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The best family holidays create stories that are talked about for years. Luxury family cruises offer something far more meaningful than crowded theme-park shipsβthey provide unforgettable shared experiences in some of the world's most spectacular destinations. From spotting penguins in Antarctica and exploring the Kimberley by Zodiac to discovering remote island cultures, every day becomes a new family adventure.
Family luxury cruises combine the excitement of exploration with the comfort and personalised service of a luxury small ship. Rather than focusing on waterslides, casinos and large-scale entertainment, these voyages encourage families to experience the world together through wildlife encounters, cultural discovery and unforgettable adventures.
Every day offers opportunities to learn, explore and share experiences. Families may find themselves cruising among Antarctic icebergs, watching humpback whales in the Kimberley, exploring remote Arctic fjords or meeting local communities in the South Pacific.
The smaller size of PONANT's ships also creates a relaxed atmosphere where families can spend quality time together while enjoying spacious accommodation, exceptional dining and expert-guided shore excursions.
Luxury family cruises offer experiences that inspire curiosity, conversation and lifelong memories.
Instead of spending the holiday separated by children's clubs and onboard attractions, families explore together, creating shared moments that often become the highlight of the journey.
Some of the many reasons families choose luxury small ship cruises include:
β Share unforgettable wildlife encounters
β Explore remote destinations together
β Learn from expert naturalists and guides
β Enjoy safe, organised shore excursions
β Discover different cultures and traditions
β Experience exceptional cuisine and personalised service
β Visit places inaccessible to larger ships
β Create lifelong family memories
β Ideal for multi-generational travel
β Balance adventure with luxury and comfort
| Feature | What Makes It Special |
|---|---|
| Shared Adventures | Experience extraordinary destinations together, creating memories that last long after the journey ends. |
| Wildlife Encounters | Watch penguins, whales, crocodiles, polar bears and other incredible wildlife in their natural environments. |
| Educational Experiences | Expert guides transform every destination into a fascinating learning experience for curious travellers of all ages. |
| Small Ship Advantage | Enjoy a more personal atmosphere with fewer guests and greater access to remote destinations. |
| Multi-Generational Travel | Ideal for grandparents, parents and children travelling together and sharing remarkable experiences. |
| Adventure with Comfort | Combine exploration and discovery with luxury accommodation, fine dining and attentive service. |
| Quality Family Time | Disconnect from everyday distractions and reconnect through shared discoveries. |
| Safe Exploration | Experienced expedition teams provide guidance and support throughout your adventure. |
| Unique Destinations | Introduce younger generations to some of the world's most spectacular places. |
BlueSun Insight
The best family holidays aren't always the ones with the most entertainment.
Often, they are the ones where everyone experiences something unforgettable together.
A family expedition cruise creates moments that are difficult to replicate elsewhere. Watching a child see their first penguin colony, sharing the excitement of spotting a whale, or exploring a remote coastline together creates memories that become family stories for generations.
At BlueSun Travel, we believe luxury family travel is about giving families experiences that inspire curiosity, connection and a genuine appreciation for the world beyond their own backyard.
The greatest souvenir from a family cruise isn't something you buyβit is something you experience together.
PONANT offers a different style of family cruisingβone focused on discovery, exploration and meaningful experiences rather than traditional onboard entertainment.
The intimate size of PONANT's ships creates a relaxed environment where families can spend genuine time together while enjoying exceptional service, beautiful accommodation and world-class cuisine.
For families with curious teenagers or older children, these voyages offer something increasingly rare: the opportunity to learn, explore and experience the world together.
Why PONANT Works for Families
Small ships with a welcoming atmosphere
Extraordinary destinations beyond the typical tourist trail
Wildlife encounters that inspire all generations
Expert Expedition Leaders and naturalists
Educational experiences through lectures and excursions
Safe, professionally managed adventures
Spacious accommodation options
Exceptional dining and service
Ideal for family celebrations and milestone journeys
Perfect for multi-generational travel
Kimberley
One of Australia's greatest family adventure destinations, combining wildlife, Indigenous culture and spectacular landscapes.
Highlights
β King George Falls
β Montgomery Reef
β Aboriginal rock art
β Crocodile encounters
Β Explore Kimberley Cruises β
Antarctica
A destination that transforms into a living classroom, where families can experience one of Earth's last great wildernesses.
Highlights
β Penguin colonies
β Icebergs
β Whales
β Expedition adventures
Β Explore Antarctica Cruises β
Japan
A fascinating destination where families can experience ancient traditions, incredible cuisine and a unique blend of history and modern culture.
Highlights
β Temples
β Samurai heritage
β Japanese cuisine
β Traditional villages
Arctic & Greenland
Introduce younger travellers to polar landscapes, Arctic wildlife and fascinating Indigenous cultures.
Highlights
β Icebergs
β Polar wildlife
β Inuit culture
β Remote communities
Β Explore Artic Cruises β
Β Explore Greenland β
South Pacific
A perfect combination of tropical beauty, cultural experiences and relaxed island exploration.
Highlights
β Island traditions
β Marine life
β Beaches
β Local communities
Β Explore South Pacific Cruises β
Japan
A fascinating destination where families can experience ancient traditions, incredible cuisine and a unique blend of history and modern culture.
Highlights
β Temples
β Samurai heritage
β Japanese cuisine
β Traditional villages
Explore Japan Cruises β
An expedition cruise is ideal if you:
β Love nature, wildlife and remote landscapes
β Enjoy learning from experts and destination specialists
β Prefer meaningful experiences over onboard entertainment
β Want to explore beyond mainstream tourist destinations
β Appreciate small-group excursions
β Enjoy photography and wildlife observation
β Like active days balanced with luxury accommodation
An expedition cruise may be less suitable if you:
β Prefer fixed itineraries and predictable schedules
β Are looking for casinos, shopping malls or Broadway-style entertainment
β Prefer beach-focused resort holidays
β Want large-scale family attractions and waterparks
It does not matter how many times a person may have cruised, there are always going to be questions you might need answered. And at BlueSun Travel we are use to doing this all the time. We are PONANT experts and available 7-days a week to help you out.Β
Have a read of some of these basic FAQs but feel free to reach out and call us any time: 1300 799 758.Β
An expedition cruise is a voyage designed to explore remote destinations through expert-led shore landings, Zodiac excursions and immersive educational experiences.
Traditional cruises focus on onboard entertainment and major ports, while expedition cruises prioritise exploration, wildlife, nature and authentic destination experiences.
Most expedition cruises suit travellers with moderate mobility. Participation in Zodiac landings and guided walks varies depending on the itinerary, with many activities offering different levels of difficulty.
Yes. Modern operators such as PONANT combine genuine expedition capability with elegant accommodation, exceptional dining and personalised service.
Depending on the destination, you may encounter penguins, whales, polar bears, walrus, seabirds, seals, dolphins and many other remarkable species.
Absolutely. Many guests choose an expedition cruise as their first cruise because they are drawn by the destinations rather than traditional cruising.
Continue exploring other unforgettable ways to discover the world with PONANT:
The greatest family journeys are the ones that bring everyone closer together. A luxury small ship cruise offers the chance to explore extraordinary places, encounter incredible wildlife and discover cultures far beyond the everyday.
At BlueSun Travel, we specialise in helping families choose exceptional voyages where every generation can share the adventure. Whether it is Antarctica, the Kimberley, Japan or the Arctic, we will help you find a journey your family will remember forever.
Contact BlueSun Travel Today
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