Explora I: a Western Mediterranean week for three generations
Barcelona to Rome with connecting suites, a real kids' program and nobody dressing for dinner.
AdviceWhat we would do in your position
Ask Blackbury Travel
Which cruise should I take with my grandchildren?
For grandchildren under ten, Explora Journeys in the Mediterranean or Caribbean; for teenagers, Regent to Alaska or an expedition ship; for calm water and city centers, a Uniworld family departure on the Danube.
Our answer
In our words.
Start with the children's ages, because they decide the ship. Under ten, you need a real children's program that runs on sea days and a ship with connecting suites so the children are near but not in your room. Explora does both, and its Western Mediterranean week from Barcelona to Rome is the sailing we recommend most often to grandparents hosting young grandchildren.
Teenagers want something to do that is not sitting with the family. Regent's Alaska sailing with a few nights in Vancouver gives them wildlife, kayaking and a glacier, and the fare includes the excursions, which matter in Alaska. For a sixteen-year-old who likes the outdoors, an expedition ship to Antarctica is the trip they will talk about for life.
If anyone in the party finds a big ship or the open sea hard work, a river is the answer. Uniworld's family departures on the Danube dock in the center of Vienna, Budapest and Bratislava, the water is flat and the family program is designed for children. Those departures are few and sell a year ahead.
What we would not do is take grandchildren on an adults-only line, however good the ship. Viking does not allow anyone under eighteen, and Seabourn, Scenic and Oceania have nothing for children. We will say so if you ask.
Our promise
We will say no.
We do not recommend a cruise because it is expensive, and we do not put people on the wrong ship. If the ship you have in mind is not right for your party, we will tell you and suggest the one that is, even if it costs less or is sold by someone else. We are an advisor, not a booking engine.
Speak to a specialistThe sailings we name
Where this answer points.
Planning figures per person, not quotes.
Seven Seas Explorer: Alaska with Vancouver and the Rockies
Glaciers and whales with excursions included, plus Vancouver and the Rocky Mountaineer for a 14-night family journey.
S.S. Maria Theresa: a Danube family sailing for three generations
Budapest to Passau on a dedicated family departure: castles, chocolate and no sea days.
The lines
Who we would book it with.
Explora Journeys
Modern, relaxed, generous with space, and genuinely happy to see children.
- Best for: Three-generation groups who want modern comfort and plenty of room
- Not for: You want a traditional, intimate ship
- Included: dining across most venues; drinks and minibar
Regent Seven Seas Cruises
The most inclusive fare at sea, on all-suite ships that take elegance seriously.
- Best for: Grandparents hosting adult children, and couples who want a fully inclusive, elegant week
- Not for: Your party includes young children or you want a casual atmosphere
- Included: all-suite accommodation; shore excursions in every port
Uniworld Boutique River Cruises
Boutique river ships with lavish interiors and dedicated family sailings in the school vacations.
- Best for: Multigenerational groups on a family departure, and grandparents who prefer rivers to oceans
- Not for: You want sea days, a pool and open horizons
- Included: dining and drinks; excursions
Comparison
Read the comparison behind it.
Want us to make the recommendation for your family?
Tell us who is traveling, when and what matters most, and a specialist will name the ships we would book for you, and the ones we would not.