Seven brilliant destinations for a family reunion holiday

For some families, a reunion means lots of little ones but it can also mean a big group of adults, all with very different interests and holiday priorities. If you’re worried about finding a destination that everyone will fall in love with, California is a great option. In the USA’s third-largest state, you’ll find Wine Country and its abundance of world-class vineyards, which you can tour by bike on a Princess shore excursion; national parks Yosemite and Sequoia, both teeming with wildlife and hiking for nature lovers; museums and galleries in buzzing Los Angeles and landmark sights such as San Francisco’s iconic Golden Gate Bridge – and that’s just for starters. For any children in tow, there are incredible beaches, plenty of water sports and a potential trip to Disneyland to keep them sweet.

Almost guaranteed sunshine, exceptional scenery and child-friendly beaches – Mexico is an obvious family holiday, offering both relaxation and active pursuits for those with energy to burn. There are countless must-visit locations around the country, but thanks to its picturesque coastline and plethora of activities, Cabo San Lucas is a fine starting point. Princess’ range of shore excursions in the resort city can help you and the family make the most of the region, whether your group fancies snorkelling in beautiful Chileno Bay, ziplining high above dramatic canyons or embarking on a luxury sunset sail for something truly special.

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For families looking to go big for their reunion, look no further than Australia. Sure, it takes a little time to get there from the UK but once there, you’ll be thankful you made the journey. Offering the family holiday of a lifetime, everyone will love the opportunities to spot wildlife (think koalas, dingoes and Tasmanian devils), and then there are the various jaw-dropping natural wonders, headlined by the immense Great Barrier Reef. Get a taste of the world’s largest coral reef on a Princess shore excursion from Airlie Beach, sure to wow visitors of any and all generations.

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If you’re after a holiday that feels exotic and indulgent but doesn’t involve travelling to the other side of the world, Sicily delivers. It’s also a fantastic place for travellers of any age. For one thing, there’s food to please everyone – simple, fresh pasta and pizzas for younger palates and Michelin starred-cuisine for adventurous foodies – plus the island’s capital, Palermo, is known for its exceptional street food. Then there are adventure opportunities for old and young alike, such as seeing active volcano Mount Etna, made even more exciting when visited in a 4x4 Jeep on an exhilarating Princess shore excursion.

Heading to St. Lucia for a big family holiday means ticking off spending time with loved ones and visiting a bucket-list destination. As with many of the Caribbean islands, the beaches here are fit for a postcard, with white sand, palm trees and azure water. But there’s more to St. Lucia than simply sunbathing. Adults can kick back and rejuvenate in a hot spring or volcanic mud bath, while the daredevils of the family will love zooming through the rainforest canopy on an aerial tram. And that’s all without mentioning the rum, which is made on the island and can be found in every local beach bar. It’s strictly for the grown-ups, of course!

Easily accessible for those based in the UK, a trip to Dublin could mean more family members coming together, what with no long-haul travel. But convenience certainly isn’t the only thing Dublin has going for it. The Republic of Ireland’s capital is a vibrant, beautiful place that’s sure to win over adults with its fascinating history and glorious pubs (ready for some live music and a pint of Guinness or two?!). For kids and teens, there are ample parks and green spaces (St Stephen’s Green is a popular spot with a pretty lake) and innovative institutions like The Ark, a cultural centre built especially for children that’s packed with activities and workshops.

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This Scandinavian jewel is a brilliant family-holiday option for many reasons. Firstly, it’s an easy country to travel around, whether by car or public transport. Secondly, Norway offers great activities for little ones, such as Scandinavia’s largest water park, Bø Sommarland in Telemark, and Hunderfossen Family Park near Lillehammer, which is home to rollercoasters, a fairy-tale castle, a mini Mercedes-Benz driving track and a 4D cinema, among so much more. It almost goes without saying that there are plenty of adventures for adults, too, such as a thrilling helicopter flight above the iconic Pulpit Rock (available on a Princess shore excursion from Haugesund) or a seriously zippy ride through stunning fjords in a RIB (rigid inflatable boat). Norway is a great choice for outdoor-loving families, but for those who prefer more indoor-based fun, cities like Oslo and Trondheim are packed with galleries, museums, shops and fantastic restaurants.