Best all inclusive family cruise holidays

Best for younger kids

Crystal Cruises and the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection both offer facilities for families with younger children.

On board Crystal, there is a small dedicated kids and teen space where an experienced team offers an engaging programme for kids from 4 years old. The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection's Ritz Kids also welcomes kids from 4 to 12 years, although sessions are at an additional charge.

Explora Journeys is another luxury cruise line committed to family travel. Their first two ships, Explora I and Explora II, have a kids and teens club that accepts children from 6 years old, whilst the soon-to-launch Explora III will see this expand, with a separate kids club taking children from just 3 years, and a teens' zone, both of which open late into the evening. Numbers are limited onboard to maintain the experience for adults, so if you are looking to travel in the school holidays, booking early is advised.

Best for active kids

If your younger ones are bursting with energy, then an expedition cruise is the ultimate escape, so check out our Mundy Adventures website for more inspiration. Allowing families to explore the world together, they offer an exceptional range of destinations otherwise impossible to reach. Snorkel with sea lions in the Galápagos, jump into the polar waters of Antarctica, or kayak along the coast of Iceland.

National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions offers an "Explorers-in-Training" programme where field educators transform the wild places into living classrooms, suited to curious youngsters.

On the rivers, Tauck offers tailored family departures as part of the Tauck Bridges programme, enriching trips designed for all ages. Think riverside biking, treasure hunts around historic castles, art history lessons in the Louvre, making local treats with the chef and more.

Uniworld's Generations Collections similarly cater to families on select sailings in Europe and on the Nile, with dedicated hosts and activities including craft workshops, cooking classes and more.

Best for older family groups

Holidaying with a large family group? Why not charter a vessel for yourselves?

On the rivers, European Waterways is an excellent option, having operated luxury barge holidays for between six and 20 guests for more than 40 years. No ordinary boating holiday, here all your meals are cooked by the onboard chef and accompanied by regional wines and an open bar at no additional cost, and daily excursions are arranged on your own private minibus.

On the ocean, Ponant has two catamarans in the Seychelles accommodating just 12 and 9 guests (plus crew) that make an excellent base from which to explore the archipelago.

Best for grown-up kids

To cater to grown-up children, we recommend the yachting vibe of SeaDream. Operating two tiny vessels in the Caribbean, Mediterranean and Northern Europe, this is laidback luxury, with outstanding food and an al fresco style that lends itself to groups who enjoy the unstructured and informal cruise experience.

Featured family cruise

A Journey of Iconic Islands & Coastal Wonders Explora I (922 guests) | 9th August 2027 | 7 nights Barcelona, Ibiza, Tunis (La Goulette), Valletta, Taormina, Amalfi, Rome (Civitavecchia) From £4,215pp fly-cruise Price based on an Ocean Terrace Suite including all meals, drinks, gratuities, taxes, WiFi, flights, overseas transfers and 30% fare savings.

Why choose a luxury family cruise

The best all inclusive family cruise holidays combine the convenience of unpacking once with the variety of visiting multiple destinations. Children are entertained and engaged, while adults enjoy the service, dining and relaxation they would expect from a luxury holiday.

With such a diverse range of styles and destinations on offer, there is an option for almost every family.