P&O Cruises, as one of the most well known and respected cruise lines in the UK offer three distinct types of holiday to ensure that, whoever the customer, they have the perfect ship on offer. So whether cruisers are looking for the newer, more contemporary cruise style, the original cruise experience or a smaller, more intimate option, they have something to offer for all tastes.

They also have narrowed their liners into two distinct categories – either child friendly or child free, so whether you're looking for a family holiday or to relax in a child-free environment, you won't be disappointed.

The first of the ships which passengers can choose for a child-free cruise holiday with P&O is the beautiful Arcadia – noted for bringing her contemporary style to the fleet. She's an over eighteens ship only – which means no children's facilities and no children and as a result, everything on board is geared to a child-free passenger, no early meals, no babysitting, no kiddies games at poolside. This makes her the perfect choice for Brits looking to indulge in some serious poolside peace and quiet and uninterrupted meals.

The other P&O Cruises vessel that doesn't accept children on board is the small but beautifully appointed Artemis, notable for her dedicated cinema and the wide range of theme cruises she offers throughout the year as part of P&O's New Horizons programme.

Both ships are the perfect choice for those seeking a more peaceful, relaxed and child-free ambiance which is understandable for those without offspring as, although the vast majority are well behaved, noisy or naughty children can spoil a holiday.

If neither of these ships is suitable, then cruisers looking to minimize the risk of their holiday time being ruined by misbehaving children should also consider how best to avoid a family focused cruise.

Firstly, they should consider cruising on a small ship and will find that smaller ships attract fewer families and although you can expect a handful, there will hardly be enough to change the atmosphere. The intimate ships of high-end lines like Silversea, Seabourn, SeaDream Yacht Club and Regent Seven Seas Cruises are genteel, dignified and tailored to adults so attract very few families.

A second tactic would be to explore more exotic itineraries. Steer clear of the Caribbean, Mediterranean and Canary Islands in favour of other appealing regions of the world as well, namely the Far East, South Pacific, Hawaii, and even Antarctica. NCL, Princess, Holland America, Celebrity, Royal Caribbean, Star Clippers, Regent, Silversea, Seabourn, Windstar and Crystal are among the cruise lines to offer more off-the-track itineraries during the holiday season.

Finally, cruisers looking to avoid families should consider longer duration cruises if they have the time available to them. Families tend to take week long or shorter cruises so by choosing a longer itinerary, you're pretty much guaranteed to be sailing with few kids. If you're set on the Caribbean, choose a 10- or 11-night itinerary, particularly those that include a partial Panama Canal transit as these are generally less attractive to cruisers with children.