Family-friendly cruises on Europe's waterways: From Italy to Scotland
Cruising with the family needn't mean a voyage round the Med on a mega-ship in the company of thousands of other passengers
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.There are plenty of child-friendly, small-vessel river cruises designed to float everyone's boat – from exploring fairy-tale castles on the Rhine to Venetian ghost walks and meeting French “cowboys”. So pack your bags – after all, you'll only have to unpack once.
Ghosts and gladiators
Learn how to be a Roman fighter at Gladiator School, a great way to get hands-on with ancient history. Boutique cruise line Uniworld has adapted its 15-day Splendours of Italy cruise, from Milan to Rome, to include activities such as a ghost walk in Venice, gondola rowing and workshops in glass-blowing and Venetian mask-making. Families can also try their hand at pasta-making in Bologna. Departing 24 July, it costs from £5,004pp all-inclusive, half-price for four to 18-year-olds, excluding flights (0808 168 9110; uniworld.com).
Bon voyage
A treasure hunt in the Louvre, searching for clues under the watchful eye of the Mona Lisa, kicks off Tauck Bridges' French journey, which combines a two-night stay in Paris with a seven-night Rhône cruise. Explore France's “wild west” on a visit to a ranch where gardians, or cowboys, riding beautiful Camargue horses herd the black bulls that roam the vast, marshy delta. Cruise-only fares start from £2,995pp, with all food and drink (0800 810 8020; tauck.co.uk).
Pools and popcorn
Though not suitable for younger children, teenagers will love Emerald Waterways' cutting-edge “star ships”, which come with modern décor and artwork. The standout feature is the glass- sided indoor pool with a retractable roof that morphs into a cinema by night, complete with headphones to watch the movies with a bowl of popcorn. A seven-night Rhine-Main Discovery itinerary from Amsterdam to Nuremberg starts from £1,395pp, cruise-only (0808 163 8601; emeraldwaterways.co.uk).
Flexible fun
The German-owned company A-Rosa's fleet of ships sailing the castle-rich Rhine, Moselle, Main, Danube, Rhône and Saône feature interconnecting and family cabins. Youngsters under 15 travel free, with one accompanying adult per child, and the “international” vessels – Flora, Viva, Stella, Donna and Silva – have English-speaking hosts. With buffet-style meals and optional excursions, cruises are relaxed and good value. A seven-night round-trip Danube sailing from Vienna on A-Rosa Donna costs from €1,479pp (£1,121), excluding flights (00 49 381 202 6020; arosa-cruises.com).
Highland fling
Keeping a lookout for Nessie and a steam train ride across the spectacular Glenfinnan Viaduct, featured in the Harry Potter films, are highlights of a six-night cruise on the passenger barge Scottish Highlander. With a crew of four plus an onboard chef, it sails from Muirtown, outside Inverness, to Banavie, near Fort William, across waterways including the Caledonian Canal and Loch Ness. Rates for all-inclusive, cruise-only family charters are from £19,700 for up to eight people, including all meals, wines, an open bar (stocked with many fine single malt whiskies) and excursions, through European Waterways (01753 598555; gobarging.com).
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments