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Cruising with kids has never been more popular. But what are the best cruise lines for families? From budget-friendly options to lines providing outstanding entertainment, we reveal the cruise companies parents should check out.
April 2025
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6 min read
Travel Agent Cruise Packages
Check out some of these once in a lifetime itineraries!
Ship bit dated. 3 restaurant same menu. Buffet limited unless love a curry.
Deck 7 phew what a wiff.
Cabin not cleaned on arrival.
First cruise , no info on embarkation.
Entertainment in evenings good.
Bit like Butlins at sea. No way of getting in pool! Or a lounger.
Staff great but over worked.....
Destinations ace.
Will I cruise again ? Yes . Azura ? No.
My Honest Review – P&O Iona Norwegian Fjords Cruise (27 June – 4 July)
⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5)
We sailed on P&O Iona from 27th June to 4th July on the Norwegian Fjords itinerary, visiting Stavanger and Olden. Unfortunately, due to poor weather we were unable to visit Haugesund and also missed cruising through Geirangerfjord, Sunnylvsfjord and Storfjord, which was disappointing but completely understandable given the safety considerations. The itinerary change was outside P&O’s control.
From the moment we boarded, the ship looked stunning. Iona is modern, spacious and exceptionally clean. Our cabin was comfortable, well maintained and looked after brilliantly by the cabin steward throughout the week.
The entertainment was one of the highlights of the cruise. There was always something happening, from live music to theatre productions, and we never struggled to find something to do in the evenings.
The food was generally very good. There was plenty of choice in both the buffet and the main dining restaurants, and we always found something we enjoyed. Service from the crew was excellent, and the staff worked incredibly hard while remaining friendly and helpful.
The Norwegian scenery was breathtaking. Olden was undoubtedly a highlight, with its incredible mountain views and peaceful surroundings. Stavanger was also a lovely port to explore.
The biggest disappointment was missing one of the scheduled ports and the scenic fjord cruising because of the weather. Seeing the famous fjords was one of the main reasons we booked this holiday, so naturally it was disappointing. However, we appreciate that the Captain’s priority must always be the safety of passengers and crew.
Overall, despite the itinerary changes, we had a fantastic holiday. The ship, crew, food and entertainment all made for a memorable week, and we would certainly consider sailing on Iona again—hopefully next time with better weather so we can experience the full beauty of the Norwegian Fjords.
Overall rating: 4 out of 5 stars.
Canary Islands no fly cruise on Princess Cruises. We have cruised with Princess before so knew the ship having sailed on her the year before on the Northern Cities cruise. What did not work for us was the fact that it was a 4 day sail from Southampton to our first Canarian port of call. This cruise did not call in to Madeira. This meant that it was really difficult to try and find sunbeds and get a seat in the International Marketplace for a coffee when the mood took us. We had a spoof man overboard iissue as well which entailed the ship being turned round and everyone having to go to their cabins in order for the crew to set up the muster stations where we then had to make our way to to be ticked off. The usual bun fight in the buffet trying to get a table. The medallion system does work well but once again it means that drinks and food orders do take time to arrive and are not always hot. Cabins are a good size and there is enough space for clothes etc. As a cruise line Princess do manage to tick a lot of boxes and we will most likely cruise with them again.
Flight to Miami overnight stay in nice hotel boarded QE next day for 3 fabulous weeks to the Caribbean. Cunard treated us like family they couldn’t do enough for us. Staff were extremely polite which made us feel very special indeed. Restaurant food was exceptional. Trips were well organised.
Visited the Northern Lights, a 16day cruise. Nothing was too much for the staff, not that we asked for much. There is always something to do, somewhere to be, something to drink and something to eat, there is also places to do nothing but watch the sea float by.
I cannot fault this MSC cruise , 7 nights med cruise
We had great food and fantastic entertainment every night , and unlimited drinks as we purchased a discounted package
We had a balcony cabin with a free upgrade which was spotless
We did some excursions with MSC but some we did off our own backs and saw everything we had planned
All in all a great voyage, so good we have booked again with MSC in November
Experience the magic of the Mediterranean on an unforgettable 9-night journey aboard the Norwegian Epic. Begin with a stay in the vibrant city of Barcelona before cruising to breathtaking destinations. Discover sun-soaked coastlines, rich history, and unforgettable cultural treasures while enjoying world-class dining, entertainment, and relaxation on board—creating the perfect blend of adventure and luxury
Traverse the beautiful scenery of the Norwegian Fjords with P&O Cruises. Step aboard the innovative Iona and take in the serene beauty of the Fjords. Secure your place on board with a low deposit and enjoy spectactular entertainment throughout the day and evening. With a range of dining venues onboard and lounges that are perfect for relaxing in, this is a spring getaway to look forward to.
Discover Orlando and the Caribbean in one unforgettable holiday, featuring an exclusive visit to Celebration Key, five stunning ports of call, return flights, hotel stay, and an 8-night full-board cruise
Chart your course for Spain and Portugal with Royal Caribbean aboard Freedom of the Seas. Sail from Southampton and experience Northern Spanish culture in Bilbao, take in the history of Lisbon (and of course savour pastel de natas whilst in port). With waterparks, Broadway productions and 10 dining venues onboard, you'll be spoilt for choice every day.
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July 2026
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6 min read
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