Thinking of bringing your children on a river cruise? There are a few things you will want to consider. For starters, when compared to ocean cruise vacations, river cruises tend to be less family-friendly, particularly for families with young children. There are many reasons. Ocean liners, for example, are substantially larger than their river cruise counterparts, which means there’s less space to utilize on river cruise vessels. That’s one of the reasons that river cruisers have no children’s facilities. What this means for young travelers is that there won’t be a lot of entertainment that’s designed just for kids. And, unless it’s a special family-themed cruise, there probably will not be other children onboard.
Some river cruise companies, however, are more family-friendly than others. Although, the recommended minimum age for travelers is 8 to 10 years old on most vessels, there are river cruises that allow families to travel with children under the age of 2. But while infants and toddlers may be allowed on a river cruise, there are no sleep accommodations for children this young. Families will need to provide their own portable cribs and bedding and other items that infants or toddlers require.
Four of the most family-friendly companies are AmaWaterways, A-ROSA, CroisiEurope and Tauck. Families with young children can take a river cruise throughout the year. Other companies, such as Uniworld and Tauck offer a few family-friendly river cruises during the summer and winter school vacations.
See Adventures By Disney, AmaWaterways Add More Family-Friendly Departures in 2016
Listed below is a summary of each river cruise line’s child policy.
AmaWaterways will accept children as young as 4 years old for its itineraries in Europe and Asia. No extra beds are provided, so children between the ages of 4 and 10 must be able to share a bed with the accompanying adult(s). Also see Adventures By Disney, AmaWaterways Add More Family-Friendly Departures in 2016
For Chobe River cruises in Africa, the minimum age limit is 12 years old.
- Discounted Fares for Children: No
- Special Programs or Facilities for Children: No
American Queen Steamboat Company
American Queen Steamboat Company will allow children as young as 6 months old; however, the company does not provide a crib or sleep accommodations for young travelers.
- Discounted Fares for Children: No
- Special Programs or Facilities for Children: No
A-ROSA is one of the most child-friendly river cruise lines. The company accepts children from the age of 2. Guests under the age of 18 must be supervised at all times by an adult who is at least 21 years old.
- Discounted Fares for Children: Yes, children from 2 to 15 years old can sail for free in 2015 if no additional bedding is required.
- Special Programs or Facilities for Children: No
Children must be at least 8 years old to travel with Avalon Waterways. Children under the age of 18 must be supervised at all times by an adult who is at least 21 years old.
- Discounted Fares for Children: No
- Special Programs or Facilities for Children: No
CroisiEurope allows children of all ages on its river cruises. Cribs or sleep accommodations for toddlers are not available onboard.
- Discounted Fares for Children: Yes. Children between the ages of 2 and 10 receive a 20 percent cruise discount after deducting taxes, other additional charges and file handling charges. Infant and toddlers up to 2 years of age sail for free.
- Special Programs or Facilities for Children: No
Children must be at least 12 years old to travel with Emerald Cruises. Travelers under the age of 21 must share cabin with another adult who is at least 21 years old.
- Discounted Fares for Children: No
- Special Programs or Facilities for Children: No
Grand Circle allows children who are at least 13 years old on its river cruises. This company caters to guests who are 50+ years old.
- Discounted Fares for Children: No
- Special Programs or Facilities for Children: No
Children ages 12 and older are allowed on Scenic river cruises.
- Discounted Fares for Children: No
- Special Programs or Facilities for Children: No
Tauck Bridges’ itineraries are recommended for children who are at least 3 years old. All shore excursions have a minimum age rating assigned to them. Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian during all Tauck journeys for young travelers.
There are 3 Tauck Bridges’ packages available: 1) Castles on the Rhine: Family Riverboat Adventure; 2) Blue Danube: Family Riverboat Adventure; and 3) Bon Voyage! France Family River Cruise.
- Discounted Fares for Children: No
- Special Programs or Facilities for Children: Yes for Tauck Bridges’ cruises. No for children’s facilities onboard the ship.
The minimum age requirement for Uniworld’s river cruises is 4 years old; however, the recommended age is 8 or older. The company features a few multigenerational cruises throughout the year. Children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult 21 or older at all times.
Uniworld offers a few Multigenerational river cruises during summer and winter school vacations. Packages are available for 3 itineraries: 1) Castles Along the Rhine; 2) Paris & Normandy; and 3) Classic Christmas Markets.
- Discounted Fares for Children: Yes, 50%
- Special Programs: Yes, special onboard and onshore activities are planned to cater to parents and grandparents traveling with young people.
- Facilities for Children: Yes
The minimum age requirement for Viking River Cruises is 12 years old. Children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult who is over the age of 21. The company states that it reserves the right to limit the number of passengers who are younger than 18 years old.
- Discounted Fares for Children: No
- Special Programs or Facilities for Children: No
Are River Cruises a Good Choice for Children?
The answer to this question depends on the age of the children as well as their personalities or interests. Even though there are a few cruise lines that allow infants and toddlers, a river cruise — or even a trip to Europe — may not the best way to travel with them. Because most river cruise passengers will probably be without children, especially very young ones, bringing yours along could result in an awkward and frustrating experience. Other passengers might find it hard to relax and enjoy their vacation if children are crying or misbehaving.
River cruises can be a good option for older children who are interested in culture and history and who do not require a lot of physical activity or interaction with other children. And of course river cruises are also suited for children who are mature and interact well with adults.
See other Family River Cruise articles.
Sean says
Viking does not allow anyone under the age of 18 on their River Cruises. Must be 18 at time of embarkation.
Judi Blomquist says
I’m reading that viking does allow children between age 12 and 28 if accompanied by an adult.
Judi Blomquist says
Between 12 and 18 that should say
gayle Fishkin says
Thank You so much for this information. I now know I can’t take my 9,12 and 15 year old grandchildren on a River cruise this summer.
amy jones says
Well I’ve just booked for me and my five year old son if people don’t like it that’s tuff then they take that risk when booking
Rick Starr says
I won’t be on your cruise!
Adult only cruise, Thank You!
Sandra says
And your attitude spoils it for others who don’t want to “shove” their children on others whether they like it or not. Too bad. I like children but don’t want to take a chance on a parent like you.
Louise says
Please what company, would not hook through them
Louise says
what company are you using for your trip. Not for me and my husband
Ralph Grizzle says
Guidelines have been updated, https://rivercruiseadvisor.com/2018/09/river-cruise-101-river-cruising-with-kids/ Some cruise companies have no restrictions. Some limit to ages 3 or 4, and others limit to ages 8 and up.