, Dubai
Onboard Highlights:
Surf simulators (FlowRider®)
Zip lines, rock climbing walls, glow-in-the-dark laser tag
Ice-skating rinks and aqua theatre shows
Adventure Ocean® kids club & teen-only spaces
Family suites with slides, game consoles & concierge access
Top Family Ships:
MSC Seaside, MSC Virtuosa, MSC World Europa
Where You Can Go:
Mediterranean, Caribbean, Canaries, Northern Europe, Middle East
Onboard Highlights:
LEGO® playrooms & partnerships with Chicco® for babies
Waterparks, F1 simulators, 4D cinemas
Teens’ clubs with game zones and silent discos
Family cabins and connecting staterooms
Cirque du Soleil-style shows on select ships
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL)
Top Family Ships:
Norwegian Encore, Norwegian Getaway, Norwegian Prima
Where You Can Go:
Caribbean, Alaska, Mediterranean, Bermuda, Europe
Onboard Highlights:
Aqua parks with multi-storey waterslides
Ropes courses, VR games & go-kart tracks at sea
Entourage teen club & Splash Academy for kids
Flexible Freestyle Dining (no set times!)
Family mini-suites and larger connecting cabins
Top Family Ships:
Disney Dream, Disney Fantasy, Disney Wish
Where You Can Go:
Caribbean, Bahamas, Europe, Alaska, Disney’s private island (Castaway Cay)
Onboard Highlights:
Disney-themed kids clubs (Star Wars, Marvel, Frozen)
Themed family dining experiences with interactive shows
Fireworks at sea & Broadway-style musicals
Spacious staterooms with bath tubs & privacy curtains
Top Family Ships:
Discovery Princess, Sky Princess, Regal Princess
Where You Can Go:
Alaska, Caribbean, Europe, Japan, Mexico, World Cruises
Onboard Highlights:
Discovery™ at SEA youth programs
Stargazing & animal encounters (Alaska sailings)
Movies Under the Stars®
Teen lounges & family-friendly shore excursions
Multi-generational cabins with larger space
Top Family Ships:
Arvia, Iona, Britannia
Where You Can Go:
Norwegian Fjords, Mediterranean, Canary Islands, Spain & Portugal
Onboard Highlights:
Splash zones, SkyDome pool area & climbing walls
Children’s clubs: Splashers, Surfers, Scubas & H2O (teens)
Family-friendly dining options and early meals for little ones
Onboard cinema, live music & aerial shows
Spacious cabins with sofa beds and interconnecting options
Enjoy everything in one price — meals, entertainment, accommodation, and more. Family cruises offer unbeatable value compared to land holidays, with no surprise costs once you’re onboard.
From supervised toddler activities to cool hangouts for teens, cruise ships are packed with age-appropriate fun. Kids will love making friends while parents get some time to relax.
Broadway-style shows, movie nights under the stars, talent contests, magic acts — there’s something for every age, every night of the week.
Travelling as a group? No problem! Cruise ships offer flexible accommodation options — from family suites to interconnecting cabins — so everyone sleeps comfortably.
Whether it’s casual bites, global buffets, or sit-down dinners, there’s something for everyone onboard. From picky eaters to adventurous foodies, the whole family is covered — and yes, snacks are always nearby!
Well, I’ve returned… but part of me is still floating in a hot tub somewhere in rural Ayrshire! I’ve just had the
From the moment I arrived at Heathrow’s Terminal 3, I knew this trip would be something special. Thanks to Gold Medal and
As Cruise Director at Thorne Travel, I’ve been lucky enough to sail on over 70 cruises – from rivers to oceans, budget-friendly
Thorne Travel
Registered Office: 153 Main Street, Kilwinning, KA13 6EQ
All holidays shown are subject to availability. Thorne Travel acts as retail agents for ATOL protected tour operators.
153 Main Street Kilwinning, Ayrshire | KA13 6EQ
10 Main Street Largs,
Ayrshire | KA30 8AB
66-68 Main Street Prestwick, Ayrshire | KA9 1PA
Telephone: 0300 373 0800
Email: enquiries@thornetravel.com
All content and pricing on our website is subject to availability and may change out with our control. Prices advertised are per person, based on 2 sharing unless otherwise specified. Prices are a guide and may not include relevant supplements and/or benefits. Images and descriptions are to be used as a guide as these can vary and your Holiday Expert will confirm at the time of booking. Please call and speak to our Holiday Experts for up to date, accurate pricing and advice
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