When you think of a river cruise, you may not think family-friendly. Cruises are so often touted as the best water adventure for kids; many river boats often get overlooked. If you are looking for a chance to embark on a journey on and off the water, river cruises provide the perfect balance of on board and on shore activities. Cruises down Europe’s finest rivers often involve culture-specific activities and can offer some peaceful downtime for everyone – just what a vacation calls for!
Courtesy of AmaWaterways
Adventures by Disney / AmaWaterways
This Disney river cruise is the refined version of any American Disney cruise you may have heard of. AmaWaterways provides the combination of luxury and fun, as Adventures by Disney accompanies you down the Rhine or Danube river. Cruises depart year-round. Kids are welcome on all outings and excursions, something not all cruises allow! Disney guides offer pep and pizzazz as they give fun facts to appeal to even the youngest of children. Try a sailing trip, chocolate-themed museum visit or a trip to the salt mines for a ride down a slide. When the day is done, board your ship and get ready for a night of family fun. There are sing-alongs, movie nights and cooking classes for families on board. You’ll be cozy in your cabins and receive all-inclusive treatment. Another perk with Disney: complimentary bicycles are available at every port so the entire family can explore whenever and wherever they want!
Castles on the Rhine / Tauck Cruises
Grab the family and jump on a boat for a seven-night experience everyone will love. Cruise the Rhine aboard ms Inspire or ms Grace, two beautiful ships that will take you on an adventure to Switzerland, France, Germany and the Netherlands. After a few days on a ship, there is nothing better than getting out to explore. Tauck plans amazing activities for the entire family to participate in together. Try the bike ride along the Rhine, have a taste of Swiss cheese at a fondue party in Switzerland, enjoy a dinner in a fairy-tale castle in Germany or learn French from the French themselves! No matter your interest or your age, Tauck will become your go-to for a guaranteed good time.
Family Club Cruises / CroisiEurope
CroisiEurope hopes to entice families to cruise through Venice, Croatia and more with Family Club, a package offering discounts on child prices and second cabins. Many activities on board are supervised, so parents can have some R&R. There is opportunity to join in on water games and rehearse for the cruise’s closing show. Once the ship docks, shore activities include bike rides, hikes, art shows and local food and drink tastings. Guided walking tours are also available at almost every location, a great opportunity to learn a little history too. Free time is important to guests on Family Club cruises, and with all food and drink included in the cost of the cruise, we know what you’ll be doing when you have a few hours to yourself! Insider tip: if you aren’t picky with your dates and destination, instead just looking to get away, be sure to check out some of the Family Club trips offering children under 16 cruising for free!