As someone who loves to travel and explore new destinations, I can’t recommend European river cruises enough, especially for families. These cruises offer a unique and enjoyable vacation experience that is perfect for families looking to spend quality time together and make unforgettable memories. With smaller ships and a range of family-friendly amenities, river cruises offer a more intimate and personalized experience than their ocean-going counterparts.
In this article, I will take you on a journey through the top five European river cruises that are perfect for families. From the stunning scenery of the Rhine River to the historical landmarks along the Danube, there is something for everyone on these cruises. I will also provide tips and information to help you plan your perfect river cruise vacation, including age requirements and discounts, organized activities for children, and family-friendly destinations.
So, pack your bags and get ready to embark on a journey of a lifetime!
Key Takeaways
- River cruises are a popular choice for families, with smaller ships accommodating around 150 to 200 people.
- A-ROSA, AmaWaterways, CroisiEurope, Tauck, and Uniworld are the five most kid-friendly river cruise lines, each offering unique experiences and activities for families.
- River cruise ships have limited onboard facilities for children, but provide small swimming pools, Jacuzzis, cinemas, games consoles, and giant chess or noughts and crosses.
- Families should consider factors like age restrictions, cabin sizes, and school holiday periods when choosing a river cruise line.
River Cruise Features
I love how river cruise ships cater to families by providing amenities such as small swimming pools, Jacuzzis, cinemas, games consoles, and giant chess or noughts and crosses. These facilities are perfect for keeping kids entertained, while parents can relax and enjoy the scenic views.
Additionally, river cruise ships are smaller than ocean ships, accommodating only about 150 to 200 people, creating a more intimate and family-friendly atmosphere. When choosing a river cruise route, it’s important to consider the age of your children and their interests.
For instance, the Danube River is an excellent choice for families, with stops at cities like Budapest and Vienna, offering cultural and historical attractions. Meanwhile, the Rhine River offers a mix of picturesque landscapes and charming towns, such as Strasbourg and Cologne.
Overall, river cruises offer a unique and relaxing way for families to explore Europe, with plenty of onboard activities and exciting destinations to discover.
Kid-Friendly Cruise Lines
Interestingly, the five most popular river cruise lines for families are A-ROSA, AmaWaterways, CroisiEurope, Tauck, and Uniworld.
Each of these river cruise lines offers unique amenities and on-board entertainment that cater to families with children.
While river cruise ships may not have water slides or rock climbing walls, they do have small swimming pools, Jacuzzis, cinemas, games consoles, and giant chess or noughts and crosses to keep children entertained throughout the journey.
A-ROSA, for instance, has toy chests filled with toys tailored to the ages of kids, and their crew organizes fun activities like treasure hunts, a pirate day, and arts and crafts workshops.
They also have a specially-designed children’s menu and family shore excursions.
Meanwhile, CroisiEurope offers a kids’ club on board during summer cruises and has no minimum age to sail in Europe.
Uniworld, on the other hand, offers a boutique river cruising experience with activities such as surprise gifts on kids’ pillows each night of the cruise.
Tauck’s ‘Tauck Bridges’ range offers family-friendly cruises during summer holidays with all-inclusive packages.
AmaWaterways’ ship, AmaMagna, has facilities that kids will love, such as a cinema, Playstations, Nintendo Switches, and child-sized bikes.
With these kid-friendly amenities and on-board entertainment, families are sure to enjoy their river cruise experience to the fullest.
Age Requirements and Discounts
A-ROSA, CroisiEurope, Tauck, and Uniworld each have their own age requirements and discounts for families looking to embark on a river cruise. When it comes to age restrictions, A-ROSA allows children to sail from two years old and use the kids club from four years old. CroisiEurope has no minimum age to sail in Europe and offers a discount of 20% for kids. Uniworld requires children to be at least three years old to cruise, while AmaWaterways is not recommended for children under eight years old and Tauck requires children to be at least three years old to cruise.
In terms of discounts, A-ROSA offers free cruises for kids aged 15 and under all-year round, while CroisiEurope allows one child to share with two adults or have the cabin next door from age five. Uniworld offers surprise gifts on children’s pillows each night of the cruise. When it comes to onboard activities and entertainment, A-ROSA’s ships have toy chests filled with toys tailored to the ages of kids. The crew entertains children with activities like treasure hunts, a pirate day, and arts and crafts workshops. A-ROSA also has a specially-designed children’s menu and family shore excursions. Families should also consider packing light as river cruise cabins can be compact. Choosing the right cabin is also important, with family cabins available that sleep up to five or have two interconnecting rooms for the price of one.
tips for River Cruising with Kids
Packing light and choosing the right cabin are just two tips for families embarking on a river cruise with kids. When it comes to packing, it’s important to remember that river cruise cabins can be compact, so it’s best to bring only the essentials. Consider bringing a foldable stroller instead of a bulky one and packing outfits that can be mixed and matched to save space.
Additionally, choosing the right cabin is crucial for a comfortable and enjoyable family vacation. Look for cabins with interconnecting rooms or family cabins that can sleep up to five people. Check with the chosen river cruise line for cabin options and availability.
Choosing the right itinerary is also important when planning a family-friendly river cruise. Consider destinations that offer activities and attractions suitable for children, such as theme parks, museums, and outdoor adventures. Look for river cruises that offer organised activities for children during school holidays, and check the minimum age requirement for each cruise line.
With the right planning and preparation, a river cruise with kids can be a memorable and enjoyable experience for the whole family.
Family-Friendly Destinations
When planning my family’s river cruise, I researched destinations that offered kid-friendly activities and attractions. We wanted to make sure that our kids would enjoy the trip and not get bored easily. After thorough research, we found that there are several family-friendly European river cruise itineraries that offer exciting activities and attractions for kids of all ages.
Some of the best destinations for family-friendly river cruises in Europe include the Rhine River, the Danube River, and the Seine River. These rivers offer a variety of activities and attractions, such as visiting medieval castles, exploring charming villages, and experiencing the culture and history of different cities. To help you plan your family’s river cruise, here is a table outlining the best time of year to take a family-friendly river cruise on each of these rivers:
| River | Best time of year to take a family-friendly river cruise |
|---|---|
| Rhine | Summer months (June-August) |
| Danube | Spring and fall (April-May and September-October) |
| Seine | Summer months (June-August) |
No matter which river you choose, there are plenty of family-friendly activities and attractions to keep everyone entertained. So, pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable family adventure on a European river cruise.
US River Cruise Options
I haven’t considered US river cruises before, but now I’m interested in exploring my options.
While European river cruises are often the go-to choice for families, the Mississippi River offers a unique experience for those looking to explore America’s heartland.
Here are some options to consider:
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American Queen Steamboat Company offers a variety of Mississippi River cruises, including themed trips like the Civil War or Mark Twain. Their ships feature Victorian-style decor and live entertainment.
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American Cruise Lines has several Mississippi River itineraries, including a 22-day journey from New Orleans to St. Paul. Their ships have spacious cabins with private balconies and onboard historians to provide insight into the region’s history.
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The Columbia and Snake Rivers in the Pacific Northwest also offer scenic river cruises. UnCruise Adventures has small ships that can navigate the narrower waterways and offer opportunities for adventure activities like kayaking and hiking.
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The Great Lakes are another option for US river cruises. Victory Cruise Lines has itineraries that visit all five lakes and include stops at charming towns and natural wonders like Niagara Falls.
Exploring America’s rivers and lakes by cruise ship may not be as well-known as European river cruising, but it offers a unique opportunity to discover the beauty and history of the United States.
Organized Activities for Children
My kids will be thrilled to hear about the organized activities available for them on the river cruise ships. They won’t even miss the water slides or rock climbing walls that are absent on these smaller ships. Instead, they’ll get to participate in treasure hunts, arts and crafts workshops, and even receive surprise gifts on their pillows each night. As a parent, I appreciate the effort that A-ROSA, CroisiEurope, Tauck, Uniworld, and AmaWaterways are making to ensure that my kids have a memorable vacation experience.
To give you an idea of the types of activities that are available for children on these river cruises, I’ve created a table below. As you can see, each cruise line has its own unique offerings, but they all share a commitment to providing fun and engaging activities for kids of all ages. From pirate days to cooking classes, these river cruises are sure to keep your little ones entertained and happy.
| Cruise Line | Activities for Kids | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A-ROSA | Treasure Hunts, Arts and Crafts Workshops, Pirate Day | |||
| CroisiEurope | Kids’ Club, Board Games, Deck Games | |||
| Tauck | Bike Tours, Scavenger Hunts, Cooking Classes | |||
| Uniworld | Movie Nights, Cookie Decorating, Wii Games | Viking | Viking Junior Explorer Program, Storytelling, Viking History Lessons |
Cruise Industry Statistics and Facts
Just like a river that flows endlessly, the cruise industry is constantly evolving and adapting to meet the needs and desires of travelers from all walks of life.
The river cruise market has seen steady growth in recent years, with an increasing number of families choosing to explore Europe’s waterways. According to Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), river cruising has seen a 10.4% year-over-year increase in passenger numbers, with Europe being the most popular destination.
As the river cruise market continues to grow, marketing strategies have become increasingly important. Cruise companies are investing in targeted marketing campaigns to reach families, highlighting the unique benefits of river cruises, such as the ability to dock in the heart of cities and the intimate, boutique experience.
Looking to the future, river cruising is likely to continue its expansion, with new ships and itineraries being introduced to meet the increasing demand. With so many family-friendly options available, river cruising is a great way to explore Europe’s beautiful cities and waterways while creating unforgettable memories with loved ones.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average length of a European river cruise for families?
Longer European river cruises for families offer many benefits, including more time to explore popular destinations like the Danube and Rhine rivers. These cruises allow for a more relaxed pace and the opportunity to fully immerse in each port of call.
Are there any river cruise ships that have water slides or rock climbing walls?
Unfortunately, river cruise ships typically do not have water slides or rock climbing walls. However, they do offer a variety of entertainment options such as small swimming pools, Jacuzzis, cinemas, games consoles, and giant chess or noughts and crosses.
Do any of the recommended river cruise lines offer childcare services or babysitting?
Did you know that Uniworld offers surprise gifts for children on their pillows each night of the cruise? They also provide organized activities for kids and interconnecting rooms for families, making childcare options and kid-friendly activities a top priority.
Are there any specific safety concerns for young children on river cruise ships?
When it comes to young children on river cruise ships, child safety measures are a top priority. Age restrictions are in place for certain activities and parents should watch toddlers closely due to limited space and potential hazards on board.
How do river cruise prices compare to prices for ocean cruises?
River cruise prices offer good value for money compared to ocean cruises. While river cruise ships may not have as many amenities, the smaller size and unique ports of call make for a different, more intimate experience.