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Family Cruises

Create unforgettable memories with a tailored family or friends' charter cruise experience

Families or groups of friends can charter any of the hotel barges. You will have the whole vessel to yourselves and she becomes a home from home, except that the crew takes care of all the hard work!

Whether you are young or old or a combination of all ages, whether there’s cause for celebration, or just a chance to enjoy each other’s company…a family or friends’ charter cruise really does take some beating.

We recognise that hectic lifestyles allow little time for families to spend precious leisure time together and planning a holiday involving several generations can be a real challenge, ensuring that the accommodation, meals and activities are all suitable. Our tailored family charters offer a perfect solution and the opportunity to share an experience that will be talked about over family dinners for years and generations to come.

The voyage itself is great fun. Grandchildren may find themselves steering their 126 foot vessel along a tree-lined canal, perhaps joining their cousins in the barge spa pool, or biking together on the towpath, as their parents relax alongside on the sun deck just a few feet away.

And having your own onboard chef means that meal arrangements are both enjoyable and flexible. Dinner can be enjoyed as a family, with perhaps a casual barbecue during the week for children to enjoy some alfresco dining.

Ashore, as well as our traditional visits to castles, palaces and old fortified cities, you have the possibility of other fun activities tailored to teenagers or younger children – please ask us for details.

Photo Gallery

European Family River Cruise Highlights

When ashore, as well as our traditional visits to castles, palaces and old fortified cities, you have the possibility of other fun activities tailored to teenagers or younger children such as horse-riding, canoeing and kayaking, aquaparks, and nature trails – please ask us for more details. We also offer a variety of onboard activities for family members of all ages to enjoy including board games, DVDs, boules sets and more.

Wherever you choose to cruise with your family – maybe in Scotland where you might like to do some ‘Nessie’ spotting and take a steam train ride, or perhaps Burgundy to visit lush vineyards and UNESCO World Heritage sites, or perhaps in the Midi where you will explore fortified medieval cities such as Carcassonne – you can all be sure of having an unforgettable time together.

Why Book a European Barge Cruise for Your Family?

We recognize that hectic lifestyles allow little time for families to spend precious leisure time together and planning a holiday involving several generations can be a real challenge, ensuring that the accommodation, meals, and activities are all suitable. Our tailored European cruises for families offer a perfect solution and the opportunity to share an experience that will be talked about over family dinners for years and generations to come.

The voyage itself is great fun. Grandchildren may find themselves steering their 126-foot vessel along a tree-lined canal, perhaps joining their cousins in the barge spa pool, or biking together on the towpath, as their parents relax alongside on the sun deck just a few feet away.

And having your own onboard chef means that meal arrangements are both enjoyable and flexible. Dinner can be enjoyed as a family, or with separate mealtimes for children, and on occasion perhaps a casual barbecue during the week for children to enjoy some alfresco dining.

Tailored Activities

Each European family river cruise takes the same route as on its usual Classic Cruise, but for families we can create a bespoke itinerary, substituting many of the normal excursions with your preferred family activities such as a zoo visit or a canoeing excursion. Some other activities, such as hot air ballooning and horse-riding, carry a supplement and must be booked directly by you with the provider.

And we don’t forget the grown-ups, with private wine tastings, tours of family-owned chateaux, and eclectic local markets there’s something for everyone.

Special Occasions

A hotel barge charter is a momentous way to mark a special occasion. From big birthdays to golden anniversaries, whatever the reason, we will do our utmost to make it truly memorable – entrust us with your special day and you’ll have barging memories that will last a lifetime.

Family Cruises are Available on the Following:

La Belle Epoque - Cruising - 490

La Belle Epoque is a deluxe, 12 passenger hotel barge that offers Family Cruises in Northern Burgundy between Venarey-les-Laumes and Tanlay from April to October

The Ultra-Deluxe hotel barge Finesse

Finesse is an ultra deluxe, 8 passenger hotel barge that cruises the River Saône and Canal du Centre in Southern Burgundy

L’Art de Vivre is a first-class, 8 passenger hotel barge that offers Family Cruises in Burgundy between Auxerre and Chevroches from April to October

Nymphea 490

Nymphea is a first-class, 6 passenger hotel barge that offers Family Cruises in the Loire Valley between Moulin de Nitray and Montrichard from June to September

Rosa Cruising

Rosa is a first class, 8 passenger hotel barge that cruises the Canal de Garonne in the Gascony and Bordeaux regions of southwest France

Athos

Athos is a first-class, 10 passenger hotel barge that offers Family cruises on the Canal du Midi between Argeliers and Marseillan from April and October

L'Impressionniste Cruising

L’Impressionniste is a deluxe, 12 passenger hotel barge that offers Family Cruises in Southern Burgundy between Fleurey-sur-Ouche and Escommes between April and October

Renaissance barge

Renaissance is an ultra-deluxe, 8 passenger hotel barge that offers Family Cruises in the Upper Loire and Western Burgundy between Chatillon-sur-Lore and Montargis from April to October

Enchante

Enchanté is an ultra-deluxe, 8 passenger hotel barge that offers Family Cruises on the Canal du Midi between between Salèlles d’Aude and Trèbes from April to October

Anjodi cruising on the Canal du Midi, France

Anjodi is a first-class, 8 passenger hotel barge that offers Family Cruises on the Canal du Midi between Marseillan and Le Somail from April to October

Panache - Cruising - Alsace - September 2023 (7) 250

Panache is a deluxe, 12 passenger hotel barge that offers Family Cruises in Holland from April to May and in Alsace & Lorraine from July to October

Scottish Highalnder

Scottish Highlander is a first-class, 8 passenger hotel barge that offers Family Cruises in the Scottish Highlands between Muirtown and Banavie in from April to October

Spirit of Scotland is a deluxe, 12 passenger hotel barge that offers Family Cruises in the Scottish Highlands between Banavie and Muirtown from June to October

Hotel barge, Magna Carta cruising the River Thames in England

Magna Carta is a deluxe, 8 passenger hotel barge that cruises the charming upper stretches of the Royal River Thames in England

Shannon Princess Ireland Cruise

Shannon Princess is a deluxe, 10 passenger hotel barge that offers Family Cruises in Ireland between Glasson and Killaloe from April to September

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the minimum age limit for children?

If you charter an entire boat for your family cruise, we welcome children and infants of any age. We have family itineraries available with activities to suit all ages. However, if you are booking a “per cabin” trip, children under the age of 12 years are not permitted.

What amenities do you have on board?

Most of our hotel barges are air-conditioned and all are heated. The cabins have private, well-appointed bathrooms with showers. Many of the barges have on-deck spa pools and open bar area, and many enjoy more than one deck to enjoy. They also each have a small library, a music system such as a CD player/iPod dock, and WiFi internet access which is subject to local reception.

How much do family river cruises cost?

Our cruises Start from approximately $4,000 / 3,500€ / £3,000 per person per week and include:

  • Comfortable en suite accommodation
  • Gourmet meals prepared by the on-board chef, fine wines and an open bar
  • Private daily escorted excursions
  • Local transfers in an air-conditioned minibus
  • Bicycles and, on most hotel barges, an on-deck spa pool
  • Attentive service from an experienced crew

What safety equipment do you provide on Family Cruises?

We can provide a range of safety equipment to ensure your little ones are safe whilst travelling with us. This includes car seats, cot beds, high chairs, and safety gates. We can also provide equipment such as children’s bicycles and helmets. For more information, please talk to a member of our Cruise Team.

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