A major cruise line has announced two of its adults-only ships will soon welcome under-18s – but not everyone is on board with the new change.
From December 2026 to September 2027, P&O Cruises will open select departures on its Aurora and Arcadia ships to guests of all ages.
The multi-generational cruises will incorporate changes to itineraries, such as the introduction of family entertainment and events, children’s menus and bottle-warming facilities, which P&O says comes in response to increasing demand for family travel.
Though the cruise line is offering to refund or rebook guests who are unhappy with the changes, many say the move will alienate the very passengers who have been loyal to the brand since its formal establishment in the 1970s.
Booked passengers who no longer wish to travel will be able to receive a refund within ten working days, or alternatively have their deposit moved to another sailing.
P&O Cruises confirmed guests have until 1 December, 2025, to begin claiming a refund or change their booking, according to Travel Gossip.
For nearly two decades, both Aurora and Arcadia have offered guests who prefer a child-free environment a quiet, traditional cruise experience – but some now say the move risks alienating the very passengers who built the brand.
Avid adventurer and mother-of-two Jenni, who goes by @cruisemummy on Instagram, shared her skepticism in a post, writing: ‘This is a bit shocking!
From December 2026 to September 2027, P&O Cruises will open select departures on its Aurora (pictured) and Arcadia ships to guests of all ages
For nearly two decades, both Aurora (pictured) and Arcadia have offered guests who prefer a child-free environment a quiet, traditional cruise experience – but some now say the move risks alienating the very passengers who built the brand
Though the cruise line is offering to refund or rebook guests who are unhappy with the changes, many say the move will alienate the very passengers who have been loyal to the brand since its formal establishment in the 1970s (Pictured: Inside P&O Cruises’ Aurora)
‘Many cruisers think this is a bad idea. They book adult-only ships because they don’t want kids there.
‘On the other hand, cabins that sleep three or four people sell out incredibly quickly on P&O ships. So it makes sense that the cruise line would do what they can to add more availability.’
Other cruise guests were locked in fierce debate in the comments, as one wrote: ‘People choose adult only for many reasons.
‘Not just because they “don’t like kids” – they may work with them, they may have lost children of their own or unable to have them & it’s too painful to be around others, I chose adult only when my children were with their dad as I missed them so much.’
Another called the change a ‘bad move,’ while a third chimed: ‘No thank you I specifically book adult ships to get away from screaming kids. We like adult family holidays.’
A number of parents shared their delight at the news, as one wrote: ‘I am super excited about this! I went on a lot of P&O cruises as a child on Aurora, so to be able to go back on as a family is very exciting for me.’
One person reasoned: ‘I’m not against children onboard at all, but the vibe on the ship is lovely the way it is and I am concerned that this might change.
‘I just wonder what the children will have to do as there really is nothing onboard for them at present. I appreciate that people will be still be able to choose the adult only cruises, if they wish, but I think leave at least Aurora as it is.’
Cruise guests were locked in fierce debate on Instagram
Another added: ‘We’ve just come back from the Fjords with our 8 month old on Iona, and it was brilliant because of how the ship has the facilities for kids. Couldn’t think of anything worse than being with her on a ship designed for adults, it’d be pointless.’
Meanwhile, the first ever dedicated solo traveller cruise ship is set to launch in 2027, it has been announced.
MS George Eliot will offer new 15-day itineraries – the longest solo river cruises ever.
The first solo guests will be able to set sail on the 110-metre ship from Riviera Travel from June 2027. The vessel has 70 statesrooms and suites, including French-balcony cabins, superior suites and deluxe balcony suites.
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