river cruise younger crowd

Active River Cruises: 6 Routes for Younger and Adventurous Passengers

These active river cruises in the Pacific Northwest, Africa, Europe, and South America will appeal to younger and adventurous passengers. 

By Heidi Sarna

November 20, 2023

Heidi Sarna is the cofounder of QuirkyCruise.com , a guide to small-ship cruising .    

Having taken river cruises all over the world— Southeast Asia , India, Europe, and North America—I know their advantages well. 

Everything is intimate and close up, from the scenery along the riverbanks to the convenient layout of the ship. Your cabin will never be far from the restaurant, lounge, or entry and exit points. And in port, vessels are often docked right in town, with tour buses or guided strolls departing from the end of a short gangway. 

Given the ease and tempo of most river cruises, it’s no surprise they’re popular with seniors.

Yet for younger and more adventurous travelers—myself included—the appeal of some river cruises extends beyond those benefits, encompassing exciting opportunities to stay active during the trip, thanks to fun, enriching, and adrenaline-boosting excursions in port. 

Here are six river cruise routes that will appeal to active younger—and young-at-heart—cruisers.

Waterways of the Netherlands and Belgium

Great for : bicycling  

These two countries are legendary for their extensive network of car-free paths for bicycling. Most river boats in Europe carry a fleet of bicycles on board, so you can often cycle right from where your boat is docked to tour cities like Antwerp and Dordrecht , as well as pedal through the countryside. 

Take off on your own or sign up for the boat’s guided rides. I always cycle on river cruises whenever possible, including on a recent AmaWaterways cruise. Seeing a destination from behind handlebars is an excellent and exhilarating way to get to know the region.

Some cruise lines that go here : 

• •  AmaWaterways
• •  Avalon Waterways
• •  Uniworld
• •  CroisiEurope

Columbia and Snake Rivers in Washington and Oregon

Great for : jet boating, hiking, wine tasting

This river cruise itinerary follows in the wake of explorers Lewis & Clark, weaving through a breathtaking landscape (a cruise on the Columbia River is pictured at the top of this page). Thrill seekers will especially appreciate sporty excursions like a jet boat ride through the Hells Canyon rapids, the dramatic gorge that forms the borders of Idaho, Oregon, and Washington. 

There are also hikes to dramatic sights like Multnomah Falls and kayaking opportunities on the Palouse River, a tributary of the Snake. Some cruises also showcase vineyards of the Pacific Northwest, adding wine tasting to the week’s line-up. 

Some cruise lines that go here :

• • American Cruise Lines
• • American Queen Voyages

Rivers of Bordeaux in France

Great for : wine tasting, cycling, helicopter rides

Located in the heart of the world’s most famous wine region, Bordeaux is set along the Garonne river in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region of southwestern France . River cruises here of course offer wine-tasting tours at the many scenic vineyards that carpet the region, including tours by bicycle.

Helicopter rides over the vineyards and stately chateaux are often another excursion choice (typically for an extra fee). Staying on a day or two in historic Bordeaux before or after your cruise offers more opportunities for cycling, wine tasting, café-hopping , and long walks to places like Bordeaux’s famous interactive wine museum, La Cité du Vin .

• • CroisiEurope
• • AmaWaterways

Nile River Cruises in Egypt

Great for : tours of ancient sites, balloon rides  

Egypt gets very hot in the summer and fall—triple-digit temps (F) are the norm, even into October—so healthy young cruisers may be better able to handle the heat on treks to the most popular ancient sights, many of which require navigating stone steps or crouching to enter tombs. Temperatures are lower in winter, but crowd sizes are higher.

No matter what time of year you embark on a Nile cruise, there’s a lot to see along the way—physical stamina helps. Besides walking tours, optional excursions include sunrise hot-air balloon adventures over the Valley of the Kings , camel rides, and short voyages aboard small local boats such as skiffs and traditional wooden feluccas. 

• • Nour El Nil
• • Lindblad Expeditions
• • Abercrombie & Kent

Amazon River Cruises in South America

Great for : jungle explorations, kayaking, hiking

Another set of sometimes challenging climate conditions are characterized by the heat and humidity of the tropical rainforest of the Amazon River and its principal tributary, the Rio Negro. Excursions often involve climbing into small canoes to cruise through narrow jungle passages down streams and tributaries and into lagoons—sometimes you’ll have to duck to avoid errant branches and thick vegetation. You can also go kayaking and set out on hikes, all with the beautiful cacophony of howler monkeys and screeching parrots as accompaniment. 

• • Amazon Nature Tours
• • Aqua Expeditions

Southern and West African River Cruises

Great for : safaris, natural wonders

There are several waterways in Southern and West Africa that make for adventurous river cruising. Many companies combine the trips with land-based safaris in national game parks and visits to villages and spectacular natural sights like Victoria Falls .

Two principal routes for cruising are the Chobe River , which forms the border between Botswana and Namibia , and the Gambia and Senegal rivers of West Africa. You can often see wildlife from the decks of the river boats or via excursions in smaller tenders.

• • Variety Cruises

Related : The World's Best River Cruises

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6 Ways River Cruises Are Targeting Millennials

Convenience, value and active excursions are luring younger cruisers.

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Culturally immersive experiences and the chance for leisurely exploration in off-the-beaten-track ports appeal to millennial travelers.

Even though the target river cruising demographic skews to the 55-plus crowd and retirees, river cruises have long been trying to lure millennial travelers. While river cruises offer a more leisurely experience than say an ocean cruise or even a land-based tour, many of the world's top river cruise lines are upgrading their ships, updating their decor, adding more adventure-focused excursions and creating healthier menus to appeal to younger travelers. So, if you're a part of the millennial generation, before you write off a river cruise, consider these ways the river cruising market is well-suited for younger, active and price-sensitive travelers.

[See: 10 Dreamy Cruise Vacations to Cross Off Your Bucket List .]

Healthier Dining Options

Though many cruise lines have started to offer healthy and organic meal options , cruises aren't exactly known for their nutritious cuisine, with deep-fried buffets, hearty French fare loaded with butter and milk, all-inclusive cocktails and heavy dessert bars. And river cruise lines are no exception, with plenty of upscale fine dining options. But to reach health-conscious travelers , lines like Avalon Waterways have partnered with the Wrenkh brothers, famed vegan chefs, to create a completely revamped menu. With fresh ingredients and locally sourced produce, along with vegetarian and vegan cuisine, Avalon Waterways allows travelers to opt for more nutritious meals, such as like a chia seed bowl with acai berries for breakfast or a quinoa vegan bowl made with coconut milk and sweet potatoes.

More Active Excursions

One of the major benefits of river cruising is that all shore excursions are included in the cost of your trip. The only caveat: Many excursions cater to senior cruisers, meaning most sights and tours are seen through the window of a coach. To add more activity, many lines, including Avalon and AmaWaterways, have teamed up with world-renown adventure outfitters like Backroads to create active excursions meant for adventure-seekers. From biking along the Wacchu Valley in Austria to taking jogging tours in Vienna, each itinerary offers at least one active tour a day to get your blood pumping. And for those who'd rather do their own thing, many lines, such as AmaWaterways, Avalon and Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection offer bikes to rent, so you can pedal at your own pace.

[See: 10 Extraordinary European Cruise Ports You Shouldn't Skip .]

Gyms and Running Tracks That Allow Guests to Keep Up Their Fitness Routines

For people who work out on a daily basis, taking a week or two off from the gym can be a deal breaker when it comes to choosing a vacation. Luckily, most river cruise companies have upped their fitness facilities and amenities , offering small yet functional fitness rooms for guests looking to burn off extra calories. In addition to gyms, nearly every river cruise line offers ships with running tracks that span the length of the ship on the top deck. Plus, many lines are adding saunas and even small pools to their ships. Uniworld, one of the luxury leading cruise lines, also provides walking sticks and yoga mats on most of their ships.

Unique, Off-the-Beaten-Path Ports of Call

One common attribute among millennial travelers is the desire to go deeper into a culture and see beyond the main sights to explore lesser-known areas. That's why river cruise companies are adding more unique, exotic and off-the-beaten-track port stops on many of their itineraries. Avalon Waterways, for example, is one of the few lines to offer an enriching voyage to the isolated northernmost regions of Myanmar, where the locals rarely see visitors. Meanwhile, Viking Cruises takes passengers along the ancient Nile River and through some of Cairo's most fascinating neighborhoods and local eateries. And Uniworld guides cruisers along India's weaving Ganges River, navigating to smaller villages such as Bandel, Kalna and Mayapur along with bigger cities like New Delhi and Jaipur. Each shore excursion on the Uniworld itinerary showcases top attractions, but also offers travelers a chance to interact with the locals, taste different traditional curries and navigate one of the world's most beautiful and chaotic countries.

An Onboard Experience for Non-Cruisers

Despite contrary belief, millennials aren't cruise-averse. In reality, younger cruisers crave tailored, unique and authentic experiences. That's why many river cruise companies, which have the luxury of being smaller and more intimate, are doing more to make the experience onboard more immersive. Viking Cruises, for example, brings local entertainers, winemakers, beer brewers and chefs aboard while at port to talk about their day-to-day lives and the products the region is known for. And UnCruise Adventures, which offers intimate ships open to fewer than 100 guests, hosts onboard wine tastings with a local expert or invites a world-renowned local photographer on board its ships to teach guests photography lessons.

[See: 10 Affordable Last-Minute Cruise Vacations .]

Better Social Marketing

It's hard for any company to succeed in today's day in age if you don't have an adaptable social media marketing plan. Fortunately, river cruise lines are quickly picking up on this necessary strategy and are creating accounts that aren't just informative, but personal, shareable and designed with a younger cruiser in mind. Viking Cruises, for instance, features photos from real passengers on their Twitter and Facebook accounts. Meanwhile, UnCruise Adventures uses almost all guest photos for its social marketing, and is one of the few lines that actively participates in Twitter chats with travel influencers and top publications. Plus, many river cruise companies diligently use hashtags, such as #vikingcruises, #lovetravel and #avalonpassion to inspire younger travelers to tag, post and share their journeys.

Tags: Travel , Cruises , Vacations , millennials

About En Route

Practical advice on the art of traveling smarter with tips, tricks and intel from En Route's panel of experts.

Contributors have experience in areas ranging from family travel, adventure travel, experiential travel and budget travel to hotels, cruises and travel rewards and include Amy Whitley , Claire Volkman , Holly Johnson , Marsha Dubrow , Lyn Mettler , Sery Kim , Kyle McCarthy , Erica Lamberg , Jess Moss , Sheryl Nance-Nash , Sherry Laskin , Katie Jackson , Erin Gifford , Roger Sands , Steve Larese , Gwen Pratesi , Erin Block , Dave Parfitt , Kacey Mya , Kimberly Wilson , Susan Portnoy , Donna Tabbert Long and Kitty Bean Yancey .

Edited by Liz Weiss .

If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content.

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Are you too young to take a river cruise? Here's why the under-50 crowd is getting onboard

Slow-motion cruising on gentle rivers in Europe isn’t for everyone. Certainly, it’s not for those who need or require 24-hour access to food, entertainment or bars like mega-ship ocean cruises. But, if a traveler wants an easy pace, intimate settings, small-ship experiences and leisurely history lessons with excursion guides, a river cruise may be the choice – whether or not you’re retired.

Picking a cruise ship:  What's good and bad about every size, from mega-ships to riverboats

The demand is there

The market shows interest in river-cruising is swelling.

According to the latest Travel Agent Cruise Industry Outlook Report , river cruises are currently a hot trend in the cruise industry. The same report states that 79% of travel agents shared a river cruise is a great way to introduce “new-to-cruise” clients to cruising, noting that river cruises are a nice fit for looking for destination immersion, a smaller ship and a relaxed way to see Europe.

The upward trend of river cruises in Europe, says the outlook report,  has seen a 53% year-over-year growth in eastern waterways (Rhine, Moselle, Danube, Elbe) and a 30 percent growth to western channels (Soane, Seine, Loire) as well as a 24% growth to the south (Douro, Rhone, Dordogne, Garonne, Po).

Viking River Cruises, which has 54 longships on rivers in Europe, acknowledges that younger travelers are discovering the delights of river cruises.

“Historically, river cruising has been most popular with experienced travelers,” says Richard Marnell, executive vice president of marketing at Viking. “However, we are finding that younger travelers are also attracted to many of the aspects that are inherent to river cruising – hotel-like small ships that host fewer than 200 guests; the ability to unpack once and experience multiple countries; and itineraries that provide a mix of scenic landscapes, historic cities and storybook villages.”

Marnell also said Viking has also noticed an increase in the number of baby boomers traveling with their adult children. “A river cruise is a great way for families to create lasting memories and explore the world in a comfortable and convenient way that is appealing to multiple generations,” he adds.

Location, location, location

Viking, as well as many of the competitor cruise lines, tout that central docking locations in European get guests closer to their destinations, often docking right in the heart of a city. This makes it easy for independent exploration, which younger guests might prefer.

Another appeal for younger river cruisers is the opportunity to explore multiple inland destinations.

“The convenience factor is huge,” says Colleen McDaniel, executive editor of Cruise Critic. “You’re able to city- and country-hop in the convenience of a moving ‘hotel’ – no need to struggle with the hassles of various transportation needs or packing and unpacking more than once.”

There’s also been a greater focus from river cruise lines to expand their offerings to reach those younger travelers – adding everything from more active shore excursions to new itineraries and ships, and more onboard activities, says McDaniel.

European river cruises:  Your guide to the major companies and routes

Wellness trips 

For those with an interest in active excursions, Viking offers a variety of excursions for those who are looking for a more active or adventurous experience in port.  Examples include taking a bicycle tour of Cologne on the Grand European Tour itinerary; canoeing the Rhone River on the Lyon & Provence itinerary; taking a helicopter tour of Porto on the Portugal’s River of Gold itinerary; hiking the hills of Würzburg to Marienberg Fortress in Germany on the Grand European Tour itinerary; embarking on a plane ride to Neuschwanstein Castle (which inspired Walt Disney) in Passau, Germany on the Danube Waltz itinerary; or paddling through the Danube Wetlands of Donau-Auen National Park , near Vienna on the Romantic Danube itinerary.

Another pacesetter in the river cruise market is  AmaWaterways which boasts wellness hosts onboard , a fleet of bicycles, healthy menu offerings including vegan options, well-equipped fitness rooms and a swimming pool.

“We are seeing a younger, more active profile of guests onboard our ships. This is due to the popularity of our biking and hiking tour options, wine cruises and the growth in multigenerational families that are attracted by the many options onboard,” says Kristin Karst, executive vice president and co-founder of AmaWaterways.

Karst reports about 50% of AmaWaterways’ clients are over the age of 65, and another 46% are between the ages of 35 and 65 years of age. “Regardless of age, our guests are active people who enjoy regular exercise, are health-conscious, have a keen interest in the fine arts and enjoy exploring a variety of locally-sourced, fresh cuisine and regional wines,” she says.

Immersive and inclusive experiences

A trailblazer is U River Cruises , which is the first river cruise dedicated to a new generation of adult travelers, offering a stylish look and feel. Itineraries focus on longer stays in destination, allowing guests to connect with local people, experiences and each city’s vibrant nightlife. The U fleet offers two 120-passenger matte black ships: The A and The B , each boasting two rooftop venues, a spa and locally-inspired, farm-to-table cuisine. “Even with the launch of U River Cruises, there was a clear target for a younger traveler – fully realizing the opportunity in reaching that demographic,” says McDaniel.

Another benefit: more is included in your all-inclusive fare. “River cruising is no longer a sleepy way to travel – it’s seen quite the evolution from just a few years ago,” she says. “River cruises are great for travelers looking for a more all-inclusive experience, as you’ll find far more inclusions on a river cruise than on mainstream ocean ships – things like alcoholic beverages, select shore excursions and WiFi are often inclusions you can expect on a river ship.”

Travel | Not your grandma’s vacation: River cruises turn…

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Travel | not your grandma’s vacation: river cruises turn to active travel and technology to recruit next generation of passengers.

When food blogger Chandler Baird booked a Europe river cruise for her babymoon, the 27-year-old had only one worry: “Everyone I talked to said we were going to be around a ton of old people.”

Fair enough. River cruises generally attract older, often retired passengers. They are this market’s core, its A-listers. But that’s starting to shift a bit as companies court younger adults with sleek new ship designs, active itineraries (rock climbing, anyone?) and cool technology. Want to change the mood lighting in your cabin or access a digital tour guide during a stroll in Budapest? There are apps for that.

Uniworld’s U River Cruises brand has made the boldest push in the industry, introducing two ships, The A and The B, that are designed to attract younger guests. (Uniworld initially put age limits on U ship passengers but quickly backed off that policy, opening the voyages to all adults.) Baird and her husband Dan, a 31-year-old dermatology resident, cruised the Main and Danube rivers on The A in Germany last summer.

Was it really all that different? Way.

The A, jet black with neon accent lights, looks more Batmobile than bateau. There’s no dress code, no evening port briefings, and no early morning shore excursions because the bar is up and running until, as Frank Sinatra famously sang it, the wee small hours of the morning. But don’t expect to hear Sinatra in this lounge. Do expect Lil Nas X. There’s no turndown service and no formal breakfast because most passengers sleep in after a night of tequila karaoke or silent disco. There’s also no paper on board. In this “paperless community” everything — menus, daily programming alerts, touring suggestions — is shared via WhatsApp .

“These are our customers of the future, right?” says Uniworld President and CEO Ellen Bettridge. “These are millennials who love to travel and they’re looking for the coolest thing out there to do. I want to show them there’s a way you can see Europe that’s really easy. You could be 40, you could be 50 and this could be perfect for you too. Age doesn’t really matter; it’s how you feel.”

It’s also what you can afford. The average per diem, per passenger cost for a U cruise is $315. On Uniworld’s other ships, it’s $550.

Modern river cruising on the continent got its start in 1992 with the opening of Germany’s Main-Danube Canal. But it was Viking’s ubiquitous TV sponsorship of “Downton Abbey,” the most watched drama in PBS history, that put European river cruising on the map. Today, roughly 350 cruise ships sail Europe’s rivers. Market leader Viking alone launched seven new ships in Europe this year.

“In the beginning, most of the cruise lines offered the same things; the experience, from one line to the next, was pretty similar,” said Colleen McDaniel, editor in chief of Cruise Critic . “That’s changed. We’ve really seen river cruise lines carve out a niche for themselves and differentiate. One line might focus on food, another on destination, another on wellness as part of the package. It’s exciting.”

In a bid to attract new passengers, Scenic partnered with cycling-focused Trek Travel three years ago to offer luxury biking opportunities on dedicated cruise departures . Next year, passengers will be able to enjoy daily 12- to 60-mile rides on more than a dozen cruises.

Likewise, AmaWaterways has robust partnerships with Adventures by Disney and Backroads that are designed to bring families with children onboard. In 2020 and 2021, Backroads will add new departures for active families with children as young as 4 and as old as 30-something. The cruises are segmented according to the age of the child. Some of the upcoming Backroads cruises will take place on the buzziest ship in Europe right now: the AmaMagna , which launched in May. The ship, which sails the Danube, is twice the width of a traditional river cruise ship and features al fresco dining, a zen wellness studio, wine bar, movie theater, water sports platform and pop-up bar on the sun deck.

Cruise specialist Christina Schlegel, who owns Bluetail Travel in Arlington, Virginia, says younger adults, particularly Gen Xers, are forcing the cruise lines to rethink their offerings.

“Everything needs to be more active,” Schlegel said. When I get clients calling about a river cruise, they want to know: Are there enough bikes on board? What’s the spa and fitness center like? Do they offer yoga? Are there lighter fare dining options? And they are putting much more importance on the freedom to vacation their way.”

They don’t want a rigid schedule, for example, and they don’t want to be part of a pack.

“They want lots of options and more cultural immersion,” added Schlegel. “The vision of a river cruise is old people who are used to traveling in traditional ways and only seeing the iconic highlights of a destination, old people who aren’t very active and are relying on city bus tours and following the tour guide with the umbrella in a large pack. They don’t want that.”

Or, as cruise journalist Jason Leppert succinctly frames it: “The new luxury for passengers is choice.”

Cruisers of all ages also want internet connectivity. Consider: AmaWaterways reports it spends more money on Wi-Fi than it does on fuel.

“There’s this arms race of innovation,” says Greg Ross-Munro, CEO of Sourcetoad , which builds software for ships.

As the barrier to entry gets lower and the technology gets better, more river ships will offer things like streaming music and the ability to order room service or book a shore excursion by way of interactive TV. The rollout of 5G cellular network technology in Europe will also ramp up internet speed, Ross-Munro said.

“My favorite feature that you will see everywhere soon is using your mobile device as a second screen — so you can sit outside on the balcony, watching a live football game, while your cabin mate, lying in bed, watches a movie on the main TV,” he added. “At home, people expect to make a restaurant reservation on Open Table, watch Netflix on TV, and use Trip Advisor for recommendations. You are going to get that same type of app experience on river ships in the next six months to a year. It’s not what passengers want; it’s what they expect.”

Walter Littlejohn, vice president and managing director of Crystal River Cruises , said the line would have “new innovations” to announce soon, adding: “The digital experience is very much a part of modern travel. For some, fully immersing themselves in the moment and getting away from devices is part of vacation, and for others, the joy is sharing the experiences with friends and family around the globe.”

Chandler and Dan Baird, who live in Lubbock, Texas, posted lots of photos from their cruise in Germany — and they’re already looking forward to the next one.

“You show up, everything’s planned for you, yet it’s not regimented,” Chandler Baird said. “We love that we cruise at night and wake up the next morning in a new city, in the heart of the destination. And you know what? There are passengers of all ages. This is how we want to travel forever.”

Ellen Uzelac is a freelance writer.

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The Best Cruise Lines For Young Adults, According To Travel Reviews

Cruising has been a popular form of travel since the 1980s, offering travelers the chance to explore multiple destinations while enjoying luxurious amenities and entertainment on board. While cruises have generally been associated with an older demographic, many cruise lines today are actively working to attract younger adults looking for a lively and vibrant experience at sea.

According to Fortune , Gen Z and Millenials are prioritizing trips and experiences over purchasing luxury items. These groups primarily choose to visit off-the-beaten-path locations and partake in diverse culinary experiences while taking care of their mental and physical health via self-care.

With more affordable prices, stops in exotic locations, buzzing entertainment, and spa services on board, more and more younger travelers are opting for cruises as a way to meet their travel needs. Thanks to the wide range of cruise offerings from dozens of companies around the world, young adults can find a cruise that best fits their travel goals, budget, and personality. By sourcing cruise reviews and noting unique highlights, we've compiled a list of the best cruise lines for young adults.

Carnival Cruise Line

Carnival Cruise Line is popular with younger crowds, namely for its over-the-top and extensive range of on-board entertainment. Calling its fleet "fun ships" and having Shaquille O'Neal as its "Chief Fun Officer," Carnival specializes in all things entertainment. With live performances by renowned musicians and comedians, high-energy dance parties at nightclubs and bars, Broadway-style performances, interactive game shows, karaoke nights, and even late-night outdoor movies under the stars, there is always something exciting to do on board. Carnival also offers the first-ever breweries at sea on the Vista and Horizon ships, allowing guests to sip world-class beer directly from the source.

For those who love a thrill, try the Twister Waterslide or the SkyRide — a suspended cycling experience — that offers breathtaking views from above deck. Or, race against friends on the Speedway Splash water coaster, or challenge yourself on the ropes course suspended high above the ship's deck. Among one of the most affordable cruise lines on the market, Carnival is making it even easier for young adults to find a sailing that works within their budget.

Virgin Voyages

As the only cruise line that doesn't allow children, Virgin Voyages appeals to young adults wishing to escape from day-to-day life. The child-free cruises also allow young travelers to meet more like-minded people in an adult-only environment. Because Virgin doesn't cater to families or young children, there are many more opportunities for nightlife, dining, and on-board events than other cruise lines.

While many cruise lines across the industry have created elevated dining experiences, Virgin has replaced buffets and set dining times. With more than 20 restaurants and dining options, Virgin ships offer a wide range of culinary choices and diverse experiences, such as the soju drinking game that starts the meal at the Korean BBQ restaurant, Gunbae.

Virgin also offers large fitness centers with free group classes, outdoor yoga, and a functional training center by the pool. There are also countless entertainment offerings, from DJs to Broadway-style shows to nightclubs, that are perfect for young adults to let loose in a kid-free environment.

Norwegian Cruise Line

With the introduction of Studio cabins for single travelers, Norwegian has been appealing to younger generations of travelers who want to cruise alone, as the cabins are a more cost-effective way for solo travelers. On standard cruises, rooms are priced at double occupancy, so when traveling solo, the cost would be roughly doubled. With Norwegian Studio Cabins, prices start at the standard occupancy rate with no single supplement fee, which will add up to significant savings that can be used for shore excursions or additional onboard amenities. 

Norwegian also offers Studio Lounges, a solos-only area on its ships that allows solo travelers to meet people and mingle with other like-minded cruisers. This can help create camaraderie among those traveling alone. The lounge offers complimentary beer and wine, and Norwegian hosts a range of solos-only events, including on-board pub crawls, tasting classes, and happy hours to cater to young, solo travelers. 

Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity Cruises boasts a fleet of sleek and contemporary ships that cater to the preferences of young adults. From stylish bars and lounges to trendy restaurants and cutting-edge technology, these ships offer an exciting atmosphere where young travelers can relax, party, and mingle with like-minded individuals while traveling the world.

Celebrity also offers a wide range of culinary programs that appeal to foodies and mixologists. From a World Wine Tour and a Food and Wine Pairing Workshop to Mixology 101 and a Jack Daniels tasting flight, there's something for everyone on board. Celebrity sails to a variety of locations, from exotic Caribbean islands to ancient European cities, appealing to any travel style and goal. Active young adults can embark on a range of thrilling shore excursions, such as snorkeling in crystal-clear waters or exploring vibrant local markets, to create memories that last a lifetime.

For thrill-seekers seeking at-sea adventure, Celebrity Cruises also offers exciting onboard activities such as rock climbing walls, basketball courts, pickleball, and jogging tracks overlooking the sea. Plus, there's no shortage of entertainment options on board. From jazz venues and rock shows to Latin-inspired dance parties, there's no shortage of options on a Celebrity Cruise .

Princess Cruise Line

Princess Cruises offers many exciting adventures and amenities designed for young adults. Since Princess is one of the more affordable cruise lines, young adults can make the most out of their travel budget. Princess offers Getaway Cruises that include shorter itineraries in the Caribbean and off the West Coast. The cruises are ideal for young adults who may appreciate a quick vacation without taking too much time off work or school.

Princess Cruises also offers an array of captivating itineraries that cater to the adventurous spirit of young adults. From cruising through the vibrant Caribbean islands or exploring the majestic Alaskan wilderness to embarking on an exotic Mediterranean voyage, there is truly something for everyone. The cruises also offer an extensive range of onboard activities tailored to suit young adults' tastes. With rock climbing walls, water slides, and competitive sports tournaments like basketball and volleyball matches, young adults can find something exciting on each ship.

Royal Caribbean

In recent years, Royal Caribbean has made an effort to appeal to younger travelers, specifically millennial and Gen Z generations with new activities onboard like glow-in-the-dark laser tag, escape room challenges, and surf simulators. They've also begun offering shorter weekend cruises that fit around work schedules and are more budget-friendly. In addition, Royal Caribbean's adult-only beach  in the Bahamas is a major draw of the cruise line. 

In 2023, Royal Caribbean also launched its Hyperlink program aimed at young adults 18 to 25 who are often caught in the middle of kid and adult activities. The Hyperlink program is similar to events hosted in the teen club but is aimed at a slightly older clientele. Programs include meetups for socializing, exclusive nightclub parties, and organized sports solely for those ages 18 to 25. Hyperlink activities can currently be found on Symphony of the Seas, with plans to expand to other ships in the future, including Odyssey of the Seas and the Wonder of the Seas.

Disney Cruise Line

For many, a Disney cruise is just for kids or young families that want a family-friendly vacation. For others, it's a way to escape day-to-day life to feel the nostalgia of childhood and Disney magic without the stress of a theme park vacation. Especially now that Disney has acquired Star Wars and Marvel, more and more young adults are flocking to Disney for their themed ships and special sailing itineraries. These are a little more grown-up compared to the princesses and cartoons typically associated with Disney. 

With events like Marvel Day at Sea and Star Wars Day at Sea, young adults can feel like a kid again by dressing up, interacting with characters from their favorite movies, as well as experiencing themed shows and dining aboard a world-class ship. While these themed cruise itineraries still cater to younger passengers, as it's not a "comic-con" type of experience, the cruises can still appeal to fans of all ages. 

For a little bit of kid-free time, the adults-only areas like the Satellite Falls pools on Dream and Fantasy are perfect for relaxing outdoors with friends or on your own. And just because it's Disney doesn't mean there isn't adult fun to be had. With countless bars and lounges across their fleet of ships, you can sample craft cocktails and high-end dining surrounded by the whimsey of Disney magic, making the higher price of a Disney cruise worth it for fans. 

MSC Cruises

MSC Cruises has a vibrant and energetic atmosphere onboard their ships that perfectly suits the preferences of young adults. Live music performances, themed parties under the stars, exciting events, and plenty of bars and lounges are available throughout their fleet of ships. But one particular ship, the MSC Seascape, is inspired by New York City and pays tribute to the bustling metropolitan city, which will delight any young adult who wants a hip and sophisticated cruise experience. 

The ship's design features public areas and venues named after some of New York's most well-known sights, such as the Times Square-inspired shopping mall and a Broadway-style theater, as well as a mini replica of the Statue of Liberty. The dining options on all MSC cruise ships are a mix of high-end international cuisine and casual dining options. When it comes to entertainment options onboard MSC Cruises' ships, guests can enjoy theater shows featuring world-class performers or catch a movie at the onboard cinema.

MSC also has thrilling activities that cater specifically to adventurous young adults seeking excitement during their voyage. Try out their zip-lining experience high above deck, or challenge your friends at the sports court in basketball or soccer matches. You can also mingle with other passengers on the MSC's Fantasia-class ships, which feature adult-only decks. 

P&O Cruises

P&O Cruises has long been working to break the stereotype that cruises are only for an older crowd by offering an incredible experience tailored explicitly for young adults. One way they're catering to younger crowds is by offering a wide range of shore excursions at varying price points to allow all travelers to experience the destinations they visit.

P&O also offers two new ships, Arcadia and Aurora, that are available exclusively for adults. The all-adult atmosphere, combined with even more dining and entertainment options, make these cruises great for young adults to enjoy a relaxed vacation while having plenty of exciting shore excursion options, high-end dining, and world-class shows to maintain the adventure.

P&O Cruises offers a fleet of modern ships equipped with state-of-the-art amenities geared specifically to the needs of younger travelers. From spacious cabins designed with contemporary aesthetics to interactive technology ensuring seamless connectivity throughout the ship, these vessels provide the perfect home at sea for younger cruisers.

Viking Cruises

Unlike most other cruise lines, Viking specializes in both ocean cruises and river cruises. River cruises offer travelers a slightly different cruise experience with vastly different ports and shore excursions compared to ocean trips. Young travelers can opt for a river cruise to visit popular European cities like Vienna, Budapest, and Amsterdam, Southeast Asian destinations in Vietnam and Cambodia, or experience Egypt along the Nile, which would not be possible on an ocean cruise ship.

For young adults with an adventurous side, Viking's Expedition cruises may be the ideal choice. Expedition cruises head out to locations like Patagonia, the Antarctic, and the Arctic for once-in-a-lifetime experiences that few other cruise lines offer. While these cruises come at a premium price, you can check off those bucket list items like seeing penguins in Patagonia or visiting the seventh continent while enjoying the comfort and convenience of a luxury cruise ship.

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Are Cruises ‘Corny’? Some First-Time Passengers Looking for a Deal Say Maybe Not.

Younger generations of passengers are venturing onto ships for the first time. And with sky-high airfares and expensive hotels on land, many are saving money.

By Ceylan Yeginsu

The idea of being stuck on a giant ship in the middle of the ocean with thousands of people riddled Holden Brown with anxiety. It wasn’t just the horror stories about passengers stuck on cruise ships during the pandemic (though that was part of it).

“I always thought of cruises as corny vacations for the elderly,” said Mr. Brown, 32, a member of the logistics team at the New York streetwear company Supreme.

But this October, he and his sister, Genevieve, 29, who is a manager at the same company, are taking an 11-night cruise on the Norwegian Prima, departing from Barcelona and ending in Rome with stops that include Florence, Italy; Valencia and Ibiza in Spain; and Cannes, France. The cost? About $2,000 each, including an ocean-view room, dining, beverages and a basic Wi-Fi package. The reason? “You get to see all these different places and can take day trips without having to lug your baggage around,” Mr. Brown said.

With airfares at a five-year high, limited accommodations in popular destinations and pent-up travel demand, many people are looking to cruising as a high-value alternative to land travel. Interest among younger generations who have never cruised is higher than ever, with 73 percent of millennials and Gen X travelers considering a cruise vacation, according to a survey conducted by Cruise Lines International Association , the industry’s trade group. Out of the 4,500 respondents who took their first cruise, 88 percent of millennials and 86 percent of Gen X said they would do it again, according to CLIA. The association projects cruise tourism to reach 106 percent of 2019 passenger volume in 2023.

“There’s a lot of convenience about getting on a boat, like the ‘all inclusive’ aspect with meals, drinks and activities covered,” Mr. Brown said.

Carnival, the largest cruise operator in the United States, said the number of new-to-cruise guests who sailed with the company from April to June this year exceeded 2019 levels.

“Consumers want fun, they want experiences, they want great food and entertainment, and they want value,” said Chris Chiames, the chief communication officer for Carnival. “That’s what cruise vacations offer.”

Jonathon Fishman, a spokesman for the Royal Caribbean Group, said that the company aims to “address different age and demographic categories.” He added that guests on Royal Caribbean were younger than before the pandemic.

Short trips, longer stops and ‘boutique cruises’

To attract more first-time passengers, cruise companies have been adapting their itineraries to offer more options to target a broader range of demographics like themed sailings, adult-only cruises and short trips for people to “test the waters.”

“The general ocean ship cruising with 30 restaurants and 4,000 people, I don’t know how long that is actually going to survive,” said Joshua Smith, the founder and travel designer at Global Citizen Journeys, a travel company that caters to millennials. “I’m seeing more and more companies introducing niche cruises, like the groove cruise music festivals or small-scale boutique cruises to target younger millennial audiences. It’s been a success.”

River cruises, which are offered on much smaller vessels that typically accommodate fewer than 200 guests, are particularly popular among first-timers who are looking to distance themselves from crowds during peak travel seasons, particularly in Europe. Christine Chambers, a 42-year-old book editor from Boston booked an eight-day Uniworld river cruise to Burgundy and Provence in June to celebrate her 10th wedding anniversary.

“We’ve traveled all over Europe by plane and train, but wanted to try something different, a little off the beaten path,” Ms. Chambers said. “I would never go on one of those behemoth ships with thousands of people, but I’ve always wanted to try a river cruise — they seem to be more elegant and serene.”

The couple splurged on a deluxe stateroom with a balcony, costing $14,000, with food, beverages and shore excursions included. “We would never spend so much on a one-week vacation, but we are making up for the years we didn’t travel during Covid,” she said.

Nora Hope, 20, took a much bigger cruise to Greece with her family last year, sailing on one of Royal Caribbean’s newest ships, Odyssey of the Seas, which has a capacity of more than 4,000 passengers. Her parents were desperate for a family vacation after two years of pandemic restrictions, and after researching options on various Greek islands, decided that a cruise offered the best-value and least hassles. They spent a total of about $4,300 for their one-week, all-inclusive vacation, staying in two ocean-view rooms.

“The idea was to all be in the same place, but also be able to do our own thing,” she said, adding that she and her younger siblings had different interests. Her brothers loved the ship’s rock-climbing wall, surf simulator and game arcade.

But it didn’t completely work out as planned, said Ms. Hope, who found the ship too crowded and overstimulating. “It was really hard to get a sun bed by the pool, or to find a quiet place to chill,” she said. “The best part for me was being on land, on the islands, but we didn’t get to stay long enough.”

To appeal to more people and allow for more exploration, some cruise lines have modified their itineraries to allow longer port stops.

MSC Cruises , for instance, has started offering overnight stays at the Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, a private island in the Bahamas, where guests can enjoy a range of activities, including light shows, beach bonfires and dance parties. The prices for the three-night cruises, which depart from several U.S. ports, including Miami, Port Canaveral, Fla., and Brooklyn, start from $179 for an inside cabin, $289 for a standard balcony and up to $1,109 for a deluxe suite. In Europe, the company has been offering extended stays in popular destinations like the Greek island of Mykonos, Istanbul and Stockholm.

“Our large, resort-style ships offer an incredible variety of experiences at sea combined with unique itineraries that give guests more time to explore the ports they visit,” said Rubén Rodríguez, the president of MSC Cruises U.S.A.

Irene Bridges, a 29-year-old real estate broker from Manchester, England, recently returned from a Mediterranean cruise on board one of MSC’s newest ships, the MSC World Europa. She had never considered taking a cruise before, but her boyfriend suggested it when they were torn between booking a beach vacation in a resort and a European city break.

“It’s the best of both worlds,” she said after returning from the seven-night cruise, which included stops in Genoa and Sicily. “You can have lazy days chilling by the pool, drinking at the bar, and by the time you get bored, you’ve arrived at your destination and suddenly you’re exploring the most beautiful parts of the world.”

Ms. Bridges and her partner bought one of the cheaper interior rooms that had no windows to save money, but for $1,200 per person, the couple enjoyed all the facilities on the ship and had basic food, drink and Wi-Fi included.

“It was a bargain with the added bonus of having all the logistics and planning of your holiday taken care of,” she said. “There was no stress.”

Virgin Voyages steps up

One line that is attracting first-time passengers is Virgin Voyages, which started in 2021, during the pandemic. Tom McAlpin, the chief executive of Virgin Voyages, says the hope is that a Virgin cruise will be viewed as something like “a boutique hotel on the high seas.” The cruises are adults-only and include food, drinks and tips at a variety of eateries. There is no main dining room or crowded buffet, and each food station has a particular focus, from steakhouses and Korean barbecue to an international food market and a late-night pizza station.

Virgin cruises start at around $2,600 per cabin for two people for an inside cabin and go up to $33,000 for the most luxurious suites.

When Jeanine Fisher’s dance group suggested going on a five-night Virgin Voyages Caribbean cruise this summer she was worried it would be like a fraternity party with people making out in the corridors and throwing up over stairwells.

“Adults-only sounds kind of kinky, and I didn’t know what to expect,” said the 23-year-old makeup artist from Miami. “But it was so much fun! There were parties, but there were also amazing fitness classes and incredible food. It was everything you could want from a vacation, all in one place.”

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram and sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to get expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places to Go in 2023 .

Ceylan Yeginsu is a travel reporter. She was previously a correspondent for the International desk in Britain and Turkey, covering politics; social justice; the migrant crisis; the Kurdish conflict, and the rise of Islamic State extremism in Syria and the region. More about Ceylan Yeginsu

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Love them or hate them, cruises can provide a unique perspective on travel..

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TikTok’s Favorite New ‘Reality Show’:  People on social media have turned the unwitting passengers of a nine-month world cruise  into  “cast members”  overnight.

Dipping Their Toes: Younger generations of travelers are venturing onto ships for the first time . Many are saving money.

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Sail on a Viking River Cruise as a Young Person: What To Expect

I recently enjoyed a 24 day trip to Europe, which included 12 days on a Viking River Cruise; City of Lights! These cruises are generally geared toward the more “experienced” crowd… aka, older folks.  In my late 30s, I wasn’t exactly the target client. However, I had an absolutely wonderful time! I’ll share some tips and what to expect if you aren’t retired, and what it’s like to sail on a Viking River Cruise as a young person!

How Did This Happen, Anyway?

Many of my same-age friends wondered how exactly I found my way onto a Viking River Cruise in my 30s. I was invited by a dear friend (who is in her 70s, their target crowd). She was looking for someone to go with her after her significant other let fear get in the way of exploring the world. I was in!

So what’s it like to sail on a Viking River Cruise as a young person? Marvelous. Just be prepared to be technical support (it’s charming!), be “fixed up” with everyone’s son (or daughter), and to learn all about the crew relationships.

Some Things to Know: What It’s Like to Sail on a Viking River Cruise as a Young Person

Sailing on a Viking River Cruise as a young person had its moments of endearment, frustration, relaxation and bewilderment. Other passengers will tell you incredible tales, share stories about life and offer incredible business advice if you are open to it. I certainly was! They seemed to share a knowledge and general understanding about life that I didn’t.  I tried to be open to learning from the wealth of information around the table. Breaking bread each night with the same crowd allowed me to get to know them a bit more, learn what made each feel satisfied and find common denominators about loving life.

Internet. It’s a Mess.

Most of the folks on the cruise will become frustrated with their lack of internet access because they cannot video with their grandchildren or post to Facebook (really!).  I was wildly frustrated and stressed because I couldn’t get my work done. I had no internet or cell reception through some of the longest stretches of the River.  This meant that I spent times others were touring on buses and walking around cities finding an internet cafe and getting work done. Be prepared for that. I wasn’t expecting just how bad internet access would be on river cruise ships. The crew also expressed their utter frustration and lack of resolution by management.

Technical Support: It’s All On You, Baby.

I fixed a few older folks phones, like anyone my age would. Each afternoon, when I would lay on a couch and open a book after work, a line would begin to form. At first it was reasonable; a passenger every 30 minutes asking for help. By the 6th day, I had 15-20 passengers bringing me their various devices for technical support. It was both amusing, endearing and exhausting at the same time. I wouldn’t trade it for the world.

Crew Relationships Were Like a Soap Opera

Most of the folks on the cruise were involved and interested in learning about the relationships amongst the crew. Mostly, they wanted to encourage love affairs, which I found fascinating! As I came to learn (from talking with the passengers who directly asked the crew!), there were many love affairs happening around me. I never would have picked up on this myself. Knowing these older folks were so interested in the relationships of the crew was sweet and odd at the same time.

Passengers Will Try to Set You Up!

Many of the passengers tried to set me up with their children or in some cases, grandchildren!  If I had $5 for every time I heard “can we FaceTime with my son? He would adore you” my next cruise would be paid for! I suggest just rolling with it. It’s sweet, and who knows.. maybe you’ll meet the one after all!

Advice – And Then Some!

One of the things I loved most about traveling with people much older than me (every single person on the boat was at least 20 years older) was the advice. Everyone had such wonderful, unique stories about love, life and the quest for happiness.. and their own secret recipe for all three. Try to listen with your heart and try not to stress about the work that isn’t getting done (easier said than done). I learned a lot from talking with others. This was quite possibly the most thought provoking group I’ve traveled with.

At the end of the day…

I adored my time with the older crowd on the cruise. I have always feared growing older. Spending time with so many people in their golden years helped me see first hand that we can enjoy retirement, embrace getting older and that when you are with your own peers, wrinkles don’t matter so much. No one on this trip was concerned with their next Botox appointment.

One thing that was a constant reminder though: everyone on the cruise had a partner. No one was traveling alone (except, one could argue, my friend and I who were co-traveling but obviously not a couple). At the end of the day, what I took away from this time sailing on a river cruise as a young person is that you need to enjoy talking with your partner because looks will fade. And of course, that life is better and more fulfilling when you aren’t alone.  I believe this may be why they were so interested in the love lives of the crew. They know it’s the secret to happiness.

These couples knew one another incredibly well; the good and the bad. They loved one another endlessly, anyway. That was perhaps the most important thing I learned. If you get the chance, sail on a Viking River Cruise as a young person, at least once.

I do plan to go again, perhaps with my daughter or .. maybe one of the passengers sons. 🙂

I will share more about the cruise itself in another post!

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Uniworld Cruises for Young Adults

By: Author Dan Bagby

Posted on Published: April 26, 2023

Think river cruises are just for retirees? Think again. Uniworld cruises for young adults are here to revolutionize the way millennials experience Europe. 

U River Cruises by Uniworld offers week-long cruises for young adults along Europe’s riverways. Their itineraries are made specifically for a younger audience and include fun theme nights in stylish lounges, active day excursions like hiking and biking, and nightly pub crawls in Europe’s hottest bars. 

Read on to find out more about these new Uniworld cruises for young adults. 

U By Uniworld River Cruises for Young People

In an effort to appeal to the next generation of river cruisers, Uniworld created a new addition to their river cruise line, U by Uniworld. The aim was to attract active millennials who were interested in exploring Europe to its fullest. 

Uniworld refitted and completely renovated two of their older ships (called the River Baroness and the River Ambassador) and gave them both a sleek, contemporary new look inside and out. Painted black with trendy, brightly colored furniture and modern art inside, both ships got a new name with their new look: The A and The B. 

U by Uniworld debuted in October 2017. The A offered week-long expeditions along the Danube, Main, and Rhine, while The B offered roundtrip routes from Paris along the Seine.

Functioning as a kind of aquatic hostel, the vibe aboard was much more casual than ordinary river cruises. The crew wore regular clothes and nautical terms were replaced with everyday jargon in order to make first-time cruisers feel right at home. 

DJ booths and lounges featured nightly social activities like a welcome party, rooftop cocktail hour, game nights, and live music. Daytime excursions didn’t start until later in the day. Meals were served buffet style and dining areas featured large communal tables to encourage passengers to get to know each other. 

An age limit of 21-45 years was originally in place, but Uniworld removed that restriction in early 2018, welcoming passengers of all ages whether they were young or young at heart.

U River Cruises

Then, in 2019, U by Uniworld went through another major transition. They wanted to further distinguish themselves from the Uniworld associated with an older crowd, so they were renamed U River Cruises and announced two summertime theme cruises aboard The A in August of that year. The B joined The A in Central Europe in 2020. Now The A and The B offer week-long cruises between May and October. The A departs from Amsterdam or Frankfurt, while the B sails from Vienna . 

Nowadays, U River Cruises is one of the few cruise companies for young adults. Even though age restrictions have gone, there are a lot of ways U River Cruises is distinct from other Uniworld offerings .

U River Cruises Tours and Activities

Daily excursions on these Uniworld cruises for young adults are more active and immersive. Bike tours, culinary classes, pub crawls, tastings, and the like replace typical walking tours, and modern tech like QuietVox devices are used so you can hear your guide. Excursions also offer some degree of flexibility, so travelers don’t need to feel tethered to the ship or limited by excursion schedules. 

Some tours are included in the cost of your ticket, but many come at an additional cost. Complimentary bikes are available for travelers who are keen to do some of their own exploring.

U River Cruises Ships

The A and The B are outfitted to appeal to a social, active crowd. Each one can hold a maximum of 120 passengers and consists of 4 cabin types: studios, balconies, studio triples, and suites. 

During the day while the ship is sailing, passengers can take part in fun daytime activities like wine and painting, mixology classes, and yoga, or just sit back and relax in the ship’s many lounges and decks. There’s also a gym and a spa on board. 

Meals are served in the ship’s only restaurant, a large dining room called The Dine. Breakfast or brunch is served buffet style and lasts well into the afternoon. Dinners are served buffet style or family style, with large platters of various dishes brought out to share at your table. Local dishes as well as international favorites are offered, and dietary accommodations can be made. 

Breakfast and dinner are covered in the cost of your ticket, but since most of your afternoons will be spent off-ship, lunch is not included. However, small snacks can be purchased. Dinner is usually followed by a walk to a nearby pub or bar. There are also nightly events like parties and silent discos held on board. 

The U Lounge is the main bar where you can get beer, wine, and craft cocktails, and is where most of the DJ events are held. On the Sun Deck, you’ll find lots of comfortable seating and the stylish Ice Bar. Because of noise ordinances, not many parties are held on the sundeck, but it’s a nice area to gather and socialize with other passengers in the fresh evening air. 

U River Cruise Cabins

The cabins are small but well laid out, and come with Uniworld’s signature Savoir beds and plush, cozy blankets. There are outlets everywhere, Bluetooth-enabled speaker systems, climate controls, and a surprising amount of storage space. 

All cabins are designed to accommodate at least two people. If you’re traveling alone you can take advantage of the U River Cruise room share program for solo travelers, but be forewarned that the beds are really close together and can’t be moved, and you won’t meet your roommate until the first day of the cruise. 

There isn’t much difference between the Studio and Balcony cabins, other than the Balcony cabins feature a French balcony to open the space up a bit. Both come with twin beds, a small but attractive bathroom, a TV, and a window. 

Triple studio rooms feature 3 pod-style beds that come with privacy screens, a picture window, and a bathroom. Each pod has its own storage space, outlets, USB ports, headphone jacks, and mini TV. 

Finally, each ship has 4 suites that come with a large French balcony, a separate sitting area and workspace, and a large bathroom with a heated towel rack. Guests who book a suite will also enjoy an in-room espresso machine, a complimentary mini-bar, and complimentary laundry services. 

Uniworld Cruises for Young Adults Cost

So, how much are these Uniworld river cruises for millennials? Most younger travelers don’t consider river cruises due to their high cost, but U River Cruises has more affordable tickets compared to Uniworld Boutique River Cruises and other cruise lines. 

River cruises on The B start at $3300 for a balcony cabin and $5300 for a suite. The itinerary will take passengers from Belgrade, Serbia into Hungary and Slovakia before arriving in Vienna. The A cruises are similarly priced, with the exception of some weeks in June and September, when balcony cabins can cost as much as $3500 and suites up to $5500. The A cruises traverse the Netherlands before crossing into Belgium . Passengers will disembark in Brussels. 

Included in the cost of your ticket are breakfast and dinner; complimentary coffee, tea and water, plus juice at breakfast; gratuities; one excursion at every port; bike use; wellness classes; and Wi-Fi. 

U River Cruises’ price point might be its only downside. Tickets certainly aren’t cheap and don’t include the cost of airfare, which is probably why most passengers are slightly older (early-30s to mid-40s) than U River Cruises’ target demographic. 

However, U River Cruises is still a young brand. The pandemic put a stop to operations shortly after the relaunch, before they had a chance to really get off the ground. We can’t wait to see how Uniworld’s cruises for young adults develop in the coming years. 

Would you take a U River Cruise? Let us know in the comments! And if you’re interested in more traditional river cruises, we have plenty of other articles like Viking vs. AmaWaterways , AmaWaterways or Avalon , Uniworld vs. Avalon , and Uniworld vs. Tauck . Or, consider talking to a river cruise specialist , who can help you find the perfect cruise line and itinerary for you.

He is an expert travel advisor and enthusiast. He has traveled extensively in the USA, Central America, South America, and Europe. He has visited every Sandals Resort and is one of a select few Diamond Elite members of the Sandals Chairman’s Royal Club. Dan graduated from Johnson & Wales University with an associate degree in Culinary Arts. Later he graduated from the University of Utah with a bachelor’s degree in International Studies with a focus on people and culture.

Italy Family Vacations

Spain family vacations, japan family vacations, australia family vacations, 5 kid-friendly river cruises to book this year.

• By Kimberley Lovato
• February 3, 2019

No longer the domain of retirees, river cruising has come into its own as the “it” way for families to explore, thanks to modern and comfortable ships, roomy suites, unpack-once ease and plenty of well-organized and energy-zapping activities. Many cruise lines even offer special sailings designed just for families, in destinations as enriching as they are scenic. From Europe’s castle-flanked waterways to the natural wonders of Alaska’s Inside Passage to the beaches of Normandy, the hardest decision aboard kid-friendly river cruises in 2019 will be answering the question, “What shall we do today?”

Our Ciao Bambino travel advisors can help you navigate your ultimate waterborne family vacation and offer special access to family-friendly perks and deals, whether onboard or exploring in a favorite port of call. Here are some highlights of what’s happening on some of the world’s top river cruise lines.

What’s New in Kid-Friendly River Cruises

Avalon waterways.

The buzzword on Avalon Waterways this season is “choice.” They even call their menu of excursions the Choice Program, which offers “active,” “discovery” and “classic” elements on every cruise across Europe, assuring that everyone on the family vacation ends up a happy camper. Discovery programs dive deep into local culture with activities such as cooking classes or painting workshops. Active choices appeal to calorie- and energy-burner types who might want to partake in a guided cycling, paddling or hiking tour at each scenic port of call. And classic excursions bring in local experts who to share their knowledge through guided explorations of each destination. There really is something for every person and mood of the day.

Avalon’s latest BFF for families: the Adventure Host, a dedicated activity guru found on every ship in 2019, whose top priority is fine-tuning your experience.

“Avalon’s new Adventure Hosts give families even more opportunities to customize their river cruise vacation,” says Pam Hoffee, managing director of Avalon Waterways. “They’re on hand with gear and maps for active pursuits, can help families take bikes off the ship for a scenic ride through town, or even organize a family kayaking excursion on the Danube, Rhine or Seine River.”

We can help you plan an incredible river cruise vacation with kids

Our Family Vacation Advisor team can work with you to choose the perfect cruise ship, itinerary and more. Click to send us a request!

The newest masterpiece in Avalon’s fleet of Suite Ships is the Envision , arriving on the Danube River in May, and cruising between Budapest, Hungary and Nuremburg, Germany. Carrying 166 passengers and served by a crew of 47, the ship features two full decks of Panorama Suites — 200-square-foot cabins with wall-to-wall French balconies and beds facing the views. The ship’s Sky Deck has a jogging track, a deck game area with oversize chess and alfresco dining. Library books, cards and board games make for fun meetups in the Club Lounge.

Avalon also announces six new itineraries, among them its first along India’s Ganges River. The 13-day sail includes visits to the Taj Mahal and Amber Fort, as well as to Saint Mother Teresa’s former home.

A new eight-day Active Discovery on the Rhône itinerary sails the Rhône delta in southern France, between Port Saint Louis and Lyon. Adults will like the wine-tasting experience with local experts, while the whole family can partake in a cycling journey around Camargue Regional National Park, a unique and wind-whipped area filled with pink flamingoes, white horses and black bulls.

Download the new AvalonGo App, which puts your daily itinerary plus a list of each destination’s attractions, maps, local restaurants and sites in the palm of your hand, making it easier than ever to get out and explore independently.

AmaWaterways

Family-friendly AmaWaterways cruises some of the world’s most scenic rivers, and their brand-new AmaMagna ship is a game changer. Taking her maiden voyage on the Danube in May, with seven-night sails between Budapest, Hungary and Vilshofen, Germany, this modern beauty is twice the width of traditional river ships. And you know what that means? The luxury of more space for leg stretching and lounging, private reading time and larger accommodations, the majority of which measure 205 to 355 square feet. There are six Grand Suites at 474 square feet, and an Owner’s Suite coming in at 710 square feet. There are also eight pairs of staterooms that connect, making it perfect for multigenerational family travel .

Teens will appreciate the independence as they check out the swimming pool on the top deck and join their new friends in the movie room. There are four dining venues aboard the new AmaMagna too, including family-style Jimmy’s. Nightly performances from local musicians and dancers bring the culture and flavor of Europe aboard this one-of-a-kind vessel.

Other European ships to check out are the AmaKristina, AmaViola, AmaStella and AmaLea , all boasting connecting staterooms and triple occupancy accommodations that simplify group and family travel.

AmaWaterway’s selection excursions don’t disappoint, either. A guided bike tour to Melk Abbey; sampling traditional Slovakian specialties and preparing stuffed potato ravioli; visits to medieval castles and other historical sites … there’s always something to learn and to spark curiosity, leaving lots to talk about over dinner.

If hotspot Portugal is on your radar, the company’s new 102-passenger AmaDouro debuts on the Duoro River in April. The spectacular ship features spacious staterooms with views of the hills and terraced vineyards along the river. There’s also unlimited WIFI and movies. The AmaDouro’s Panoramic Lounge will host nightly entertainment, and the Sun Deck swimming pool is an ideal hangout perch.

AmaWaterways continues to partner with Adventures by Disney, and offers themed sailings down the Seine, Rhône, Danube and Rhine Rivers. Backroads is also a partner, which means more than 120 sailings in 2019 and 2020 satisfy adrenaline-fueled families with organized biking, hiking and walking tours, along with plenty of other intriguing outings.

“We have always welcomed families on board our ships, as I truly believe that travel is so important to opening up young people’s understanding and acceptance of diverse cultures,” says Kristin Karst, executive vice president and co-owner of AmaWaterways.

Crystal Cruises

Continuing its fast foray into the river cruising space, Crystal raises the bar for luxury in the heart of Europe this March with five luxury river ships: Crystal Mozart, Crystal Mahler, Crystal Ravel, Crystal Bach and Crystal Debussy, offering 148 itineraries spanning seven to 16 days on the Rhine, Danube, Mosel and Main rivers.

Highlights include the Legendary Rhine cruise on the Crystal Bach that sails from Basel, Switzerland to Amsterdam, Holland, following the Rhine through storybook villages speckled with Gothic cathedrals, grand palaces and imposing fortresses. Just imagine the Instagram posts! Families will love the cooking classes, bike rides and walking tours, such as the one in Mannheim that ends at a few sweet shops to learn about spaghetti ice cream (it only looks like it sounds) and Mannemer Dreck, a delicious almond confection with a quirky inspiration for its name. There are also a few excursion splurges, such as a thrilling helicopter flight over stunning Swiss landscapes (extra charge).

The more offbeat Tulips and Windmills cruise takes travelers round-trip to and from Amsterdam, stopping in Rotterdam and Middleburg, Netherlands; and Ghent and Antwerp, Belgium. Visit the UNESCO World Heritage town of Kinderdijk, home to 19 beautifully preserved windmills, and stroll through the cobbled streets of Gouda (yes, of Gouda cheese fame) where a 17th-century cheese-weighing house offers samples of the city’s famous delicacy. Waffle and chocolate tastings are also on the agenda in Belgium, sure to please the palates of young cruisers.

While life onshore invites travelers to immerse themselves in culture and history, onboard it’s all about luxurious surroundings and six-star service. Crystal boasts the highest staff-to-guest ratio (1 to 1.6) among all European river lines, with capacity for 106 passengers.

The all-suite cabins range from deluxe and penthouse suites between 220 and 500 square feet, to the ultimate Crystal Suite, a posh 750-square-foot, two-bedroom oasis that accommodates five or six guests. Butler service is included on all ships, and there’s 24-hour room service for slumber party noshing, as well as complimentary WIFI and on-demand movies.

Tauck ’s “Bridges” trips are wildly popular with families because they are designed specifically for them. With 19 European odysseys, African safaris, expeditions in Latin America and the Galapagos Islands, and adventures in North America’s National Parks to choose from, families are spoilt for choice. This year the company brings snow-globe scenes to life on the Danube with their Holiday Magic journey. Along the way, guests enjoy visits to Europe’s popular Christmas markets, and to Oberndorf, Austria, where the beloved classic Silent Night was written and first performed in 1818. A workshop in Passau, Germany, highlights traditional treats, including their famous gingerbread, and a festive dinner aboard the ship invites guests to dress in their holiday best and celebrate the season. Families will also enjoy an exclusive Imperial Evening inside a private Viennese palace and learn to waltz, and they can take part in a scavenger hunt in Bratislava’s Old Town.

For something a little different but no less magical, Tauck’s brand-new “Earth Journeys” cruise, created by Tauck and BBC Earth, is tough to beat for nature lovers. The seven-night sail aboard the luxurious Le Soléal takes passengers through Alaska’s fabled Inside Passage, surrounded by some of the most stunning and wildlife-rich scenery on earth. The excursions are all about appreciating the flora and fauna, as well as immersing guests in local and natural history. What teen wouldn’t love a canoe safari, sled dog experience, crab fishing and getting up close to the majestic birds at the Alaska Raptor Center? The journey also includes visit to an ancient Indian village, and Sitka National Historic Park. There’s a naturalist onboard too, who shares stories about Alaskan grizzly bears and conservation efforts, among other highlights.

Like to plan ahead? Look for Tauck’s new seven-night family riverboat “Douro Discovery” in Portugal in 2020, offering two nights in Lisbon and the UNESCO World Heritage city of Porto, and five nights on the Douro River aboard a brand-new purpose-built riverboat for just 84 guests.

If your family loves design-focused boutique hotels, check out the floating eye candy that is Uniworld . Each and every ship has original art, sumptuous fabrics and décor, and antiques.

Look out for the S.S. Bon Voyage , launching in April 14. Formerly the R iver Royale , the S.S. Bon Voyage has had a complete bow-to-stern facelift and boy, does she look marvelous. Guests will enjoy a redesigned top deck with added swimming pool and lounge area, as well as an adjacent casual dining venue with chef-led cooking classes. Inside, four new suites will be introduced, as well as marble bathrooms throughout the ship, and all finished in the elevated design aesthetic synonymous with Uniworld cruising.

Uniworld’s Generation Collection is ideal for families and offers activities and amenities on selected dates and itineraries designed specifically for families with children ages four years old and up. All departures are scheduled during winter and summer breaks, there’s 25 percent off for travelers ages 4 to 17 when traveling with an adult. Score! For these trips there are 15 departures spread across six cruises: Gems of Northern Italy, Paris & Normandy, Delightful Danube & Prague, Castles Along the Rhine (new for 2019), Classic Christmas Markets and Parisian Royal Holiday. The S.S. Beatrice , launched last year, has connecting cabins perfect for families, and will host a Generations cruise on an Enchanting Danube & Prague itinerary, with departures on July 15, July 24 and July 29.

Onboard activities for kids are as varied as they are fun. Events like dining with the captain or learning to make desserts and other tasty treats with the ship’s chef and pastry chef will spark imagination. Ashore, they’ll take an Alice in Wonderland -themed tour inside Rouen’s 500-year-old Great Clock; visit the forests of Speyer to climb through the trees and play on rope bridges, nets and ziplines; go on a treasure hunt at the Louvre; take a spooky ghost walk in Venice; and participate in glass blowing and mask making on Venice’s island of Giudecca. And really, what better way is there to bring history alive than with a trip to the beaches of Normandy, or inspire a budding young artist than with a visit to Monet’s home and gardens in Giverny?

Also debuting in 2019 are three itineraries on the Yangtze River aboard the Sanctuary Yangzi Explorer , a new standard for cruising in China with plush interiors and the largest cabins and suites on the river, all with private balconies. The ship carries just 124 passengers with a 1:1 staff to guest ratio, the highest on the river. Also onboard are an observation deck, a two-floor theater, library, spa and fitness center. Choose from the 11-day Highlights of China & The Yangtze, 14-day China, Tibet and The Yangtze, and 18-day Grand China and The Yangtze.

Relevant Links:

Browse all ideas and tips for family-friendly cruises on Ciao Bambino

Thinking about a river cruise with kids? Say hello to AmaWaterways

AmaWaterways review: A logistics-free way to explore Normandy with kids

8 kid-friendly cruises we love

How to choose the best cruise for your family vacation

Editor’s Note: Photos courtesy of the individual cruise lines featured.

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The best adults-only cruises to try if you can’t stand being around kids on vacation

What are the best adults-only cruises — the ones that not only ban kids but cater to grown-up tastes and interests?

You may be asking because you just spent time on a megaship where the kids took over the pools and hot tubs (not to mention the elevators), much to your chagrin. Or, you might be looking for a vacation with more lectures and less limbo, or perhaps a cruise that skews more R-rated than G.

The list of cruises for adults only is, alas, very short. Only a handful of cruise lines ban children from their ships and promise cruises for grown-ups — perhaps the most notable being cruise newcomer Virgin Voyages and fast-growing Viking .

The trend in recent years in cruising is, in fact, more family-focused, with more kids appearing on ships of all types. Indeed, some of the biggest, best-known cruise brands have gone full-bore after the family market , to the extent that the sun-soaked top decks of their ships sometimes can feel more like a scene out of "Daddy Day Care" than a blissful vacation retreat.

For more cruise guides, tips and news, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

Don't despair, though. Even as many lines double down on the family market, a small group of cruise operators remains all-in on the idea of adult-only cruises.

Here are our picks for the best adults-only cruise lines, with a grown-up vibe to boot.

Related: A beginners guide to picking a cruise line

Virgin Voyages

The much-ballyhooed new line from Sir Richard Branson's Virgin Group has banned children under the age of 18 from its ships. It's part of an effort to create a hipper, more-sophisticated, adult-focused vibe that company leaders think is sorely lacking in the cruise world.

"We have done a ton of research really trying to create a sophisticated experience," Virgin Voyages CEO Tom McAlpin said in the days before the line's 2021 debut . "I've done some personal research. We found that when you put kids in the pool, they scream, and we don't want that."

Related: I've been on more than 150 cruise ships. Here's what I thought of Scarlet Lady

Virgin Voyages' first three adults-only cruise ships, the 2,770-passenger Scarlet Lady and sister vessels Valiant Lady and Resilient Lady , cater to grown-ups looking for a decidedly adult sort of fun with such offerings as interactive dance parties and a drag queen performance. It also offers a karaoke lounge with pink-and-purple karaoke rooms and a tattoo parlor (read about how one of our staffers was among the first to get inked on board ).

What you won't find on the three ships (a fourth is due later this year) are waterslides, watery splash zones, teen lounges and all the other family-friendly features that are becoming so common on bigger ships.

To create an adults-only cruise experience, Virgin Voyages took a page from fast-growing Viking 's playbook. Viking's 12-ship ocean cruise division has banned children under the age of 18 since it debuted in 2015. In addition, its 80-ship river cruise division has had a minimum age limit for more than two decades. (Initially, the cut-off was age 12; as of 2019, that jumped to 18, too.)

Not that Virgin and Viking are anything alike. Virgin is designed to appeal to millennials and older travelers who want to party like they are millennials. Viking, by contrast, is the anti-millennial line.

Viking's target market is squarely in the 55-plus bracket. It zeroes in on that demographic with an upscale, destination-focused experience that is heavy on what the industry likes to call "enrichment" — onboard lectures and other learning opportunities. It also emphasizes tours focused on history and culture (with at least one free excursion in each port) and entertainment offerings that veer more toward string quartets than dancers in string bikinis.

"What we're looking to do is try not to be everything for everyone," Viking's executive vice president of marketing, Richard Marnell, told TPG. "We do not have a kids' program. What we have is . . . [an] immersive experience that is best suited for people that are intellectually curious."

P&O Cruises

This storied British line clearly sees the demand for adults-only cruise ships, but it isn't giving up on the family market, either. The line splits the difference between the two segments. Five of its seven vessels (Arvia, Iona, Britannia, Ventura and Azura) are marketed as "family-friendly" and open to passengers of all ages. The other two (Arcadia and Aurora) are reserved exclusively for adults.

Given that more than 95% of the Southampton, England-based cruise line's passengers are British, you'll probably want to be either British yourself or a major Anglophile to consider booking one of the latter two vessels. Sailing with P&O Cruises is a very British experience, something that becomes clear the moment you see its vessels. They feature hulls painted with massive Union Jacks.

In addition, you'll find quintessentially British offerings on board P&O Cruises ships, such as elaborate afternoon teas, quoits on the top deck and restaurant menus designed by chefs big in the United Kingdom, such as Marco Pierre White.

That said, if you're a Princess Cruises fan, you might feel right at home on a P&O Cruises ship. Nestled under the same corporate umbrella, the two brands are longtime sisters that have swapped ships back and forth (though Holland America fans might be interested to know that Arcadia actually shares a ship design with that line's Vista class).

For booking purposes, P&O Cruises considers anyone who will be 18 or older when sailing an adult.

Saga Cruises

Like P&O Cruises, Saga Cruises is a British line that has honed in on the business of offering voyages just for adults. But it goes way beyond what P&O Cruises or any other line does in shunning younger travelers. The minimum age at Saga Cruises isn't 18 or even 21 — it's 50.

That's right — you won't find a single millennial or even that many Generation Xers on board a Saga Cruises ship (at 58, even the oldest members of Generation X only make the cut-off by eight years). You will find a heck of a lot of baby boomers, many of them retired.

Saga Cruises operates just two ocean vessels, sailing exclusively out of the U.K., plus several river ships. Like P&O Cruises, it's a product that is probably best for British travelers or big-time Anglophiles.

Other adult-focused cruises

In addition to lines that ban passengers under the age of 18 outright, a number of cruise operators allow young children but get relatively few of them.

Examples include such upscale lines as Regent Seven Seas Cruises , Silversea Cruises and Seabourn , which cater heavily to an older crowd. Small-ship specialist Windstar Cruises allows tweens and teenagers on its six ships, but it doesn't allow any children under the age of 8.

Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours, which sells both ocean and river cruises, traditionally discourages customers from bringing passengers under the age of 12 on vessels except during Christmas holiday sailings.

Also, the longer the cruise, the fewer children you will find. Book a two-plus-week sailing to a more exotic location, like Asia or South America, during the school year on a line like Holland America or Princess, and you'll share the ship predominantly with adults.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• Top ways cruisers waste money
• The ultimate guide to choosing a cruise ship cabin

Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

• River Cruising

River Cruising in your 40's

By ilovemygsd , February 25, 2020 in River Cruising

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Hi.  My husband and I are mid-forties and we are thinking about doing the Viking Rhine River cruise.  This would be our first river cruise.  From what I have read, the average age starts in the mid-50's, but I don't know how accurate that is.  Is there another river cruise line that we might like better?  Thanks for any insight.  

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You will be absolutely fine. It seems to me the river cruise crowd is becoming more age diverse. I don’t think you will feel at all out of place. I love Viking but they do seem to have fewer active excursion options than some lines. Avalon now has an active discovery director (or something like that) on every cruise. They have assorted fitness classes on board each day and they offer an active tour option in each port. They also have bikes on board that you can borrow and the discovery guide can give you suggestions for places to ride. Emerald and Avalon both offer cruises aimed at more active folk with excursions tailored to match. I think we have seen a slightly younger crowd on Avalon than Viking, but the Viking crowd certainly isn’t old, infirm and cranky 😂 .  my 20 and 30 something daughters and nieces have joined us on Avalon and Viking and they had a grand time on both. We saw a lot of 60 something parents and 20-30 something kids on our fall Viking Cruise in France. Looked like everyone was enjoying the trip. 

This is wonderful information, thank you so much! 

I did Amawaterways in my 30's and Crystal in my 40's. I would recommend to read these boards and gather brochures from multiple lines such as Avalon, Amawaterways, Uniworld, Crystal, etc.... Viking is the first name that people think of when they think of river cruises but there are several lines out there that do a great job and just don't have the name recognition to the non-cruiser.

We started in our 40s on Uniworld. Always had a great time.

I would concentrate more on interests and itineraries than age.  

3 hours ago, ilovemygsd said: Hi.  My husband and I are mid-forties and we are thinking about doing the Viking Rhine River cruise.  This would be our first river cruise.  From what I have read, the average age starts in the mid-50's, but I don't know how accurate that is.  Is there another river cruise line that we might like better?  Thanks for any insight.  

We did our first river cruise on the Rhine with Viking.  We were 44, and we loved it.  We will be going to the Danube later this year.

I am not sure why some like to downplay Viking.  It can be literally perfect for a very active group in their 40s, for various reasons.  

I would also look at prices and what is included. Some lines are all-inclusive (all your drinks, all tips, most tours and all drinks). You may find some all inclusive lines maybe around the same price as those that do not include as much.  You may find a higher line around the same price as a lower end line.

Host Jazzbeau

You should compare the detailed itineraries, excursions and shipboard activities across several lines.  Do you like to bicycle? – then choose a line that includes a fleet of bicycles on board and has regular bike-focused shore excursion options.  Do you like to walk/hike? – then choose a line that features more active shore excursions with hiking options, and which offers slow- regular- and fast-walker groups on the basic excursions. Do you like your private space? – check the cabin sizes on different lines.  Do you like generous public spaces? – compare the passenger numbers [most ships are the same 135m long but the number of passengers from from 130 to 190, which makes a huge different in the space per passenger].

terry&mike

Emerald Waterways would be a good fit for you, I believe. They offer Active options in many of the ports that include things like hiking, bike rides, and canoeing on the river. Because of this, they attract a slightly younger audience.

We started river cruising when I was in my 40's. I have been the youngest on the cruise a couple of times, but it didn't matter. We have sailed on Uniworld four times, and Avalon once. We haven't had any problems "meeting" other people on board. We like Uniworld for its all-inclusive, all-day beverages, and its dine-when-you-want for dinner. Being able to arrive any time during posted dining room hours is a big plus for us. They also have a mix of included excursions, ranging from bus tours, to museums, to walking tours, to winery tours, to hiking and biking tours. 

Good luck with your planning, and be sure to read the "stickies" at the top of the forum to get a feel for all of the different lines.

Viking is thought of for older people because that is what their CEO has repeatedly said is their target demographic. That said, they might offer the perfect itinerary and just the right onboard ambiance and port activities for you no matter what your age (as long as you're >18 because they don't allow kids onboard), despite the CEO 😉  But there's a reason for the widely held beliefs.

Personally, I've done two avalon cruises - Germany Christmas Markets and the Mekong. I was 41 and 46. Had a blast - especially the Mekong! Both cruises had families on them - no very young children, but definitely age diversity. River cruising isn't my favorite vacation mode, but it's not because of my age.

Some more anecdotes from someone who has sailed on Viking:

• There were two teenagers on board our Rhine cruise, sailing with their middle aged parents. (I know what the material says.)
• There were a few twenty somethings, and also a few 30 somethings.  The 20 somethings were with older relatives generally,  but there were several couples in their 30s.
• There were many in their 40s, including repeat cruisers. 
• The plurality were in their 50s and 60s.
• The balance were 70 and above.

The cadence of the typical Viking cruise allows those who are active to have significant time to be active in port.  On our Rhine cruise, we did not do a single paid tour, but rather did quite extensive exploring on our own.   Most included tours are relatively short, leaving a large portion of each and every day to the activity of the individuals.  We covered over 10 miles in more than one port.    

I think being relatively younger afforded some opportunity for crew and staff to engage us in somewhat unique conversation. 

I think that being relatively younger may have also afforded us a nice lounge to ourselves late each evening.      😉

It's true, Viking does not try to be for everybody, and they say so.  It's also true they publish a "no young children" policy.  What is not true is that they cater to or provide an experience only for people 50 and older.

I started river cruising at 41. Love it. I’ve met lots of people in their 40s on river cruises. Grab it and go for it!

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The TikTok crowd is cruising

Industry experts are finding that millennials — famous for spending their money on experiences rather than material goods — are on board with boarding ships..

AMSTERDAM — ”In 15 minutes, you will reach your destiny!” our guide announced as we admired one of Amsterdam’s famous canals. Wow. Profound. Of course, she meant “destination.” A few minutes later, we were boarding a river ship called AmaCerto to visit cool ports in the Netherlands and Holland, pair beer with Belgian waffles, fall in love with Bruges, and take selfies with windmills.

If you are a traveling type in your 30s or 40s, a cruise may be part of your destiny, too. And Future You may climb that gangway sooner than you think.

Long considered to be a vacation choice of older travelers, cruises have begun attracting the TikTok generation. Industry experts at Cruise Line International Association have reported that millennials — famous for spending their money on experiences rather than material goods — are discovering the joys of cruising. “We’re seeing record-level demand and excitement for vacations as travelers are looking for new experiences to share with friends and families. In fact, we’re seeing increasing anticipation and aspiration to cruise from millennials, Gen Z and adventurers new to cruising,” says Kara Wallace, chief marketing officer, Royal Caribbean International.

Of course, visiting several locales on the same vacation provides ample, fun material for social media feeds. (And fun in general — what’s not to like about beer, waffles, and castles?) And there’s the practical side: country-hopping minus the hassle of border crossings and train schedules. Cruises also offer plenty of bang for the vacation buck, bundling food, drink, lodgings, entertainment, and (in some cases) shore excursions into their fees.

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Vacationer, know thyself

Cruising comprises a broad spectrum of experiences, from small, adventure-geared expedition ships to those floating cities with 5,000 guests. What’s ringing the travel chimes of younger sailors? According to travel professionals, it’s a mixed bag. A Los Angeles-based agent told us that her younger clients “love all the bells and whistles” of the big, ocean-going ships — bring on the ziplines, waterslides, and Broadway-style productions! Her clients include lots of young families looking for kid’s programs and shipboard action aplenty.

Heidi Allison of Cruise Compete ( www.cruisecompete.com ) is seeing a boost in expedition cruises; their bookings by adults under age 55 with kids are up more than 35 percent. Why? She cites the desire for unique, authentic experiences: expedition cruises offer a chance to explore off-the-beaten-path destinations that standard cruises might not reach, including remote islands, and Arctic and Antarctic regions. Plus, expedition cruises typically use smaller vessels, creating a more intimate, personalized cruising experience. Sustainability is another factor; many expedition cruise operators highlight their eco-friendly practices and responsible tourism initiatives. If you’re keen on active excursions such as kayaking, diving, hiking, and wildlife watching, an expedition cruise is a good bet, and attracts a younger demographic, Allison says.

In addition, she’s sensing a shift in travel priorities. Post-pandemic, “travelers might be prioritizing more significant, once-in-a-lifetime trips,” Allison says. Witness the popularity of the ‘bucket list’ adventure.

Take me to the river

We were looking for something in the middle — no mega-ship crawling with kids (much as we love ‘em), and no stomach-churning rides in rubber dinghies to commune with seals. We wanted to see some new-to-us European cities, ride bikes in medieval villages, tour fairy-tale castles, eat good food and — yeah — take loads of photos.

That’s why we opted for a seven-day “Best of Holland & Belgium” river cruise on a 162-passenger AmaWaterways ship, AmaCerto. We’d never been to Belgium, and the excursions (included in the fare) drew us in: Belgian beer-tasting tours, chocolate-making, a culinary tour featuring Belgian delights (fries, chocolate, waffles), and the chance to explore on foot and bikes, not buses.

Built in 2012, the ship is sleek and modern, with well-designed cabins, marble bathrooms, and — the biggie — reliable Wi-Fi. The sun deck atop the three-level ship has a heated pool and bar, corn hole, a giant chess set, and a walking/running track. There’s a fitness room, a Wellness Host (a.k.a. personal trainer) who leads classes, and complimentary use of bicycles. All good things, if you plan to eat your body weight in fries. (Tip: Don’t call them French fries here. They’re Belgian fries, dontcha know — they were invented in Belgium, not France, and you’ll hear several versions of how this came to be as you tour the region.)

Those features, along with beer and bikes, seem tailor-made for millennials. But of the 106 guests aboard, there were a half-dozen under-50s, at most. “Millennials are still a relatively untapped market for river cruising,” says Kristin Karst, cofounder and executive vice-president of AmaWaterways. But their numbers are growing, she says. “By incorporating dynamic activities like hiking and biking and spotlighting regional cuisine and wine, our river cruises engage a broader demographic than before,” Karst notes. Mother-daughter trips, girl’s getaways, and solo travelers are also on the rise. Waking up in a new city every day, unpacking only once, is an enticing prospect for travelers of all ages, she adds.

We quickly bonded with Stacy and Jason Brown of Dallas, parents in their 40s and first-time cruisers. For the Browns, Amsterdam was the draw. “We were thinking of a train trip but our travel agent suggested this,” Jason said. “Why not see more?” They saw much of it by bicycle, pedaling to the historic Dutch town of Middelburg, and through the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Kinderdijk, famous for its collection of 18th-century windmills.

Chocolate, castles, and beer

Sightseeing in this part of Europe does not disappoint — think medieval architecture, wonderful museums, Gothic cathedrals, and town squares dotted with massive statuary — and stories galore, shared by knowledgeable local guides. The ship offers three levels of walking tours: gentle, general, and active (longer, more cobblestones or uphill treks).

Ports of call include Veere, home to a 48-bell carillon and a Flood Museum; Ghent, the capital of East Flanders (home to Castle of the Counts); and Bruges, our favorite — one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Europe and site of the Church of Our Lady, featuring a sculpture of the Madonna and Child by Michelangelo. Bustling Brussels has World War II historic sites, Trappist beer (brewed in monasteries by monk), and what may be the greatest number of chocolate shops on the planet. Antwerp, Belgium’s “City of Diamonds” (since 90 percent of the world’s diamonds pass through it, they say) is a fun place to wander — and eat. Nobody leaves without sampling the amazing fries (“the best I’ve ever had” said our travel companion) and Belgian waffles, traditionally served with powdered sugar or sweet cream. Savory waffles — topped with, say, avocado puree or tuna tartare — are another option.

Back in the Netherlands, the options include yacht-y Dordrecht, bustling Rotterdam, and Kinderdijk, an Instagrammer’s dream. While we mostly opted for tours, we met a young couple from Vancouver in DIY mode, taking loads of selfies at every scenic spot.

What we liked: The personalized service; the relaxed pacing (you can do two excursions a day and still have some downtime); and the easy disembarkation process. We appreciated the lack of a formal dress code or assigned seating, two of our pet peeves about cruising. What could use improvement: More veggies, please! We love us some potatoes, but bring on the greens.

What did our fellow (younger) travelers think? “Loved it,” reported Stacy Brown. The biking was fun, the ports were lovely, and it was great to step out of the ship into the heart of the city. Jason Brown — the family cook — raved about the food (and wine pairings at dinner). But they noted that this isn’t for everybody — or every 30- or 40-something, for sure. “We’re not big partiers, but some of our friends wouldn’t like the lack of nightlife,” Stacy said. Shipboard entertainment was definitely a low-key affair.

That said, the liveliest event of the week was a “silent disco” party. Guests wore headphones and a DJ played ABBA, the Bee Gees, and “Uptown Funk” by Bruno Mars. A small group of us hit the dance floor — and the 80-somethings were still grooving after the “kids” went to bed. For all we know, they’re still at it.

There’s something to be said for cruising with people older than yourself — it’s a reminder that you’re never too old (if you’re lucky) to enjoy the best things in life. Like travel. And dancing to Bruno Mars.

If you go . . .

Rates start at $2,800 per person for AmaCerto’s Best of Holland & Belgium itinerary. Their ships sail rivers in Europe, Asia, Africa, and South America. For a list of itineraries and sailing dates, visit www.amawaterways.com .

Diane Bair and Pamela Wright can be reached at [email protected]

The top 6 regions for river cruises in Europe

Many cruise guests who love to cruise but want a more low-key, intimate, and leisurely cruising experience with – dare we say it – fewer young children around opt for European river cruises. It’s a chance to experience the spectacular scenery of European rivers easily.

After the endless activities and lively atmosphere of the giant ocean cruise ships, river cruises seem tame by comparison. But this could suit you perfectly.

River cruises are a fantastic way to travel the immense network of beautiful European rivers. It’s an easy way to visit towns and cities for cultural, historical, and gastronomic immersion in the region of your choice.

Choosing one of the many river cruises in Europe means you are guaranteed to see some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world. You visit the local towns of a country, not just its major port cities, making the whole experience more intimate.

Here we answer the most common questions cruise guests ask.

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How do river cruises differ from ocean cruises?

Size – river cruise ships are much smaller than ocean cruise ships.

If you are used to the largest cruise ships at sea that carry from around 2000 up to 6000 passengers at a time, you will understand that the size of vessels for river cruises is vastly smaller than for ocean cruises. This means that:

• Fewer passengers and a more intimate experience
• A more personal service, however, fewer activities and amenities on board
• Smaller cabins, but still with everything you need for a comfortable vacation
• Your cruise ship can navigate the narrowest rivers and reach destinations unique to European river cruises.

Dining & Entertainment – less choice but good quality

On large ocean cruise ships, there is a vast array of dining venues to choose from, with different dining experiences from a la carte, buffet, fast food, casual eateries, and specialty restaurants. On board most river cruise ships, there is one dining room with a small menu and fixed dining times. There is also no room service.

The entertainment on board a big cruise ship varies significantly from ship to ship, but you will often find big Broadway productions, musicals, stand-up comedians, and dance shows. River cruising means the entertainment is most often destination presentations or local musicians and dancers from the region you visit.

Amenities and Venues

River cruise ships are small, with fewer common areas. Only one or two river cruise companies offer splash pools on board and small fitness centers. There are no casinos, theaters, or shopping malls. You will not find kids’ clubs, and there is often one large lounge and one bar area. The focus of river cruises is the destination.

Destinations – explore unique villages and towns on European river cruises

River cruising comes into itself when it comes to destinations. Europe has an abundance of castles, forts, churches, wine-growing regions, unique local artisans, and a vast array of cultures and cuisines. River cruises in Europe focus mainly on the historical sights of art and religion, culture, and food experiences.

Ocean cruises on large cruise ships take you on the open seas from country to country in regions such as the Mediterranean , the Greek Isles , or Scandinavia . You can even cruise between continents on longer voyages, such as from North to South America. And even to remote regions on expedition cruises such as the Antarctic.

On the other hand, river cruises take you to smaller ports, often docking close to town centers. You choose your region by the river – it’s a beautiful way to explore inner Europe.

Shore excursions – is there a choice, and can you do an independent tour?

It is rare to stay on board the cruise ship when you have docked. Quite simply, there is not much to do on board when everyone else is on land.

This doesn’t mean you must follow the shore excursion organized by the cruise line. Very often, there is at least one excursion that is included in the price of your cruise. Indeed many river cruises offer all-inclusive packages, so you do not have to think about purchasing any extras once you are booked and on board.

But this also means that if you choose not to join the excursion, you will miss out and will not be offered an alternative. The excursion often includes an excellent walking tour with a local historical guide. There will also be the opportunity to have free time during the day.

But by all means, do your own thing, and explore in your own time. Not everyone wants to follow the crowd when river cruising and visiting new places. However, we recommend you take a good guidebook and stay on the beaten path to ensure you return to the ship in plenty of time.

And if you are more independent, look for cruise lines that offer cruise-only prices instead of package prices; there are a few to choose from. See more information below.

All-Inclusive – most of the time

With ocean cruises on board large cruise ships, you will often find a basic price covering your accommodation in your cabin, all meals in the main dining room or buffet restaurant, taxes, and gratuities.

And while some large cruise lines offer all-inclusive (such as Celebrity Cruises with their wifi, gratuities, and beverage package “always included” campaigns), most of the time, you will pay extra for drinks, excursions, some entertainment, and wifi on board.

River cruises almost all the time offer an all-inclusive package. That means that you rarely have to think about buying anything extra. It is there from the moment you book. This all-inclusive also extends to booking your flights and pre/post hotel packages with transfers if you wish.

Some companies are now offering river cruises with “cruise only” prices worth looking at. Especially if you do not need alcohol packages, do not intend to join in cruise excursions, and do not need help booking flights, hotels, and transport.

A little note, though, to look closely at your chosen cruise’s start and end points. Sometimes cities are not as close to major airports as many large cruise ports that service ocean cruise ships.

For example, the port of Passau, commonly used for a Danube river cruise, is located on the Austrian border, 160km from Munich airport or 300km from Vienna airport. Sometimes is good to have bus transfers booked with the cruise line to ensure a seamless river cruise experience.

What are the top 6 regions for a European river cruise?

After the river Danube, the Rhine is the second longest river and one of the great rivers of Europe. Most often, river cruises along the Rhine start or end in Basel , Switzerland. The upper river in the Rhine Valley is particularly spectacular, with much of the scenery being a UNESCO world heritage site. Expect grand palaces, castles, vineyards, villages from the old world, and wild orchards on Rhine river cruises.

The longest river in Europe offers such pretty views that it is often referred to as the most romantic waterway. Cruises on the blue Danube river start from various points such as Passau, Vienna , and Budapest, so take the opportunity to explore these great cities before you start your cruise. See the classic sights of medieval towns, elegant architecture, and beautiful landscapes.

The Rhône is synonymous with French wine country, and a cruise on this river promises a gastronomic delight.

The Rhône stretches from the Swiss alps and Lake Geneva in Switzerland and down through France, ending in the Mediterranean Sea. You will have fantastic excursion opportunities on Rhône river cruises, including towns such as Avignon, train journeys in the Doux Valley, and visits to Lyons and Provence.

Choose your cruise by carefully looking at the excursion options to ensure you don’t miss out on as many breathtaking natural wonders as possible.

Best known as the river that winds through the French capital, Paris, the Seine is nearly 800 km long and starts in Dijon and ends in the English channel. Expect the focus of Seine river cruises to be art, history, and wine. We recommend a river cruise from Paris to Honfleur in northern France, where excursions to bucket-list destinations such as Versailles and the Normandy coast are possible.

At the mention of Loire, we think of the romantic and picturesque Loire Valley with fairy tale castles. This region is undeniably one of the most beautiful in Europe. It is the longest river in France and boasts cities such as Nantes, Amboise, and Le Puy on its banks.

You will find that a cruise on the Loire will take you back in time. It is a quieter, more shallow river with much less visible commercialism. An excellent way to explore the Loire is to cruise aboard Croisi paddlewheel cruise ships, explicitly designed to operate in the more shallow Loire.

The Duoro river is perhaps one of Europe’s lesser-known European rivers. It starts in central Spain and flows into northern Portugal. The mouth of the river Duoro is at Porto . Famous for producing red wines and port in the many vineyards, this cruise is a wine-lovers dream and a unique way to see the delights of small towns in Spain and Portugal.

What is the best month to take a European river cruise?

The best time of year to go on European river cruises is with a departure date from late May to early October. However, if you are looking for a specific themed river cruise, then the Christmas markets cruises from Vienna or Budapest are lovely.

What to expect on board European river cruises

A European river cruise offers a tranquil way to see beautiful European landscapes, focusing on the destinations along the way. Life on board is generally peaceful, with fewer activities and amenities than on an ocean cruise. You will often dock very close to the towns you visit, often within walking distance of the cruise ship.

A casual dress code

The dress code on board European river cruises is smart casual. You may find your packing list easier than packing for an ocean cruise, as there are no formal or themed nights. Most guests are dressed casually on evenings when there may be a captain’s table. Remember, cabins are smaller, and there is less room for your belongings than a cabin on board a huge cruise ship.

Guests mingle

Expect to meet friendly fellow guests in the lounge and at dining. Unless you specifically say so when booking, you will be seated with other guests, and this is one of the best things about river cruising – it’s much more intimate than ocean cruises.

Great cuisine & wine

You can expect excellent food, most often with local cuisine from the area you visit, and fine wine. The itineraries are packed with daily tours as you stop every day.

Smooth sailing

The cruise is very smooth, and it’s a rarity that you will suffer seasickness on a river cruise.

What are the most famous European towns and cities a river cruise departs from

There are many starting points for European river cruises depending upon which cruise company you choose and the region you want to cruise to. Some popular locations where you climb on board are Paris, Bruges, Passau, Lucerne, Munich, Basel, Bordeaux, Budapest, Amsterdam, Vienna, and Sintra.

Which cruise line has the best European river cruises?

Our favorite cruise lines offer great ships and a range of unbeatable itineraries. Choose one of these, and you be offered a wide selection of the best river cruises in Europe:

Viking River Cruises

Viking River Cruises is probably the best-known brand for river cruising. They have lots of ships and a vast number of excellent itineraries to choose from. The ships are modern yet still offer a classic sailing experience.

Ama Waterways

This family-owned company has been operating for over 20 years. They stand apart from other river cruise companies by offering real balconies on some of their ships as an addition to the traditional Juliet balconies. They also have a dedicated wellness program and offer a specialty dining option in addition to the main dining menu. On some ships, there is a specialty dining option called Chefs Table.

Emerald Waterways Cruises

Emerald Waterways are trying to attract a younger crowd to river cruises in an industry traditionally for older folk. The modern, fresh decor on their ships, plunge pools, and panoramic windows make this a 4-star experience you should consider.

Uniworld River Cruises

Uniworld market itself as offering boutique river cruises. You get a 6-star experience with a glamorous cruise ship, focusing on quality and luxury. This prestigious cruise line comes at a premium so expect to pay a high price for traveling in authentic style.

Croisi Europe

Croisi Europe is a very long-established French river cruise company. They are experts in the river cruise market and offer traditional cruises and many specially designed ships for specific destinations. Expect a mix of French and international guests on board. They even provide a cruise-only option if you want to eliminate the beverage package and excursions from your package.

Avalon Waterways

Avalon river cruise ships are part of the Globus group, a Swiss-based tour operator. They offer many excursions to suit your interests, and you can tailor-make your river cruise with the excursions that interest you the most.

The Rhine cruise from Amsterdam to Basel is beautiful. And you can combine this with a train trip to Lucerne in Switzerland, then onto stunning Lake Como in Italy.

They also have great expansive panoramic windows in their cabins to maximize your view, and even some cabins with balconies.

Are there any river cruises available in the U.K.?

Absolutely! There is a rich selection of rivers and canals to cruise in and around Great Britain. Famous rivers include the Thames, Avon, and Trent. Most charming of all we think, though, is Britain’s canals. Look at Llangollen Canal on the Welsh-English border or the beautiful countryside along the Kent and Avon Canal.

Should I book my flight, hotel, and transfer package independently or with the cruise line?

If you are booking a European river cruise, you need to compare the package price the cruise line offers with how much it would cost you to book a cruise, flights, hotel, and transport separately—the convenience factor and what you want out of your vacation.

Consider if you want to spend more days at your start and end destination, especially if you are traveling from further afield, such as the USA or Australia. Perhaps you want to start your river cruise from Amsterdam , for example, but spend three days in the city as it’s your first visit to the Netherlands. Or visit Paris after your river cruise ends to see wonders such as the Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, Sacré-Cœur, and Notre Dame.

In this case, you may find booking your flights and hotel worthwhile. Check with the cruise line if you can book transfers to your origin port even if you do not book a flight and hotel package with them.

Many river cruise companies are more flexible than ever in attracting guests back to the cruise market following the height of the pandemic.

Do I need to use a travel agent?

Alternatively, you can ask a travel agent for help and guidance. While we usually prefer booking our cruise directly with the cruise company for complete control over our bookings, a good travel agent promising a personalized service may offer a good package for flights, hotels, transport, and cruise.

Meet the author: Sarah has created and booked hundreds of travel itineraries for thousands of customers during a career in the travel industry that spans 20 years. Having worked hand in hand with cruise lines, hotels, airlines and tour operators worldwide, she offers inspiring & detailed insights in the world of travel and tourism.

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No arrests made one week after jacksonville beach shootings that left 1 dead and 3 injured.

Aleesia Hatcher , Multimedia Journalist

JACKSONVILLE BEACH, Fla. – No arrests have been announced one week since the three separate shootings in Jacksonville Beach ’s downtown bar district that left a 21-year-old man dead and three others injured.

RELATED: Jacksonville Beach Shootings coverage

Police said the first St. Patrick’s Day shooting happened when a crowd was breaking up as two young men shot at each other on the boardwalk near 2nd Avenue North. Both were wounded and an innocent bystander was hit.

Police said those two shooters were hospitalized that night, but it’s unclear if they have since been released or have been charged.

Police said in the second shooting, a man in a ski mask was seen running past a bar on 3rd Avenue holding a gun and he fired a shot. No one was hurt and police later found the gun.

The third shooting took place in a restaurant parking lot at the corner of 1st Street North and Beach Boulevard and left James Jones III dead.

No one has been arrested for any of the shootings, but police said the people involved were wearing dark-colored clothes and had handguns and a rifle.

RELATED: Timeline of St. Patrick’s Day shootings in Jacksonville Beach

Beachgoers talked about how they felt being at the beach one week later after the shootings.

“Well seeing that it’s a lot of police and stuff around here, it feels pretty safe so far,” Dishyra Pauling said. “I don’t see anything crazy or out of pocket.”

Pauling said she has been more attentive to her surroundings since the shootings.

“You gotta keep your eye out because there’s gonna be a little craziness around here sometimes,” Pauling said.

Police are asking people to upload any videos or pictures that were taken the night of the shootings to help them find the suspects.

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