Kids and River Cruising? You’ve got to be Kidding!

When I heard that Disney were joining forces with AMA Waterways to offer River Cruises for families, I thought it must be an April Fools joke!

Seriously??  As a no-kids holidaymaker now, the thought of children on a culture-rich river cruise sends shivers down my spine!  I have a large extended family with children of all ages, and I cant think of one of them who would enjoy taking their children on this type of cruise.  I personally think that the majority of children would hate the idea of traipsing around Museums, Churches, Monuments, etc listening to a Guide extolling the virtues of a beautiful historical town!

They’re more likely to go running through the streets looking for a park! And if Disney are involved, they’d be a lot of noise!  Surely they would be happier on a ‘normal’ cruise ship that caters so well for children of all ages, and provides them with the kind of entertainment more suited to their needs?

Imagine if you will having booked your River Cruise along the Danube, and let’s face it they’re not the cheapest form of cruising, and you’re looking forward to visiting the beautiful and fascinating towns and cities along the Danube, and then returning to the ship to enjoy a nice PEACEFUL, relaxing afternoon chatting about the day, or perhaps reading, or up on deck by the pool, sunbathing…….

All of a sudden the ‘Disney Parade’ rocks up with 30+ ‘Mouseketeers’ resplendent in Micky Mouse Ears singing  the Micky Mouse Club March disturbing your peace and quiet!!  Hell on earth!!

Don’t get me wrong, I love children, got 3 of my own and 4 grandchildren.  But I really do think that River Cruising should be left to the adults to enjoy.  After all there’s enough family friendly ships to choose from with all sorts of activities, children’s clubs to keep the munchkins occupied.  Let’s keep one Bastion of Calm to ourselves please????

‘AmaWaterways and Disney are having a new vessel built with families in mind. The usual river cruise cabins are comfortably sized for two people but this new ship will have cabins capable of holding up-to  five people. (Noooooooo!!!!!)

The vessel will start by offering week-long sailings, visiting Budapest, Hungary and Vilshofen along the Danube in 2016.

You have been warned!

Should this be successful you can expect to see more family-oriented river cruises open up in the future!’

(Oh god I hope not!) Start protesting now please!!  Who’s got a pen and paper?  I’ll sign that Petition!!

The project’s Disney head, Ken Potrock, clearly feels optimistic about the venture; “We think the Disney brand will bring families to the river cruising category, and we think that’s a very exciting development for the industry.”   I dont!!!

I can’t see this one being a winner – can you?