River cruising has undoubtedly appealed to mature travellers; however, in the last decade, there has been a big rise in the number of multi-generational families, and friend groups opting for a river cruise holiday. More and more cruise lines are adjusting their offerings to accommodate children and young adults, with lines such as Uniworld Boutique River Cruise and AmaWaterways offering family-friendly spaces such as lounges, and games rooms. Pair this with the range of benefits river cruising offers its passengers it’s no wonder why families are opting for river cruises over traditional land-based holidays.
Spend quality time together, sail some of the world's most scenic waterways, and embark on a remarkable journey of discovery and bonding with your loved ones onboard a family river cruise.
To accommodate for multi-generational travellers, the ultra-luxury river cruise line Uniworld Boutique River Cruises offers the Generations Collection – itineraries and shore-excursions offering a unique blend of adventure, culture, and exploration, specially curated for families wanting to see the world in a new way. On these sailings, dedicated family hosts oversee onboard activities including; cookery and dessert-making sessions with the ship’s chefs; craft workshops tailored to destinations featured on the itinerary; child-friendly menus and ‘young travellers’ dining table; and a lounge and games room complete with PlayStation, games, movies, and local treats.
AmaWaterways are pioneers in river cruise ship design and were the first river cruise line to design ships with families in mind. AmaStella and AmaViola launched in 2016 with interconnecting cabins, as well as family-friendly suites accommodating families of four.
Since 2019, the ground-breaking AmaMagna, a double-width vessel and one of the world’s biggest river cruise ships, offers a theatre where young travellers can watch movies, and play video and board games; as well as child-sized bicycles onboard for multi-generational bike tours.
7 Nights
Sailing Date : 25 Dec 2026
Douro
Award-Winning Included Dining Experiences
Up to £1,500 cruise savings per person PLUS Complimentary Stateroom Upgrade PLUS up to €50 Onboard Credit per person
Save up to 20% on a range of sailings in 2024 and 2025
7 Nights
Sailing Date : 26 Dec 2026
Danube
Award-Winning Included Dining Experiences
Up to £1,500 cruise savings per person PLUS Complimentary Stateroom Upgrade PLUS up to €50 Onboard Credit per person
Save up to 20% on a range of sailings in 2024 and 2025
7 Nights
Sailing Date : 26 Dec 2026
Rhine
Award-Winning Included Dining Experiences
Up to £1,500 cruise savings per person PLUS Complimentary Stateroom Upgrade PLUS up to €50 Onboard Credit per person
Save up to 20% on a range of sailings in 2024 and 2025
7 Nights
Sailing Date : 26 Dec 2026
Dutch Waterway
Award-Winning Included Dining Experiences
Up to £1,500 cruise savings per person PLUS Complimentary Stateroom Upgrade PLUS up to €50 Onboard Credit per person
Save up to 20% on a range of sailings in 2024 and 2025
7 Nights
Sailing Date : 26 Dec 2026
Douro
Award-Winning Included Dining Experiences
Up to £1,500 cruise savings per person PLUS Complimentary Stateroom Upgrade PLUS up to €50 Onboard Credit per person
Save up to 20% on a range of sailings in 2024 and 2025
7 Nights
Sailing Date : 26 Dec 2026
Amazon
Award-Winning Included Dining Experiences
Save up to 20% on a range of sailings in 2024 and 2025
7 Nights
Sailing Date : 27 Dec 2026
Danube
Award-Winning Included Dining Experiences
Up to £1,500 cruise savings per person PLUS Complimentary Stateroom Upgrade PLUS up to €50 Onboard Credit per person
Save up to 20% on a range of sailings in 2024 and 2025
7 Nights
Sailing Date : 28 Dec 2026
Danube
Award-Winning Included Dining Experiences
Up to £1,500 cruise savings per person PLUS Complimentary Stateroom Upgrade PLUS up to €50 Onboard Credit per person
Save up to 20% on a range of sailings in 2024 and 2025
7 Nights
Sailing Date : 28 Dec 2026
Danube
Award-Winning Included Dining Experiences
Up to £1,500 cruise savings per person PLUS Complimentary Stateroom Upgrade PLUS up to €50 Onboard Credit per person
Save up to 20% on a range of sailings in 2024 and 2025
7 Nights
Sailing Date : 28 Dec 2026
Mekong
Award-Winning Included Dining Experiences
Save up to 20% on a range of sailings in 2024 and 2025
7 Nights
Sailing Date : 28 Dec 2026
Nile
Award-Winning Included Dining Experiences
Save up to 20% on a range of sailings in 2024 and 2025
7 Nights
Sailing Date : 29 Dec 2026
Rhine
Award-Winning Included Dining Experiences
Up to £1,500 cruise savings per person PLUS Complimentary Stateroom Upgrade PLUS up to €50 Onboard Credit per person
Save up to 20% on a range of sailings in 2024 and 2025
7 Nights
Sailing Date : 29 Dec 2026
Rhine
Award-Winning Included Dining Experiences
Up to £1,500 cruise savings per person PLUS Complimentary Stateroom Upgrade PLUS up to €50 Onboard Credit per person
Save up to 20% on a range of sailings in 2024 and 2025
7 Nights
Sailing Date : 29 Dec 2026
Douro
Award-Winning Included Dining Experiences
Up to £1,500 cruise savings per person PLUS Complimentary Stateroom Upgrade PLUS up to €50 Onboard Credit per person
Save up to 20% on a range of sailings in 2024 and 2025
7 Nights
Sailing Date : 30 Dec 2026
Nile
Award-Winning Included Dining Experiences
Save up to 20% on a range of sailings in 2024 and 2025
7 Nights
Sailing Date : 30 Dec 2026
Amazon
Award-Winning Included Dining Experiences
Save up to 20% on a range of sailings in 2024 and 2025
7 Nights
Sailing Date : 31 Dec 2026
Rhine
Award-Winning Included Dining Experiences
Up to £1,500 cruise savings per person PLUS Complimentary Stateroom Upgrade PLUS up to €50 Onboard Credit per person
Save up to 20% on a range of sailings in 2024 and 2025
