Why a Hotel Barge Cruise is the Perfect Getaway for Families

With so many people leading hectic lifestyles, a family vacation with members of all ages find that the rare opportunity to all be together is becoming more desirable.

Most of our hotel barges offer Family Barge Cruises with great activities for the kids, as well as plenty of time for the adults to relax and enjoy themselves. Experience all the comforts aboard your floating “home away from home”. Most of our barges offer a $300 discount for children under the age of 18 years old. Plus there is a dedicated crew including a Captain, Chef, Tour Guide, Hosts, and Deck Hand to assist and make sure your every wish is catered to. Doesn’t that sound like a perfect, family-friendly vacation?

Special Occasion or Just Because?

A family vacation, for example, can be an annual event or a gathering together for a special occasion. Milestone birthdays or anniversaries are excellent reasons for everyone to get together but, even if there’s not a specific reason, just coming together as a family group is a celebration in itself.

When researching family vacations, you might find that private accommodations rarely cater to various generations simultaneously, particularly when young children are involved. A private barge charter is perfect for a family cruise – babies to folks in their 90s and all ages in between are accepted.

A Private Floating Home for All Ages

Your “private floating villa” can supply all your baby, toddler, or child’s needs from highchairs and cots, to bicycles and helmets, to movies and games. As for parents and grandparents, the freedom of chartering the entire barge means they are completely free to use the space as they wish. Relax on deck in the sunshine, soak in the hot tub, nap, catch up on conversation… while the more energetic members may wish to expend their energy on a walk or bike ride.

A hotel barge meandering down a canal is a tranquil experience, offering the chance to sit and watch the scenery pass by. Your crew will happily prepare bicycles for you to take out onto the canal towpath and explore the scenery or venture to a nearby village. Walking, local games of pétanque (boules), and a variety of attractions might entice as well. There’s something for all ages.

Families Small & Large

For smaller families, we now offer 4- and 5-passenger charter pricing on our 4-cabin hotel barges, L’Art de Vivre (Burgundy) & Anjodi (Canal du Midi). This option gives your small group additional space and privacy, while enjoying the same cruise experience, itinerary, and onboard service as a full charter.

If your family group is over 8-12 people, we can arrange a “tandem” charter with two or more barges to accommodate the entire family. La Bella Vita in Italy accommodates up to 20 passengers.

Tailored Excursions for Every Generation

Your hotel barge normally visits different attractions each day, taking a morning or afternoon to explore a castle, enjoy a majestic falconry display, perhaps some truffle hunting, or wandering through a colorful local market.

When booking a family cruise, you have the opportunity to substitute up to four excursions from your barge’s standard classic cruise itinerary with your preferred family activities more suited to your party’s ages and interests. A tour guide and a private luxury, air-conditioned minivan to transport your group to and from your excursions are provided, complete with baby/child seats, and even walking poles if needed.

All-Inclusive Dining: Gourmet Meals for Every Family Member

Your chosen hotel barge comes with a dedicated master chef, able to cater to all family members. From babies to teenagers, parents to grandparents, when you bring many generations together there are often special requests with a variety of dietary needs, likes and dislikes. No need to stress about what to eat, or even who must do the dishes! It’s all taken care of.

At the booking stage, we will ask about any dietary requirements, and each freshly prepared meal will take this into account. Who wouldn’t want a vacation where they don’t have to cook for a variety of family members? This allows everyone in the family to relax and eat well.

Safety and Comfort Aboard Your Private Barge Charter

A unique feature of privately chartering a hotel barge is the security in knowing your room, personal necessities, and equipment travel with you. You travel to many places but only have to unpack once.

The boat is enclosed, creating a safe area for little ones. The deck, for example, has rails all around. Specific life jackets will be provided for children and safety gates can also be provided for extra protection.

With a family charter, we find that with so many family members at hand, looking after the young ones is a shared team effort. Giving rest and respite to some, while others get to enjoy spending time with their niece, nephew or grandchild.

Create Unforgettable Memories on a Family Cruise

Go to the Barges section for a quick overview of barges by their size and location. Click on a barge you find interesting and you can then find the family cruise details in the itinerary section in the barge’s online brochure.

Got a Question? Ask Away!

Paradise Connections is always here to help. Just pop us a email. Don’t be too shy to ask… We love to be of assistance.

Enjoy some quality family time

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