More families going cruising – P&O Cruises

Record numbers of families with young children are booking cruise holidays this summer, P&O Cruises claims.

The UK cruise line says family bookings have increased 16% over the last three years but declined to give figures.

Three out of the fleet’s five ships are described as “family friendly” – Aurora, Oceana and Oriana – offering dedicated children’s facilities including designated pools, play areas, teen zones and a trained Youth Crew to arrange daytime programmes of games, sports and activities.

P&O Cruises head of brand marketing Philip Price said: “This summer we have had record numbers of families on board with young children. This increase over the last few years demonstrates the need in the UK holiday market for dedicated children’s facilities and supervised activities.

“Our research has shown that parents relish having a few hours each day to relax and be ‘grown up’, secure in the knowledge that their children are safe, having fun and making new friends.

“This is particularly true in the evening when couples with young children and babies can enjoy dinner a deux knowing that the night nursery is not far away whilst older ones and teenagers can be independent.

“Cruises appeal to families as they provide a holiday which is true value for money as well as value for time.” 

On board facilities include a children’s channel on the in-cabin TVs, a 17.30 dinner sitting for children with a special menu, Night Nursery for children aged six months to five years open from 18.00–02.00 and an in-cabin baby listening service. Pagers are also available to parents when their children are in the care of the Youth Crew. 

Ships carry a range of baby food including organic purees and bottle warmers, sterilizers, baby baths and pushchairs are all available on a complimentary basis. On Aurora, accommodation is available with interconnecting doors for families.

The Youth Crews on board organise programmes of entertainment from 09.00 to 22.30. Children aged two to eight and under two if accompanied by an adult have playrooms while nine to 17 year olds are offered quizzes, deck sports, games, competitions, music, drama and discos, along with clubhouses with music, videos, games, computers and interactive arcade games, open from 09.00 to midnight during term time and to the early hours during the school holidays.

P&O Cruises offers free child places on selected itineraries; otherwise there is a minimum discount of 90% for infants (under two) or between 30% and 80% for children aged 16 and under. 

Prices for a family of four on a 14-night Mediterranean cruise from Southampton in July 2006 start at £4,954 or £88 per person, per day. Ports of call include Barcelona, Cannes, Rome, Naples and Palma. 

Report by Phil Davies