Today, we're going to talk about why river cruising, specifically, provides a wonderful opportunity for families to celebrate a special occasion together.
Traveling as a family allows those of all ages to discover different cultures, lifestyles and cuisines from around the world, and it is hassle-free when enjoyed on a European river cruise.
No longer are European river cruises a "no, no" for families. Family river cruises on the Danube, Rhine, Rhone and Saone are now available throughout the summer months on several excellent river cruise lines including: Tauck, Uniworld, and in a few cases, Avalon Waterways.
We mention these three specific cruise lines because they're currently the only ones offering specific family river cruise departures during the summer. In some cases, depending on the age(s) of your children, you may not need to go on a specific family-focused cruise. Our river cruise experts will work with you to determine what your needs are so that you're comfortable in your selection process, and know the one selected is the right cruise for your family.
The "family" friendly river cruise itineraries are the same as the non-family departures, but there are many added features for the younger set. These events or kid-friendly tours are not on normal cruises including medieval games, dinners at unique castles, chocolate tastings, bicycle rides, cooking classes, and more. In addition to many fun things for the kids, the normal tours are itinerary tours and are also available for older children and their parents to enjoy; parents can work with the ship's onboard cruise director to determine what is best for their children.
The two major lines that offer family-friendly departures, Tauck and Uniworld are also all-inclusive, which makes family river cruises even more affordable. Once on board, you AND your kids pay for absolutly nothing, not even tipping. And, on shore, everything is included as well, so you know up front what your costs are before you ever leave home.
AmaWaterways has family-friendly balcony staterooms.
In 2016 and 2017, AmaWaterways introduced a limited number of family-friendly balcony staterooms containing 3 guests on the AmaStella, AmaViola and AmaKristina. This was a first in the river cruise industry as most staterooms are generally designed for two people. There are only about 12 such staterooms on each of the new ships, so you do need to reserve very early as they are certainly in high demand. In addition to the triple berth staterooms, these ships also feature connecting staterooms, enabling a family of five to be as close as they need to be. The AmaSerena and AmaViola sail the Danube throughout the river cruise season.
We think a family river cruise along one of these fabulous European rivers is a history lesson for all.
The memories created when you visit to places like Heidelberg Castle, Strasbourg, Koln Cathedral, Amsterdam, Lyon, Budapest or Prague will last a lifetime. Imagine the dinner conversations after your family enjoys a concert in Vienna's Schonbrunn Castle, or walk the streets of the Champs Elysée in Paris? And best of all? You pack and unpack only once!.
When we look back on life I would venture a guess that there are personal, family and travel memories that stand out to each of us. I remember family dinners, both with my folks and my kids that evoke many funny memories — you know like, “eat it or you can’t get up,” “drink your milk or no dessert,” and others. I especially remember one dinner in Honolulu at a prominent restaurant where my youngest son was suffering from a bit of jet lag. The family (9 or 10 of us) were talking when we heard a loud “thud.” As our eyes turned toward the end of the table, we saw him with head smack in the middle of his plate of food, sound asleep — what a picture that paints to this very day.
For those fortunate enough to travel as a family, you know what I mean when I say, "traveling as a family creates some of the most enduring memories; memories that transcend the decades and last forever." So true.
Because river cruising is relatively new, the opportunities for family travel are a bit limited, but expanding each year. As we noted above, the two best companies — Uniworld and Tauck — provide family-friendly river cruises in Europe during the summer and winter break periods. Both lines offer 7-night Danube and Rhine River cruises geared to families of all ages, visiting places like Salzburg, Vienna, Durnstein, Budapest and Bratislava. Uniworld and Tauck also offer fun-filled 7-night river cruises in France, both with or without Paris land options. The first is an historical journey through Normandy, the second a delightful cruise on the Rhône through Provence.
Imagine enjoying a private dinner in Vienna’s Schonbrunn Palace with the kids and grandkids, rafting in Bratislava or visiting Durnstein’s Kuenringerburg Castle, the place where Richard the Lion Heart was held for ransom at the end of the Crusades. Imagine the feeling when you see the kids and grand kids bike riding along the Danube or Rhône as the ship gently sails by — can it get any better? Many other special family-friendly excursions are included on all of these unique cruises. In addition, late Fall Holiday Markets, Christmas Time and New Year’s river cruises are also a great time to cruise as a family. If you’re traveling with eight or more family members, you can create your own family experience on any river cruise and enjoy exceptional group savings, too.
But remember, because there are so few family-friendly river cruises, they do sell out quickly. So, don’t let your family be disappointed. The best way to get started and to make sure this is a vacation that will work for your family is either to request a quote as you view one of the family friendly river cruises, or even better, give one of our Personal Travel Planners a call soon to book your most memorable family vacation ever!
At Premier, we are family river cruise experts. Most of our staff have cruised with their families, so we can honestly tell you what to expect and where to find the best value. Our travel agency specializes in river and small ship cruise vacations, no other agency in North America can say that; we know families better than anyone!
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TERMS AND CONDITIONS: Unless otherwise noted, prices and offers are in USD, cruise only per person, based on double occupancy and do not include airfare, taxes or fees. The displayed prices are based on minimum category riverview window stateroom and applicable only to the sailing date(s) shown. Prices for other dates may vary based on the date and stateroom selected. Other than “Hot Deal” offers, price does not reflect any cruise line or Premier savings. Where Premier includes “prepaid tips” in an offer, it applies only to the cruise portion of the trip and not any land portion or shore excursions. To obtain the best price, please use the "Get Quote" button or call one of our river cruise and small ship cruise specialists. Certain discounts or prices may require full payment at the time of booking in order to be eligible. We urge you to book early as river and small ship cruises sell out almost a year in advance. Prices and availability may change without notice and are not guaranteed until a deposit is received and applied to your reservation. Call 1-855-255-1200, for complete details. We reserve the right to correct any informational or typographical errors. ©2010-2023 Premier River Cruises, LLC, a Travel of America Company. All rights reserved worldwide. CST #1015320-40.
