Silversea Cruises with Family: Activities and Highlights

Silversea Cruises might not be the first name that comes to mind when you think of family travel—but it should be. If your family values personalized service, unforgettable shore excursions, and meaningful time together, a Silversea cruise offers the perfect mix of luxury and connection. Whether you’re traveling with kids, teens, or grandparents, a day at sea (or in port) has something for everyone.

Are kids allowed on Silversea cruises? Yes, they are—but with a few notes to consider. While Silversea doesn’t have formal kids’ clubs or babysitting services, children over six months old (or one year on expedition cruises) are welcome. That said, Silversea is best suited for older children and teens who enjoy quiet luxury, cultural experiences, and exploring new places. If you’re planning a multigenerational trip or have well-traveled kids, this can be an amazing way to bond as a family in style.

Wake Up to Ocean Views and Butler Service

Your day starts slowly in your spacious suite. One of the biggest perks of Silversea cruises is the butler service that comes with every suite. Your butler can bring breakfast to your veranda—think warm croissants, fresh fruit, and a perfectly made latte for the adults, plus pancakes or cereal for the kids. While everyone gets ready, you can enjoy the ocean views in peace and plan your day.

Morning Activities for All Ages

After breakfast, it’s time to explore. If you’re in port, your family might join one of Silversea’s included shore excursions. These range from gentle walking tours and cultural outings to wildlife adventures or beach days. In places like Alaska or the Mediterranean, excursions often include kid-friendly elements—like dolphin spotting, castles, local treats, or glass-bottom boats.

If it’s a sea day, the ship offers plenty of quiet activities families can enjoy together. Silversea doesn’t have water slides or arcades—but it does have a relaxed, upscale atmosphere perfect for board games in the Observation Lounge, afternoon tea, or a visit to the onboard library. Teens might enjoy photography, writing, or stargazing, while younger kids can spend time with a parent or grandparent exploring the ship’s open decks and quiet lounges.

Learn Something New as a Family

For older kids and adults, enrichment lectures and destination talks are a highlight. They bring each destination to life through expert storytelling and education—perfect for families who love to learn together. On expedition cruises, guests often enjoy hands-on science programs, Zodiac rides, or wildlife spotting that fascinates every age.

Lunch Your Way: Casual or Elegant

Lunch is another chance to enjoy time together. The ship’s specialty restaurants offer a range of choices—from elegant dining rooms to casual poolside grills. Menus are flexible and accommodating, even for picky eaters. Want something custom for the kids? Just ask—Silversea’s service team is always happy to help.

Midday Downtime or Light Adventure

After lunch, the family can split up for a bit of downtime. Adults might head to the spa for a massage or facial, while kids relax with a movie in the suite. Or you might all lounge by the pool with a book, ice cream, or mocktail in hand. Silver Nova, Silversea’s newest ship, offers even more room for families to spread out—larger suites, open-air decks, and cozy corners to unwind.

Afternoon Enrichment and Family Time

By mid-afternoon, you might enjoy an activity together. On some sailings, Silversea hosts cooking classes, wine tastings (for adults), and regional workshops. If you’re on a cruise with a special theme—like a Mediterranean food voyage or Arctic wildlife sailing—there may be extra activities like talks from chefs or naturalists that spark great family conversations.

Elegant Evenings with Shared Memories

Evenings on Silversea are relaxed but elegant. Getting dressed for dinner is part of the fun. Families can dine together in one of the specialty restaurants, enjoying multi-course meals that highlight regional flavors. There’s always a kid-friendly option, but many children enjoy trying new foods when dining in such a beautiful setting.

Nighttime Entertainment and Stargazing

After dinner, entertainment is quiet but sophisticated—think live jazz, piano music, or classic films in the lounge. On expedition ships, you might attend a recap of the day’s adventures with your onboard experts. Families often gather on deck to look at the stars or enjoy a late-night snack brought by their butler.

Celebrate Milestones Together

If you’re celebrating a birthday, anniversary, or milestone during your cruise, Silversea’s team can make it special with private dining, decorations, or custom cakes. Multi-generational families often mention how thoughtful the crew is when planning something meaningful.

Why Families Choose Silversea

One of the best parts of a Silversea cruise with family is how easy everything feels. You don’t need to worry about dinner reservations, shore excursion planning, or tipping. It’s all taken care of. That leaves more time to focus on what matters most—being together, seeing the world, and making memories.

Even though Silversea cruise line doesn’t offer traditional kids’ clubs or amusement-style fun, many families say that’s exactly why they chose it. It’s quiet, elegant, and real. No distractions, no long lines—just space, service, and enriching experiences you’ll remember forever.

The Silver Nova Advantage

From the included butler service to the thoughtful shore excursions, and the peaceful atmosphere onboard Silver Nova and other ships, Silversea is a top choice for families who want a different kind of vacation. It’s not just a trip—it’s a shared adventure wrapped in comfort and care.

Plan Your Family Voyage with Scott & Thomas

Thinking about taking your family on a luxury cruise? At Scott & Thomas, we specialize in planning unforgettable Silversea cruises and can unlock exclusive rates, upgrades, and private experiences not available to the general public. Let us help you design a voyage that brings your family closer—one incredible destination at a time.