River cruising is usually something that appeals to an older age group, older even than those who like to cruise the oceans, but this is not true all of the time. Some operators have created special packages that are perfectly suited to multi-generational groups, so that grandparents, parents and children can all sail together on a wonderful adventure.

Here are three different options to look at if you want to enjoy a relaxing and immersive river cruise as a family.

Tauck Bridges

Tauck has been offering their family-friendly holidays under the name Bridges for 12 years now, with their Bridges River Cruises heading into their seventh year. There are three itineraries available, along the Rhine, Danube and Rhone, and everything is carefully crafted so that the whole experience can be enjoyed by young and old guests.

One of the best things that Tauck does is offer unique and exclusive shore excursions. For example, during the Blue Danube river cruise, you will stop off in Vienna and experience a waltzing lesson inside the Palais Pallavicini, followed by a strudel-making masterclass and a visit to one of the oldest amusement parks in the world. All of this will be arranged by guides who have excellent experience in working with families.

These family river cruises, crafted by the Tauck family, are all-inclusive, meaning you will pay nothing extra for things such as Wi-Fi, transfers, gratuities, dining or shore excursions. Finally, if you have single family members joining you, they can opt to stay in a category 1 stateroom and therefore eliminate the single supplement.

Uniworld Family Adventures

In a bid to cater to growing demand, Uniworld has recently added more sailings and itineraries for their 2016 Family Adventures. Whereas this year saw just five different options offered, multi-generational groups will be able to choose from a whopping seventeen different departures in 2016. These will take place on the Danube, Seine, Po and Rhine Rivers.

If you are reluctant to bring your children with you, for fear that they will be bored, you can rest assured that they will be able to enjoy a host of onboard and shore-based activities that are aimed solely at them. Ship tours with the captain, white water rafting along the Ilz River and treasure hunts in Venice and Heidelberg are just a few of the activities they can get involved with. What’s more, children between the ages of 4 and 18 can sail for fifty per cent of the cruise-only price.

AmaWaterways & Adventures By Disney

It was announced earlier this year that AmaWaterways has teamed up with Adventures by Disney to offer family-friendly river cruises in 2016. Five of these week-long Danube River cruises will take place during the school summer holidays so that there is no need for children to miss any of their classes, with two additional sailings being scheduled for the Christmas holidays that will have a focus on the traditional Christmas markets that can be found in the towns along the river.

Whilst Adventures by Disney will be providing their experienced and knowledgeable guides, AmaWaterways has built a brand new ship for these special itineraries. AmaViola will feature the first ever connecting staterooms on Europe’s rivers, perfect for large groups that want to stay together, as well as twin balconies (an outside balcony and a French balcony) in around three-quarters of the staterooms. There will also be a heated swimming pool in which children are sure to enjoy splashing around.

To book your family river cruise, with any of the cruise lines above, call us today or submit your enquiry online. Our experts will be happy to help find the perfect deal for you.