The first ship in Royal Caribbean’s award-winning Oasis Class, Oasis of the Seas is one of the best ways to see Europe with the family. Royal Caribbean ticks every single one of our family holiday boxes with its cruise ships which are some of the most innovative at sea, packing an incredible array of offerings under one roof, from West End-style shows and fantastic food to spacious accommodation and incredible kids' clubs. Not only that, but the exciting Icon of the Seas launch is mere days away, but more on that later.
Launched in 2008, Oasis of the Seas was a game-changer – but 2024 sees her offer even bigger and better adventures than ever before with new attractions and upgrades for kids of all ages, dining options, and buzzing evening hangouts. You can look forward to a cool new glow-in-the-dark laser tag face-off, for instance, and totally interactive, completely redesigned spaces for babies, kids, and teens.
It’s impossible to detail everything you’ll experience during your time on board (and much of the fun is discovering it all over the course of your holiday!), but highlights include The Perfect Storm waterslides and Ultimate Abyss, the tallest slide at sea, and bold bites at El Loco Fresh with its Mexican fare, Portside BBQ, and Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade.
One of our favourite family cruises for 2024 is Spain, France, & Italy, departing on 25th August, with direct flights from London Gatwick. You’ll call at Barcelona, Palma de Mallorca, Marseille, and Civitavecchia to name a few. The price is from £5862 full-board for a family of 4 in a Balcony Stateroom, including up to $600 complimentary spending money; drinks packages range from £10 to £65 per person per day.
The eight-day round-trip from Barcelona takes you to some of the highlights of the Western Mediterranean. You can explore the sun- and culture-drenched city of Marseille or head inland to the lavender fields of Provence, discover the iconic architecture and artworks of Florence or Pisa from La Spezia, and immerse yourself in one of the world’s finest repositories of history, Rome.
Other highlights include Palma da Mallorca, great for beaches but also for its labyrinthine alleys to explore and its vintage train ride to Sóller, and Naples, birthplace of pizza and home to an amazing archaeological museum.
From Naples you can hike (or take the bus) up to the summit of Mount Vesuvius or tour the world-class ruins of Pompeii, the city ravaged when the volcano erupted in 79AD. Alternatively, take a boat trip to visit chic Capri.
Or if you’d like to make 2024 the year you experience a Caribbean cruise, check out Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas, launching this January. This is another game-changing new class of ship (the Icon class) – one that features Thrill Island, the largest water park at sea, with several record-breaking slides as well as two family raft water slides; the Crown's Edge skywalk, high-ropes course and thrill ride; and the Adrenaline Peak rock-climbing wall with racing lanes.
There’s also the Lost Dunes mini-golf course and the Surfside stay-all-day family neighbourhood, including Baby Bay, Splashaway Bay aquapark, an infinity pool with ocean views, Playscape with its slides and climbing structures, a quirky beach-themed carousel, and an arcade with air hockey and retro-style games.
To book your Royal Caribbean family cruise, call your Travel Counsellor today.
Continuing the pioneering spirit of the innovative, award-winning Virgin Voyages cruises, Brilliant Lady is set to cross the United States in her highly anticipated 2025 debut season. Highlights among the once-in-a-lifetime five- to 16-night journeys will include a voyage through the Panama Canal and a trip through the glaciers and fjords of Alaska.
California, a land of sun-kissed beaches, towering forests, and vibrant cities, offers a plethora of experiences that can delight every member of the family. Whether you're adventure-seekers or a family looking to soak in the cultural sights and sounds, the Golden State is guaranteed to have something special in store for you.
Whether it's hiking through untouched natural trails, participating in exhilarating water sports, perfecting your swing in golf, or simply basking in the sun, Mallorca has it all. The cosmopolitan capital, Palma, invites you to wander its seafront promenade and get lost in the grandeur of its architectural marvels like the majestic cathedral, Bellver Castle, and Almudaina Palace while beyond the city, authentic villages such as Deià, Sóller, Pollença, Valldemossa, and Banyalbufar beckon with their untouched beauty.
