Our First Family Cruise: Why We’re Now Hooked on Holidays at Sea

I’ve always loved cruising. Before I had children, it was my favourite way to travel. But I’ll be honest, I wasn’t sure how a cruise with kids would work. Would they enjoy it? Would it feel relaxing? This summer we finally took the plunge and booked our first family cruise holiday and I can confidently say we’re all now converted.

We chose Royal Caribbean’s Explorer of the Seas for our seven night Adriatic adventure. Having sailed with Royal Caribbean before, I knew their ships are designed with families in mind, offering great value and an incredible range of activities for children of all ages. With three children who all have very different interests, it felt like the right time to try a cruise that could keep everyone entertained.

We flew into Bologna, spent a wonderful evening exploring this beautiful Italian city, then travelled to Ravenna where we boarded our ship. As a family of five, accommodation can often be tricky, but we opted for two interconnecting cabins. This configuration worked perfectly the children had their own space, and we had ours, while still feeling connected.

Our itinerary included stops in Kotor (Montenegro), Athens, Santorini and Kefalonia. The joy of a cruise is that you unpack once yet see multiple destinations. For me, that’s a dream, I love exploring different cultures, while my children like the comfort of feeling settled. A family cruise offers the best of both worlds. My favourite place by far was Santorini. We only saw it by day but I can imagine at sunset and night time the romance of the place would just ooze!! I definitely want to return with my husband one day.

As you’d expect in the school holidays, the ship was buzzing with families. But the sheer range of things to do made it feel manageable. Between rock climbing, ice skating, kids’ clubs, FlowRider surf simulator sessions, water slides, karaoke nights and even silent discos, the children never once complained of being bored. While I know a jam packed schedule isn’t everyone’s idea of fun, the children’s joy made it worthwhile. And as every parent knows, happy children equal relaxed parents.

Dining on board was great too. From the extensive buffet (a lifesaver for fussy eaters) to the main dining room with its impeccable service, food was never an issue. On my daughter’s birthday, the waiting staff went out of their way to celebrate her, creating one of those special holiday memories that stay with you. Personally, I adored a week away from meal planning and cooking. Having the freedom to indulge in foods I don’t normally cook at home felt like a real luxury.

One of our most memorable experiences was the backstage theatre tour. Both of my girls are passionate about musical theatre, so meeting the entertainment team and learning how the shows are created was fascinating. It’s those unique moments that elevate a holiday from enjoyable to unforgettable.

Would we cruise again?

Without hesitation, yes. Cruising as a family exceeded our expectations. The combination of variety, comfort and value made it an easy win for all of us. It struck the perfect balance between adventure and relaxation and crucially, it worked for parents and children alike.

If you’re considering a family cruise holiday, I’d say go for it. With land based holidays soaring in price, cruising can often represent incredible value, especially when you consider meals, entertainment and activities are included. And who knows, like us, you might just catch the cruise bug too.

Thinking about your own family cruise? Get in touch and I can help you find the right itinerary, ship and cabin set up to suit your tribe.