Family holidays rarely mean everyone wants the same thing from their time away. While some family members may look forward to relaxing by the pool or enjoying a quiet drink with ocean views, others are searching for exciting activities, entertainment, or opportunities to meet new people. Modern cruise ships are designed with this in mind, offering a huge variety of spaces, experiences, and activities that appeal to every generation. From toddlers and teenagers to parents and grandparents, cruise holidays allow each family member to shape their time on board in a completely different way, while still creating opportunities to come together throughout the voyage. Whether it’s bonding over family dinners, watching live shows in the evening, enjoying days ashore, or simply spending time beside the pool, cruises make it easy to balance independence with quality time together. In celebration of International Day of Families and to show just how differently each generation can experience the same holiday, we’re taking a closer look at life on board three popular family-friendly ships: Sky Princess, Iona, and Celebrity Apex.
Sky Princess
Princess Cruises
With a wide range of exceptional entertainment venues, family-friendly activities, and delicious dining options to suit all tastes, Sky Princess offers something for every generation. Some members of the family might choose to spend an afternoon relaxing in adults-only spaces or taking part in enriching activities, while others make the most of children’s clubs and family-friendly entertainment. On Sky Princess, each family member can shape the holiday in their own way. When it comes to spending quality time with one another, there’s plenty to do, too. Days might be full of poolside fun and thrilling shore excursions, while evenings are spent bonding over tasty meals and enjoying live shows. Princess Cruises’ MedallionClass technology also makes it easier for families to stay connected on board, allowing you to locate one another throughout the ship with ease.
Grandparents:
Sky Princess offers grandparents plenty of ways to make the most of their time on board, whether that means keeping active, discovering new interests, spending quality time with loved ones, or indulging in a little rest and relaxation. Princess Cruises offers a carefully curated range of activities for adults on board, including wine tastings, cooking demonstrations, and dance classes. Art lovers might enjoy art history lectures at the Fine Arts Gallery or the excitement of Champagne art auctions, where there may be the opportunity to discover a new favourite piece. These activities can vary depending on the itinerary, so it’s always worth checking what’s available before you set sail. There are also plenty of shore excursions to choose from, whether you’d prefer to explore independently, spend time with family members, or enjoy an experience as a couple. For quieter moments on board, the adults-only pool area offers a peaceful place to unwind. In the evenings, you might choose to round off the day with one of the ship’s incredible theatre shows.
Parents:
If the children are spending the day at the kids’ clubs or enjoying quality time with grandparents, parents might like to make their way to the Lotus Spa & Salon, where a haven of tranquillity awaits. The Enclave® is Princess Cruises’ largest thermal suite, a luxurious space dedicated to relaxation. There is also a range of treatments available, including rejuvenating facials, soothing massages, manicures, pedicures and much more. For something more active, you might prefer to visit the Fitness Centre or take part in an onboard class, such as yoga or barre. Alternatively, you might like to take a dip in one of the bubbling hot tubs and let the stresses of everyday life melt away, or unwind by the pool with a good book. There are also several activities that work particularly well for families looking to spend time together. The Greens Mini Golf is a fun option for both adults and children, while Movies Under the Stars offers a relaxed evening activity for the whole family. For date nights, Sky Princess offers a number of speciality restaurants that parents might enjoy together. Sabatini’s Italian Trattoria is a good choice for Italian cuisine, while The Catch by Rudi boasts a menu designed by Princess Cruises’ Head of Culinary Arts, Chef Rudi Sodamin. After dinner, you might like to continue the evening with a cocktail at Good Spirits At Sea or a drink at Bellini’s.
Teenagers:
The Beach House, part of Sky Princess’ outstanding children and teenagers programme, is a great option for guests aged between 13 and 17. This contemporary lounge gives teens their own space to socialise and take part in a range of activities throughout the voyage. From late-night movies and hip-hop dance classes to sports competitions such as dodgeball and basketball, there’s plenty to keep them entertained. There are also digital activities, including video game tournaments, alongside the popular Rock the Boat teens-only party, complete with mocktails and awards. Beyond the teen clubs, Sky Princess also offers plenty of activities that older children and teenagers can enjoy with the rest of the family. The sports court is a good place for a little friendly competition, while the ship’s dining venues offer a wide range of teen-friendly options throughout the day.
Children:
Sky Princess offers plenty to keep younger children entertained throughout the voyage, thanks to its excellent kids’ clubs and wide range of family-friendly activities. Depending on their age, children can spend time at The Tree House (ages 3 - 7) or The Lodge (ages 8 - 12), where they’ll find games, creative activities, and opportunities to make new friends. There are also lots of ways for children to burn off energy on board, from sports and games to family-friendly pool areas. Younger guests with a sweet tooth will no doubt enjoy stopping for soft-serve ice cream throughout the day, while experiences such as JrCHEF@Sea offer a fun activity that the whole family can enjoy together, with cake decorating sessions inspired by Princess Cruises’ culinary programme, available on select itineraries.
Toddlers and babies:
Families travelling with toddlers and babies will also find thoughtful facilities and activities on board Sky Princess. Toddlers aged three and over can attend The Tree House kids’ club, where age-appropriate games and activities help keep little ones entertained throughout the voyage. For babies and children under three, Princess Cruises also offers parent-child play sessions, giving families the opportunity to spend quality time together in a welcoming environment designed for younger guests.
Iona
P&O Cruises
Designed to bring families together, P&O Cruises’ Iona combines lively entertainment, flexible dining, and dedicated spaces for all ages. The ship has a relaxed, sociable atmosphere, making it easy for people of different generations to spend time together while still enjoying their own interests and routines. One moment might involve watching a film at Ocean Studios or enjoying time by the pool, while the next could be spent trying a new activity, exploring ashore, or enjoying an evening of live entertainment. With so much happening across the ship, every family member can create their own version of the perfect holiday.
Grandparents:
Whether joining the family for a film at Ocean Studios, heading ashore to discover somewhere new, or simply enjoying a slower-paced sea day, grandparents will find plenty to enjoy throughout a voyage on Iona. Dance classes and workshops provide opportunities to try something different and learn a new skill, while aqua fit sessions are a good option for those looking to stay active on holiday. There’s also a wide range of shore excursions available, whether exploring independently, as a couple, or with the wider family. As evening arrives, live music and theatre performances offer a relaxed way to round off the day together.
Parents:
Parents travelling on Iona will find plenty of opportunities to enjoy quality time together while the children make the most of the ship’s dedicated clubs and activities. Days might begin with a peaceful morning beside the pool before moving into the afternoons spent exploring the ship, enjoying a quiet drink, or watching the world go by from the open decks. In the evening, the atmosphere shifts, with theatre shows, live entertainment, and Silent Discos all adding to the fun. Brodie’s is another popular spot throughout the day and evening, hosting quizzes and live sport before becoming a lively entertainment venue after dark.
Teenagers:
Teenagers aged between 13 and 17 can make the most of The Scene, part of P&O Cruises’ H2O children and teenagers programme. Designed to give older children their space away from younger guests, the club hosts a variety of activities led by the ship’s friendly youth team. From quiz nights and themed parties to fitness sessions and group games, there’s plenty to keep teens entertained throughout the voyage while helping them socialise with others their own age. Registration is required before attending.
Children:
Iona has so many options for keeping younger children entertained throughout the holiday, thanks to its dedicated kids’ club and wide variety of activities. Children aged between 5 and 8 can attend Surfers, where days are filled with movies, puppet shows, computer games, soft play, and creative activities. Older children aged 9 to 12 can head to Scubas, where they’ll find everything from air hockey and pool tables to gaming stations and relaxed spaces to spend time with new friends. Between organised sessions, there are also plenty of opportunities to burn off energy around the ship and enjoy family time together.
Toddlers and babies:
Families travelling with toddlers and babies will also find thoughtful facilities designed specifically for younger children on board Iona. The Nursery offers a safe and welcoming space with age-appropriate toys, games, and themed Turtle Tots activities, although little ones must be accompanied by a parent or guardian during selected daytime sessions. Younger children aged between 2 and 4 can also enjoy Splashers, where soft play, books, toys, and interactive activities help keep little ones entertained.
Celebrity Apex
Celebrity Cruises
Celebrity Apex offers a more contemporary family holiday experience, with stylish spaces and modern entertainment woven throughout the ship. Families can spend time together in unique venues like Eden or during immersive dining experiences, while still having plenty of opportunities to spend time independently. Some guests may prefer quieter moments in beautifully designed spaces overlooking the ocean, while others make the most of interactive activities, family entertainment, and dedicated youth programmes. Blending relaxation with innovative experiences, Celebrity Apex offers a very different style of family cruise holiday.
Grandparents:
Celebrity Apex offers grandparents a contemporary cruise experience with a wide variety of ways to spend their time on board. Some may choose to begin the day with a Tai Chi session overlooking the ocean before browsing the ship’s boutique or joining family members for activities and excursions ashore. The Rooftop Garden provides a beautiful setting for live music and socialising in the evening, while the adults-only Solarium offers a quieter space to unwind between activities.
Parents:
Parents aboard Celebrity Apex will find no shortage of stylish spaces designed for both relaxation and entertainment. Eden is one of the ship’s standout venues, offering a multi-level, botanical-inspired setting filled with live music, chill-out spaces, and panoramic ocean views. The Magic Carpet also offers a completely different experience, allowing guests to enjoy a cocktail while suspended above the ocean on the side of the ship. In the evenings, there’s plenty to enjoy together as a family too, from theatre performances and Silent Discos to movie nights beneath the stars.
Teenagers:
Teenagers can enjoy their own dedicated space at The Teen Club, where the atmosphere feels more independent and sociable. Here, they can enjoy activities like gaming tournaments, sports competitions, creative workshops, and social events that help teens meet others their own age. Celebrity Cruises also offers a selection of spa treatments designed especially for teenagers, including facials, hair treatments, and parent-and-teen massage experiences, although younger guests must be accompanied by an adult. For memorable evenings together as a family, experiences like Le Petit Chef combine immersive animated storytelling with dinner, creating something both teenagers and adults can enjoy.
Children:
Celebrity Apex’s fantastic Camp at Sea programme offers a wide variety of activities for children aged 3 to 12, helping younger guests stay entertained throughout the voyage while giving them opportunities to learn, play, and make new friends. Activities can include STEM-inspired sessions, themed events, arts and crafts, cooking experiences, movie nights, video gaming, and silent discos. Away from the organised sessions, the family-friendly pool area provides plenty of opportunities for children to splash around and spend quality time together with family between activities.
Toddlers and babies:
Families travelling with toddlers and babies will still find plenty of thoughtful touches throughout Celebrity Apex. Potty-trained toddlers are able to use the pools alongside their parents, while children aged three and over can take part in selected Camp at Sea activities. Younger children can also enjoy themed play sessions when accompanied by an adult. They can also spend time exploring the Rooftop Garden and open deck spaces, which offer plenty of room for little ones to walk, play, and spend time outdoors with family.
