Skip to content

Family cruise guide

Cruising with children on P&O Cruises

P&O families should check both the ship and the sailing date. Fleet-wide assumptions about which ships accept children can go out of date.

By Cruises Frog · Sources reviewed October 12, 2026

Cruise style
Family programs

Children’s eligibility and programs

P&O’s all-ages FAQ says selected Arcadia and Aurora sailings become open to all ages from December 2026. Confirm the individual departure rather than treating those ships as either always adults only or always family friendly.

Planning the trip together

Start with the departure’s family status, then confirm the youth facilities and program actually available aboard that ship. For a baby, ask about itinerary-specific minimum ages. Compare the cabin’s extra beds and choose excursions that fit the youngest child. A ship newly accepting families should be evaluated on its actual offer, not the facilities of Iona or Arvia.

What to check with P&O Cruises

  • Confirm all-ages status on your sailing date.
  • Check youth facilities and registration on your ship.
  • Verify route-specific infant ages and cabin beds.

Before paying a family cruise deposit

  • Give the line each child’s age on embarkation day and the exact itinerary before paying a deposit.
  • Confirm a bed for every guest, cot availability, and any connecting-cabin arrangement in the booked category.
  • Check passports, visas and consent documents for children travelling with one parent or another guardian.
  • Ask about club registration, independent toilet use, care hours, fees and age or height limits on activities.

Age rules, programs and availability can change. The cruise line’s current terms for your booking and departure govern your trip.

Explore P&O Cruises and its ships →
Compare all family guides

Quick answers

Can children cruise with P&O Cruises?

P&O’s all-ages FAQ says selected Arcadia and Aurora sailings become open to all ages from December 2026. Confirm the individual departure rather than treating those ships as either always adults only or always family friendly.

How should families plan a P&O Cruises cruise?

Start with the departure’s family status, then confirm the youth facilities and program actually available aboard that ship. For a baby, ask about itinerary-specific minimum ages. Compare the cabin’s extra beds and choose excursions that fit the youngest child. A ship newly accepting families should be evaluated on its actual offer, not the facilities of Iona or Arvia.

What should families confirm with P&O Cruises before booking?

Confirm all-ages status on your sailing date. Check youth facilities and registration on your ship. Verify route-specific infant ages and cabin beds.