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Cruise line Royal Caribbean is stepping into the void left by Ocean Village to offer family cruises around the Mediterranean.

The mega 2,446-passenger Grandeur of the Seas will operate summer cruises from Palma, Majorca from May 2011. It will be the first time that Royal Caribbean, a cruise line already popular with families, has based a ship in Palma.

Its cruises will replace those currently offered by Ocean Village, the family-friendly cruise line that is pulling out of Palma at the end of this summer.

Since its launch in 2003 Ocean Village has converted thousands of families and young people to cruising due to its relaxed, laid-back vibe and child-centric onboard facilities, but the cruise line will cease trading next year.

Royal Caribbean is aiming to take over from Ocean Village as the leading cruise line for families. Its ship, the Grandeur of the Seas, has lots of children's facilities on board, including indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a climbing wall and youth clubs.

For parents there is a day spa and fitness centre, eight bars and lounges and a casino.

Grandeur of the Seas will offer two seven-night cruises around the Italian Mediterranean and the Spanish Mediterranean. The cruises can be taken back-to-back for a 14-night voyage.

The cruises from Palma, which are being aimed specifically at the UK and Ireland market, will go on sale next month but prices have yet to be confirmed. Royal Caribbean is currently offering five-night Mediterranean cruises from £271 per person and 11-night cruises from Southampton from £897.

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