CroisiEurope has unveiled its 2026 Family Club programme, offering free cruise places for children under 16 on selected European sailings across Portugal, Spain, Italy, France and more.
Families can choose from a range of river and coastal cruises running throughout July and August 2026, with itineraries featuring kids’ clubs, family-friendly excursions and dedicated children’s menus.
The offer applies to selected departures across Europe, with some cruises including completely free child places while others offer 30% off fares for under-16s.
CroisiEurope has unveiled its 2026 Family Club programme
Why CroisiEurope’s Family Club cruises work for families
River cruises are often overlooked by families, but CroisiEurope’s Family Club programme is specifically designed with children in mind. Alongside all-inclusive dining and relaxed itineraries, many of the sailings include excursions geared towards younger travellers, from theme parks and aquariums to treasure hunts and outdoor adventures.
The line is also leaning into destinations that work particularly well for multi-generational trips, including Portugal’s Douro Valley, Venice, southern Spain and the French countryside.
– READ MORE: Win a Venice cruise for two with CroisiEurope –
Sail round trip from Porto
Best CroisiEurope itineraries where children cruise free
One of the standout options is the seven-night Douro Valley sailing round trip from Porto, which calls at Regua, Pinhao and Salamanca. Family-friendly excursions include the interactive World of Discoveries museum and a water park day with picnic lunch. Departures run across July and August 2026, with prices from £1,301 per adult.
Families looking for sunshine and sightseeing can opt for the seven-night Guadalquivir cruise from Seville, which includes visits to Córdoba, Cádiz and Granada alongside excursions to Seville Aquarium and Isla Magica theme park. Prices start from £1,481 per adult.
There’s also a shorter four-night Rhine itinerary round trip from Strasbourg, featuring excursions to the Museum of Mechanical Music and Europa-Park. Adult prices start from £864 per person.
Other family sailings include:
• A five-night Venice lagoon cruise from £940 per adult
• A five-night Rhône cruise from £1,278 per adult
• A five-night Loire Valley cruise from £1,453 per adult
• A five-night Bordeaux cruise from £1,135 per adult
– READ MORE: Best family beaches in Portugal –
In Venice, children can join a treasure hunt around the city
Family-friendly excursions from Venice to the Douro Valley
The excursions are where these itineraries feel noticeably more family-focused than traditional river cruises.
In Venice, children can join a treasure hunt around the city and explore the lagoon near Chioggia. On the Rhône itinerary, families can spot pink flamingoes and visit a traditional bull farm in the Camargue.
Meanwhile, Loire Valley sailings include visits to the spectacular Puy du Fou theme park and Nantes’ Machines de l’Ile attraction.
For older children and teens, the Croatia and Montenegro sailings add more active adventures, including buggy safaris in Korcula and hikes across Hvar.
– READ MORE: MSC family Mediterranean cruises with flights from £99pp –
What’s included in the CroisiEurope free child places offer
The free child places apply to under-16s sharing with fare-paying adults and are limited to two children per adult. The promotion excludes port fees and excursions.
On Croatia and Northern Adriatic itineraries, children receive 30% off cruise fares rather than completely free places.
Make It Happen
How to book
CroisiEurope’s 2026 Family Club programme is available on selected July and August departures across Europe, including Portugal, Spain, France, Italy and Croatia.
How much
Prices start from £864 per adult on a four-night Rhine cruise, with children under 16 cruising free on selected itineraries. The free child places offer is limited to two children per fare-paying adult and excludes port fees and excursions.
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