Why a River Cruise is Great for Families

Traditionally, cruising the rivers of Europe has been a vacation for couples and adult travelers, but it’s never been a prime market for families with young children. Riverside Luxury Cruises changes all that, inviting family travelers of all ages.

Connecting suites are ideal for a family of four, and larger suites can accommodate a cot or a crib; a third person staying in the same room travels for a 40 percent discount. Children under the age of 2 travel free.

The ships’ facilities and services cater to all ages, with kid-friendly perks including an ice cream counter; a shallow indoor pool (resistance jets accommodate parents who want to get in a few laps); fresh-made popcorn; and all-day bubble waffles served with chocolate, strawberries and whipped cream.

With 24-hour room service available, older kids can kick back in their robes and slippers (included in every suite) and eat dinner while watching a movie in the suite while parents enjoy dinner in the restaurant.

A buffet of breakfast and lunch foods is open all day for snacks and casual meals, and includes a selection of decadent desserts. The bar serves hot chocolate along with barista-made coffee drinks. Meals in all five on-board restaurants include premium wines and spirits.

It’s not just the on-board experiences designed with all ages in mind. A range of shore excursions and activities at every port stop offer choices from cultural and historic to active, with prepaid gratuities to guides and drivers and complimentary land transportation. (All crew gratuities are also included.)

A fleet of pedal bikes and e-bikes is another included amenity that appeals to families, allowing them to explore destinations at their own speed. Itineraries are planned for ships to stay late or overnight in ports, so guests can spend their evenings enjoying these cities’ local dining and social scenes.

Itineraries follow the Rhine, Rhone and Danube rivers through some of Europe’s most scenic and historic regions, and venture into Balkan counties along the lower Danube. Kids can add cities in Bulgaria, Romania, Slovakia and Hungary to their “Been There” maps, or visit landmarks in iconic European cities such as Amsterdam, Nuremberg and Vienna.