Setting sail for the ages: Which river cruise is right for your stage of life
Not that long ago the idea of river cruising conjured up ideas of the perfect retirement trip; A way to see Europe without the headaches and hassles of moving from city to city. River cruises were long and leisurely – often spanning 2 weeks or more; a special trip to be reserved until you had the time to spend traveling. Thankfully, we have grown beyond those stereotypes and river cruising companies have realized that there is a huge market for families who might not have the time to spend 2 weeks seeing the sights of the world but still want the ease and the immersion that a river cruise can provide. But how do you know what river cruise itinerary is right for your family? Fear not, we have you covered with some great options for all the stages of your family.
Young Explorers (ages 6-10): The Danube River boasts a wealth of family-friendly destinations. Budapest, Hungary, offers a stunning castle district and an equestrian park, while Vienna, Austria, is known for its iconic Ferris wheel and delicious pastries. AmaWaterways with Adventures by Disney helps keep children entertained and engaged with games, scavenger hunts, and even themed activities based on the ports of call. While exploring the many cities along the Danube, the whole family will have fun from bike rides along the riverbank, behind-the-scenes tours at chocolate factories, puppetry shows, and more everyone will find something they love.
Tweens & Teens (Ages 11-15): The Rhine River in Europe offers a fascinating mix of history and adventure. Explore medieval castles in Germany, visit the Anne Frank House in Amsterdam, Netherlands, or go whitewater rafting in the Swiss Alps. Your independent explorers will enjoy Adventures by Disney and their shore excursions that will send them zooming off on toboggans through the Black Forest or even checking out how theme parks in Europe stack up against the US with a trip to Europa-Park. There are also chances to go canoeing or take a gondola up a mountain for some history and sweeping views.
Young Adults (Ages 15-20): The Seine River in France offers a chic and sophisticated atmosphere. Explore the Louvre Museum in Paris, wander the charming streets of Monet’s Giverny, or attend a wine-tasting session in Bordeaux. Uniworld Cruises offer a great Uniworld Cruises offers amazing excursions for those looking to experience a culture – including cooking classes, wine tastings, even a chance to see the secret apartments of Versailles.
Young professionals (20s and 30s): Consider the Douro River in Portugal; it offers a romantic and scenic escape. Cruise through the breathtaking Portuguese countryside, explore the charming city of Porto or take a boat tour to a vineyard nestled amongst rolling hills. Scenic Cruises offers luxurious amenities like infinity pools, onboard spas, and gourmet dining experiences to let you relax and pamper yourself onboard before heading out on shore excursions for things like hiking the wooden board pathways along the Paiva River, including the world’s longest suspended pedestrian bridge, explore the market square in Salamanca, or learn about the history of port wine (with a tasting or two, of course).
Mid-Life Adventurers (40s & 50s): Cruise the Nile River in Egypt, it offers a journey through history. Explore the magnificent pyramids of Giza, marvel at the treasures of King Tutankhamun, or sail in a traditional felucca boat at sunset. AmaWaterways or Viking River Cruises offer in-depth historical tours led by knowledgeable Egyptologists, ensuring a truly enriching experience. The excursions on these itineraries are truly breathtaking. You can explore hidden tombs in the Valley of the Kings, visit ancient temples dedicated to forgotten gods, or learn about hieroglyphics providing a deeper understanding of Egyptian history.
The Traveling Years (over 60): With life experiences and time to travel, take the unique river cruise opportunity – the Mekong River in Southeast Asia. It offers a slower pace and a chance to immerse oneself in local cultures. Glide past serene villages in Vietnam, explore the ancient temples of Angkor Wat in Cambodia, or cruise through the lush jungles of Laos. AmaWaterways and Viking both have comfortable accommodations, unhurried itineraries, and wellness programs designed for relaxation. The Mekong River Cruises will offer walking tours with shorter distances, visits to local markets with opportunities to chat with vendors, or gentle bike rides through scenic landscapes ensure a relaxed and enjoyable exploration.
Remember, this is just a starting point! Many river cruise lines offer themed cruises with specific interests in mind, such as wine-tasting cruises or culinary cruises. Want to go explore the tulips and windmills of the Netherlands with your tween – go for it! Think your histolry major college kid will adore the Nile itinerary – what are you waiting for! The face of river cruising is changing, and it looks a lot like you.