Why Cruising with Family and Friends is a Good Value Option

PERFECT FOR GROUP HOLIDAYS OF ANY KIND

When it comes to holidaying with a group, whether that’s with friends, extended family, or multi-generational relatives, cruising offers a level of value, convenience, and versatility that’s hard to beat. With so many group-friendly amenities and a wide range of activities for all ages, a cruise is a brilliant way to bring everyone together in one place without the logistical headaches that often come with coordinating large-group holidays. If you’re planning your next family reunion or friend getaway, here’s a few reasons why you might want to consider cruising for a stress-free, valuable holiday experience.

COST-EFFECTIVE ALL-INCLUSIVE PACKAGES

One of the biggest benefits of cruising is the all-inclusive pricing, which covers most essentials like meals, accommodations, entertainment, and activities. For families or groups, this means you can enjoy a wide variety of dining options and activities without constantly worrying about budgeting for meals, admission fees, or entertainment. 

On a cruise, you’ll find the following inclusions are already part of your cruise fare:

⚓ Meals and Dining: from the breakfast buffet to multi-course dinners in the formal dining room, there are a range of dining options included in your cruise fare

⚓ Entertainment: Broadway-style shows, live music, comedy clubs, movie screenings, and even fireworks displays are often included in your cruise fare

⚓ Kids and Teen Programs: With complimentary kids’ clubs, teen lounges, and age-appropriate activities included with your cruise fare, young cruisers get the chance to make friends and explore in a safe, supervised environment, whilst parents and grandparents have the freedom to enjoy their own time on board.

This all-inclusive model can save families and groups significant money compared to a typical holiday where accommodation, meals, and activities are all separate expenses.

BROAD APPEAL FOR ALL AGES

Cruising offers something for everyone, making it an ideal choice for groups with varying interests and ages. Multi-generational families, in particular, will appreciate the range of activities and amenities designed for all ages, energy levels and interests. From bingo and pool parties, to group games and comedy shows, there is quite literally something for everyone onboard a cruise ship, so no one in your group will feel bored or left out. Off the ship, you’ll find it’s the same, with shore excursions on offer that will appeal to anyone and everyone in your group.

Opportunities for Group Bonding and Privacy

With so much on offer both on and off the ship, a cruise offers plenty of opportunities for group or family bonding. But, there are also plenty of ways to escape the group chaos and enjoy some quiet time away from the masses. From adult-only pools and decks, to the comfort of your own cabin, there is ample space to retreat when you need a break from group bonding. The flexible nature of a cruise means that it’s easy for everyone to enjoy the cruise on their own terms, and still come together for meals, special events and group activities to reconnect.

CONVENIENCE OF A "FLOATING HOTEL"

Travelling as a group usually means arranging various accommodations, planning activities, and coordinating transport between locations. Whether you’re planning a multi-generational family reunion, or a girls weekend away, organising a group holiday can be a logistical nightmare.  

Not so with a cruise. 

One of the biggest draw cards of going on a cruise when you’re travelling with a group is that you don’t have to worry about these logistics. A cruise is essentially a floating hotel that takes you from one destination to the next, all while you sleep. This means that your group can explore multiple locations without the hassle of constantly unpacking and repacking, or figuring out transportation logistics for everyone.

One of Celebrity Cruises’ floating hotels – Celebrity Edge

ACCESSIBILITY AND EASE FOR MULTI-GENERATIONAL FAMILIES

For families with elderly members or young children, the ease and accessibility of a cruise often tips the scales when it comes to making the decision “what kind of holiday should we do?”. Cruise ships are designed with accessibility in mind, and many have wheelchair-accessible rooms, ramps, and lifts to make moving around easier. Onboard transportation is also simpler, as you’re never more than a short elevator ride from dining, entertainment, or your cabin. This makes them an ideal choice for multi-generational family holidays where you might have elderly family members in your group.

EXCITING DESTINATIONS AND CULTURAL IMMERSION

One of the unique aspects of cruising is the opportunity to visit multiple destinations without the need for frequent packing and travel coordination. Cruises eliminate the stress of travel planning and navigating new cities. As a group, you’re free to explore without worrying about car rentals, train tickets, or getting lost. You’ll simply disembark, explore, and then reboard at the end of the day – making it easy and stress-free for family members of all ages.

Customisable Shore Excursions for Every Age and Interest

Cruising with family or a group makes it easy to customise shore excursions to match everyone’s unique interests and activity levels. Most cruise lines offer a variety of onshore options that are tailored to different ages, interests, activity levels and more. This flexibility allows families to choose excursions that cater to everyone in their group. From city tours and beach days for younger children and seniors to adventurous options like zip-lining and snorkelling for teens and adults, there’s an experience for everyone. History lovers, nature enthusiasts, and culture seekers alike can enjoy activities that align with their passions, making each stop a memorable experience.

Most cruise lines provide the flexibility to book excursions through the ship (before you board or while at sea) or you can choose to explore independently. Booking directly through the cruise ensures reliable transport and a schedule that aligns with ship departure times. For those who prefer to explore at their own pace, independent excursions or private guides are also an option. This flexibility lets everyone enjoy the journey their way, ensuring a personalised and stress-free adventure for all ages.

FAMILY-FOCUSED AMENITIES AND SAFETY

Cruise lines understand the unique needs of families and large groups, and many ships are designed to be family-friendly with an emphasis on safety and convenience. This makes cruising particularly appealing to families with young children, or elderly grandparents who may be travelling with them. Safety is a top priority on cruise ships, with round-the-clock security and medical staff on board. Parents can feel at ease knowing their kids are safe within the confines of the ship and supervised by trained staff, allowing them to relax and unwind. And elderly members of your group have the added comfort of knowing that there is a medical centre onboard to assist them if needed.

Kids Club in full swing on board Celebrity Solstice

SIMPLIFIED PLANNING AND GROUP DISCOUNTS

Planning a holiday for a group can be time-consuming, especially when it comes to aligning schedules, booking accommodations, and organising activities. With a cruise, much of the planning is simplified because the itinerary, meals, and activities are included in the cruise fare. Cruises also often allow you to book as a group, simplifying the reservation process and allowing people to make individual payments if necessary. Group packages or discounts for larger parties can also help keep costs manageable while providing extra perks to enhance the experience.

FAMILY-FRIENDLY CRUISE LINES WITH GROUP-READY CABINS

When travelling with family, friends, or multi-generational groups, having a variety of cabin options to suit everyone’s needs is essential. Many cruise lines now offer flexible, family-focused accommodations designed to make group travel easy and enjoyable. Here are three cruise lines that go above and beyond in providing innovative cabins and suites tailored for groups and families of all sizes:

Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity Cruises is known for its spacious and luxurious family-friendly suites, with options that make multi-generational travel a breeze. Their interconnected family suites allow extended families or larger groups to stay close while having private space to retreat to. For added luxury, Celebrity’s suite guests also gain access to The Retreat—a private, suite-only area with exclusive dining, a sundeck, and a lounge, perfect for those in your group that may be looking for a serene escape from the bustling family activities. 

The Retreat Sundeck onboard Celebrity Apex

Royal Caribbean International

Royal Caribbean International excels at family and group travel with some of the most innovative cabin designs in the industry. Their Ultimate Family Suites, for example, come with unique kid-friendly features like slides, gaming rooms, and loft spaces, ensuring children can be entertained from the comfort of their cabin. The cruise line also offers connecting staterooms, allowing families to book two or more cabins with shared access—ideal for larger groups. Royal Caribbean’s suites come with access to private areas such as exclusive lounges and sun decks, offering a quieter space for adults to unwind. This flexibility allows families to strike the perfect balance between togetherness and personal space.

Accessible Family Ocean View Cabin on Harmony of the Seas

Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian Cruise Line has made family cruising more convenient with its selection of family suites and connecting cabins. Their Haven Suites provide families and groups with an added layer of luxury, giving access to The Haven, a private area with a secluded pool, sundeck, and lounge—ideal for older family members who want a quiet retreat. Additionally, Norwegian’s family-focused staterooms include interconnecting cabins and spacious suites with bunk beds, making it easy to keep everyone together while ensuring comfortable sleeping arrangements for both kids and adults. 

A three bedroom master suite in The Haven area of Norwegian Jewel

It is innovative accommodation options like the above that makes cruising a top pick for family and group holidays, as they ensure that every family member, from young kids to grandparents, has a comfortable and enjoyable space to call their own.