Six of the best family cruises in the Med this summer
School holidays are looming. That prospect either sparks joy with booked holiday anticipation, or instils terror at the thought of an open-ended summer and nothing in the diary.
A cruise is one of the easiest family holiday fixes and even at this stage of the game, sailings abound – although you'll need to get cracking as once sold out, they will simply disappear online.
The success of a holiday at sea relies on choosing cruise compatibility. For example, my children need to be run like Labradors, so water slides are a sanity saver. Mega cruises may not be your cup of tea (in which case, go smaller) but regardless of vessel, multi-national Mediterranean cruises are sensational for families.
Here are six of the best – still with availability this summer.
The Western Mediterranean Cruise
This is the pinnacle of family Mediterranean cruising with destinations that deliver. You can see flamenco street performers in Palma de Mallorca, unwind in Barcelona's xiringuitos (beach bars) or explore Pompeii, just 30 minutes from Naples. For the children, I recommend heading to the Italian capital to play soldier at Rome's Gladiator School.
As for the ship, the 2010 built Allure of the Seas recently underwent a £78 million glow up, completed by Royal Caribbean in April 2025, and can't be beaten for water play or outdoor spaces.
There are the new additions of The Perfect Storm (two racing slides plus personal favourite, the SuperCell), a FlowRider (surf simulator), ten storey-high zip line, rock climbing wall and even an ice-skating rink.
Entertainment includes a high-energy high-dive aqua show and Broadway smash Mamma Mia, but the real star is the ship's layout.
The Central Park area, with 12,000 plants and open air space The Boardwalk, dissects the ship's centre, making this as fresh-air focused as possible. The destinations are a bonus on this ship, but consider staying aboard on a port day for fun without the crowds.
My expert tip
If sailing in August, be aware that much of Rome closes as locals head for the coast, a testament to the heat. So I'd recommend arranging a pre- or post-cruise stay that will allow you to enjoy the city at a more leisurely pace.
How to do it
The Royal Caribbean Western Mediterranean Cruise starts from £1,043pp with one sale date from Rome and two from Barcelona in August for a family of three. This covers meals (excluding speciality restaurants), entertainment, zip line and the FlowRider. Excludes alcoholic and soft drinks (beverage packages are available) and WiFi.
The Greek Isles: Santorini, Rhodes & Istanbul
Absence makes the heart grow fonder, even with those you love the most, so the fact that this cruise creates space for time apart makes it ideal for multi-gen trips. Two words will relieve the nerves of grandparents, and they're 'The Haven'.
Touted by NCL as the ship within a ship (a concept duplicated in Royal Caribbean's Star Class, MSC Cruises' Yacht Club and Celebrity Cruises' Retreat) this exclusive area is an oasis with butler service, private concierge desk, an adults-only sundeck and infinity pool.
But when the family comes together, just mention 'Selfie Tour of Oia and Fira' and the teens will be running to the gangway, brandishing selfie sticks like it's a lacrosse tournament.
The cruise name is a misnomer and in reality it showcases highlights of both Greece and Turkey, including awe-inspiring Ephesus.
This is very much a trip made for teens, with activities such as the three-storey Viva Speedway Go-Kart track, Escape Room, tidal Wave slide and the fastest dry slides at sea (The Rush and The Drop), which involve height requirements starting at four feet.
Insider tip
The Indulge Hall is a food-truck style fiesta covering Mexican, Spanish tapas and Asian noodles; I always save room for the Indian tandoori chicken straight from a tandoor oven.
How to do it
The Greek Isles: Santorini, Rhodes & Istanbul cruise departs July 20 and August 17 from £1,329 pp for a balcony room. Includes meals, shows and most daily activities barring the most noteworthy ones including the Speedway, Escape Room and mini golf. A More at Sea bundle is the best value for additions like WiFi (0333 2412319; Norwegian Cruise Line).
Croatia Family Adventure
Cruise line: UTracks
Ship: The MS San Snova
Key stops: Vis, Brac, Hvar islands
Best for: Nature lovers and culture seekers
Departure port: Split
Duration: 7 nights
Disco strobe lights aren't for every family. If you're seeking closer cultural encounters and camaraderie, travel with UTracks, who have heading off the beaten path in their DNA.
The 31-metre, 36-passenger San Snova was purpose built in 2009 and sports a child-pleasing, borderline pirate-y look. It's also surprisingly comfortable; the nine to 14 square metre cabins with bathroom and air con are nothing to sniff at.
The smaller size also makes it ideal for hunting Croatian treasures while island hopping through South Dalmatia. You'll be visiting quiet coves and historic harbour ports, but this isn't just a cruise, it's a multi-activity adventure on a specific family-themed itinerary (their three Greek Islands sailings are understandably sold out).
The active element involves easy cycling, such as the five-mile ride to an interactive bee keeping workshop on Solta Island or exploring old military tunnels on Vis, as well as swimming by the Pakleni Islands near Hvar, or even gently rafting the mainland's Cetina Canyon. The ship does have WiFi, but if unplugging is the aim, nobody needs to know.
Insider tip
Bike helmets aren't available for rent, so it's worth packing your own.
How to do it
Croatia Family Adventure currently has a sale on the July 11 and 25 departures; from £1,055 for adults and £902 for children, with more weekly departures scheduled. Includes seven breakfasts, three lunches, four dinners, guides and 2-speed hybrid bikes. Excludes drinks. E-bikes are available for a supplement, along with trailers and child seats (0800 0744 135).
Mediterranean, Spain & Portugal
This cruise handily starts in the UK before arriving in the Mediterranean via the Portuguese coast, meaning a no-fly itinerary for airport-averse travellers.
For families with neurodivergent members, Celebrity Cruises is accredited as an Autism Friendly Cruise Line by Autism on the Seas (as are Disney Cruise Line, Carnival, NCL and RCI). Kim Michela, Services Director of Autism on the Seas explains, 'With minimal planning, cruising offers neurodivergent children a structured yet relaxed way to explore new places, cultures, and practice social situations – in a consistent, fun and supportive atmosphere.'
Celebrity has autism awareness trained staff, toy-lending programs, dietary flexibility and a pre-departure 'what to expect' booklet. In this – and almost all other respects – the line is one of the world's most up to the minute. Gwyneth Paltrow is a Wellness Advisor and the ship is Palms Springs uber-chic complete with rooftop garden and a Sunset Bar that feels California-cool.
The destinations are all delightfully different (crucially, the ships dock directly at each port without the need to take a tender); from Unesco-listed Porto to atmospheric Cadiz and blockbuster Barcelona.
Insider tip
If seeking a quiet breakfast away from the dining area, the Eden Café, tucked amongst greenery in the ship's aft, offers paninis, seasonal fruit and oatmeal with berries.
How to do it
The Mediterranean, Spain & Portugal cruise costs from £1,499pp; departs July 16. Includes meals and entertainment with a current deal offering at least 60 per cent off the second guest. Excludes WiFi and drinks (0344 493 2043)
Iconic Greek Islands
Cruise line: Celestyal
Ship: Celestyal Discovery
Key stops: Santorini, Heraklion, Patmos
Best for: Budget-conscious first-timers
Departure port: Athens
Duration: 3 nights
If you're low on both time and budget, this action-packed cruise fits six destinations and a raft of spectacular highlights into just three nights.
You'll sail from Athens into the gorgeously Greek postcard of Mykonos with its hilltop windmills and whitewashed alleys before exploring otherwise tricky-to-reach Patmos with its ancient Chora and sandy beaches. Following a morning discovery of Crete's Knossos Palace, the finale will see you sailing into the sunset from Santorini.
And the ship? Celestyal Discovery has just 1,360 guests and is perfect for those who want to take a cruise without feeling like they're taking a cruise. A smaller, independent line specialising in Greece, Celestyal will have you converted in no time, having experienced unpacking just once and waking to new ports with a crew that starts to feel like family.
Insider tip
When watching the budget, I like to DIY the shore excursions and make my own plans. For example, in Patmos, my favourite thing to do is catch the bus from Skala (the port) to Chora for just €1.50; it's a pleasant walk downhill where you can enjoy a delicious seaside port lunch, knowing you haven't frittered away funds elsewhere.
How to do it
The Iconic Greek Islands cruise is on a half-price sale until August 31; from £329 per adult and £249 per child (£1,156 for a family of four); multiple departures from July 4. Includes meals, soft drinks, WiFi, onboard entertainment and gratuities (0808 280 3553).
Five-night Mediterranean Cruise from Barcelona
Cruise line: Disney Cruise Line
Ship: Disney Fantasy
Key stops: Barcelona, Florence, Rome
Best for: Kids aged 8 and under
Departure port: Barcelona
Duration: 5 nights
Brace yourself; there's no escape from the avalanche of all things Disney on this cruise, from the Ratatouille-inspired mouse-engraved chair legs in adult restaurant Remy to a Peter Pan mural in every room.
Even if princess dresses are not your thing, children will be wide-eyed with wonder. The itinerary offers life-size character breaks, but beware the long commutes from port to Florence and Rome.
Travelling with tiny tots is tricky so view this as a scenery change rather than a holiday per se – albeit one made easier by the 'It's A Small World' nursery (from six months, extra cost) and outstanding kids clubs including the Oceaneer Club for three to 10-year-olds.
Insider tip
From the port of Livorno, Pisa with its Leaning Tower is just 30 minutes away (as opposed to 90 minutes to Florence). A major bonus that parents of small children will appreciate is the tower's location on the Campo dei Miracoli, featuring swathes of soft manicured lawn for crawling and wobbly walking.
How to do it
The 5-Night Mediterranean Cruise from Barcelona costs from £5,134 for a family of four; departs July 19. Includes meals, kids clubs, onboard entertainment and character interactions (0800 171 2317; Disney Cruise).
About the expert
Thanks to my great grandfather Frank Hurley (photographer on Shackleton's Endurance expedition), my first cruise was to icy Antarctica tracing his voyage. I've since sailed on big ships, little ships, expedition ships and develop full-blown Greek ferry crushes during Cyclades salty summers.
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