Family River Cruise

[Paumavista]

Is there such a thing as a river cruise for families?

 

Grandma wants to take the family to Europe/Germany in 2008 and we all love cruising....so we thought a river cruise would be perfect....great transportation mode, see a lot, unpack once, great little ports etc. We'd see all the sights grandma wants to show us and have a great big family vacation!

 

But between us and my brother's family we'll have five children between 5-10 years old. I understand there may not be a big "children's program" but I don't want to ruin the cruise for ourselves and other passengers by trying to mix our families with those who "don't want kids around" or on a trip that's just inappropriate and not any fun for half our group under 10.

 

Don't they have any river cruises in Europe that welcome children? We can't be the only family thinking about doing something like this.

 

Thanks for any help or advice - we ARE trying to be especially considerate to other passengers - our children are basically well behaved....but kids are kids......

[WIT]

We cruised the Amadagio this December from Budapest to Prague, and it was fun to see our multi-generation family playing cards or board games in the lounge as the ship curised up the Danube between cities. The rest of us were 50+ and very envious.

[VAGuy]

Although the cruise company and the other passengers will welcome the children, please keep in mind that on board river cruise ships there are no activities, events or facilities directed at children. Further, the sightseeing activities/tours are not aimed at children either.

 

You, the parents, will be the sole entertainment provider for the children as the cruises are designed for adults.:)

[VAGuy]

Although the cruise company and the other passengers will welcome the children, please keep in mind that on board river cruise ships there are no activities, events or facilities directed at children. Further, the sightseeing activities/tours are not aimed at children either.

 

You, the parents, will be the sole entertainment provider for the children as the cruises are designed for adults.;)

[Carhut]

I can't imagine children between 5-10 years old, getting much out of a river cruise. They would be so much happier on an ocean cruise where they offer programs geared for their age group, plus swimming pools. On the river boats so much of the day time is spent on shore touring. I can't imagine a 5 year old getting much out of visiting old cathedrals and Roman ruins. I took my grand-daughter on a couple of cruises. At age 4, Disney and age 6, Alaska. She loved the children's programs on both cruises. Doubt if she remembers much else about the places we visited.

JMHO

 

Carole

[steamboats]

For those replying to this thread:

 

Due to the technical problems of this board this thread was posted three times. Here´s a link to No. 2 where I replied and Paumavista answered to my reply:

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=467057

 

steamboats

[steamboats]

Hi all,

 

Uniworld is introducing Family River cruises now. See here

 

http://www.modernagent.com/Resources/Editorial.aspx?n=20793

 

steamboats