River Cruises: The Perfect Family Vacation You Might Not Have Considered
Your floating hotel to unique destinations along beautiful rivers of the world
River cruises were once perceived as a vacation option only for retirees, but in recent years, they have been discovered and embraced by families. These floating adventures offer a unique and appealing travel experience for all ages. With their intimate settings, unique itineraries, and immersive experiences, river cruises offer a fresh way for your family to explore the world together.
On a river cruise, you sail along the world's rivers on a specially designed ship. Unlike massive ocean liners, they are smaller and sleeker, with a lower profile and width, built to fit through locks and under bridges.
Onboard, you'll find comfortable cabins - many with balconies or sliding floor-to-ceiling windows for enjoying beautiful views - inviting dining areas and relaxing lounges. Some boats even have pools, sundecks, or small fitness centers. Think of it as a cozy, boutique hotel that effortlessly moves you to the heart of exciting new destinations each day.
When selecting a river cruise for your family, consider the age-appropriate activities and facilities provided on board, as well as the destinations that will interest and engage your children.
Let’s explore why river cruises are a great family vacation adventure, what you can do, and where you can go.
What makes river cruises a great family vacation
Intimate and Comfortable Setting:
Riverboats are smaller, offering a more intimate experience and personalized service. On average, there are only 165 guests onboard. The smaller size also means less walking and easier navigation for kids and their grandparents, making it an ideal multigenerational travel option.
The leisurely pace as the ships move along the river offers panoramic, up-close views of stunning landscapes scenery and sites along the way.
Hassle-Free Travel:
River cruises are all-inclusive vacations on the water. You can unpack once in your floating hotel room, which allows families to settle in and relax without the constant need to repack and move. Each morning, you'll wake up in the same cozy room but in a new destination, ready to explore.
Easy Destination Access:
River cruises sail through the heart of countries, often docking in the center of cities, towns, and villages, so you disembark and immediately start your adventure on foot, bike, or guided on a tour.The kids will also love seeing how the riverboats dock in each location and using the canal locks along the rivers. Check out the KeeKee Kid’s Corner for more.
Cultural & Educational Opportunities:
River cruises provide rich educational and cultural experiences for children and adults alike. Many cruises offer tour guides and excursions that delve into the destinations' history, culture, and cuisine. Families can easily explore local markets, historical sites, and cultural performances, allowing a glimpse into the local way of life.
Tailored Activities:
Many river cruise lines now offer dedicated family-friendly programs. These may include kid-centric tours, onboard activities like cooking classes or craft workshops, engaging local experiences like dining in a castle, and more amenities designed to entertain younger travelers.Most river cruise lines offer several free excursions in each port for your family to enjoy.
Where you can go on a river cruise
Europe:
Europe’s rivers, like the Rhine (Western Europe), Rhône (France/Switzerland), Danube (Central/Southeastern Europe), and Seine (France), are classic River Cruise options offering a mix of history, culture, and stunning landscapes. Families can explore everything from medieval castles to modern cities. They flow through several countries, allowing you to visit popular cities in multiple countries, and many start and end in fantastic cities like Paris or Amsterdam. Many itineraries have seasonal options like Christmas Markets or themed options for extra magical family experiences.
Asia:
For a more exotic family adventure, the rivers of Asia - such as the Mekong in Vietnam and Cambodia or the Yangtze in China - offer an unforgettable journey through vibrant cultures and ancient traditions.
Africa:
The Nile River in Egypt provides families with a fascinating journey into the cradle of civilization, where you can explore ancient Egypt’s pyramids and awe-inspiring sites.
United States:
Closer to home, the Mississippi River and the rivers of the Pacific Northwest offer a deep dive into American history and natural beauty, with itineraries highlighting everything from jazz music and Creole culture to the rugged landscapes of Oregon’s Columbia River Gorge.AAA Travel Partners, like AmaWaterways and Tauck Bridges, offer wonderful family river cruise options on the Danube, Rhône, and Seine rivers.
AmaWaterways caters to families with spacious staterooms, connecting cabins, and some ships with triple occupancy rooms. They also provide a variety of onshore activities appealing to different age groups. They also offer sailings that are co-branded with Adventures by Disney, providing families with immersive and interactive experiences.
Tauck Bridges focuses on creating enriching family travel experiences. Their river cruises include hands-on cultural activities, storytelling, and historical explorations designed to be fun and educational for kids and adults alike. Special family-friendly dining options and relaxed tour schedules ensure a stress-free experience for parents and fun for kids.
Ready to set sail?
River cruises offer family vacations with adventure, education, and relaxation. Whether you’re soaking in the sights of Europe, immersing yourself in the cultures of Asia, exploring the heartlands of America, or stepping back in time along the Nile, a river cruise is a unique and exciting way to experience the world with your family.
River Cruise Adventure Awaits!
