Are P&O Cruises a Good Cruise Line for Families?

• Action-Packed Ships: Explore the flagship family features on Arvia and Iona, including the Altitude Skywalk and Mission Control.

• World-Class Childcare: A deep dive into the Reef Rangers kids' clubs and the famous Night Nursery that gives parents a true evening break.

• Family-First Dining: Discover how partnerships with Annabel Karmel and HiPP Organic ensure even the fussiest eaters are catered for.

P&O Cruises is one of the top cruise choices for energetic families who are keen to embark on epic escapes at sea. From exciting kids' clubs and activities to flexible dining options and spacious accommodations, P&O Cruises promises a fun-filled adventure for the whole family.

But is it the right fit for your next family getaway? In this article, we detail the different, varied, and engaging activities, entertainment, and amenities available for families. Read on to discover what family fun awaits onboard a P&O Cruises holiday.

Family Activities

Days at sea onboard P&O Cruises are far from boring for energetic families! Kids can dive into a glistening array of splash zones and pools onboard P&O Cruises’ range of family-friendly ships, including Arvia, Iona, Britannia, Ventura, and Azura.

These areas are specially designed for young families, featuring water jets, waterfalls, fountains, and paddling pools for the smallest cruisers. On Arvia, the Altitude area takes things even further with a high-ropes course, mini-golf, and a dedicated splash valley.

Elsewhere onboard, families can get stuck into Wallace & Gromit and Shaun the Sheep themed crafts, where kids can get hands-on with their favourite characters to bring their creativity to life. The joy doesn’t stop there, with special appearances from Wallace, Gromit, and Shaun offering meet-and-greet moments that little ones will treasure.

The cruise line also hosts a number of events and sporting activities at designated Family Zones—dedicated spaces for families onboard. Additionally, young performers can shine at the Ocean Performance Academy, where they’ll learn the ropes of stagecraft, boosting their confidence while having fun.

Family Entertainment

P&O Cruises takes family entertainment to the next level, offering an array of fun-filled shows that kids and parents alike will enjoy. Onboard P&O Cruises ships, you can catch special Aardman film showings featuring beloved characters like Wallace & Gromit and Shaun the Sheep, perfect for a relaxed family movie night.

For a bit of nostalgia and giggles, P&O Cruises also stages live-themed shows with the legendary Sooty & Sweep, where cheeky tricks and magic take centre stage. Additionally, the Animal Guyz bring wild animal antics to the stage, while Basil Brush is ready to entertain with his signature "boom boom!" humour. On Arvia, families can also tackle Mission Control, an immersive fictional submarine experience where the whole family works together to solve puzzles.

Kids Clubs

P&O Cruises offers a range of kids' clubs designed to keep little ones entertained while parents get some much-needed relaxation time. With engaging, age-appropriate activities and professionally-trained staff (known as Reef Rangers), your kids are in safe hands from morning until night.

For the littlest cruisers, the Nursery (6 months – 2 years) provides a cosy, supervised environment, complete with toys, books, and nap areas. The Night Nursery offers additional care for children aged 6 months to 4 years, so parents can enjoy a quiet dinner or evening entertainment. This service typically operates from 6 pm to 2 am on a first-come, first-served basis.

For toddlers, the Splashers club (ages 2–4) is packed with creative play, painting, and games. Moving up, kids aged 5–8 can enjoy Surfers, offering action-packed activities like treasure hunts, sports, and craft workshops. Scubas caters to tweens (ages 9–12), providing a fun space to make new friends while enjoying video games, outdoor sports, and quizzes.

Teens can chill out at the H2O Children's Club (ages 13–17) or their exclusive hangout, The Scene. These spaces are designed for teenagers to socialise and enjoy music, games, and themed parties.

Parents can register their children up to 14 days before their cruise on the P&O Cruises website. Once onboard, parents can book sessions from 8:30 am the day before via My Holiday.

Adult Hideaways

While the children are busy with the Reef Rangers, parents have plenty of dedicated spaces to reclaim some "me time." P&O Cruises has specifically designed adult-only zones even on their most family-oriented ships.

The Retreat

Available on ships like Arvia, Iona, and Britannia, The Retreat is a premium, outdoor spa terrace. For a small daily fee, you can access this secluded sanctuary featuring plush daybeds, cold flannels, and dedicated waitstaff serving smoothies and fruit. It is the perfect spot to escape the splash-zone noise and enjoy a quiet book with a panoramic sea view.

Serenity Pool and Bar

The Serenity Pool is a dedicated adult-only quiet zone. With a relaxed atmosphere, it offers luxurious sun loungers and a sophisticated bar menu. It is an ideal place to enjoy a peaceful swim or a midday cocktail away from the main family activity hubs.

The 710 Club & The Limelight Club

In the evenings, parents can head to The 710 Club (curated by Gary Barlow) for a low-lit, vintage vibe with world-class live music. Alternatively, The Limelight Club offers an exclusive supper-club experience with intimate performances from established and emerging stars. Both venues provide a sophisticated atmosphere that feels worlds away from the family buffet.

Family Cabins

P&O Cruises offers a range of family cabins that provide comfort and flexible space for everyone. On ships like Britannia, Iona, and Arvia, families can choose from spacious suites, balcony cabins, and larger inside or outside cabins, each offering extra beds or sofa beds to accommodate children.

Many family cabins also feature connecting rooms, perfect for families who want to stay close while enjoying added privacy.

For larger groups, P&O Cruises offers five-berth cabins on Arvia, Iona, and Britannia. These include Superior Deluxe Balcony cabins and Conservatory Mini-Suites, allowing families of five to stay together in a single shared space.

For families seeking more space, Arvia and Iona both offer special Family Suites located at the front of the ship, featuring separate sleeping areas and large balconies.

P&O Cruises also offers selected "Holidays for All Ages" on traditionally adults-only ships Arcadia and Aurora, allowing families to experience these more intimate vessels during specific school holiday periods.

Child-Friendly Dining

Dining onboard P&O Cruises is designed to cater to the whole family. Thanks to a partnership with children’s food expert Annabel Karmel, kids can enjoy a nutritious menu available across all dining venues, featuring healthy twists on classic favourites.

Several child-friendly restaurants onboard make mealtimes easy. The Horizon Buffet offers a casual experience with a wide range of options, while The Beach House is a family favourite for comfort food classics.

For a kid-specific experience, Children’s Tea is served daily in the early evening, offering child-approved dishes so little ones can eat before heading to evening activities.

Parents travelling with babies can also relax knowing that HiPP Organic baby food jars are available on request. Additionally, P&O Cruises offers excellent value with their all-inclusive packages; when two adults in a cabin purchase a Deluxe or Classic drinks package, children aged 17 and under in the same cabin receive a complimentary Refresh drinks package.

P&O Cruises remains a market leader by blending high-octane thrills for children with genuine relaxation for parents. With flexible five-berth cabins, award-winning childcare, and a focus on quality dining, the fleet ensures that every family holiday is both seamless and unforgettable.

Ready to start your family adventure? Contact our cruise consultants today to find the perfect ship and deal for your next getaway.