Not many holidays have what it takes to keep the whole family happy. But choose the right cruise and children will be entertained from dawn until dusk, leaving parents to relax with a book, have spa treatments or just get a much-needed lie-in.

Modern family-friendly ships have incredible facilities for young people that rival the most sophisticated resort hotels. Many have dedicated pools and waterparks plus round-the-clock programmes for children, in up to five age groups, with everything from face-painting to talent shows. Teenagers will love the dens kitted out with PlayStations, discos and music-recording equipment, as well as the Nintendo Wiis and Formula 1 simulators found on some ships.

Teams of qualified staff are dedicated to looking after children on these cruises; but parents of more independent kids who prefer to roam free can also relax in the knowledge that ships are safe environments.

The whole family will love the bowling alleys, surf parks, ice-skating rinks and rock-climbing walls on some cruises, or they can relax together for evening movies under the stars or a west-end-style show. And once ashore, they can visit theme parks and football stadiums, explore on bicycles or dive with dolphins – some cruise lines even offer children-only excursions.

The trend towards relaxed dining on the big resort ships means families can eat what they like when they like, and with meals included in the cruise price, parents aren’t constantly forking out for snacks. Many restaurants have children’s menus and high chairs, baby food can be organised on request, and babysitting services allows parents to have an adult evening out, just moments from the children.

With onboard entertainment and activities also included in the booking price, budgeting becomes easier too. Under-twos cruise free on most lines, and others have very generous discounts for children and young people. Most ships have cabins with optional extra beds or inter-joining cabins for older children, and a few have family cabins.

Ask your ACE travel agent for details.