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.
Winter sun doesn't have to mean the same destinations year after year. Whether you're dreaming of tropical islands, unforgettable wildlife encounters, bustling cities, or beaches that stretch for miles, there are plenty of destinations that come into their own during winter. If you're already thinking about your next escape, here are five winter sun destinations worth adding to your travel wish list.
When most people think of Thailand, they picture the dry, busy months - the packed beaches, the long queues at temples, the peak-season prices. But, outside of these peak months, Thailand’s green season reveals a softer, more atmospheric side of the country. The landscapes deepen in colour, the pace eases, and familiar places begin to feel more spacious, from temple courtyards and hillside trails to palm-fringed beaches.
Choosing where to stay can completely change the feel of an Algarve holiday. Beyond the region’s larger resorts, there are whitewashed villas overlooking the Atlantic, converted village houses in the countryside, intimate design hotels, and peaceful coastal retreats. From the fishing village of Salema to the quieter landscapes around Vila do Bispo and Lagos, these four stays each offer their own take on southern Portugal, whether you want the freedom of a villa, easy access to the beach, or somewhere small and characterful to come back to after a day exploring.
