Uniworld European River Cruises
A luxury river cruise line that offers travelers an all-inclusive experience sailing along some of Europes most picturesque waterways. Passengers can expect to receive top-notch service, delicious cuisine, and comfortable accommodations while enjoying all the sights and sounds that Europe has to offer.
Some of Uniworlds most popular river cruise itineraries include sailings along the Danube, Rhine, and Seine rivers. Highlights of a Uniworld river cruise can include stops in such iconic European cities as Vienna, Budapest, Amsterdam, and Paris.
Uniworld River Cruises has been voted Best River Cruise Line by readers of BTE for five years in a row and it is easy to see why. Uniworld offers an unbeatable river cruising experience that is sure to please even the most discerning of travelers.
If you are looking for a luxurious and relaxing river cruise vacation, look no further than Uniworld River Cruises. You are sure to have the time of your life sailing along Europes most beautiful waterways with Uniworld.
Family River Cruises Vs Ocean Cruises
Unlike traditional ocean cruise ships that can hold thousands of passengers, river cruise ships hold a maximum of approximately 200 guests. With that small size comes much less onboard amenities. You wont find water parks or climbing walls, and there will be one, maybe two restaurants. There may be a small fitness center and spa for adults, and some ships may have a small pool.
The intimate river cruises, however, also lack long lines to get on and off the ship and crowds. More of a tour where the mode of transportation is a ship, river cruise itineraries also provide a more personal and immersive experience with the ships ability to visit small cities and towns. Local experts and guides lead shore excursions that provide an authentic feel. Rates on river cruises are generally all-inclusive, with dining, drinks, gratuities, and even shore excursions included. Airfare is additional.
Heres a look at some of the best European river cruises for families:
Tasty Masterpieces You’ll Create With Your Family In Paris
After being inspired by the thousands of works of art at the amazing Musée du Louvre and the spectacular views of Paris from high up in the Eiffel Tower what better way could you find to express your creativity than on a Tauck Exclusive visit to a chocolatier for a hands-on opportunity to create some scrumptious “chocolate art” ? And you can take your masterpiece with you when you leave!
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The Joys Of The European River Cruises Journey
While you certainly wont have time to see everything, one of the best things about river cruises is that there are no deadlines. This means that if your ship leaves at 3 p.m. and its only 12:30 right now, guess what? You still have two hours to spend at the destination before setting sail again. You might not have as much time as youd like at each stop. But the more flexible schedule means that you can spend more time enjoying each town instead of rushing from one to the next.
Best Douro River Cruises
Sharing the water with traditional, flat-bottomed Rabelo boats, you’ll peacefully glide along aboard the ms Andorinha, Tauck’s newest riverboat purpose-built for the Douro. Explore the historic villages towering above the river’s banks from coastal Porto to the Spanish border and drink in the quintas that produce the region’s venerable Port wine on the Douro River Cruise that speaks to you.
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Adventures By Disney River Cruises
Partnering with AmaWaterways, Adventures by Disney offers cruises on the Seine, Rhine, and Danube Rivers, Disney style. Specially designed itineraries and Adventure Guides create experiences for parents, children, and teens, from active excursions to unique onboard activities. Adults-only dinners and wine tasting experiences along with teen programming, Disney movie nights, karaoke, trivia nights, and Junior Adventurer dinners provide entertainment for guests of all ages.
The eight-day Danube River Cruise starts in Budapest where excursions include a horse show at an equestrian park and a goulash-making competition for Adventurers. In Bratislava, Junior Adventurers can visit a petting zoo, and in the evening, there’s family karaoke. A tour of Vienna and Schönbrunn Palace, marionette show, concert, and strudel making are options the next day. A day in Salzburg ends onboard with “The Sound of Music” film and singalong. After an Oktoberfest celebration and captain’s farewell dinner, the cruise ends the next day.
Some Of The Highlights That Passengers Can Expect To See On A European River Cruise
Including the Palace of Versailles in France, the city of Prague in the Czech Republic, and the ancient city of Rome in Italy. River cruises are not only a relaxing way to explore Europe, but also offer easy access to the rivers many historic sites.
Most ships have panoramic windows that allow passengers to take in all of the beautiful sights without leaving their seats. Although prices typically vary depending on the number of nights and type of accommodations selected, river cruises generally cost less than cruises on the open seas.
River cruises are also much smaller, leading to a more intimate environment that allows passengers to take part in onboard activities and spend quality time with other people on board. Cruising Europes rivers is truly an unforgettable experience that every traveler should have at least once in their lifetime.
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What To Know Before Booking A River Cruise With Children
On most river cruises, there will be much more for children to do during the school holidays theyll find other children to play with and organised activities.
However, the school holiday periods are often different in other European countries, so check with your chosen river cruise line to find out whens the best time to travel.
River cruise cabins can be quite compact, especially if you have children in with you. Packing light can be a good idea to save space. Plan ahead with a river cruise packing list to ensure you only bring the essentials.
Whilst some river cruises allow young children on board, a river cruise probably isnt the best holiday for babies or toddlers. For one, babies come with a lot of stuff, and there isnt much room for things like pushchairs on board. Also, its much easier to climb railings on a river cruise ship, so you would need to watch toddlers like a hawk at all times.
What Should A Passenger Bring When Theyre Going Out On A European River Cruise
A. Photos from your trip to share with family and friends, comfortable shoes for walking around, and warm clothes in case it gets chilly.
B. A compass so you can always find your way around, a guidebook so you dont get lost, and a list of important phone numbers so you can call for help.
C. A camera to capture all of the memories from your trip, a travel pillow so you can fall asleep on the bus, and an umbrella in case it starts raining.
D. An extra pair of underwear in case your luggage gets lost, an easily accessible map so you always know where youre going, and a toothbrush so you dont have to go out and buy one.
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Unlike Ocean Liners River Cruises
Do not have family cabins. Riverboats are much smaller than cruise ships that ply oceans. Riverboats navigate lower depths and narrow passageways so they have to be somewhat small. They also have predominantly been for the older set, so cabins offered on river cruises, even suites, usually lack pull-down berths, sofa beds and bunks in which kids can share a room with their family. On river cruises, families often have to book multiple rooms to accommodate everyone, which increases the cost of the cruise.
Do not have kids clubs. As river cruises do not cater to families year-round, the smaller ships save all of its space for adult lounges and dining rooms. Even when offering a family voyage, the boat often houses kids programs in spaces originally intended for adults. You wont find video games, movie nights, craft making or fun character interactions even on an Adventures by Disney river cruise. Not only are there no kids clubs, but save for the upper deck, there simply isnt a lot of space for kids to run around.
Do not have swimming pools. Only a rare few river ships have a pool. Thats in quotations because the pools are often so small they arent bigger than a large hot tub. Kids will not have a place to splash and play during the day intentional on river cruises, where passengers are expected to spend the day exploring quaint villages.
Family Entertainment On Ncl
Onboard family entertainment is vast with a variety of things to do. Their latest ship the Encore hosts a karting track, laser tag and an American diner. There is plenty to do for the adults as well with a Cavern club and top theatre entertainment. If your kids are tech minded they will absolutely love the Galaxy pavilion onboard the encore which is a whole floor of VR! Norwegian Cruiseline have The Plank! Walk on the wild side in a harness as you extend 8 feet over the side of the ship!
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Vantage Deluxe World Travel
The newest entry into family river cruising, Vantage will start offering family river cruises in 2017, open to children ages 8 and up. The trips will be planned during summer and holidays and feature a family welcome reception arts and crafts workshops, and singing sessions for kids ages 8 to 12 activities for tweens, teens and 20-somethings a dedicated host to oversee family activities in the evenings special ship tours kid-friendly menus complimentary travel journals and language lessons and visits to schools if the cruise takes place when class is in session.
The current Family Journey offering for 2017 centers on Paris, Normandy and the Seine River. The itinerary, available July 2017, will take place on River Venture and visit Giverny, Honfleur, Rouen and the D-Day beaches. Activities on the ship will be adjusted to the age of the children who go.
For some categories, children between ages 8 and 21 can cruise for free however, they must be in the same cabin as a parent and are valid only for double occupancy rooms. Regular cabins on River Venture do not have room for a third berth the Owners Suite does have a sofa that converts to a bed and there are also single staterooms.
Family River Cruises: Which River Cruise Lines Are Best For Kids
River cruising is becoming increasingly popular with families and multigenerational groups, particularly kid-friendly river cruises in Europe.
On these enriching river cruises for families, adults and kids of all ages can bond while enjoying a rich variety of cultural, adventure and learning experiences.
Small ship family riverboat cruises offer a relaxing way for families to enjoy Europe and make lifelong memories together. Inclusive meals, programming, and shore excursions make the family river cruise experience fun and hassle-free.
If youre looking for the best river cruises for families, here are four lines offering kid-friendly river cruises:
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The Msc Kids Club Age Range
The kids club on MSC age range is from babies to teens. There are different clubs to suit the ages of the children
- The Chicco baby club is for babies 1-3
- The Mini club age 3-6, 7-11
- Young teen club 12-14 and the Teen club ages 15-17.
All kids clubs on MSC offer a range of craft activities, games, dance classes and sports tournaments.
Best Christmas Markets River Cruises
If you look forward to the holiday season all year long, December is the best month to board a Tauck Christmas Markets River Cruise on the Danube or Rhine Rivers. Delivering equal parts old-world charm and a festive holiday mood, these itineraries include guided visits to Europe’s traditional Christmas markets as well as on board celebrations to make your spirits bright.
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Families Benefits At A Glance
- Central berths & special family excursions, e.g. visit to Comic Worlds in Antwerp
- The perfect offer for every generation: Kids Club, wellness area, city hopping
- Nobody can get lost: manageable ship size with maximum of 240 guests and a familiar atmosphere
- Port guides with special information for families
Best Seine River Cruises
Shining like a beacon along its banks, Paristhe one-and-only City of Lightis just one of the numerous wonders you can experience on multi-day Seine River Cruises brought to you by one of the top river cruise companies in the world. Whether you want to stir your inner artist or pay your respects at the beaches of Normandy, there’s a perfect cruise for you.
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Norwegian Cruise Line For Kids
Norwegian loves families and is fast becoming one of the best family friendly cruise lines. There are so many onboard amenities and a childrens clubs for all ages. While adults are relaxing at the spa or sipping a cocktail kids can attend supervised youth programs where they can play with their friends, learn to circus skills, play dodgeball or attend themed parties. There are childrens menus which are available in all of the restaurants.
Best European River Cruise For First Time
Europe is home to some of the best and most beautiful river cruises weve ever seen and were not the only ones who think so. Many other travelers agree that a cruise along Europes waterways is a great way to see some of the continents most interesting and historical destinations. Plus, on a cruise you dont have to worry about packing up all your belongings or figuring out public transportation just relax as you sail from town to town, exploring each destination fully before moving on to the next.
Your European river cruise can take place anywhere along the continents three major rivers: the Danube, Rhine, and Elbe. Your river cruise might even coincide with a trip to one of Europes many cities or regions well highlight several we think you should consider visiting before or after your European river cruise.
Regardless of where youre heading in Europe and what your travel goals are, a river cruise is one of the best ways to see as much as possible, relax, and learn about each destinations past without feeling overwhelmed.
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Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection
Uniworld has increased the number of family-friendly itineraries from five to 16 in 2016, with sailings on the Rhine, Danube, Seine and Po Rivers. The minimum age is 4, and children up to age 18 pay half price.
The sailings on the luxury river line are designed to be fun and interactive. Sample onboard activities include dessert-making with the ship’s pastry chef, tasting local soft drinks with the resident Soda Sommelier, craft workshops and local language classes. The Young Travellers Lounge, available on all multigenerational Uniworld ships, has a PlayStation, a wide selection of games, movies and candy jars. Every family-friendly cruise itinerary also features onboard visits from local children or teens.
Parents can also go onshore and leave their children in the care of Family Hosts for Junior Cruisers and Young Cruisers , who will supervise and coordinate onboard activities. Each night the child receives a special pillow gift from the destinations visited.
Are P& o The Best Cruises For Families
P& O offer families lots of choice when it comes to sailing from Southampton they pride themselves on entertainment. They offer Laid-back days ashore which are excursions aimed at families and stress free meals for children. Their drinks on board are cheaper than most other cruise lines too. P& O Cruises is one of the cheapest family-friendly cruise lines. Occasionally they have a kids can sail for as little as £1!
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Crystal Europe River Cruise Lines
Crystal Europe River Cruises offer an amazing way to see some of the most beautiful and historic sites in Europe. Their river cruises sail along some of the most famous waterways in Europe, including the Danube, Rhine, and Elbe Rivers. Some of the highlights that passengers can expect to see on a Crystal Europe river cruise include the Palace of Versailles in France, the city of Prague in the Czech Republic, and the ancient city of Rome in Italy. Crystal Europe River Cruises offer amazing deals on their cruises, making them a great choice for anyone looking to take a river cruise in Europe.
Kids Club Age Range On Celebrity Cruise Ships
Camp at Sea is the Celebrity Edges kids club. There are three different sections
- Shipmates 3-5Celebrity
- Captains 10-12 year olds
- Admirals the teen club for 13-17 year olds.
The Camp at Sea program on Celebrity is a new innovation. The schedule of activities changes on every sailing based on the interests the junior cruisers. Celebrity have partnered with world-renowned companies such as Anturus, Lonely PlanetTM, Xbox, Fat Brain Toys and Budsies.
The categories of activities are Art, Recreation, Culinary, and S.T.E.M. The Youth daily programme promises to be engaging and exciting.
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What Is A Family River Cruise Like
River cruise ships are pretty small, at least compared to ocean ships, anyway! Whilst an ocean ship might have anywhere from 2,000 to 6,000 passengers on board, river cruise ships tend to accommodate about 150 to 200 people.
The relatively small size of river cruise ships means that theres obviously no room for things like water slides, rock climbing walls or any of the activities your kids would go crazy for on an ocean cruise.
However, there are some things theyll like, such as small swimming pools, Jacuzzis, cinemas, games consoles and giant chess or noughts and crosses. Onboard A-ROSA SENA, each cabin will have a toy chest filled with toys that are tailored to the ages of your kids.
Each day, youll stop at a different port of call. Your ship will often dock right in the heart of the city, so you can get off and explore on foot, on a coach or maybe on bikes if your ship has those to borrow.
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