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Writer's pictureWilliam Robison
Jan 223 min read

The 3 Best River Cruise Lines That Offer Options Specifically Suited For Families

Adventures by Disney guide family aboard AmaWaterways


Long gone are the days that river cruises are for retirees.  Not only are river cruises great for most age groups, there are some dedicated sailings specifically designed for multi-generational families.  Below you will find our three best picks for family river cruise options.  Each of them has a bit of a unique take to family cruising, but most are tailored to excursions designed to please ALL ages.  Below you will find a bit more detailed information regarding these lines and some general information around their offerings for families.  While the various cruise lines have a recommended minimum age, they largely recommend that these river cruise options are best suited for children 8 years of age and older.


TAUCK


Tauck stands as a pioneer in family river cruises in Europe, having introduced its upscale, all-inclusive Tauck Bridges program on the Danube in 2010, exclusively designed for families with children. Expanding its offerings, Tauck now extends family river cruises to the Rhine, Rhone, Seine, and Douro Rivers. In 2024, there is also an offering for a Christmas Market cruise on the Danube.  Each river presents a unique ambiance, allowing families to choose a sailing that perfectly aligns with their vibe and interests. On Rhine River sailings, families can immerse themselves in a day of becoming "French for a day" in Strasbourg, learning handy phrases and engaging in a lively sing-a-long. Carnival night on the ship adds a festive touch, encouraging families to create their own costumes and partake in the spirited celebration. Meanwhile, a family river cruise along the Rhone brings exclusive experiences like a private visit to a ranch in Camargue, France, where cruisers meet the famous white horses of the region and witness Provencal cowboys, known as Gardians, participate in a spectacular riding display. For those with a sweet tooth, hands-on chocolate painting classes in Arles offer a delectable stop along the way. Tauck's family river cruises promise not just a journey but a tailor-made adventure catering to every family's unique preferences.


Adventures by Disney collaboration with AMAWATERWAYS


Embarking on a family river cruise in Europe with AmaWaterways is a compelling choice for those seeking a family-friendly adventure. AmaWaterways collaborates with Adventures by Disney to curate immersive family sailings along the Danube, Rhine, and Seine Rivers. The AmaStella and AmaViola, two family-friendly ships, are tailor-made for European river cruises with children. Crafted with multigenerational travelers in mind, family cruise rooms accommodate up to four guests and can be connected with neighboring cabins for added space. For an extra dose of family enjoyment, the AmaMagna, a double-wide Danube ship, features a swimming pool and a theater where young ones can indulge in movies and video games. From carriage rides in Budapest to apricot farm visits, marzipan-making workshops, theme park excursions, and traditional folk dance lessons, AmaWaterways ensures a family-centric itinerary. While these cruises don't offer the complete Disney character experience, they sprinkle in a touch of Disney magic with Mickey Mouse-shaped treats, Disney trivia, and delightful Disney movie nights.  


UNIWORLD


Embarking on a European river cruise with Uniworld's Generations Collection sailings is a superb choice for families, offering a myriad of family-friendly experiences. Uniworld goes the extra mile with multigenerational family trips, providing a range of onboard activities tailored specifically for kids. From dessert-making sessions with the ship's pastry chef to Viking helmets and staffs for exciting shore excursions, craft workshops, a dedicated game room, local language classes, and an exclusive VIP ship tour, Uniworld ensures an enriching and entertaining experience for young cruisers. With two family hosts accompanying each Generations sailing, organizing kid-only movie nights and popcorn extravaganzas, as well as offering special children's menus and a young travelers' dining table grouped by age, Uniworld's attention to family needs is unparalleled. Cruising along the Rhine and Danube Rivers, these family river cruises present an ideal blend of fantasy and history, featuring castle visits and historic cities that seem to leap straight from the pages of a storybook, and wait until you see the charming decor aboard Uniworld.




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