The perfect family holiday is all about compromise, right? We know you want to relax, to revel in new cultures, delicious food and endless sunshine – while the kids need a break that’s bursting with energy, with excitement on-tap. But on a Caribbean cruise, no compromises are needed! It’s everyone’s dream trip, turned up to the max. That’s why for family getaways, we always opt for a cruise.
Why the Caribbean? Well, we’ll answer that in a moment – first up, there are some things you should know about family cruise holidays. Imagine your children’s ultimate hotel, with a buzzing kids’ club, awesome swimming pools and dawn-to-dusk fun: from adventure sports and silent discos for the tweens, to storytelling and sing-alongs for the tots. Then, add peace of mind for you: it’s blissfully safe, with expert staff on-hand to entertain, guide and care.
But you deserve more. Because so often on holidays, the phrase ‘family friendly’ simply means that there’s loads for the children, but nothing for you. On a cruise, however, that’s not the case. Think serene adults-only pools, luxurious spas, dining packages (to keep that budget in-check) and lively cocktail bars – thank you, on-board babysitters! Date night is every night: imagine sharing a seafood supper under balmy star-filled skies… and why rush back to the kids, when there’s karaoke to sing, bingo to win, and nightclubs to boogie in?
When we’re on a family cruise holiday, we love the chance to mix things up every day: one morning, you can savour a sun-kissed breakfast together, with a buffet spread so vast that everyone’s delirious. Maple syrup pancakes and tropical fruits for the little ones, a frothy cappuccino and eggs royale for you… no quibbles, and no washing up. The next morning, while they tuck into breakfast with new buddies at the kids’ club, you can sip a cheeky mimosa (or two) in bed – before flopping poolside to devour that new novel.
Choosing the right ship is crucial, of course: while many cruise lines welcome children on board, we recommend finding one that goes the extra nautical mile. Why choose a ship with a simple swimming pool, when you can have waterslides and a swim-up bar too? Why settle for a small kids’ club, when others are loaded with pool tables, games consoles, soft play zones and bottomless dressing-up boxes? Some ships offer trips tailored to kids with special educational needs and disabilities too, such as autism-friendly check-in and sensory play.
As for your destination, the world’s your limit – but for a sure-fire family hit, the Caribbean is number one. Every single island has its own style, from history-filled Antigua and wildlife paradise Grenada, to the glorious beaches of Turks and Caicos and the lush cycling trails of Jamaica. Again, there’s no need to compromise: while the kids can’t wait to explore Saint Lucia’s chocolate plantations and wild forest zip lines, you’ll look forward to sultry sunsets and sinking your toes into the soft sands of the Bahamas. Most cruises depart from major hubs like Florida and Barbados, with direct flights from the UK – no tricky transfers needed.
And hooray, you’ll only have to unpack once! Choose from spacious ‘staterooms’ with single beds for the kids, or interconnecting cabins – ideal for tweens and teens.
Nights are usually spent at sea, so most mornings bring a new island right to your doorstep. One day, you’re swinging on hammocks on a Grand Cayman beach, while the kids splash in the turquoise-blue shallows – the next, you’re off to scoff tacos and discover Mayan ruins in Mexico, before snorkelling with turtles and parrot fish in the Bahamas. Days at sea are dreamy too: while the kids explore the ship’s kids’ club and pools, you can sneak off to the spa for a hot-stone massage, or get everyone together for pizza-making and craft sessions.
The real magic of a family Caribbean cruise lies in the small moments: the glee on your kids’ faces when they spot a dolphin for the first time, or that sticky-sweet jerk chicken feast that’ll go down in foodie family legend. That night when they were tucked up in bed, happy and exhausted – while you stayed in the hot tub till midnight, chatting and laughing under a silver-pure moon.
Family holidays have never been simpler, safer or less stressful – nor so jam-packed with ways to bond, learn and relax. That’s why we choose our cruise partners so carefully, hand-selecting the best so that you don’t have to. So no, never compromise: demand the utmost from your trip, don’t stifle your holiday dreams. Because when everyone’s happy, it’s always smooth sailing: next stop, Caribbean!
We recommend family Caribbean cruises with Celebrity Cruises, for an island-hopping adventure with superb entertainment, fun-filled kids’ clubs, dining packages and spacious cabins. Cruise Collective members enjoy 10% off cruises with Celebrity Cruises.