Family Cruises: Why a Hotel Barge is the Perfect Getaway

Many people have hectic lifestyles these days, so a holiday where lots of family members, of all ages, can find that rare opportunity to all be together is becoming more and more desirable.

That’s why we offer Family Cruises across all of our hotel barges, with great activities for the children, but also plenty of time for the adults to relax. All in the comfort of your very own floating home-away-from-home. Not to mention a dedicated crew including a Captain, Chef, Tour Guide, Hosts, and Deck Hand to make sure your every wish is catered to! Now that sounds like a perfect family friendly holiday.

A Special Occasion - or Just Because?

Sometimes gathering as a family is an annual event and, more often than not, it is for a special occasion. Milestone birthdays or anniversaries are a good reason for everyone to come together. But even if there isn’t anything particular to celebrate, coming together as a family is a celebration in itself.

You may have already experienced in your vacation research that there are not many places that welcome or easily cater for different generations of a family together in a private setting, particularly with young children in the mix. European Waterways’ hotel barges are perfect for Family Cruises. We have catered for babies to nonagenarians, and every age in between!

A Private Floating Home for All Ages

Your chosen ‘private floating villa’ can supply all your baby, toddler, or child’s needs from highchairs and cots to bicycles and helmets to movies and games. As for parents and grandparents: with the freedom of chartering the entire barge, they’re completely free to use the space as they wish to relax on deck in the sunshine, nap or simply catch up on conversation, whilst the more energetic expend their energy at play.

A hotel barge meandering down a canal is a tranquil experience, offering the chance to sit and watch the scenery slowly pass by. Our crew will happily prepare one of the barge bicycles for you to take out onto the canal towpath and explore at a slightly faster pace. Walking, local games of pétanque (boules), and of course a variety of attractions might entice as well. There’s something for all ages!

Tailored Excursions for Every Generation

Your hotel barge usually visits different attractions each day, taking a morning or afternoon to explore a castle, enjoy a majestic falconry display, maybe some truffle hunting or wandering through a colourful local market.

When booking a Family Cruise with us you have the opportunity to swap up to four (included) activities into the itinerary with excursions more suited to your party’s ages and interests. We provide a Tour Guide and a private luxury air-conditioned minivan to transport you to and from your excursions, complete with baby/child seats, and even foldable walking poles if needed, easing the stresses of moving around.

On a Canal du Midi family cruise aboard hotel barge Anjodi, kid-friendly excursions include visits to the underground Limousis Caves, the Meze Dinosaur Park, and medieval fortified Carcassonne where young visitors can enjoy playing gallant knights.

For the grown-ups, you can enjoy truffle hunting demonstrations and wine tastings at local vineyards and explore the wonderful food market in Narbonne. TV chef and restauranteur, Rick Stein certainly enjoyed this fabulous barge when he was aboard filming his French Odyssey TV series some years ago!

Another great destination for family friendly cruises is the Canal du Nivernais in Burgundy, home to another of our hotel barges, L’Art de Vivre. Activities for the younger ones can include tree-climbing and kayaking at local adventure parks and visiting the Parc de l’Auxois zoo.

Older members of the family can indulge in a tour of the Renaissance Château de Bazoches or simply relax sipping a chilled glass of Chablis in the on-deck spa pool, as you cruise gently through the French countryside.

All-Inclusive Dining: Gourmet Meals for Every Family Member

All our hotel barges come with a dedicated master chef, able to cater to all family members. From babies to teenagers, parents to grandparents, when you bring many generations together there are often special requests with a variety of dietary needs, likes and dislikes.

No need to stress about what to eat, or even who must do the dishes! It’s all taken care of for you. At the booking stage, we will have asked about any dietary requirements, and the food prepared fresh for each meal will take this into account. Who wouldn’t want a holiday where they don’t have to cook for a variety of family members? And it means everyone in the family gets to relax and eat well.

Safety and Comfort Aboard Your Private Hotel Barge

A unique feature of privately chartering a hotel barge is the security in knowing your room, personal necessities and equipment travel with you.

Also, the boat is enclosed, creating a safe area for little ones. Whilst on the deck, railings are in place. Specific life jackets will be provided for children, but there is also comfort in knowing that safety gates can also be provided for extra protection.

With a Family Charter, we find that with so many family members to hand, looking after the wee ones is a team effort. Giving rest and respite to some, whilst others get to enjoy spending time with their niece, nephew or grandchild.

Create Unforgettable Memories on a Family Cruise

Discover our selection of Family Cruises here and create an unforgettable experience with your loved ones, with memories to last a lifetime.

For more information about European Waterways’ luxury barge cruises delivered to your doorstep, order a free copy of our brochure or perhaps have a no-obligation chat with a member of our team via our Contact Form.