P&O Cruises has announced a significant change to its long-standing adults-only policy for two of its ships, Arcadia and Aurora. Beginning in December 2026, these vessels will welcome families on a select number of itineraries. This decision comes in response to passenger feedback requesting more options for family holidays with the cruise line.
Key Takeaways
- Arcadia and Aurora will host families on limited cruises from December 2026.
- Itineraries range from short European trips to longer voyages up to 24 nights, all departing from Southampton.
- Passengers with existing bookings on affected sailings can change their cruise without penalty until December 1, 2025.
- Most sailings on both ships will remain adults-only.
Policy Shift Responds to Guest Feedback
The cruise line confirmed that this policy adjustment is a direct result of guest suggestions. Passengers expressed a desire for more opportunities to travel with multiple generations on P&O Cruises vessels. The company aims to accommodate these requests by opening specific voyages on Arcadia and Aurora to guests of all ages.
Traditionally, both the 83,781-gross-ton Arcadia and the 76,152-gross-ton Aurora have operated exclusively as adults-only ships. This change marks a notable departure from that long-established policy for certain departures.
“Following guest feedback, we’ll be welcoming all ages on a small number of cruise holidays on Acadia and Aurora from December 2026,” P&O Cruises stated. “This means families of all generations will now be able to enjoy holidays together on these two beautiful ships.”
Affected Itineraries and Destinations
The selected itineraries will include a mix of short European breaks and longer voyages. Destinations will encompass Northern Europe, Scandinavia, the Mediterranean, and the Canary Islands. All these new family-friendly sailings will operate roundtrip from Southampton, England.
For the first time in many years, these cruises will allow children, teenagers, parents, and grandparents to travel together on Arcadia and Aurora. This offers new holiday choices for families seeking to experience P&O Cruises.
Quick Facts
- Arcadia Gross Tonnage: 83,781 GT
- Aurora Gross Tonnage: 76,152 GT
- First Family Sailings: December 2026
- Booking Change Deadline: December 1, 2025
Booking Adjustments for Existing Passengers
The change may affect passengers who booked adults-only voyages on these ships. P&O Cruises has confirmed that existing reservations will remain valid. However, guests who specifically desire an adults-only experience may wish to consider alternative bookings.
The cruise line offers a period during which passengers can modify their bookings without incurring penalties. This window extends until December 1, 2025. After this date, standard terms and conditions for booking changes will apply.
Context of the Change
The cruise industry often balances different passenger preferences. While adults-only cruises cater to a specific segment, family-friendly options are also in high demand, especially during school holidays. This move by P&O Cruises reflects an effort to broaden its appeal and maximize ship utilization by responding to a wider range of guest preferences.
Aurora's Initial Family Sailings
The 1,874-passenger Aurora will embark on its first family-friendly voyage from Southampton on December 11, 2026. This four-night journey will travel to Rotterdam, Netherlands. Following this, a 14-night Christmas Scandinavian cruise is scheduled to depart on December 15, 2026.
To conclude the year, Aurora will offer a five-night itinerary to Hamburg for New Year’s Eve, departing on December 29, 2026. The ship will also feature several family sailings to Northern Europe and the Mediterranean throughout the summer of 2027.
One notable longer voyage for Aurora in 2027 is a 21-night Western Mediterranean cruise. This sailing departs on August 11, 2027, also from Southampton.
Arcadia's Family Cruise Schedule
The 2,094-guest Arcadia will begin its family-inclusive cruises with a 16-night Christmas sailing. This journey to Spain, Portugal, and the Canary Islands is set to depart from Southampton on December 21, 2026.
Other planned voyages for Arcadia include a three-night short break to Zeebrugge. This will depart from Southampton on May 10, 2027. A longer 24-night Eastern Mediterranean adventure is also scheduled for August 3, 2027. This extensive itinerary will visit Sicily, Malta, Greece, Turkey, Cyprus, Egypt, Tunisia, Spain, and Gibraltar.
It is important to note one specific restriction for Arcadia: its Norway and Iceland sailing on July 20, 2027, requires children to be at least 12 months old. This is the only itinerary with a minimum age requirement.
Onboard Services and Future Plans
The cruise line has clarified that while children will be welcome on these specific sailings, the ships will not offer dedicated children’s clubs or babysitting services. However, P&O Cruises stated that a variety of activities, entertainment, and games suitable for all ages will be available onboard. Children’s menus will also be provided in dining venues.
In total, the initial list of modified itineraries includes 12 sailings for Aurora and eight for Arcadia. These are spread across late 2026 and 2027. P&O Cruises indicated that additional family-friendly voyages might be added. This could happen after October 14, when new winter cruise schedules are released.
Despite these changes, the majority of cruises on Arcadia and Aurora will continue to operate under the traditional adults-only policy. This ensures that guests seeking a child-free environment will still have many options available.
- Aurora's first family sailing: December 11, 2026 (4 nights, Southampton to Rotterdam)
- Arcadia's first family sailing: December 21, 2026 (16 nights, Spain, Portugal, Canary Islands)
- Total family itineraries announced: 12 for Aurora, 8 for Arcadia
This strategic adjustment aims to cater to a broader demographic while maintaining the core adults-only experience for which Arcadia and Aurora are known.
