P&O Cruises Shocks Fans by Ending Adults-Only Policy on Two Beloved Ships
In a move that’s sure to spark both excitement and debate among loyal cruisers, P&O Cruises has announced that its traditionally adults-only ships, Arcadia and Aurora, will welcome families on select sailings beginning in December 2026.
The change marks a significant shift for the cruise line, as both vessels have long been known for offering serene, child-free voyages catering to couples and adult travelers. But starting next year, the two ships will open their gangways to guests of all ages—on a limited number of itineraries designed to meet growing demand for multi-generational travel.
Why the Change?
According to P&O Cruises President Paul Ludlow, the decision came after extensive guest feedback and a rising trend in family cruising.
“Over 30% of families are now cruising with at least two generations onboard, and nearly a third travel with three to five generations,” Ludlow explained.
“We’re inviting all ages to join Arcadia and Aurora on selected holidays so the whole family can experience these elegant ships together.”
The addition of family-friendly voyages will expand P&O’s options for travelers with children, increasing available family cruises by 23% during the 2027 school summer holidays.
When and Where the Family Sailings Begin
Bookings for these new itineraries open October 7, 2025, with the first voyages scheduled for the 2026 Christmas season:
- Aurora’s first family cruise departs December 11, 2026, on a four-night roundtrip sailing from Southampton to Rotterdam.
- It will be followed by a 14-night Scandinavian Christmas cruise on December 15, and a five-night New Year’s Eve voyage to Hamburg on December 29.
- Aurora will continue with additional Northern Europe and Mediterranean itineraries throughout 2027, including a 21-night Western Mediterranean voyage on August 11.
Meanwhile, Arcadia’s first family-friendly sailing will begin on December 21, 2026, with a 16-night Christmas cruise visiting Spain, Portugal, and the Canary Islands. Other family sailings include a three-night short break to Zeebrugge on May 10, 2027, and an epic 24-night Eastern Mediterranean voyage covering destinations from Greece to Egypt beginning August 3, 2027.
One itinerary, the Norway and Iceland sailing on July 20, 2027, will require children to be at least 12 months old.
Options for Affected Passengers
Guests who have already booked an adults-only sailing aboard either ship now have the option to change to a different cruise without penalty until December 1, 2025.
After that date, normal booking terms and conditions will apply.
P&O Cruises emphasized that while these voyages mark a new chapter for Arcadia and Aurora, the majority of sailings on both ships will remain adults-only.
What Families Can Expect
While neither ship will offer kids’ clubs or babysitting services, P&O Cruises will introduce a range of family-friendly touches during these select sailings, including:
- Children’s menus in dining venues
- Baby changing and bottle-warming facilities
- All-ages entertainment and games
- A mix of quiet and lively onboard spaces to accommodate every traveler’s preferences
The line also hinted that more family sailings could be added when new winter itineraries are released on October 14, 2025, for the 2027–2028 season.
Balancing Tradition and Inclusion
Arcadia and Aurora have long been favorites among adults seeking a more relaxed, refined atmosphere, so the announcement has stirred mixed reactions among P&O loyalists. Some see it as a welcome opportunity for families to share the cruising experience, while others worry it may change the ambiance of their preferred ships.
Still, P&O Cruises maintains that its aim is to “bring generations together” while preserving the adult-focused experience that made Arcadia and Aurora beloved in the first place.
