In response to the revival of multi-generational travel, European Waterways has unveiled its extended Family Cruises that cater to vacationers of all age groups. The luxury river cruise line is granting its guests amplified control over itineraries to encompass a broader array of activities suitable for both adults and children.

The newly reimagined family vacations introduce a mix of customary and contemporary tourist attractions. Classic Cruise itineraries, known for their exclusive excursions to grand estates, castles, and vineyards, are now paired with child-friendly visits to amusement parks, zoos, and historical monuments. Additional outdoor activities include horse riding, cycling, swimming, canoeing, tennis, and hot-air ballooning.

Derek Banks, the Managing Director at European Waterways, emphasized the goal to craft the ultimate vacation that would “keep the fun going” for each family member. He further stated, “We assist our guests in planning every aspect of the cruise, from theme park admissions to equipment rentals, letting everyone indulge in relaxation and memorable moments.”

Each luxury hotel barge in the European Waterways’ fleet serves as a “private floating villa,” offering an immersive experience of Europe’s idyllic countryside through the smaller waterways. The barges, equipped with spa pools and bicycles, ensure relaxation and exploration go hand in hand. At the same time, the trained crew assists in creating a unique adventure for the younger guests – with opportunities to act as “captain for a day,” learn from the chef, or even join the deckhand in “lashing the ropes.”

The cruises also promise gourmet food experiences. Master chefs on board cater to most dietary restrictions and strive to satisfy every palate, even offering outdoor barbecues on the open-air deck.

Among the fleet, the 12-passenger L’Impressionniste offers a variety of outdoor activities in Southern Burgundy, such as a water park, paintballing, laser bowling, canoeing, kayaking, swimming, go-karting, quad biking, and horseback riding. Depending on the number of passengers, charters on L’Impressionniste start at $67,000.

The eight-passenger Enchanté hotel barge offers a unique adventure on the Canal du Midi with rafting, cave exploration, and rock climbing. Distinctive attractions include the historical Limoussis Prehistoric Caves, a Goat’s Cheese Farm visit, and a trip to the Richard de Bas Paper Mill – France’s first living museum. The pricing for Enchanté begins at $52,000 for eight passengers.

On the Caledonian Canal in the Scottish Highlands, the Scottish Highlander has family-friendly features like a mountain gondola ride, an ancient gemstone and fossil museum, Treasures of the Earth, and tractor rides at a working farm. Additionally, the outdoor discovery park has wall climbing, dry-skiing, quad biking, laser tag, grass sledging, and rope climbing. Passengers can also take the steam train ride, famous as the “Hogwarts Express” route, and explore the Scottish coastline on a sea kayaking adventure. Prices for the Scottish Highlander start at $39,500 for eight passengers.

By blending fun-filled activities with educational opportunities, Banks emphasized quality time and memory creation, ensuring that their dedicated staff handles all administrative details.

In addition to the plethora of activities, European Waterways is committed to providing essential travel equipment like highchairs, travel cots, children’s bikes & helmets, and car seats upon request, further enhancing the family-friendly cruise experience.

Written by: Don Power

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