When going on a luxury cruise with the family, images of the Caribbean or the Mexican Riviera often come to mind. But for families looking for a unique way of sailing with the family, these destinations may not appeal to them. If you’re looking for an alternative to the typical family cruises, check out these luxury cruises to take the family away. From cruising to Antarctica to exploring the river of France and island hopping around the Greek Islands, these cruises can make your family holidays even more exciting and fun.

Cruise to Antarctica

A cruise to Antarctica offers a fascinating array of highlights – from breathtaking scenery to spectacular wildlife species. Your family holiday to this incredible continent will remind you just how fragile our planet is and why we should help protect our environment. There are many cruises to choose from, but most adventures will require at least a week for an in-depth experience exploring the continent.

You will start to understand the vast scale of Antarctica once you see icebergs as your ship approaches the continent. The massive iceberg formations look impressive, guaranteed to amaze you and your kids, and will have you reaching for your camera to capture the moment. As your boat glides along the islands that make up Antarctica, keep your eyes peeled on the endearing creatures, including the quirky penguins. You will find them unbothered by the presence of humans, which makes for an even more fascinating experience! Antarctica also offers fun opportunities for birdwatching. Once your ship crosses the Drake Passage, you’ll start seeing bird species endemic to the continent, including Reischek’s parakeet, shy albatross, and more.

One of the highlights of your Antarctica cruise is the magical sunset, featuring hues of pink, oranges, and purple scattered across the sky, reflected in the calm waters, and made even more remarkable by the drifting ice – a truly fascinating sight to behold!

River Cruising in France

No matter how many times you’ve been to France, it’s a destination that will surprise you on every visit. On your next family holiday to France, consider going for a river cruise. It’s an exciting way to discover the country’s picturesque countryside, such as the stunning wine region of Bordeaux, Burgundy, and Provence.

Bordeaux is a top destination for river cruising in France, which takes you to the region’s three waterways, the Garonne, Dordogne, and Gironde rivers. Situated in southwest France, Bordeaux is famous for its stunning vineyards producing some of the best wines in France. Wander around the lovely villages and charming estates of Saint-Émilion, watch a concert at the 13th century Château of Médoc and indulge in fresh oysters paired with the most delectable wine.

The Seine is another popular destination for luxury river cruising in France, especially if you want to begin your journey in Paris. From the City of Lights, your cruise will take you to Northern France with stops at the charming villages of Giverny, Rouen, and Honfleur. Your river cruise will include fun excursions, including exploring the famous beaches of Normandy, the site of the historic D-Day landings.

Croatian Island-Hopping Cruise

Famous for its fascinating history, incredible landscapes, and stunning coastline dotted with beautiful beaches, Croatia is a family-friendly destination that you can best explore on a luxury island-hopping cruise. Your cruise will include land-based excursions and other fun activities along the Adriatic Coast. You will stop at many lovely beaches, wander around historic cities, and hike along scenic trails.

When cruising with your family, make sure you choose a ship with a spacious and comfortable salon, allowing the little ones to watch TV and enjoy other entertaining indoor amenities as your ship sails across the Adriatic Sea. You can start your holiday in Split and other famous Croatian cities close to the airport. Spend a few days in this historic town before you begin your cruise. Split is steeped in history, home to the enormous Diocletian’s Palace, built by the Roman Emperor Diocletian during the 4th Century AD.

From Split, you can sail to Mljet island and into the charming city of Dubrovnik, which offers numerous family-friendly attractions. It’s where the famous Game of Thrones series was filmed and has a historic walled town that’s fun to stroll around.

Cruise Around the Galapagos Islands

The Galapagos Islands is one of the world’s most unique destinations, making it an ideal place to take the family for exciting luxury cruise adventures. It’s an archipelago off the coast of Ecuador with fascinating landscapes and incredible endemic species that include the giant tortoises, Galapagos fur seals, and Darwin Finch.

You can choose different types of ships for your luxury touring cruise of the Galapagos, from sailboats to vessels, yachts, and catamarans. The multi-day cruises range from four days to a couple of weeks! Many cruises begin in Santa Cruz Island and will take you to the islands of Isabela, Fernandina, Genovesa, Española, and Floreana.

It would be a great idea to book a cruise with fun activities for the kids to enjoy, such as kayaking, snorkelling, paddle boarding, and more. These cruises also include land-based excursions, a great way to discover the wildlife, including exotic birds, such as red-footed boobies, cormorant birds, etc.

Greek Island-Hopping Cruise

Island hopping is one of the best ways to explore the charming islands that makeup Greece. During the day, explore an island on an ATV and stop at secluded coves for a refreshing dip. At night, marvel at unforgettable sunsets and enjoy delicious Greek cuisine.

Since Mykonos and Santorini have international airports, you can start your journey at any of these islands. The most popular route begins in Santorini, where you spend a few days before heading to the nearby island of Milos. From here, you can sail to Mykonos, where you can unwind at the island’s many beautiful beaches.

For adventurous families, you may want to visit more secluded islands where you can explore away from the tourist crowds. You can sail to Sikinos, one of the lesser-known islands in the Cyclades, with quiet towns and tranquil beaches.