Families have more options to sail on the rivers this year as cruise lines continue to offer products and expanded programs to meet the strong demand for multigenerational travel.
Traveling with the entire family, including with extended family and other loved ones, is expected to be one of the top trends for 2023 travel, experts say, as families continue to look to recoup time lost during the pandemic.
Last year's Family Travel Association study also found that families plan to will seek out a travel advisor to help plan their multigenerational vacation in 2023. Peter Bopp, head of research for the association, said that families " seek out advisors for their knowledge and expertise, help planning major itineraries and activities and dealing with the complexities of planning multigenerational and extended family trips."
Emerald's first family-focused river cruises
This summer, Emerald Cruises will launch its first family river cruises on the Rhine and Danube Rivers. The two, eight-day itineraries have been designed with kids ages 10 to 18 in mind, and the cruises will include activities onboard and ashore that family members can enjoy together, such as geocaching in Heidelberg and cooking classes in Bratislava.
The first voyage, Family Rhine River Cruise, will depart on July 17 from Basel to Amsterdam and will use the company's newest ship, Emerald Luna. The cruise will be hosted by the ship's godmother, Gifted Travel Network co-founder Vanessa McGovern.
The Danube version, meanwhile, departs on July 15, sailing from Budapest to Munich. Guests can expect a trip to an interactive museum in Budapest and archery lessons at Schallaburg Castle in Austria.
Uniworld Adds Egypt to Generations Collection
Families can explore the ancient historic treasures of the Nile River later this year when Uniworld adds Egypt to its Generations Collection program.
The cruise will sail the company's existing 12-day Splendors of Egypt and the Nile but will include additional features aimed at keeping the family entertained, beginning Dec. 16.
Families will see the Pyramids of Giza, the Valley of the Kings and other historical sites, along with chances to meet and interact with local children and have the option to donate gifts such as school supplies, books and games.
Adventures by Disney's new holiday cruise
Adventures by Disney is specifically geared to families, and it has added a holiday river cruise that will sail over the New Year's holiday. Guests will be able to ring in 2024 with a champagne toast onboard the 156-passenger AmaLea while exploring the historical sites and landmarks across Germany, Austria and Hungary.
The eight-day Danube River Cruise: Magical Holidays departs Dec. 28.