A river cruise is a great option for a group reunion vacation of family or friends. But there are definitely some things you need to consider when trying to decide on a cruise line. Your group might have a good time on any line but pick the right one and the vacation becomes amazing. So, let’s get started with the things you need to think about when choosing a river cruise for your vacation with family and friends!
Age Requirements
This probably the first thing to think about if your group has families with children. There are some lines that only allow passengers over the age of 18. Then there are the family-friendlier lines that do allow, and even welcome children. But, even those lines have age requirements and then, recommendations of what age their cruises are best suited for. To make this even a little more confusing some of the different itineraries will have different age recommendations. Since the minimum age varies. widely between lines, check the ages allowed!
Note: Just because a 3 year old might be allowed on a specific river cruise line doesn’t mean you should take your 3 year old. Most lines suggest their cruises will be most enjoyable for children (and parents) who are around 8. Talk candidly to your travel advisor about the ins and outs of river cruising to see if it would be right for your child.
Included Excursion and Activity Levels
Every river cruise line includes excursions in each port of call. This is one of the wonderful things that makes river cruises stand out from ocean cruises. The included excursions differs between different lines. Many of the line are offering excursions of different activity levels. There might be an easy excursion without much walking, one that is much more active, and maybe one that immerses you in the culture.
There are a couple of river cruise lines that only include one choice at each port, usually the general sightseeing tour. Then they will have other excursion options (the active and immersive options) for an additional fee. Other lines will give you a choice at each port that is included. You could take the general sightseeing tour or bicycle down the river or hike up to the castle on the hill.
Checking out the number of included activities is definitely something you should do when choosing a river cruise for your family or friend group reunion vacation.
Staterooms
For the most part river cruise staterooms are very similar across the lines. They are relatively compact but have everything that is needed in that space. The two things about river cruise staterooms you will want to consider for your family reunion are if they are accessible and how many they will sleep.
Accessibility
It is possible that someone in one of your families would benefit from a cabin that has some accessible features. Check this carefully. There are only a couple of cruise lines that have accessible staterooms.
Note: River cruises can be a challenge for travelers with mobility issues. It can be difficult getting on and off the ship and many of the streets in the European cities are bumpy and hard to maneuver. If one of your members has mobility issues you will want to make sure there is a constant companion to assist them.
How Many Can Sleep in the Room
Since river cruising was originally inteneded for retired couples most river cruise staterooms sleep only 2. Families of more than 2 would need to book multiple cabins.
But, since river cruising is becoming more and more popular with families, a couple of lines have built newer ships with staterooms that sleep 3 and even 4 people. One line has connecting rooms that will accommodate up to 5 or 6, perfect for a family traveling together but wanting a little more space.
Family-Centric Itineraries
There are a couple of lines that stand out as more family-friendly river cruise lines. One line welcomes children anytime and also has specialty cruise itineraries throughout the year. Another couple have specific cruises for families during the time of school breaks. a If your group of families has a few children it definitely would be worth looking into the river cruise lines with itineraries created specifically for kids.
River cruising is a wonderful option for some multi-generational families and groups of friends with children. There is so much to see and learn. How exciting is it for kids to see in person all the history and geography they are learning in school! For some families, these trips bring the unique opportunity to share their own family history. But, as a caution, they aren’t for every family. Your travel advisor can help to figure out if a river cruise vacation is right for your reunion group.
Happy travels to you…until we meet again!
Here are some other articles you might like to read:
- Celebrate with a Group of Family or Friends Post-Pandemic on a River Cruise
- Planning a family reunion? Consider a cruise!
- Getting to know the AmaMagna
Comments are closed.