Fun for the Whole Family
USTOA-member operators unveil European river cruise options custom-designed for families.
Members of the United States Tour Operators Association (USTOA) are inviting families to embark on European river cruises for their next vacation.
As the popularity of river cruising continues to grow, increasing numbers of companies are offering sailings specifically for families. The itineraries offer families an alternative to larger ocean cruises and feature special onboard programming and excursions for kids.
Here’s a sampling of options offered by USTOA-member operators:
—Families can take French lessons and bike along the Rhine-Moselle cycling route on Tauck Bridges’ “Castles on the Rhine: Family Riverboat Adventure.” The eight-day cruise from Amsterdam to Basel, Switzerland, includes a ride on the world’s steepest cogwheel train to the summit of Mt. Pilatus, walking tours in Koblenz and Cologne and a canal cruise and visit to the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam.
Cruise-only rates start at $4,490 per person and include excursions, meals, beverages, gratuities and airport transfers. Departures are available June 27, and July 4, 23 and 30, 2018.
Visit tauck.com.
—Adventures by Disney invites families to enjoy a cruise through Austria, Germany, Slovakia, and Hungary on the eight-day “Danube River Cruise.” Families can participate in a private marionette performance and strudel-making demonstration at Schönbrunn Palace in Vienna, zoom down a mineshaft slide at the Salt Mines of Hallein in Austria and test their skills at archery during a visit to Devin Castle in Slovakia.
Kids will enjoy movie nights and cultural games based on each destination. Rates start at $4,789 per person. Departures are available in June and July 2018.
Visit adventuresbydisney.com.
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—Children 16 and under sail free on CroisiEurope River Cruises’ six-day “Family Club: Venice and Its Lagoon” cruise/tour program. The itinerary features stops in Venice, Padua, Ferrara, Verona and Burano, where families can participate in walking and biking tours.
In Venice, families can explore the Doge’s Palace and its mysterious passageways or participate in an optional gondola excursion. Departures are available in June, July and August 2018—just in time for summer break. Rates start at $1,243 per person.
Visit croisieuroperivercruises.com.
—AmaWaterways is offering Christmas Market cruises on four itineraries from November 23 through December 23, 2017. Families will experience the fairytale-like beauty of the Danube in winter, visiting Budapest and Vienna. Rhine itineraries will explore Christmas markets in Basel, Amsterdam and Strasbourg, as well as the quaint village markets of Riquewihr and Rüdesheim.
Onboard festivities will include tree-trimming contests, gingerbread decorating, a Captain’s Christmas party and a traditional holiday dinner. Rates start at $2,317 per person. Families opting for the December 23 Rhine sailing will receive two free nights in Amsterdam.
Visit AmaWaterways.com.
Editor’s Note: Information was correct at time of writing. All tours/packages subject to availability. Prices may vary from time of writing based on currency fluctuations.
For more information about tours and packaged vacations, visit ustoa.com. And, remember that when booking with USTOA Active Members, you also get the assurance of knowing that they are held to the highest standards in the industry with our $1 Million Travelers Assistance Program.
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