Top P&O Cruise Itineraries For Families: 4 Trips That Will Blow Their Minds
When you get some time off together, there’s nothing finer than booking a family break. But have you thought about packing more into your holiday plans? These 4 top P&O Cruise itineraries for families are perfect for those wanting the absolute most bang for their holiday buck!
Sure, family holidays are great and all. But what if you could supercharge your group adventures this year to see and do more on your trip?
That’s exactly what can happen when you book a P&O family cruise.
In this blog, we round up the best P&O Cruise itineraries for families. These tailor-made experiences don’t just sail across serene waters but traverse memorable adventures that will become unshakeable cornerstones in your family’s memory treasure chest.
Why P&O Cruises are a Top Choice for Family Holidays?
Cruising has exploded to become one of the most popular holiday categories over the years. In fact, cruise passenger volume soared in 2023 to 31.7 million, 7% up on 2019 the previous highest year.
With its diverse array of all-inclusive services paired with thrilling on-board entertainment and unforgettable offshore excursions, when it comes to creating holiday experiences, P&O Cruises stands tall as a champion among competitors. But why do families love them so much?
Which P&O Ships Are Family-Friendly?
This behemoth of British cruising has seven ships in its fleet. But, helpfully, they’ve split those liners into five family and two adults-only ships. So you know exactly which liners to look out for when you’re next on the lookout for a full-on family adventure.
P&O’s five family-centric vessels are:
Brief Overview of Family Cruises with P&O
Aside from offering designated vessels for different types of holidaymakers, the main reason behind P&O’s family-friendly cruise success is the brilliant mix of adult indulgences and childhood enthralments onboard those specific family vessels.
Nowhere is this felt more than in the fun-focused onboard amenities, from simple swimming pools to adventurous rooftop rope courses to conscientious touches like round-the-clock supervised children’s clubs.
In essence, P&O family cruises showcase an understanding that not all families or individuals within a family unit are the same. And striking a balance between grown-up moments and fun-filled adventures is super important if you’re going to keep everyone engaged.
But, now that we’ve overviewed that commitment, let’s discover those incredible itineraries.
4 Best P&O Cruise Itineraries for Families
You’re itching to embark on exciting escapades during school holidays, determined to fill those precious 6 weeks with unforgettable moments. P&O offers a cast of awesome itineraries spanning mesmerising locations from cracking fly-cruises to the Caribbean to more affordable British Isles explorations.
But, it doesn’t just have to be summer holiday cruises floating your boat, cruises in October half term can evolve into unforgettable experiences too. You just need to know what type of cruise is right for you. So, where can you go?
1. Mediterranean Explorations
A region heavily steeped in history and culture, Mediterranean family cruises with P&O couple stunning beaches and lip-smacking cuisine. You never know, by the end of your trip, you might be journeying home with the next Tom Kerridge.
These trips encompass popular sun-soaked spots like Spain, Portugal, Greece and Turkey. And you have the option of exploring one dazzling destination in depth – like on a Greek Island itinerary – or covering more locations in one trip.
Our P&O Mediterranean Family Itinerary Top Pick
When it comes to discovering a region like the Mediterranean (or just getting your money’s worth) we recommend packing in the number of destinations on your trip.
October half-term cruises from Southampton are a great option here too, this P&O Mediterranean cruise aboard Arvia embarks on a journey of discovery along the North Atlantic Coast taking in super popular centres like Madeira, Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Arrecife and Cadiz over 16 nights.
2. Caribbean Adventures
Caribbean landscapes with crystal-clear turquoise waters contrasting against white sand beaches and colourful quaint towns dance around our imagination. P&O Cruise itineraries for families bring the majesty of this iconic region to you. But, due to the changeable weather and tropical climate through our summer months, it’s better to book family Caribbean cruises later in the year.
Our P&O Caribbean Cruise Family Itinerary Top Pick
If you can stretch your October half-term break, this 14-night P&O Eastern Caribbean cruise is perfect. Because it sails to locations sitting outside of the Hurricane Belt first in the itinerary, like those around Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao (the ABC Islands), you minimise any lingering weather risks. From there the smooth sailing continues into staggering destinations like St.Vincent, Grenada, St. Lucia and Antigua.
3. Norwegian Fjords and the Northern Lights
The allure of nature’s majestic theatrical play in Nordic regions has captivated many travelers’ hearts – making Norwegian Fjords and the Northern Lights trips tremendously popular among cruising routes. But the common view is that these northern voyages are more suited to couples than families. However, taking the chance to discover these awe-inspiring views on P&O May half-term cruises is a great idea.
Our P&O Norwegian Fjords Family Itinerary Top Pick
This awesome 7-night Norway Fjord cruise aboard P&O Iona departs Southampton around May half term and heads north. After a day of gliding over the North Sea, you’ll arrive in stunning Stavanger before continuing your journey along the western coast of Norway past Bergen before taking in the dramatic scenery around centres like Innvikfjorden, Nordfjord, Hellesylt and Geirangerfjord. Make up stories with the kid’s of how great dragons are thought to dwell in the snow-capped mountains.
4. British Isles Discovery Tours
It’s refreshing to know that you don’t have to spend big on expansive journeys, the more affordable P&O Cruise itineraries for families around the British Isles offer alternative summer holiday options that are heaps of fun. Also ideal for families that don’t want to peg long flights or transfers onto a few days cruising.
Our P&O British Isles Family Cruise Itinerary Top Pick
To give you a better idea of what to expect from a home-based adventure, this gorgeous 14-night British Isles summer cruise aboard P&O Britannia departs from Southampton and showcases the majesty of locations like Edinburgh, Stornoway and Belfast before returning to her home via Liverpool.
How Do You Keep Kids Entertained on a P&O Cruise?
We’ve already mentioned that what sets P&O cruises apart from others in the business, in terms of family cruises, but what are the inclusive features specifically curated for families?
Competing with a variety of family-friendly cruises in the UK, P&O ships take immersive entertainment and exploratory experiences several notches up. They do this by catering to kids of all ages and tastes. Let’s take a deeper dive into this to uncover the breadth of entertainment options onboard.
Kids Clubs and Teen Lounges
Kids are seasoned explorers by instinct! Recognising this streak, P&O offers specialised clubs segregated by age groups where children can engage with exciting activities under professional supervision. Clubs involve diverse activities ranging from science experiments to sports competitions. For teenagers seeking their own dens, teen lounges evolve into vibrant social spaces buzzing with activities like gaming tournaments, fashion shows or just simple movie nights!
Family-Friendly Shows and Performances
When you’re cruising together, it helps if the nights are as fun-filled as the vibrant days. That’s where fascinating performances and shows, catered specifically to family audiences are perfect. These include everything from theatre productions celebrating world-class talent to magic shows keeping little audiences spellbound – adding that extra sparkle after sunset.
Diverse Dining Experiences Catering to Every Taste
Food – it’s not just about consumption but an experience which reigns powerful enough to make or break our holidays! That’s especially true on family escapes. Getting the kids to enjoy something nutritious and delicious isn’t always simple, that’s why P&O ships feature extensive menus with culinary delights suiting every palate. Whether you’re after fine dining for that special occasion or sprawling buffets to satisfy those fussy eaters, there are plenty of scrumptious treats to uncover.
Unique Shore Excursions Designed for Family Fun
No awesome family cruise is complete without engaging excursions punctuating your itinerary. There’s something magical about stepping off the ship into a new location every day. But P&O shore excursions take this feeling one step further by offering supervised experiences perfect for families wanting to get to the heart of every destination.
Whether it’s water sports in sapphire Caribbean waters, tracing the footsteps of gladiators in Rome’s Colosseum or witnessing nature’s spectacle through Northern Lights above Nordic skies. With such distinctive features enhancing its ‘family friendly cruises UK’-themed offerings, P&O takes precedence as an ideal choice for memorable family vacationing experiences on high seas.
Educational Workshops and Environmental Awareness Programs
Fun family cruises don’t have to be a non-stop physical adventure – you also have the opportunity to explore with your mind. But, equally, you don’t want them to feel like you’ve just signed them up for more school. So, these onboard workshops and learning experiences use interactivity to keep children engaged and educated. Encompassing diverse fields including art, science, sustainability and technology, these activities directly stimulate their intellect and creativity.
Sports, Fitness, and Outdoor Activities for Families
On your P&O family cruise ship, you can explore a variety of recreational avenues like tennis courts or basketball facilities ensuring no dull moments within your cruise holidays.
For those seeking adventure beyond the conventional, engaging rock climbing walls or intriguing rope courses help fuel some friendly inter-family competition, while maybe conquering a few fears.
Preparing For Your First Family Cruise Holiday
All those amenities and activities are great, but to ensure cruising as a family translates into the best experience, it’s important to come prepared. Whether you’re embarking on your first P&O family cruise or adventuring with another line, some expert tips like having an essential packing list and understanding onboard safety measures can help maintain smooth sailing. Here are some other must-knows:
Essential Packing List and Preparation Tips
- Don’t forget the essentials: passports, travel documents, medications and necessary chargers for your gadgets.
- Pack your fave brands: While most of our ships provide basic toiletries and other products, if there’s any specific brand you prefer, pack them necessarily – the same goes for baby products.
- Bring suitable clothes: Some cruises feature event evenings where dressing to impress is required – so you might want to pack some glamorous evening wear
- Stay comfortable: Always prioritise comfortable footwear. With your excursions and a large ship to explore, you’ll definitely be getting you steps in.
- Stay warm: Jackets are always useful on a cruise, as the temperature difference from inside to out on blustery deck can be stark – especially on those Northern European and Arctic cruises or during the evening.
Check Out Our P&O Family Cruise Deals Now
Embarking on a seafaring adventure with your tribe is one of the most unforgettable and rewarding ways to spend your time together. Half terms and school holidays are short – why not fill them with moments to savour?
If you hadn’t already guessed, we have a large selection of P&O family cruise itineraries on sale now – running throughout the year and as far forward as 2026. So you have the time and opportunity to pick the perfect trip, ship, school holiday and duration for you.
Click the button below to check out our complete range of P&O adventures – and get an adventure on your horizon.
