After seeing a 60 percent increase in family charters last year, cruise provider European Waterways is changing up its offerings to cater to multigenerational travel. Now, traveling families enjoy a wider range of family charter excursion options, and guests can “pick and mix” daily tours and activities to best fit every member of their family, whether they want to visit theme parks or wine tastings, swimming spots or golf courses.
“Families are busier than ever before, so finding quality time together is a major driver of multigenerational travel,” said Derek Banks, managing director, European Waterways. “A hotel barge charter offers flexibility and freedom for family members of all ages. It’s like having your own ‘private floating villa’ in a different location every day! All excursions are preplanned and the onboard master chef can satisfy every palate, from hearty children’s meals to sophisticated haute cuisine for adults.”
Additionally, to make the idea of a family charter even more appealing, European Waterways offers 20 percent off select departures in France this year, during 2019’s school vacation seasons, as well as an additional $300 off for each child under 18 who travels with you on the charter.
Eligible cruises include the Aug. 11 departure of L’Art de Vivre in Burgundy; the July 28 and all August departures of Nymphea, in the Loire Valley; and the Aug. 25 departure of Anjodi, cruising the Canal du Midi in Southern France. If you were to travel with just two children, you could save up to $8,600 when you combine the 20 percent off savings and the $300 off for each child.
“No other cruise operator provides the choices that we do, or the kinds of savings we offer at the height of the summer season, when the kids are out of school and it’s easier for adults to take vacations,” said Banks.
As far as the new excursion options, what can families expect? Well, if you were to travel on the eight-passenger L’Art de Vivre, you might choose to visit Guédelon Castle, where craftsmen are currently recreating a medieval castle using only the materials and means that would’ve been available to them in the Middle Ages. Adults will enjoy 5-star dining and wine tasting in the cellars of Domaine Laroche, while the kids look forward to laser tag battles and getting competitive in mini golf.
If you’re aboard Nymphea, you get the chance to combine history with the great outdoors when you pay a visit to Leonardo da Vinci’s former home, explore the Charente River from your own canoe or kayak and get a behind-the-scenes look at the Beauval Zoological Park.
And then, aboard Anjodi, you might choose to visit a theme park for the kids one day or go on a paintball adventure at Bezieres Forest Adventure Park before everyone enjoys visits to pre-Roman settlements and prehistoric caves.
“Excursions can be the highlight of the day, but the boats themselves offer plenty of opportunities for socializing, relaxing and entertainment,” added Banks. “For example, children can help the Captain steer the barge while the adults relax in the spa-pool on deck, or the whole family can bicycle on the gentle towpaths as we cruise only a few feet away from them.”
#WhereverFamily
Insta FeedDestinations / North America
Mar 27, 2024Book the Ultimate Mother-In-Law Suite in New York City’s West Village
Family travel can be hard after welcoming a newborn. Some families want their in-laws or parents close to help and soak up all the time with the newborn. For families traveling to or living in New York City, Maison Hudson, a collection of new luxury residences in the city with hotel-like amenities, has an option perfect for grandparents or visiting family.
Sponsored Content
United Airlines Celebrates its First Class of United Aviate Graduates
As the only major U.S. airline to own a flight school, United Airlines already hit a major milestone, and now the carrier celebrates another important — and historic — step as the inaugural class of United Aviate Academy pilots graduates, leading the next generation of aviators. The 51 students in the graduating class were majority, at 80 percent, women and people of color — another stride toward United’s goal of training 5,000 new pilots by 2030 with half women or POC.
Destinations
Mar 27, 2024Outdoor Family Adventures on Offer with Four Seasons
Four Seasons Resorts offer outdoor experiences perfect for family travelers this spring. Check out some of what awaits your traveling brood:
Destinations / North America
Mar 27, 20243 Family-Friendly Hotels in Baltimore
Baltimore’s Inner Harbor is surrounded by activities and attractions to keep families busy for several days, and for those who travel to get there, a trio of nearby hotels welcome children with amenities such as swimming pools, kid-sized bathrobes and bunk beds.
Sponsored Content
Unearth Seoul’s Hidden Gems
Filled with hidden treasures waiting to be discovered, Seoul invites travelers to unearth its many gems, and Seoul Tourism Organization is here to help travelers do just that. Through thoughtfully created initiatives like the Theme Tourism County Competition, Seoul Tourism Organization works closely with local districts to identify and showcase what makes each district unique and charming in all seasons.
Destinations / North America
Mar 26, 2024Spring Festivals in New Orleans
Spring has sprung in New Orleans, Louisiana, for family travelers! Bring your crew to the Big Easy this season for a variety of family-friendly festivals, events and attractions.
ShareThis