Are you looking for an unforgettable family vacation that has fun, adventure, and relaxation all rolled into one? This vacation unicorn does exist! It’s cruise travel. With everything taken care of and lots of activities and entertainment for all ages, plus visiting multiple destinations without having to keep unpacking, it just makes sense to go with cruise vacations for family travel. Here’s 8 reasons why families will love holidays with a cruise, plus our favorite tours where you can set sail.
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1. Everything is taken care of
One of the most appealing parts of holidays with a cruise is the all-inclusiveness. With your accommodation, meals, and entertainment all wrapped up in one place and cost, families can easily plan their vacation without all the extra worries. Not only will you know much to budget ahead of time, but you’ll also get to avoid the classic holiday argument of where to eat for breakfast, lunch and dinner. It’s all sorted!
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2. There’s something for everyone
Cruise ships are like floating resorts, with a wide range of activities to cater to everyone in the family. Many ships have kids’ clubs, teen lounges and family-friendly shows, along with swimming pools, water slides, sports facilities, and spa treatments. You can also choose your preferred type of cruise, from adventure cruises to luxury cruises. Whether you’re seeking relaxation, adventure, or a little bit of both, a cruise holiday has got you covered.
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3. Safety and security
With trained staff, security personnel, and 24/7 medical facilities, families will feel well taken care of while on board. It’s also a great opportunity to let older kids or teens go off and do their own thing independently, as parents can feel secure knowing their kids are safe on board.
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4. Convenience and ease
Forget hauling luggage around a destination. With a cruise holiday, families can embrace the luxury of unpacking once and staying in one room, all while getting to see multiple destinations. There’s no need for constant packing and navigating transport logistics – which makes traveling with kids far more manageable and enjoyable for everyone.
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5. Visiting multiple destinations
On that note, one of the best parts of a holiday with a cruise is the chance to see lots of destinations without having to take lots of flights, trains or buses. Your family will get to explore diverse cultures, cuisines and landscapes, all while enjoying the comforts of the cruise ship.
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6. Meeting new people
Cruise holidays are an amazing opportunity for families to meet like-minded travelers from all over the world. As you share and bond over new experiences, it’s easy to connect with people and form lasting friendships. Your cruise family might just be one of the most memorable parts of your family’s cruise adventure.
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7. Educational opportunities
Holidays with a cruise are more than just tons of fun. Many cruises offer educational programs such as language classes, art workshops, and lectures about the destinations being visited. Families can learn and grow together, turning their vacation into a unique and enriching experience.
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8. Quality family time
One of the most important reasons why families love holidays with a cruise is that it provides the perfect setting to bond and create cherished memories together. With no rushing between airports and stations and checking in and out of hotels, your family will have more time to relax and have a magical time at sea.
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Trafalgar trips with a cruise element
Spectacular Canadian Rockies with Alaska Cruise
The Canadian Rockies are one of the most extraordinary destinations in the world. Home to the turquoise lakes, snowy mountains, glittering glaciers, and lush forests of Banff and Jasper National Parks, it doesn’t get much better than this. Unless you add on a cruise to Alaska. We take our Canadian Rockies tours to the next level by adding an 8-day Alaskan cruise. Starting in Vancouver, you’ll cruise through Alaska’s astonishing beauty, seeing glaciers, whales, and colourful fishing villages up close. This is a once-in-a-lifetime family adventure.
You can also experience an Alaskan cruise on our Iconic Rockies and Western Canada and Majestic Alaska tours.
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Best of Egypt
Got a family of adventurers? A Nile River cruise sounds right up your alley. This nine-day expedition through Egypt takes you sailing down the mighty Nile in style. You’l stop off at some of the world’s most renowned historic sites like the Pyramids of Giza, Luxor and the Valley of Kings, the temples of Kom Ombo, and the treasures of Aswan. See the lush river valleys and desert landscapes, and uncover the mysteries of Ancient Egypt, all from the breezy deck of your comfortable cruise ship. This is definitely one for the family bucket list.
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Scenic Scandinavia and its Fjords
Set sail through the wonders of Scandinavia on this extraordinary 14-day tour of Norway, Sweden and Denmark. We’ll cruise from Hirtshals in Denmark across the Skagerrak to to the port of Kristiansand in Norway, arriving in the stunning city of Stavanger. It’s one of Norway’s oldest settlements and your family marvel at the towering fjords, lakes, forests and colorful wooden buildings dating back to the 18th century. You’ll also have the chance to enjoy a cruise along the UNESCO-listed Nærøyfjord. With waterfalls, snowy peaks, and charming villages, this is one of the most inspiring fjord landscapes on earth – and one your family won’t soon forget.
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Best of Italy and Greece with Aegean Cruise
If there’s any sea to rival the Adriatic, it’s got to be the Aegean. Stretching along the Mediterranean Sea, the Aegean plays host to some of the most stunning destinations on earth, including the Turkish coast and the islands of Mykonos, Rhodes, Crete and Santorini in Greece. On this 14-day tour of Italy and Greece, you’ll first explore icons like Rome, Vatican City, Florence, Venice, Athens and Delphi. In Athens, you’ll board your cruise to the glittering Greek Islands, stopping first at the beautiful port of Kusadasi in Turkey where you’ll go ashore to see the legendary Ephesus.
You can also add a 3-day Aegean cruise to our European Supreme tour, which also includes a scenic Rhine Valley river cruise.
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Highlights of Peru with Galápagos Legend North and Central Cruise
This adventure takes you to Peru and Ecuador, where you’ll spend nine days uncovering wonders like Macchu Picchu and the Amazon Rainforest. You can then extend your trip with the Galapagos East Cruise, Galapagos North and Central Cruise, or Easter Island. Seeing the Galapagos Islands will be something your family never forgets, as you walk among land iguanas and the largest tortoises in the world on volcanic landscapes. You’ll even get to snorkel with sea lions, turtles, reef sharks and spotted eagle rays.
You can experience a Galapagos Island cruise on Land of Incas and South America Revealed tours.
Best of Croatia and Slovenia with Adriatic Cruise
After spending ten incredible days exploring Lake Bled, Plitvice Lakes, Split, and other gems of Croatia and Slovenia, you’ll board your cruise ship in Dubrovnik. Enjoy 8 dreamy days cruising the Adriatic Sea, stopping off at pristine islands like Mljet, Korčula, Vis, Hvar and Brač. From golden beaches and crystal clear water to delicious cuisine and wonderful cultural experiences, this will be your most beloved family holiday yet.
Do you love family holidays with a cruise? Let us know in the comments below!