The best Rhine and Danube river cruises for families
The days when children were not seen, let alone heard, on river sailings have become a thing of the past. Once the sole preserve of mature travellers and baby boomers, cruises on the Rhine and Danube – Europe’s two most popular rivers – are increasingly becoming family affairs.
With dedicated family cabins and engaging itineraries to appeal to youngsters, parents and grandparents alike, the small-ship intimate nature of river cruising allows families to spend quality time together in a relaxed and informal atmosphere.
Here are some of the best options.
A-Rosa
For flexible dining, A-Rosa ships have expansive buffets so families can eat whenever the restaurant is open rather than at set times. With large sun decks, families can enjoy outdoor barbecues, splash in the pool, play deck games or explore destinations by bike.
Children can visit the bridge, meet the captain, see the ship going through the locks and generally feel part of the whole experience. Vessels have large spas, plus saunas – both a rarity on river ships – where adults can enjoy a bit of pampering. A-Rosa also offers interconnecting cabins.
Book it: A seven-night Picturesque Alsace and the Rhine itinerary on A-Rosa Flora. From £5,166 for a family of four, including free home pick-up service to local railway station, return rail travel, three excursions, meals and drinks, services of on board Shearings’ cruise manager and club for four to 15-year-olds, departing August 9, 2019 (shearings.com).
Book it: A seven-night Classic Danube Explorer cruise on A-Rosa Donna. From £2,179 per adult, £350 per child, including meals and drinks, two excursions and flights from Gatwick and other regional airports, departing August 11, 2019 (newmarketholidays.co.uk).
Tauck
A pioneer of the family river cruise concept, Tauck embraced families when the line launched its Tauck Bridges programme back in 2010. Designing itineraries specifically for multigenerational groups, as opposed to allowing families onto existing cruises, the fun Rhine and Danube programmes variously feature making marzipan in Passau, an on board apple strüdel cookery class and playing medieval games at Devin Castle in Slovakia. Cabins can accommodate up to four and there are no single supplements on category 1 cabins, which is ideal for accompanying adults who might be travelling alone.
Book it: A seven-night Castles on the Rhine: Family Riverboat Adventure itinerary on MS Grace. From £4,005 per adult, £3,665 children under 12, on a fully inclusive basis, including all meals and drinks, excursions, tips and flights from Heathrow or Gatwick, departing July 22, 2019 (tauck.co.uk).
Book it: A seven-night Blue Danube: Family Riverboat Adventure cruise on MS Savor. From £3,540 per adult, £3,200 children under 12, on a fully inclusive basis including excursions, tips and flights from Heathrow or Gatwick, departing July 31, 2019 (tauck.co.uk).
Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection
All inclusive cruises are also offered by Uniworld, another luxury line that has introduced Generations itineraries with tailor-made programmes, events and excursions designed for families. Dedicated family hosts look after Junior Cruisers aged four to 12 and Teen Cruisers from 13 to 17 and there’s a special young travellers’ lounge with games, on board cookery classes, kids-only film nights with popcorn, VIP ship tours with the captain or hotel manager, a special dining table reserved on certain nights for younger guests and family hosts and surprise gifts on the pillow each night.
Book it: A seven-night Castles Along the Rhine itinerary on River Empress. From £2,239 per adult, £1,679 children aged four to 17, on a fully inclusive basis, including all meals and drinks, excursions, tips and flights from London and regional airports, departing July 12, 2019 (uniworld.com/uk).
Book it: Nine-night Delightful Danube and Prague cruise on S.S. Beatrice. From £2,659 per adult, £1,994 children aged four to 17, on a fully inclusive basis, including all meals and drinks, excursions, tips and flights from London and regional airports, departing July 29, 2019 (uniworld.com/uk).
AmaWaterways
In 2016 AmaWaterways introduced connecting and triple occupancy cabins – something uncommon for river vessels –which are perfect for family groups with youngsters aged four and above. They’re now available on AmaKristina, AmaViola, AmaStella and AmaLea and will feature on the AmaMora and groundbreaking AmaMagna – which will be twice the width of regular Danube ships – both being launched in 2019.
Families can take their pick from a wide choice of included shore tours that meet the needs of multigenerational travellers including small group shore excursions catering to gentle, regular and active walkers plus bike tours that appeal to younger family members.
Book it: A seven-night Enchanting Rhine itinerary on AmaMora. From £3,648 per person cruise only based on a family of four in two interconnecting cabins, including excursions, all meals and drinks, departing August 19, 2019 (amawaterways.co.uk).
Book it: A seven-night Romantic Danube itinerary on AmaMagna. From £4,915 per person cruise only based on a family of four in two interconnecting cabins, including all meals and drinks and excursions, departing July 27, 2019 (amawaterways.co.uk).
