Family and river cruise might not be two words you’d necessarily expect to see together. After
all, we tend to associate cruising with an older demographic. However, family river cruises are
growing in popularity and as a result, more cruise companies are adding them to their
itineraries.
All the same, taking a river cruise en famille is a very different ball game compared to other family holidays in France and a world apart even from ocean cruises. That said, the best family river cruises easily
compete with any great holiday as long as you choose the boat and destination to suit you and
your children.
With this in mind, we’ve compiled a guide to getting the most out of a family river cruise. It
includes general things to think about before you book, the sorts of deals you can expect to
find, a list of cruise companies who specialise in family holidays and, last but not least,
inspiration for where to go.
>>> Check out the latest special offers for family river cruises
Before you book your family river cruise
First things first: before you even google ‘family river cruise’…
Age limits
As a general rule, most cruise companies don’t accept children under 8 on board. There are
exceptions but bear in mind that babies and toddlers are almost always a no-no. Plus, cruise
lines don’t provide cots.
Safety concerns
You’ll need an extra beady eye on a river cruise, particularly on decks where the barrier is
often only one rail. You may also want to avoid cabins with a balcony.
Your child’s interests
Unlike ocean cruise ships that come packed to the hilt with things to do, see, ride and enjoy,
river cruise ships are quieter and more sedate affairs. On board activities and facilities also
tend to be orientated towards an older demographic.
If you have ‘busy’ kids, book a family friendly river cruise with activities specifically for children or one
that stops off in plenty of places en route. You can then tire your children out on land before
returning to the boat for the night.
Your family cabin
Few river ships have cabins that sleep more than three, so be prepared for accommodation on
the tight side. Or book with a company that does provide cabins catering for family river
cruises (see our selection below).
Easy family holidays
Unlike many other holiday types, cruises for families offer an easy way to travel. Here’s why:
- Once you’ve arrived on board, you unpack and pack up again once only.
- The boat takes you to each destination, so there’s no driving involved with the kids cooped up in the car.
- No one will feel travel sick since river waters are invariably smooth.
>>> Read about cruising for families in France
Deals available on family river cruises
Once you’ve thought about the basics, now for the cruise itself and specifically, the sort of
deals you can expect to find for your family holiday. Example offers available include:
- A discount (e.g. 25 or 30%) on the full price.
- Two children up to 16 travel free with you and your partner.
- Individual cabin supplement waiver for single parents cruising with their children.
Golden rule
Most cruise companies offer a limited number of cruises per year dedicated to families with young children, usually in the summer (July and August) and a few at Christmas. As a result, book as far ahead as you
can – not only will you get the best deals, but you’ll also actually get on the cruise!
>>> Find out about the best deals on family cruises before anyone else by signing up to our
newsletter
Companies offering family friendly river cruises
While it’s true that you can travel as a family on most river cruises, we believe you’ll all enjoy
the holiday more if you choose a cruise ship and itinerary catering specifically to younger
passengers.
The following companies provide family river cruises:
AmaWaterways
This cruise company partners with Adventures by Disney for its family friendly river cruises, so they’re
ticking a big box from the start. AmaWaterways also provides cabins for up to five people and a
small number of interconnecting cabins. Minimum age to sail is 4, but AmaWaterways
recommends children are at least 8.
CroisiEurope
On-board kid’s activities are a given during cruises with this company in July and August.
CroisiEurope also offers a children’s menu. No minimum age for river cruises in western
Europe.
A-Rosa
One of the leaders in river cruises for families, A-Rosa specialises in providing all-inclusive
experiences designed for parents and children to enjoy together. Expect lots of interactive fun,
both on and off-board. Children under 15 travel free of charge too.
Uniworld
This cruise line has family-themed river cruises and provides child supervision on board to give
parents some welcome time-out. These are Family Hosts for Junior Cruisers (ages 4 to 11) and
Family Hosts for Young Cruisers (aged 12 to 18). Minimum age is 4.
Where to go on a family river cruise
As well as a cruise line offering family-themed trips, you’ll also want to ensure the itinerary
pleases both you and the kids. With this in mind, we’d recommend avoiding river cruises with
an emphasis on wine, such as a Bordeaux or Douro cruise, where off-board activities focus on
local vineyards. But even when you’ve ruled out the vin, there’s still plenty of choice:
Did you know? Many river cruises have bikes on board, so cycling alongside the ship as it
glides along is an option for older children (and a great way to burn off excess energy!).
Family cruises on the Rhine
This long river takes in one stunning destination after another on its way between Basel and
Amsterdam. The fairy-tale castles that pop up everywhere will capture your children’s
imagination and the cities en route have plenty for kids to do. For example:
- Black Forest – try your hands at cuckoo clock making or gateau baking. Or take a hike
in this glorious woodland. - Strasbourg – climb the cathedral tower, do the Familicitirali quiz or visit the Orangerie
park, complete with a vintage car track.
>>> Read more about things to do in Strasbourg with kids
- Rüdesheim – as well as a picturesque location on the famous Rhine Gorge, this town
comes with a cable car and chair lift. Down on the ground, the Taunus Wonderland
amusement park provides fun for all ages.
>>> Take a look at Rhine river cruises
Family friendly river cruise on the Seine
Paris offers plenty to see and do for all ages, but aside from the City of Light, a Seine river
cruise also comes with plenty of other attractions to keep the kids amused.
- Paris – read this and take your pick from the long, long list. And, then of course, there’s
Disneyland… - Les Andelys – channel your inner crusaders at this enclave when you visit Château
Gaillard, built by Richard the Lionheart. - Rouen – see for yourselves where Joan of Arc met her fiery end, climb the clock tower
and try to escape from the Donjon de Rouen
>>> Check out family Seine river cruises
Christmas river cruises
Some cruise lines offer family river trips in December, allowing you all to experience the magic
of Christmas while on board. Markets are one of the biggest attractions at this festive time of
year. Read our dedicated article to find out where to see the best Christmas market on a river
cruise.
An alternative idea for family cruises in France
Hotel barging is also a great option for families. It is particularly perfect if you’re seeking greater intimacy and privacy, and if you’d like to tailor an itinerary to your specific trip goals. Hotel barge cruising in France is an exceptional experience and barges like Savannah are renowned for curating bespoke family friendly tours.
>>> Familiarise yourself with our hotel barging offering
Ready to book a river cruise with your children?
To ensure you book the best river cruise for your family, why not get in touch with our expert
team? They know the rivers, itineraries and cruise lines inside out and will be more than happy
to point you to the best trip for you.
