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Holidays

Use our Travel forum for recommendations on everything from day trips to the best family-friendly holiday destinations.

Cruises?

9 replies

autienotnaughty · 02/08/2025 09:32

I’ve never done a cruise and we would like to. Definitely Europe, I think I’d prefer a fly to cruise to avoid bay of biscay which I’ve heard can get choppy and I get travel sick.
which cruise line would be best fit 2 adults and a 9 year old child who loves swimming , games/rides/entertainment. TIA

OP posts:
autienotnaughty · 02/08/2025 11:16

Bump!

OP posts:
ColdTofuSandwich · 02/08/2025 11:26

Royal Carribean? Lots going on.

Forgottenmyphone · 02/08/2025 11:31

The newest of Royal Caribbean’s Oasis-class ships have absolutely amazing facilities.

Tallyho15 · 02/08/2025 11:32

We’ve done the MSC virtuosa and it had a water park with slides, a high ropes, 3d cinema and arcade etc. Was great for kids

AvidJadeShaker · 02/08/2025 12:26

I think the best ship I’ve been on for swimming is Anthem of the Seas which is a Royal Caribbean ship.
Celebrity are very good, a bit more upmarket, NCl a slightly lower standard but still good and really great fun plus they do a good deal with drinks packages.

budgiegirl · 02/08/2025 15:51

Most of the larger ships of the main cruise lines would probably suit you - check whether they have kids clubs etc. Some will have waterslides, some will have sports courts, some will have rides etc.

Personally I like NCL, as it's very relaxed, drinks packages can be included at very reasonable cost etc. To me, it's the best bang for your buck. They have kids clubs, and lots to do - our kids loved them.

Some of the massive Royal Caribbean ships are really good for kids - and can be good value if you are not much of a drinker as the base price can be goo- drinks and drinks packages can be very expensive on RC, but if you are happy with basic buffet drinks, and the odd glass of wine/cocktail that you buy as you go, then you'll be fine.

Bear in mind, on a European cruise, it's often very port intensive, so you don't spend as much time on the ship as you would if you have lot of sea days. So consider this when choosing a ship - especially if the larger, all whistles and bells ships cost more. I'm sure you'll have a great time, whichever ship you choose.

Letsummercommence · 03/08/2025 09:38

The big family cruise lines are all much of a muchness these days. Keep an eye on which features are free (water slides, kids clubs) and which are chargeable (virtual gaming, race tracks).

ALWAYS book with a travel agent - even an online one. You will have zero success if anything goes wrong booking direct with the cruise lines. TA’s get better rates which they pass on to customers plus freebies like upgrades or onboard credit.

Start with an itinerary you like - Spain and France have easier ports than Italy (which tend to be a distance from the main sights). See which ships go on the dates you can do at a price you can do. Watch the online videos of the ships.
Shop around. Prices go up and down but cheaper at the end of the month.

Then go and have fun.

Snoods · 04/08/2025 21:25

MSC has plenty for kids especially pool/water play wise
Most have kids clubs that have great reviews
Some have cinemas showing 3/4 films a day
We love cruising for loads of reasons and most are very family friendly

princesspadam · 05/02/2026 15:56

I am currently on a Celebrity Cruise, I wouldn’t recommend for families with children
its definitely geared towards adults

this is my 3rd cruise and I’m still not convinced it’s for me

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