There’s something magical about watching your child’s eyes light up as they see the Eiffel Tower or taste real Italian gelato for the first time.
Now imagine doing that without the stress of unpacking at every stop or trying to decode foreign train timetables.
A European cruise makes all of this possible.
Why More Families Are Choosing European Cruises
Planning a family holiday can be overwhelming when you’re trying to juggle different interests, ages, and energy levels, and this is just the start of why more families are deciding to hop on a European cruise for their next holiday.
Travel Made Easy
Instead of packing and unpacking at every stop and coordinating transfer between countries, you unpack once and wake up in a new destination every other day. A cruise allows your family to experience multiple European destinations without the hassle.
Built-In Entertainment
Booking a cruise means no one gets bored. Kids can enjoy supervised clubs, splash zones, movie nights, and partake in action-based activities on board.
Meanwhile, parents can unwind at the spa, sip wine with a sea view, or try their hand at a cooking class. This is over and above all the activities you can enjoy together as a family at each stop!
It’s An Educational Adventure
Instead of reading about ancient civilisations or famous landmarks, your kids will get to experience them firsthand. Its history and geography brought to life in one of the most engaging ways possible.
Top Family-Friendly European Cruise Itineraries
There are a number of European cruise itineraries you can choose from.
Western Mediterranean
Start your journey in Barcelona before making your way to Rome, Marseille, and Naples.
This classic itinerary offers a beach and historical holiday in one, so it’s great for family groups with kids of all ages.
Some of the many highlights include the Colosseum in Rome, Park Güell in Barcelona, the Amalfi Coast in Naples, and charming harbours in Marseille.
Northern Europe
This trip begins in Copenhagen and stops at places like Stockholm, Helsinki, and Tallinn.
Not only are these destinations safe and clean, but there are a ton of hands-on attractions that kids will love.
Top stops to add to your list are the Tivoli Gardens amusement park, Vasa Museum, and the open-air Skansen museum. Don’t forget to pack some good walking shoes to keep your feet happy while you’re exploring!
Norwegian Fjords
If you’re a nature-loving family, this journey will have you sailing through Bergen, Geiranger, Ålesund, and Flam.
Along with the beautiful landscapes and wildlife, you’ll also have the chance to do some kayaking, ride the Flam railway, and even enjoy fish tasting at local markets. This route is a real adventure.
Greek Isles
If destinations like Athens, Santorini, Mykonos and Crete have always appealed to you, a Greek Isles cruise is ideal.
The weather is warm, the beaches are fantastic, and the many stories of gods and monsters make this a fun and educational trip for kids.
An Acropolis tour is highly recommended, as is a visit to one of the volcanic beaches in Santorini.
What to Keep In Mind When Planning Your Family Cruise
Before you start planning, here are some helpful tips to keep in mind.
- Choose the right cruise line. Make sure that the cruise line offers everything your family needs. It’s also best to book as early as possible if you’re going with a popular liner.
- Pick the best time to travel. School holidays offer more kid-friendly programming, but shoulder seasons can be less crowded and more affordable.
- Budget for extras. Be sure to factor in shore excursions, gratuities, onboard treats, and souvenirs.
- Set expectations. Chat to your kids about the cruise routines and what to expect at each port to keep things smooth and fun.
The Ultimate Bonding Experience
In the end, a cruise is more than just a holiday. You’re creating lasting memories through shared discoveries.
A cruise gives parents the chance to step back from excessive packing and planning and ensures everyone is entertained from start to finish. It’s a winning holiday for a reason.
All that’s left to decide is which route you want to try first.
This post was originally published on Canary.