ANYONE with children knows that it's almost AANYONE with children knows that it's almost impossible to please all of the family, all of the time. Well, this summer, I think we cracked it. We took our three children Benedict, 17, Oliver, 15, and Cordelia, 11, on Royal Caribbean's fabulous Voyager Of The Seas ship and had a ball.

Our seven-day cruise out of Venice saw us criss-cross the Adriatic from Koper in Slovenia to Ravenna to Bari and historical Dubrovnik, before returning to Venice.

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From the minute we walked up the gangplank we knew we were going to be in for a lively time because we were surrounded by young families, loved-up couples and eager-for-action children. Anyone who still thinks that cruises are only for the retired is living in the dark ages. These days, they are vibrant, busy and fun. On board, there was so much for everyone to do that not once did any of our brood dare to utter those dread words: "I'm bored."

If anything, we struggled to fit it all in and I found myself planning our days with meticulous care so that we didn't miss the activities we fancied.

After all, where else can a child find ice-skating, rock-climbing, swimming pools, basketball, nine-hole mini golf, kids' clubs and inline skating all included and all within walking distance? The beauty of this kind of holiday is that there is no pressure to do anything at all but it's all there if you want to join in. The first full day saw us docking in Koper, packing our swimming gear and taking a tour to the sandy beach at Portorož. The children swam while we flopped with ice creams, enjoying a very satisfying five hours in the sun.

Back on board, it was a formal night and a chance to dress up. We had chosen the "My Time Dining" option which allowed us to decide when we wanted to eat in the magnificent, three-storey dining room, complete with the biggest chandelier I have ever seen.

The ultra-attentive waiting staff zipped around as we ordered prawns, steak, salmon and diet-busting desserts. The food on cruise ships is legendary and the dazzling choice on the Voyager Of The Seas did not disappoint.

From the serve-yourself Windjammer Cafe to the intimate Portofino restaurant, it is possible to eat something 24 hours a day if you have a mind to. There is even a branch of the popular burger bar Johnny Rockets on board where the waiters dance to Night Fever as you enjoy your milkshake and devour your burgers.

Day three saw us admiring the exquisite mosaics in the basilicas and baptisteries of Ravenna, then it was off to the Italian port city of Bari for shopping and sightseeing among the castles and churches of this Southern sea port.

My favourite stop-off, however, was definitely Dubrovnik in Croatia on day five. Known as The Pearl of the Adriatic, with its marble squares, Venetian palaces and stunning Baroque churches, it really is a city to savour.

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However, it was only after I had started climbing the steps to the city walls that I remembered I have no head for heights and had to be helped back down, much to the embarrassment of my children.

I don't want to leave you with the impression that this whole holiday was completely "child centric" because there were plenty of activities for us oldies to enjoy too.

Many a time we sneaked off to the adults-only spa area where we relaxed and swam in blissful peace. One night we hit the casino and on others took in a show.

The Promenade area on deck five of the ship really is something else. It mimics a main street and has working shops, bars and cafes.

Bands play in the town square, a British phone box masks an ATM, and a classic Morgan car offers a perfect spot for a photograph.

My husband and I spent a very jolly penultimate evening enjoying a leisurely pint in the Pig & Whistle pub.

Then, all too soon, we were back in Venice. We elected to stay on board for the day to savour the facilities as we had already enjoyed two days in Venice pre-cruise at the ultra-cool Antony Hotel.

After everyone had headed off the ship, we found that we had the pool area almost to ourselves. At one point my 17-year-old son actually switched off his iPod, turned to me and said: "I wouldn't mind doing this again."

Now that really is a recommendation!

GETTING THERE:

Royal Caribbean International (0844 493 2061/royalcaribbean.co.uk) offers a seven-night Adriatic Sea Coastal Cruise on Voyager Of The Seas from £989 per adult and £867 per child (four sharing), full board. Price includes return flights from Gatwick to Venice. Departs Venice October 8, 2011. Pre-cruise stay at the Antony Hotel, Venice, can be arranged, doubles from £110 per night (two sharing), room only.

Italian State Tourist Board: 0207 408 1254/italiantouristboard.co.uk