Large family holiday for my mums 70th- help needed

[Despicablyme]

My parents wants to take mine and my brothers families away next year for her 70th. So there will be 6 children aged 5-14. 12 people in total.

Where would you recommend? Budget is around 15 000 ish. It sounds a lot but I guess it's not for a group of 12.

The older ones get bored easily. My parents can't walk far so Disney is out.

My mum fancied a cruise but DH not keen.

DB hates flying so can't be long haul.

I've pondered siblu but I think my parents would struggle with the beds.

So I'm thinking a nice hotel? I fancy Italy but they've priced a couple up and they came way over budget. My mum suggested Portugal as an option. Hotels are hard as we are a family with 4 children.

Somewhere a little different eg Iceland?

Or maybe just a fantastic place in the UK?

I can't see a large villa working. Firstly we may kill each other and secondly there is nothing for the older ones to do.

So suggestions please!

I'd do the cruise to be honest.

Or would something like this be an option? You could look at hiring several of the apartments and suites, so you each have your own space but can also spend lots of time together.

Simpson Travel were fantastic when we went with them - although we didn't stay at the place I've linked.

What about an apartment in somewhere like Barcelona? We stayed in one last year that could take quite big groups. You could do some things together such as meals out or the beach and otherwise do your own thing. Short flight, nice weather, great for kids.

If you want to cruise from the UK I think Royal Caribbean have got independence and navigator out of Southampton again next year, if you keep your eyes open they often have free AI upgrades and other offers. They really do cater for everyone, loads for the kids and great dining, bars, spa etc. for the adults. (I'm going on independence in October with my 4yo and Mil)

If you don't mind flying some of the newer Royal Caribbean ships have interconnecting rooms where you can join an inside cabin to 2 balconies to make a connected suite. I love P&O too but Royal ticks the boxes for all ages better.

If not a cruise how about somewhere like Sani in Halkidiki, or a Robinson Club? Again, suites all ages and plenty of activities for kids and teens.

Yes he says Trafford centre on water so a similar thing

He really is a knob. The kind that's never been on a cruise but knows all about them. I don't like crowds and last year when I was on a Cruise to Alaska there were times I was out on deck and I was one of a handful of people. The reality is that these vessels are built so that a large amount of people can comfortably live on board without falling over each other and being aware they are part of a large group of people.

Do I only go on Cruise holidays? No I don't. I do a variety of things and I'm glad that I do because I'd hate to be the party pooper on an occasion like this.

So here's the deal. it's your mums birthday. She's 70. You go where she decides you're all going. You do it to please her. You make it all about her and knobbish twatty relatives regardless of who they are get told to sod off and behave.

That made me chuckle. I will show him this thread.
As far as I'm concerned if the boys ( and by that I mean my children not DH) are happy then I can relax .

We are here ( leaving today) it's been fab.

www.hotelstrass.com/en.html

Try a Thomson cruise. Smaller friendly ship, we are hoping to do the Adriatic explorer itinerary again next year.