P&O Cruises Opens Arcadia and Aurora to Families

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P&O Cruises will open its two adult-only ships, Arcadia and Aurora, to guests of all ages on select sailings from December 2026, allowing families to experience the smaller, more traditional vessels for the first time.

Cruise Mummy with Aurora

The change marks a significant shift for the line, which has long positioned both ships as exclusive to adults.

However, from late 2026, a selection of festive and school holiday sailings will welcome children onboard, expanding options for multi-generational travel.

More Cruise Choice for Families

A total of 20 cruises – 12 on Aurora and 8 on Arcadia – will be available to families between December 2026 and September 2027, with more holidays for winter 2027–28 set to go on sale from 14th October 2025.

Bookings for the new family-friendly voyages open on 7th October 2025, with the first sailing departing Aurora on 11th December 2026, and Arcadia following on 21st December 2026.

The move will add 23% more family cruise options from Southampton during the 2027 summer holidays and provide new opportunities for multi-generational groups to travel together.

list of cruises for families on Arcadia andf Aurora

Facilities and Activities for All Ages

Both ships will offer menus and facilities designed with younger guests in mind, including children’s dining, baby-changing areas, and bottle-warming stations.

Entertainment and activities suitable for all ages will be available, alongside the quieter spaces and more refined atmosphere for which Arcadia and Aurora are known.

Carnival UK and P&O Cruises president Paul Ludlow said the decision was based on guest demand and reflected changing travel trends.

A smiling family of four stands in front of a docked P&O cruise ship. The mother, wearing a yellow cardigan, holds the camera, while the father, in a red hoodie, stands beside their son in a green hoodie and daughter in a pink jacket, who holds postcards. The cruise ship features the Union Jack on its bow.

“A recent study showed that multi-generational travel is a rising trend. Over 30% of families are now cruising with at least two generations onboard, and nearly a third travel with three to five generations,

“So, following guest feedback, we are inviting all ages to join Arcadia and Aurora on selected holidays so the whole family can come together to experience these elegant ships.”

While both ships will remain adult-only for the majority of the year, Ludlow said the change gives families “more ways to travel together during peak periods.”

Family-Friendly Itineraries

Among Aurora’s new all-ages cruises are a 14-night Christmas voyage to Scandinavia departing 15th December 2026, a series of short European breaks, and summer itineraries to Spain, Portugal, and the Western Mediterranean.

Arcadia’s all-ages sailings include a 16-night Christmas voyage to the Canary Islands, a 14-night Northern Europe itinerary in May 2027, and a 24-night Eastern Mediterranean cruise in August 2027.

Canary Islands

One of Arcadia’s cruises, the Norway and Iceland itinerary (20th July 2027), will only be available to children aged 12 months and older.

Mixed Reaction From Loyal P&O Fans

The announcement has sparked strong and mixed reactions from P&O Cruises’ loyal guests, particularly among those who have long favoured the peaceful, adults-only atmosphere aboard Arcadia and Aurora.

Many seasoned cruisers voiced disappointment, describing the move as a “bad idea” and expressing concern that it could change the onboard experience.

One regular guest wrote that they had specifically chosen Aurora for “the calm and serenity” compared with larger family ships like Arvia, while another said bluntly that the line was “losing what makes it special.”

"The ship is too small to have children and there’s no facilities. What a stupid move!"

Several passengers said they would now consider alternatives such as Ambassador Cruise Line or Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, which continue to operate adults-only ships.

One frequent traveller commented that they had “just reached the top loyalty tier” but would be “switching to Ambassador from now on.”

Others questioned how the two ships – both smaller and designed with fewer family facilities – would accommodate younger passengers.

One commenter noted that “Aurora isn’t really set up for children,” while another wondered if “P&O will be adding kids’ areas or activities to make it work.”

However, not all reactions were negative.

"We've been on both adult only and ones which children are allowed. It didnt bother us at all. We've been on cruises when teenagers were on board; that can be a different matter, particularly when they're allowed to go about the ship on their own during the evenings....."

A number of families welcomed the change, praising the new flexibility and the chance to bring children on more varied itineraries. “Finally, more destinations we can take our kids to – well done P&O!” wrote one enthusiastic parent.

Another commenter pointed out that “some children are better behaved than some adults,” while others said it was “a smart business decision” that would allow more multi-generational families to cruise together.

Some guests who weren’t directly affected by the change expressed relief but sympathy for those who were. “Ours isn’t one of the family sailings, luckily,” one passenger noted, “but I can understand why some people are upset.”

P&O Cruises Arcadia

Balancing Tradition with Family Appeal

The decision blends P&O Cruises’ heritage of elegant, traditional sailing with the growing demand for family holidays at sea.

While Iona and Arvia have long catered to families with their modern design and extensive children’s facilities, this marks the first time in years that Aurora and Arcadia will welcome younger guests.

For families looking for a quieter alternative to the larger family-focused ships, the move offers a unique opportunity to experience two of P&O Cruises’ most classic vessels – just in time for Christmas 2026.

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