Once upon a time, river cruising was categorized as an “adults only” experience. That story is being rewritten, though. Many river cruise lines continue to expand on their family itineraries, add kids-sail-free discounts, and up the “cool” factor on ships. On European river cruises for families, expect to find some kids’ programming, swimming pools, and shore excursions that are equal parts fun and educational, plus plenty more perks. Even better, newer river cruise vessels are adding rooms that can sleep three and four people, so families can all pile into one cabin.
If activities like an apple streudel-baking workshop, art museum scavenger hunt, and a day spent on a local farm are your vibe, then consider one of these seven river cruise lines for your next adventure. Did I mention you only have to unpack once?
Why a European river cruise with kids?
European river cruises allow you and your family to experience a destination authentically and mindfully. They also make it easy to explore big cities and smaller, fairytale villages throughout countries like France, Portugal, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Hungary, Belgium, the Netherlands, Slovakia, and Italy. Lower passenger capacities onboard mean more time to connect and get to know other passengers and crew members.
1. A-Rosa
Minimum age for Europe river cruises: None
If your kiddos are 15 and under, A-Rosa will let them hitch a free cruise (or, at the very least, take 30 percent off their fare) depending on which deck your cabin is located. But there’s much more to this German cruise line designed for families of all ages.
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Spacious family cabins; family tables at mealtime; special menus for picky little eaters; a youth club and childcare on select cruises (an amenity you won’t find on other river cruise ships); and a lively top deck with a swimming pool and putting green and other games round out the top amenities.
A-Rosa also gets major kudos for debuting the first-ever family river cruise ship in Europe. A-Rosa Sena, which focuses on Rhine River itineraries, takes it up a notch with more family cabins and larger cabins altogether, a dedicated kids’ club room, and a separate children’s pool in addition to the main pool. Activities for youngsters vary by ship, space, how many are onboard, and other factors. Examples include designing your own t-shirt, a treasure hunt on the ship, face painting, and theme days.
Don’t worry: All the fun onboard is balanced by even more to do off the ship. Family excursions include trips to places kids want to go, such as Comics Station Antwerp, an indoor theme park inspired by Belgian comic heroes. Family port guides are also on the ship to ensure families make the most of their time on shore.
2. Adventures by Disney
Minimum age for Europe river cruises: Five years old
You won’t find any theme park rides or character appearances on Adventures by Disney’s river cruises. In fact, the group travel brand by Disney has little to do with the famous Mouse at all. Families instead enjoy an adventurous vacation, underpinned by the peace of mind that comes from Disney’s reputation for high-quality service and programming.
Adventures by Disney collaborates with AmaWaterways for its river cruise itineraries. The chartered ships are then sprinkled with Disney magic. One of the biggest pieces of the puzzle is the Adventure Guides who provide hands-on concierge service, design and lead activities during the cruise, and more.
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Onboard activities offer something for everyone in the family. Think everything from movie nights, trivia, and other games to crafts inspired by destinations along the itinerary. Most shore excursions cater to families, too, though some are partially adult-only. When I traveled with Adventures by Disney in Spain (this itinerary is no longer available), for example, a flamenco performance encouraged everyone to try the iconic dance, but also treated parents to a sangria tasting.
Other special perks range from immersive storytelling to occasional Mickey-shaped foods that complement daily menus of fine dining and kid-friendly cuisine. A Junior Adventurer Dinner onboard is one of a handful of activities that take place on select nights. This activity is not a childcare service, but it gives parents a chance to sneak away for a little date night. The ships also have pools on the top deck, for an extra dose of fun on warm, sunny days.
3. Uniworld Boutique River Cruises
Minimum age for Europe river cruises: Five years old
Step foot onto a Uniworld Boutique River Cruises ship, and you might feel like you’ve entered a luxurious dollhouse. The cruise line undoubtedly boasts the prettiest ships, but it’s the fun-filled activities and exclusive excursions on Generations Collection itineraries that will get the biggest reaction from your discerning travel companions.
Imaginations run wild with excursions like the Passau Scavenger Hunt, on the line’s Enchanting Danube itinerary. On Uniworld’s Castles Along the Rhine itinerary, adventure seekers can climb trees and platforms during the Climbing Forest of Koblenz.
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While land-based options are bountiful, Uniworld excels at keeping kids entertained on board. A Young Travelers’ Lounge features a PlayStation, games, movies, and local treats for snacking. Kids rarely get bored while the ship makes its way down the river.
Two dedicated family hosts onboard offer family-friendly movie nights and other kid-approved activities. There are also special menus for every meal to satisfy young palates. A supervised kids’ table is a fun change of pace (and an excuse for you to snag a romantic dinner with your other half). More culturally immersive activities are available—like dessert classes with the pastry chef, crafts, and local language classes.
Generations Collection sailings aren’t offered year-round, but they are scheduled over school breaks. Itineraries are available on select Rhine, Rhone, and Danube River itineraries in Europe. Only some ships have swimming pools onboard.
4. Tauck Bridges
Minimum age for Europe river cruises: Four years old (eight is recommended)
Since pioneering family river cruises in 2010, Tauck Bridges has grown to offer arguably the most robust and thoughtfully designed, kid-friendly trips across Europe’s waterways.
Each itinerary begins as a blank canvas. Every shore excursion, onboard activity, menu, and other detail is curated specifically for youngsters and their parents or caregivers. Shore excursions include exclusive access passes and pre-opening visits. They are further embellished with activities that make history and culture fun for all kids. Think a scavenger hunt in the Louvre, unleashing your inner paleontologist on a “rock safari” in Portugal, and a baking workshop in Germany. Bicycles are also available for use.
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Back on the ship, you can engage in games and activities inspired by the destinations along your itinerary. Exercise those vocal cords at The Sound of Music karaoke, for example, before you visit movie locations along the Danube River. Or celebrate “Carnival Night” the German way on a Rhine River itinerary.
When it comes to resting up for the next day’s adventures, the ships’ 300-square-foot suites are a sought-after option as they can comfortably sleep a family of four. All ships come with a putting green and either a plunge pool or hot tub.
5. AmaWaterways
Minimum age for Europe river cruises: Four years old (eight is recommended)
AmaWaterways doesn’t only serve as a charter partner for Adventures by Disney. The line offers its own selection of family-friendly cruises. Even better, many of those are on AmaMagna, the largest river ship traversing Europe’s waterways.
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A massive top-deck pool and pickleball court, fun activities like ice cream socials, a theater with movie showings and gaming consoles, and kids’ bikes for rent are some of AmaMagna’s most fun-filled features. Its bread and butter, however, is the wide range of cabins—the smallest of which are larger than the industry average. Multiple categories sleep up to four and offer connecting options for more expansive space.
The minimum age to sail is four, but those with littles will likely feel out of place as the line best serves tweens and teens. Specially designed family itineraries don’t cater to younger kids, either. Instead, you’ll find excursions that encourage bonding through tours inspired by classic family films, food tastings, shopping ventures, and sightseeing with a lot of ‘wow’ factor.
6. CroisiEurope
Minimum age for Europe river cruises: None
Nobody puts baby in a corner on a CroisiEurope sailing. That’s because all ages are welcome on this French river cruise line, which offers a “kids sail free” program that makes exploring Europe’s waterways accessible to a diverse range of families. Just take it from the company’s General Manager of North America, Michael Da Costa:
“Being a family-owned company, CroisiEurope has created a river cruise experience with something for every age. Our Family Club program also allows kids to sail free on select itineraries, further expanding the options for those traveling as a family or multi-generational group.”
Kids 16 and under sail for free in Spain, France, Italy, and Portugal, and receive 30 percent off on Croatia, through the Family Club program. Single supplement fees are waived for single parents traveling with children.
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In addition to price incentives, CroisiEurope takes the cake (gateau) when it comes to accommodations. Several ships offer triple- and quadruple-occupancy cabins. Bigger families and multigenerational groups can easily book adjacent cabins for convenient proximity. Babies and toddlers are pampered with comfy digs, too, courtesy of pack-and-plays available upon request.
Many of the ships that offer Family Club river cruises have swimming pools on their top decks. (Note: The first language onboard is French; however, crewmembers also speak English. Announcements are translated in all languages spoken by the passengers on a given sailing.)
7. Avalon Waterways
Minimum age for Europe river cruises: Eight years old (although the line recommends teens)
Kids as young as 8 are welcome onboard Avalon Waterways’ ships. But to fully experience what the line does best—hands-on, culturally enriching activities and rugged adventures—families should zero in on its Active and Discovery cruises. These itineraries take absorbing the history and culture of a place one step further by allowing you to be a part of it.
Learn how to cook a dish passed down through generations—and if you’re like me, you’ll continue to apply the locals’ “secret” preparation methods in your own kitchen for years to come. (Heck, I’ve saved so much time peeling garlic cloves since learning a hack during a past Avalon Waterways cruise.) Take a painting class in the South of France, where famous artists flocked for inspiration, or enjoy a fresh catch at a family-owned oyster farm in The Netherlands.
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Craving more of the outdoors? Active and Discovery cruise itineraries offer a handful of outdoor adventures that run the gamut from hiking and biking to kayaking and canoeing through picture-perfect scenery. While some river cruise lines include only a select few excursions in the fare, Avalon Waterways provides more “bang for your buck” with more tours covered in each itinerary.
Families also will appreciate Avalon Waterways’ roomy standard cabins with beds facing a wall of windows and open-air balconies, so you never miss a view. Suites with even more space are ideal for larger groups. On the top deck, families can enjoy a hot tub, putting green, and games such as cornhole.
