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.
Barbados' Sweetest Summer Escape is a seven-night vision of island elegance, where world-renowned hospitality meets simple luxury. Every moment is planned to feel special, from the VIP-style arrival at Grantley Adams International Airport to sunset cocktails and candlelit dinners at premium restaurants.
The Maldives has no shortage of exceptional resorts, but Six Senses has carved out a reputation for doing things a little differently. Here, luxury goes hand in hand with sustainability, wellness is woven into every stay, and experiences are designed to help guests reconnect with nature rather than simply admire it. Two of the brand's most remarkable island escapes are Six Senses Laamu and Six Senses Kanuhura. While both deliver the barefoot luxury that Six Senses is known for, each offers its own distinct personality. Whether you're dreaming of pristine reefs, laid-back island living, or some of the Maldives' finest beaches, here's how these two extraordinary resorts compare.
Thailand has long been a favourite for island escapes, but rather than choosing just one destination, why not experience several? Island hopping through the Gulf of Thailand allows you to discover a different side of the country, where each island has its own personality, from lively beach towns and world-class diving to hidden bays and peaceful luxury retreats. With reliable ferry connections making travel between the islands straightforward, it's never been easier to combine multiple destinations into one unforgettable holiday. Start with a few days in Bangkok before heading south to Koh Samui, then continue your adventure to Koh Tao and Koh Phangan, creating a trip that balances culture, relaxation, and adventure.
