P&O Cruises to Open Adult-Only Ships to Families – and Loyal Guests Aren’t Happy
P&O Aurora sails into the sunset pic: www.Bergenships.com
In a move that’s already sparked widespread backlash across cruise communities, P&O Cruises has announced plans to welcome families onboard its two adult-only ships, Arcadia and Aurora, for selected sailings from December 2026.
Cruise Addicted’s view is that this change is unlikely to be popular — particularly coming so soon after Ambassador Cruise Line publicly recommitted to adult-only cruising, following a similar and short-lived experiment with “family-friendly” holiday sailings.
Across cruise Facebook groups today, long-standing P&O loyalists have expressed disbelief and even fury at the news. Many see the decision as purely financial rather than guest-driven, with some pointing out that P&O’s “four in a cabin” pricing is “disingenuous at best.”
The change leaves a real lack of options for child-free adults who are limited to travelling during school holidays — a group that P&O had previously served well with its adult-only offering.
What’s Changing
From December 2026, selected cruises on Arcadia and Aurora will be open to guests of all ages during peak holiday periods. The move will add around 23% more cruises for families to choose from in the school summer holidays of 2027.
In total, 12 sailings on Aurora and 8 on Arcadia will be family-friendly through to September 2027, with more for winter 2027–28 to follow.
Bookings open October 7, 2025, with Aurora’s first family cruise departing 11 December 2026, and Arcadia’s on 21 December 2026.
P&O says the change is driven by growing demand for multi-generational travel.
“Over 30% of families are now cruising with at least two generations onboard,” said Paul Ludlow, President of Carnival UK & P&O Cruises. “Following guest feedback, we’re inviting all ages to join Arcadia and Aurora on selected holidays so the whole family can come together to experience these elegant ships.”
During these sailings, both ships will offer children’s menus, baby-changing and bottle-warming facilities, and age-inclusive entertainment and activities.
Ludlow confirmed that the majority of the year will remain adults-only, but these select sailings will open the ships up to families “during specific times of the year.”
Cruise Addicted’s Take
While multi-generational travel is a growing trend, P&O risks alienating a core segment of loyal adult travellers who deliberately choose these smaller, more traditional ships for their peaceful, grown-up atmosphere.
With Aurora and Arcadia now joining the family-friendly line-up — even on a limited basis — it’s another sign of how few truly adult-only cruise options remain from Southampton.
P&O Aurora picture: www.Bergenships.com
As one frequent cruiser put it to us privately: “It feels like P&O are chasing the younger market but forgetting who kept them afloat for decades.”
More Information
Family-friendly sailings on Aurora and Arcadia are on sale from today, October 7, 2025, with itineraries ranging from short breaks to festive cruises and Mediterranean voyages.
Full details are available on www.pocruises.com and you can search for your own P&O cruise here
✨ Stay Connected
-
-
search for a Viator Cruise Excursion here
-
Search for your Get your Guide Excursion here
Thanks for using our Port Guide! We hope it helps you make the most of your time ashore.
👉 Subscribe on YouTube for port walk-throughs, cruise vlogs, and insider tips.
👉 Sign up for our newsletter below for the latest guides and cruise inspiration straight to your inbox.
💙 A Note on Affiliate Links
You’ll spot a few affiliate links in this guide (such as recommended tours, travel gear, or booking sites). If you decide to click through and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission—at no extra cost to you. It’s a simple way to support us, and we’re so grateful!