Although riverboats are generally smaller and offer fewer on-board facilities than traditional ocean-going cruise ships, this does not mean European river cruises are unsuitable for travelers with children. European waterways are usually calm and smooth, offering a comfortable and scenic mode of transportation throughout the continent. River cruise itineraries also allow independent exploration at their ports of call as opposed to organized shore excursions, allowing families to customize activities to suit their children.
Uniworld's Castles along the Rhine
Uniworld's Castles along the Rhine cruise is a nine-day journey from the Swiss city of Basel through western Germany to Amsterdam, ( or you can travel the other direction). Families who take this cruise in summer months enjoy a provided "multi-generational family-friendly program." Another family-friendly provision is the complimentary use of bicycles for exploring the towns and countryside of the Rhine River Valley. The itinerary offers activities suitable for guests of various ages and interest, such as a canal boat cruise and tour of the fairytale-like Petite France district of Strasbourg, and a tour of the compact medieval town of Speyer. On Day 7, passengers will enjoy the sight of more than 40 castles along the middle Rhine Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Viking River Cruises' Tulips and Windmills
During Viking River Cruises' Tulips and Windmills cruise, passengers of all ages will delight in Holland's colorful landscape of blooming tulip fields interspersed with characteristic Dutch windmills and preserved medieval cities. The 10-day journey begins and ends in Amsterdam, where you'll explore the picturesque city on foot, canal boat or bicycle. Consult the cruise's program director for assistance in choosing child-friendly activities in Amsterdam and each port of call.
The first stop is in Hoorn, an ancient shipping village. On Day 4, see the Dutch royal family's summer palace and consider an optional battlefield tour. In the 18th-century town of Kinderdijk, you will tour a working windmill and learn about its mechanisms. In the Flemish capital, Antwerp, tour the city's landmarks in the morning and enjoy free time in the afternoon. Other featured destinations are Ghent, Brugge, Middleurg, and Rotterdam, the world's second largest port. Free time is allotted throughout the cruise, allowing for numerous independent excursions and activities of your choice.
Tauck Bridges' Blue Danube: Family Riverboat Adventure
The Blue Danube: Family Riverboat Adventure, presented by Tauck Bridges, is an eight-day journey through five European countries that is designed specifically for families. Highlights of the cruise through the waterways of Budapest, Hungary, Slovakia, Austria and Germany include whitewater rafting in Bratislava; visiting the 1441-room royal Schonbrunn Palace in Vienna; and a scenic bicycle tour along the Danube from the medieval Austrian town of Durnstein. While onboard, you will dine on the local specialties of the current location, and have the chance to make German-style marzipan treats and Viennese strudel. Day four of the cruise is dedicated to family-friendly attractions at the Vienna Prater amusement park, which boasts more than 250 rides. The cruise begins in Budapest and ends in Passau, Germany.
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