The best last-minute cruises for families

Family cruises are a fantastic way to explore the world together, offering something for every generation to enjoy. Whether you’re looking for the convenience of a no-fly sailing from Southampton or would prefer to fly to your embarkation destination, there are plenty of fantastic last-minute options available. From the Norwegian fjords and the Mediterranean to the Greek Isles and beyond, the itineraries below include some of the best family cruises still available this summer. While several sailings visit similar regions, the ships themselves offer completely different experiences, from action-packed attractions and dedicated children’s and teenagers’ clubs to more relaxed spaces designed for quality time together. Here are five of the best last-minute cruises for families. 

Step aboard Celebrity Apex in Southampton and set sail on a 14-night adventure to the sun-drenched shores of Spain and Portugal. After a relaxing day at sea, your first port of call is Leixões, the gateway to the vibrant city of Porto. As Portugal’s second-largest city, Porto is renowned for its colourful riverside setting, rich history and world-famous port wine. Next, you’ll sail to Portugal’s radiant capital, Lisbon. Here, you might choose an exciting shore excursion to experience the city’s highlights, or you might prefer to soak up the coastal charm and culture at your own pace. After another day at sea, enjoy stops at beautiful, iconic destinations such as Palma de Mallorca, Barcelona, Ibiza, and Málaga, with each port revealing something different. This sailing also excitingly coincides with a rare total solar eclipse, which is due to take place on the same day as your scheduled call at La Coruña. The journey then continues to Bilbao, followed by a final day at sea and your return to Southampton. 

In total, the sailing is due to include four sea days, giving you plenty of time to enjoy everything Celebrity Apex has to offer. Younger guests can join Celebrity Cruises’ award-winning Camp at Sea programme. Here, there is an incredible range of age-specific activities, including arts and crafts, STEM challenges, sports tournaments, gaming sessions, and more. While the children and teenagers are suitably entertained, parents can unwind in the adults-only Solarium, experience the iconic Magic Carpet or indulge in a relaxing spa treatment. When it’s time to come together for some quality time, families can enjoy the resort-style pool, challenge each other to deck games, savour a delicious meal in one of the ship’s many restaurants and round off the evening with a spectacular theatre production. 

Liberty of the Seas departs from Southampton on 7th August for a nine-night escape to Spain’s captivating northern coast, with two relaxing sea days and a call at Le Havre in France. Along the way, you’ll have the chance to discover the waterfront city of Bilbao, which is famed for its striking architecture and world-famous Guggenheim Museum. Gijón offers golden beaches and plenty of charm, while Vigo boasts a spectacular coastline and is celebrated for its exceptional, fresh seafood. La Coruña completes your Spanish adventure with its picturesque old town and historic landmarks. Adding to the appeal of this sailing, your voyage coincides with the rare total solar eclipse, offering the chance to witness one of nature’s most extraordinary spectacles from the comfort of the ship. After another relaxing day at sea, you’ll arrive in Le Havre, where you can choose to explore the port city itself or venture further afield to Paris, the French capital, before sailing to Southampton and disembarking. 

Whether you’re enjoying a relaxing sea day or choosing to stay on board while the ship is in port, Liberty of the Seas offers plenty to keep the whole family entertained. Younger guests can make the most of the award-winning Adventure Ocean youth programme, while teenagers have dedicated spaces to socialise and unwind. While they’re busy making new friends, parents can relax by the pool, enjoy a quiet drink or simply take advantage of the ship’s more peaceful spaces. When it’s time to come together, families can race down the waterslides, master the FlowRider® surf simulator, enjoy a game of mini golf, watch an ice-skating show, or round off the evening with unforgettable Broadway entertainment. 

This no-fly 14-night voyage aboard Sky Princess begins in Southampton on 8th August, taking you on a journey through some of Western Europe’s most captivating coastal destinations. After a call in Cherbourg, you’ll continue south to discover the artistic energy of Bilbao, the laid-back atmosphere of Málaga and the fascinating Roman history of Cartagena. The journey also includes a visit to Gibraltar, where the famous Rock dominates the skyline, before sailing to Lisbon, with its colourful neighbourhoods and iconic yellow trams. Your final port of call is La Coruña, offering a wonderful blend of culture, beautiful promenades and exceptional seafood. With five sea days throughout the voyage, there’ll be plenty of time to settle into life on board Sky Princess.

Sea days aboard Sky Princess can be just as memorable as the destinations themselves. Catch a film in an open-air setting with Movies Under the Stars®, cool off in the pools, or enjoy an afternoon of live entertainment before gathering for dinner in one of the ship’s many delicious dining venues. Younger guests can join Camp Discovery if they fancy trying new activities and making new friends, while adults can take the opportunity to unwind before everyone comes back together later in the day. 

Fly to Athens and embark on the Norwegian Pearl for a seven-night escape, sailing through the idyllic Greek Isles before venturing along the Adriatic coast. Discover the whitewashed villages and volcanic landscapes of Santorini, step back in time at Olympia, which is accessible from the bustling cruise port of Katakolon, and soak up the relaxed charm of Corfu. Next, continue to the breathtaking Kotor in Montenegro, the beautifully preserved walled city of Dubrovnik in Croatia, and the charming coastal town of Koper in Slovenia, before ending in Ravenna, your gateway to the iconic canals and landmarks of nearby Venice. 

One of Norwegian Pearl’s biggest strengths is the freedom to enjoy every day exactly as you choose. There are no fixed dining times, giving families the flexibility to explore the ship at their own pace. Children can head to Splash Academy, teenagers have their own dedicated hangout, and there are plenty of peaceful spots that adults might like to spend an afternoon in. When everyone is ready to reunite, you might like to visit the bowling alley for a game, a dip in the pool, or an evening of live entertainment before deciding where to dine. 

A no-fly round-trip journey from Southampton aboard Iona awaits. After embarking on 22nd August and enjoying a relaxing day at sea, you’ll arrive in Haugesund, a coastal city shaped by Norway’s maritime heritage, before continuing to Olden, where mountains, waterfalls, and glacial scenery surround the village. The itinerary also includes visits to Flåm, set deep within the fjords, and Stavanger, known for its colourful waterfront. Scenic cruising through Innvikfjorden, Aurlandsfjord and Sognefjord adds another memorable dimension to the voyage, while additional sea days give you plenty of time to enjoy life on board.

Families often remark how time on board Iona is every bit as enjoyable as time spent ashore. The impressive SkyDome is often considered to be the heart of the ship, hosting everything from daytime relaxation to spectacular evening entertainment, while the pools and open deck spaces provide plenty of opportunities for families to spend time together. Younger guests can also enjoy the age-specific activities at The Reef, giving parents the chance to enjoy a little time to themselves before reuniting later in the day.