River Cruising with the Kids….it’s not just for adults anymore!
River cruising used to be a luxury reserved for adults alone…until now! Some of the best river cruise lines have figured out what many of us already knew…that kids don’t need all the bells and whistles to have fun! Yes, those mega ships with their rock climbing walls and massive water parks have an appeal, but can prove chaotic and overwhelming to many young travelers.
Believe it or not, children do appreciate the opportunity to unplug and experience places in real time; exploring destinations that they’ve only read about. They crave quality time with those they love and thrive in intimate settings. River cruises, with their specially designed family itineraries, and cozy, luxurious spaces provide the perfect venue for creating magical family memories.
River Cruises sail the the great European rivers, like the Rhine or Danube, the Rhône, Seine, Maas and Moselle. Stopping in small, historic towns and charming ports, you can consider them to be floating boutique hotels, many built for 180 passengers or less, that cater to the needs and interests of adults and kids of all ages.
Here are three award winning companies currently offering some of the best Multigenerational options:
Uniworld Multigenerational River Cruises
An award-winning, luxury river cruise line with a “6-star experience”, Uniworld has prepared itineraries perfectly suited for families. Named “World’s Best Family Cruise” by Travel and Leisure 4 years in a row, each family focused sailing offers a special “kid friendly menu” and “Family Host” to oversee activities. Each of Uniworld’s multigenerational sailings feature carefully designed shore excursions hosted by local experts, with complimentary bicycles available at each port.
Onboard, kids can learn a language (French, German, Italian or Hungarian), participate in hands-on craft workshops and create delicious desserts with the ship’s pastry chef. Learn about life in the Middle ages, while exploring the Medieval Marksburg Castle on the Rhine River; venture “behind the dials” of Rouen’s Gros Horloge–a giant 14th century clock; ascend over Paris in a hot air balloon; try your hand at glass blowing and mask making in Venice, Italy; search for sweet treats on a “Culinary Treasure Hunt of Heidelberg”, or feel the thrill of whitewater rafting through the Bavarian Forest on Germany’s Ilz River.
Adventures by Disney
Sailing aboard the all new 170 passenger AmaViola, a river cruise ship being custom built with families in mind, Adventures by Disney will offer a number of 8 day, 7 night itineraries focused on exploring iconic destinations and hidden gems of Europe.
Unique sailings include a special holiday themed cruise departing December 22, 2016 that includes visits to the festive Christmas markets of Budapest and Vienna, an exclusive Christmas performance by The Vienna Boy’s Choir in the Hofburg Palace Chapel and a special holiday lunch menu. Onboard, adults can enjoy wine tasting, music, dancing and a fitness center, while Junior Adventurers enjoy activity nights, movies, karaoke, relay games, life sized chess lessons, video games and more. Teens will also find activities created especially for them.
Tauck Bridges River Cruises
Well known for their small group, soft adventure tours, the family-owned Tauck Tours has created Tauck Bridges, a travel division specially built for Multigenerational families. In addition to thoughtfully conceived land vacations, Tauck Bridges has recently developed a selection of Family Riverboat Adventures.
On a 10-day voyage through France, with a 7-night cruise along the Rhone, guests participate in a scavenger hunt at the Louvre, wander the Medieval lanes in Old Lyon, play petanque in Viviers, attend a black bulls and cowboys show in La Camargue, trace Van Gogh’s footsteps in Arles and cook in a celebrated culinary school in Valence.
The 8-day Castles on the Rhine, which takes you from Basel to Amsterdam, travels through 4 countries filled with castles and picturesque villages. Ascend Mt. Pilatus in the Swiss Alps aboard the world’s steepest cogwheel train, bicycle through forests, vineyards and meadows along the Rhine/Moselle, ride the funicular up to the romantic ruins of Heidelberg Castle, or enjoy a private dinner and evening at the magnificent 10th Century Reichenstein Castle.
Which River Cruise is right for you and your family? Contact Simply Juicy today to book an unforgettable family trip!