Thomson's 13-night Western Horizons Cruise (08700 602277) sails from Limassol and features Alexandria, Rhodes, Athens, Rome and Barcelona among its ports of call. The 1,200-berth Spirit has areas for children and teenagers as well as a toddlers' pool. Round-the-clock restaurants mean that you can eat when the children are hungry rather than having to wait for prescribed slots. An outside cabin costs £599 per adult and £329 per child, including flights from Gatwick, Birmingham or Glasgow. Depart 29 November.

Cruise around the Moroccan coast and Canary Islands with Festival Cruises (0870 126 3080), sailing from Genoa and visiting Madeira, Casablanca and the Timanfaya Nature Reserve in Lanzarote. On board the European Stars - the newest ship in the Festival fleet - the Dolphin Club entertains three to12-year-olds with face painting, treasure hunts and an end-of-week show. There's also a club for teenagers. Baby-sitting is available during evenings and shore excursions. Sailing during half-term week, between 15 and 25 February, starting at £854pp, including flights from London, based on two adults sharing an inside cabin. Under-18s go for £504pp when sharing with two adults.

Island Cruises (08707 500414) styles itself as a pioneer of casual cruising and its Carnival Cruise in Brazil is geared to appeal to families. Shore excursions place an emphasis on activities, such as jeep and helicopter tours of Rio de Janeiro and sand-dune riding in Ilhabela. On board the 1,690-berth Island Escape, there's a kids' club for three different age groups. A one-week cruise costs from £929pp, including flights from Heathrow, based on two adults sharing a twin cabin. There is a £200 discount for children under 12 when sharing with two adults. Depart 20 February.

Spend three nights room-only in a hotel in Honolulu, then cruise around the Hawaiian Islands on board the 2,200-berth Norwegian Star with Norwegian Cruise Lines (0800 181560). Plenty of excursions, such as mountain safaris and whale-watching, are offered. There's a children's programme for four age groups (from three to 17) and nursery facilities are also available. The 'Circus at Sea' programme gives kids the opportunity to learn juggling, clowning and other circus skills. A 12-night stay & cruise costs from £1,145pp based on two sharing an inside cabin. Under-11s go for £799 and under-2s for £199. Price includes flights from London and pre-cruise accommodation. Depart 1-26 February.

Take a trip to Alaska with Holland America Line (020 7940 4477). Excursions aimed at children include the Teens' Wilderness Kayak Adventure for £60 and, for six to 12-year-olds, a trip to the Deer Mountain Hatchery & Eagle Centre (£20). The KidZone and WaveRunner rooms have video game areas and a dance floor. A nine-night fly/cruise costs £1,354pp based on two sharing an inside cabin. Children under 11 sharing the same cabin go for £735. Price includes flights from London and a pre-cruise hotel night in Seattle. Depart 22 May.