It is not for nothing that Viking River Cruises sponsors Downton Abbey. If your children would enjoy

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We are considering doing a Europe river cruise this summer with our 7 and 5 yr old kids. In doing our research though, it looks like children aren't exactly common on these cruises. Has anyone been on a river cruise and seen or taken their kids along? I've seen one cruise company that offers "multi generational" cruises but only on fixed dates which don't work for us. Thanks!
Children would be very unusual on most of these cruises. They are definitely geared to adults - both the ships themselves which have small cabins meant for two, no play areas on board, and any ground tours would be really tough w/ a 5yo.
I think you would want to take the family week option on a river cruise. From our experience there are very few children aboard otherwise, no activities geared for them, and probably a whole lot of people not anxious to spend time with young children. I would do some research at cruise critic and see what the feeling is over there. Personally, I would not do it.
Have you considered travelling by canal boat? You have a boat to yourselves. You would be independent and could set your own agenda much more. Friends discount last minute cruise did one with three generations and absolutely loved it.
I run into river cruise tour group often in Europe. How do I know? They have name tags with "Viking Cruise," "Unitour," etc. or banquet discount last minute cruise rooms and tour buses with similar signs. Despite the what you see on their brochures, the people on these tours looked discount last minute cruise like in their 60s and 70s. I also think the relatively high per day price tag does not go well with young families discount last minute cruise with small children.
Thanks everyone! Your responses were very helpful and pretty discount last minute cruise much what we were suspecting. I like the idea of finding a nice central spot and then doing day trips from there. The canal boat rental is also a great idea! Thanks!
It is not for nothing that Viking River Cruises sponsors Downton Abbey. If your children would enjoy sitting discount last minute cruise through a week of Downton Abbey episodes, they might make it on a River Cruise. Otherwise no go.