P&O Cruises Welcomes Families on Adult-Only Ships Aurora and Arcadia
In an exciting development for multi-generational families and adventurous travelers, P&O Cruises has announced that it will accommodate family and multi-generational bookings on its adult-only ships, Aurora and Arcadia, starting from December 2026. This pioneering move reflects a growing trend in the cruising industry, as families seek to merge adventure and relaxation in uniquely tailored travel experiences.
Expanded Family-Friendly Sailings
P&O Cruises will roll out a total of 20 cruises designed for passengers of all ages, departing from Southampton. This initiative allows families to take to the seas without the constraints of traditional age-specific offerings on adult-only ships. Bookings for these exciting sailings officially opened on October 7, with the winter 2027-28 season going on sale from October 14.
Tailored Amenities for All Ages
Ensuring a comfortable voyage for families is a priority for P&O Cruises. Each sailing will feature tailored amenities to enrich the family experience. These include:
- Specialized children’s menus catering to younger palates
- Baby changing facilities and bottle warming stations for infants
- Engaging entertainment and activities designed for children, teens, and adults alike
These amenities signify P&O Cruises’ commitment to making the cruising experience as enjoyable and stress-free as possible for families traveling together.
Aurora’s Family-Friendly Cruises
Aurora will host eight family-oriented cruises ranging from four to 21 nights between December 11, 2026 and September 13, 2027. Passengers can look forward to exploring a variety of breathtaking locations, including:
- Northern Europe
- Scandinavia
- The Western Mediterranean
The wide range of destinations aims to ensure that families can create lasting memories while discovering new cultures and landscapes together.
Multi-Generational Adventures on Arcadia
Arcadia will also be at the forefront of this family-friendly initiative, welcoming multi-generational groups on 12 cruises that span from three to 24 nights between December 21, 2026 and September 20, 2027. This ship will explore remarkable destinations such as:
- Spain
- The Eastern Mediterranean
- Iceland
By catering to multi-generational groups, P&O Cruises fosters an environment where shared family experiences can flourish, allowing grandparents, parents, and children to bond through travel.
Insights from P&O Cruises Leadership
Ruth Venn, associate vice president of sales and distribution at P&O Cruises, emphasized the shift in travel dynamics, noting that over 30% of families now cruise with at least two generations onboard. Recent data from Clia highlights that multi-generational travel is a rising trend, prompting P&O Cruises to respond to guest feedback and the increasing demand for family-inclusive options.
Venn remarked, “We are excited to invite all ages to join Arcadia and Aurora on selected holidays, allowing the entire family to experience these elegant ships together.”
Furthermore, she reinforced that while these ships are embracing family bookings for selected sailings, they will retain their status as adult-only environments for much of the year. This flexibility caters to a varying range of customer preferences, from families eager to embark on adventures together to adults seeking tranquil, child-free holidays.
The Future of Cruising with P&O
With this bold initiative from P&O Cruises, the landscape of family and multi-generational travel is set to evolve. Not only does it allow families to bond over shared experiences at sea, but it also opens new avenues for travel agents to promote P&O Cruises’ offerings. Families looking to enrich their travel experiences can now confidently explore options that meet their diverse needs while enjoying the luxury that P&O Cruises is known for.
As we look forward to the 2026-2027 cruising season, it’s clear that P&O Cruises is paving the way for a more inclusive and family-oriented cruising experience.