Which Is The Best P&O Cruise For Families?

Planning a family holiday can be challenging, but a P&O cruise offers an effortless and enjoyable experience for all ages. With a variety of family friendly ships, P&O Cruises caters to different interests, ensuring a memorable holiday for parents, children, and even grandparents. But which P&O cruise ship is the best for families?

What Makes a P&O Cruise Family Friendly?

Before selecting the best ship for your family, it’s important to understand what makes a cruise ideal for families.

1. Kid’s Clubs & Activities: Engaging age appropriate activities keep children entertained while parents relax.
2. Family Friendly Cabins: Spacious cabins and interconnecting rooms make it easier for families to stay together.
3. Dining Options: Restaurants with varied menus, including children’s favourites, are a must.
4. Entertainment: From live performances to cinemas, there should be something for every age group.
5. Swimming Pools & Outdoor Fun: Families love spending time by the pool or engaging in adventurous activities like mini golf or sports courts.

1. Arvia

Arvia, the newest ship in P&O’s fleet, is designed with families in mind. Launched in 2022, it boasts a wide range of family friendly features, making it an excellent choice for those travelling with children.

Why Families Love Arvia:

• The Reef Kids’ Club: A well structured program catering to different age groups, keeping kids entertained while parents enjoy some downtime.
• Altitude Skywalk: A high ropes experience perfect for adventure loving kids and teenagers.
• Mission Control Escape Room: A family friendly escape room where guests work together to solve challenges.
• SkyDome: A pool area that transforms into an entertainment venue at night, offering live shows and movie nights.
• Family Friendly Dining: With over 30 bars and restaurants, including 6th Street Diner and The Olive Grove, there’s something for even the pickiest eaters.

Arvia’s itineraries include sunny destinations like the Caribbean and the Mediterranean, making it perfect for families who love warm weather and beach adventures.

2. Iona

Iona, one of P&O’s largest ships, is another fantastic option for families. With stunning scenic routes and an array of onboard entertainment, it offers something for everyone.

Why Families Love Iona:

• The Reef Kids’ Club: Offering a similar experience to Arvia, The Reef keeps children entertained with creative workshops, gaming zones, and interactive play areas.
• Four Screen Cinema Complex: Perfect for movie loving families who enjoy watching the latest blockbusters at sea.
• Outdoor Adventure: The Splash Zone and SkyDome provide plenty of opportunities for fun in the sun.
• Live Entertainment: From West End style performances to pop up shows, there’s never a dull moment onboard.
• Street Food Inspired Dining: The Quays is a vibrant multi venue dining experience, offering a variety of international cuisines.

Iona is particularly popular for its Norwegian Fjords itinerary, allowing families to experience breathtaking scenery and nature based excursions.

3. Britannia

Britannia is a well balanced ship, some people may ask, Is Britannia a Family Friendly Ship? We’re here to say, Britannia is ideal for seeking a mix of relaxation, adventure, and top class entertainment.

Why Families Love Britannia:

• Dedicated Family Pools: Britannia offers multiple pools, including one specifically for children.
• The Cookery Club: Families can take part in interactive cooking sessions led by expert chefs.
• Kids’ Clubs: The Reef club offers various activities for children of different age groups.
• Live Music and Shows: With West End style performances and live music, Britannia ensures high quality entertainment for all ages.
• Varied Itineraries: Britannia sails to destinations like the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, and the Canary Islands, providing plenty of travel options.

If your family enjoys a combination of relaxation, interactive activities, and cultural exploration, Britannia is a strong contender.

4. Ventura

Ventura is one of the most family oriented ships in P&O’s fleet, making it an excellent choice for first time cruisers travelling with children.

Why Families Love Ventura:

• The Reef Kids’ Club: Like the other ships, Ventura offers a kids’ club with age specific activities.
• Sports Courts: Families who love sports can enjoy tennis, basketball, and football on board.
• Evening Entertainment: From live theatre to game shows, Ventura offers an exciting nightlife suitable for all ages.
• Family Oriented Dining: With flexible meal options and a buffet restaurant, dining is stress free for parents with young children.
• Diverse Destinations: Ventura frequently sails to Europe, the Mediterranean, and the Caribbean, making it a versatile choice.

If you’re new to cruising and looking for a family friendly experience with plenty of entertainment and activities, Ventura is a great pick.

5. Azura

Azura offers a traditional cruise experience with a mix of modern amenities, making it another excellent option for families.

Why Families Love Azura:

• The Reef Kids’ Club: Provides fun and engaging activities for children of all ages.
• Pools and Outdoor Spaces: Multiple pools and sunbathing areas allow families to relax and have fun together.
• Live Shows and Cinema: Enjoy theatre performances, musical acts, and movie screenings.
• Great Dining Options: From casual buffets to fine dining experiences, Azura ensures a variety of food choices.
• Popular Destinations: Azura sails to Mediterranean hotspots, the Canary Islands, and the Caribbean.

Azura is a fantastic option for families looking for a mix of traditional and modern cruise experiences.

Which P&O Cruise Ship Should You Choose?

The best P&O cruise ship for your family depends on your preferences and what you want out of your holiday:

• For adventure loving families: Arvia is the top choice with its high ropes course, escape room, and interactive entertainment.
• For scenic explorers: Iona is perfect for families who want to experience breathtaking views, especially in the Norwegian Fjords.
• For a well rounded experience: Britannia offers a mix of relaxation, adventure, and diverse entertainment options.
• For first time cruisers: Ventura provides an easy to navigate ship with plenty of family friendly activities.
• For a classic cruise experience: Azura blends traditional cruising with modern family friendly features.

No matter which P&O cruise ship you choose, each one offers an unforgettable family experience filled with adventure, relaxation, and world class entertainment. It’s all about which P&O ship caters to your family’s needs.