A growing number of travellers, including families, are turning away from mega ship ocean-going experiences to something more relaxed and off the beaten path.
For a different kind of voyage, one that trades mass tourism for meaningful exploration of remote villages and hidden coves that larger ships can never reach, a river cruise is the answer.
While multigenerational vacationing is not a new concept, driving or taking a train with the family in tow, will steal precious vacation time and shorten the holiday experience.
There is no easier way to explore and enjoy Europe while catering to different ages and interests than by cruising along some of its scenic waterways and docking right in the heart of the cities, towns and villages along the way.
One of the most popular vacation ideas is taking the family on a Danube River cruise to explore the magical markets of Hungary and Vienna, where there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Moreover, river cruises offer an upscale travel experience on small ships, where the scenery changes every day, and you can stay on the ship and relax or join a curated shore excursion with a group or go independently.
What to expect on a river cruise
Unlike ocean-going sailings, a river cruise offers a comfortable, leisurely and intimate travel experience that is hassle-free from the moment you board until you disembark.
The onboard staterooms are spacious, modern and well-appointed, with all the amenities you would expect from a five-star hotel, and maybe even more with ambient lighting, premium toiletries and a dedicated butler service.
Some ships have connecting rooms, ideal for a family of four, while larger staterooms can accommodate a crib or a cot for the third person.
With a high crew-to-passenger ratio, Dads can expect bartenders to get to know their favourite cocktail and bring it to them quickly, while the kids can enjoy a movie in their rooms.
And once the younger brood has retired to bed after dinner, adults have the option of listening to music or simply watching the world go by as the ship meanders down the river.
Great way to see multiple destinations
Traveling with kids, especially little ones, means carrying a lot of extra stuff. The beauty of river cruising is that you unpack only once.
While on your Danube cruise, you can disembark in Germany, Austria, Hungary, Romania and more, depending on the length of the cruise. Walking off the cruise ship is just like walking out of a land-based hotel.
Also, a river cruise that caters to families, has a dedicated crew onboard to ensure that all ages have plenty of fun.They keep the kids entertained at night so that the parents can enjoy a drink and a gourmet meal together.
A river cruise is easy to book and plan
Visiting a faraway place with kids may feel overwhelming, but by choosing to explore it by a river cruise, the whole process becomes stress-free.
Before departing on the trip, you have the choice to pick and drop excursions and select only what you want to see on the various ports of call.
Even with the ideas above, sorting through the options can get a bit tricky. Consider taking advice from a qualified agent to help you compare different river cruise lines and itineraries. This will help you find the family cruise vacation you have in mind.
By the end of your slow-moving holiday, you will discover all the reasons why a river cruise isn’t only for the silver-haired crowd, but also for kids and teens with grandparents as well.
