River cruising is booming, but many think it’s still not suitable for children. We talk to three notable luxury cruise lines that welcome the younger members of your family.
Multi-generational travel is booming, but many clients still think that river cruising is only for older couples, groups and singles. However, luxury operators AmaWaterways, Tauck and Uniworld offer a great selection of river cruises that suit families with children and extended family groups.
It’s worth noting that most advisors and operators agree that while river cruising works really well for mature-minded tweens and teens – particularly on specific family-friendly itineraries – ships and activities are not set up for very young children. Most lines have a minimum age limit of four, but they generally recommend children should be eight or older.
Alice Ager, Uniworld’s Managing Director Australia & NZ, has taken family cruises in Europe and Egypt and told Karryon, “Our teenage sons are both history lovers; they appreciate great food and enjoy the social nature of cruising on a small ship. They have made connections and friends of all ages from all over the world on Uniworld ships”.
“I am not sure if Uniworld is responsible for creating their interests, but travelling with Uniworld has opened their minds, expanded their tastes and improved their confidence. It’s a relaxing and stimulating way to travel as a family.”
AmaWaterways
Steve Richards, AmaWaterways Managing Director AU/NZ, says family river cruising is definitely gaining momentum in the Australian market, particularly as multi-generational travel continues to grow in popularity.
“More families are looking for meaningful, shared experiences that bring grandparents, parents and children together on one journey.
“We’re seeing especially strong interest from families with teens, who really get the most out of what we offer, from the history and cultural immersion to active excursions like biking through European villages and exploring multiple countries in one seamless trip.”
AmaWaterways operates an ever-expanding collection of luxury river ships in Europe, Southeast Asia, Africa and South America.
Eight new ships are due in Europe by 2030, bringing the fleet to 40 worldwide. The line welcomes families with children from four and older on its Europe and Southeast Asia itineraries, and children over the age of 12 on its Africa cruises.
Select ships have triple and quad-share staterooms and interconnecting staterooms. Onboard amenities such as complimentary bicycles (including limited children’s sizes), sun decks with pools or whirlpools, putting greens and giant chess boards on some ships and even a cinema on AmaMagna add to the appeal for families travelling together.
Adventures by Disney
AmaWaterways partners with Adventures by Disney on a range of dedicated family-focused river cruise departures each year. These sailings are operated in partnership with AmaWaterways, but are booked through Adventures by Disney and AmaWaterways’ US reservations office, rather than being sold directly through the local Australian or New Zealand offices.
The minimum age for children on Adventures by Disney river cruises is four, but the company recommends kids should be eight and upwards.
Itineraries are all eight days, along the Danube, including Christmas Markets; the Rhine, including tulip cruises in Holland and Belgium and Christmas Markets; and the Rhône, between Lyon and Provence in France.
Tauck Bridges
The renowned family-owned travel company introduced its Tauck Bridges family program in 2003. Its guided trips include safaris, land journeys, small-ship and river cruises, all designed to ‘build bridges’ between generations, cultures and communities.
Tauck Bridges river cruises operate on the Rhine, Douro, Seine and Rhône in June-July and on the Danube in June-July and December. The eight- to 10-day cruises are timed for the US school holidays and to an extent to Australian/NZ school holidays and itineraries, hotels, meals and activities are designed to suit family travellers.
There are dozens of activities and shore excursions that appeal to all age groups on European river cruises – exploring medieval castles, sampling and making chocolate, cycling trips through vineyards and villages, visiting quirky museums and meeting real-life cowboys (in France’s wild Camargue area), to name just a few.
A standout feature of all Tauck’s journeys is the staff, particularly the dedicated Tauck Directors. Three Directors and one Cruise Director accompany every river cruise in Europe and their knowledge and experience is impressive. They come from 40 countries, collectively speak 42 languages and have an average of 10 years’ service. Their connections with local guides and communities are also exceptional and add another level of insight to guests’ experiences in a wide range of destinations.
Uniworld Generations Collection
Uniworld is best known for its ultra-luxe, destination-inspired Super Ships and innovative itineraries; however, its Generations Collection of river cruises in Europe and Egypt is attracting increasing numbers of multi-generational guests.
Uniworld’s Generations Collection of itineraries operates in school holidays and is specifically designed for families. In 2027, there are several eight-day departures on the Seine, Rhône, Rhine and Danube in July, and three 12-day cruises on the Nile departing in December.
Family-friendly features on European cruises include excursions tailor-made for families; child-friendly menus at each meal; the Young Travellers’ Table, reserved on certain nights for younger guests and Family Hosts; onboard activities for kids, such as craft workshops and cooking classes with the ship’s chef and pastry chef; and the Young Travellers’ Lounge, complete with video game console, games, movies and local treats; and a VIP ship tour with the Captain or Hotel Manager.
Two dedicated Family Hosts oversee all activities for Junior Cruisers (five to 12 years) and Teen Cruisers (13 to 17 years).
In Egypt, young cruisers have opportunities to meet local children, swim in the Nile, play football with the ship’s crew and local kids, take a wheelhouse tour with the Captain, and soak up Egypt’s magical history and legends with an expert Egyptologist.
For more information, visit AmaWaterways, Adventures by Disney, Tauck, Uniworld.
