The first ship in Royal Caribbean’s award-winning Oasis Class, Oasis of the Seas is one of the best ways to see Europe with the family. Royal Caribbean ticks every single one of our family holiday boxes with its cruise ships which are some of the most innovative at sea, packing an incredible array of offerings under one roof, from West End-style shows and fantastic food to spacious accommodation and incredible kids' clubs. Not only that, but the exciting Icon of the Seas launch is mere days away, but more on that later.
Launched in 2008, Oasis of the Seas was a game-changer – but 2025 sees her offer even bigger and better adventures than ever before with new attractions and upgrades for kids of all ages, dining options, and buzzing evening hangouts. You can look forward to a cool new glow-in-the-dark laser tag face-off, for instance, and totally interactive, completely redesigned spaces for babies, kids, and teens.
It’s impossible to detail everything you’ll experience during your time on board (and much of the fun is discovering it all over the course of your holiday!), but highlights include The Perfect Storm waterslides and Ultimate Abyss, the tallest slide at sea, and bold bites at El Loco Fresh with its Mexican fare, Portside BBQ, and Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade.
One of our favourite family cruises for 2025 is Spain, France, & Italy, departing on 25th August. You’ll call at Barcelona, Palma de Mallorca, Marseille, and Civitavecchia to name a few.
The eight-day round-trip from Barcelona takes you to some of the highlights of the Western Mediterranean. You can explore the sun- and culture-drenched city of Marseille or head inland to the lavender fields of Provence, discover the iconic architecture and artworks of Florence or Pisa from La Spezia, and immerse yourself in one of the world’s finest repositories of history, Rome.
Other highlights include Palma da Mallorca, great for beaches but also for its labyrinthine alleys to explore and its vintage train ride to Sóller, and Naples, birthplace of pizza and home to an amazing archaeological museum.
From Naples you can hike (or take the bus) up to the summit of Mount Vesuvius or tour the world-class ruins of Pompeii, the city ravaged when the volcano erupted in 79AD. Alternatively, take a boat trip to visit chic Capri.
Or if you’d like to make 2025 the year you experience a Caribbean cruise, check out Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas, launching this January. This is another game-changing class of ship (the Icon class) – one that features Thrill Island, the largest water park at sea, with several record-breaking slides as well as two family raft water slides; the Crown's Edge skywalk, high-ropes course and thrill ride; and the Adrenaline Peak rock-climbing wall with racing lanes.
There’s also the Lost Dunes mini-golf course and the Surfside stay-all-day family neighbourhood, including Baby Bay, Splashaway Bay aquapark, an infinity pool with ocean views, Playscape with its slides and climbing structures, a quirky beach-themed carousel, and an arcade with air hockey and retro-style games.
Finland is often linked with winter trips to Lapland, but there’s much more to discover across the country. From design-led cities to quiet lakes and coastal landscapes, it offers a different pace of travel that feels both refreshing and easy to explore. If you’re looking for a European destination that combines nature, culture, and something a little less expected, Finland is well worth considering.
Few destinations offer as much to discover as South Africa, and recently, a group of Travel Counsellors experienced just how varied a journey here can be. From the dramatic landscapes of the Panorama Route to unforgettable safari moments in Kruger National Park, time spent with local tourism partners, and a deeply moving visit to Soweto, the trip offered the kind of first-hand insight that helps shape more personal, meaningful holidays for customers. It was a reminder that South Africa isn’t only about big-name sights; it’s about the people, places, flavours, and small moments that stay with you long after you’ve returned home.
Spain takes on a slightly slower, softer rhythm in September. The peak summer crowds have eased, the evenings still feel made for long dinners outside, and there’s enough warmth left for beach days, city strolls, and countryside escapes. From island coves to wine country and elegant northern coastlines, these five Spanish destinations all come into their own as summer gently gives way to autumn.