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.
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.
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 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.
One of Arcadia’s cruises, the Norway and Iceland itinerary (20th July 2027), will only be available to children aged 12 months and older.
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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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.
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