A family trip to Europe can sound like a daunting proposition. But this summer, following the lead of Disney Cruise Line—which pioneered family Euro-voyages in 2007—cruise companies are going all out to make Europe accessible, affordable and appealing, even to museum-phobic kids. Itineraries take in cultural capitals (Florence, Rome) as well as more far-flung ports (Estonia, Ephesus), and include many child-friendly shore excursions. Adding to the allure: Cruise costs are generally lower than land-based trips and cover accommodations, onboard meals, entertainment, kids’ programs and the sweet luxury of unpacking only once. Most cruises operate in the four regions described below.

WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN   
Following the sunny coastline of Italy, France, Monaco, Spain and Portugal, cruise ships dock at some of Europe’s most glamorous ports. Families on shore excursions head for beaches, boat rides, surf lessons or strolls in seaside parks—with breaks for pommes frites or tapas in sidewalk cafés. Highlights include Barcelona, an architecturally whimsical city that can be seen by bicycle or foot. In Cannes, hop the Petit Train Touristique to tour the chic streets. Ride the streetcars in Lisbon, and visit the Zoological Garden in Laranjeiras Park, or the Design & Fashion Museum with older teens. Along Italy’s western shore, stops might include Corsica, with its pretty harbor and horseback rides into the hills, and Sardinia, known for its beaches and great snorkeling. In Florence, families can head for the Leonardo da Vinci Museum, where a machine-focused exhibit might even hold the attention of younger children—with the promise of a gelato afterwards.

PRINCESS: The 680-passenger Ocean Princess sails the European Riviera for 18 days, from Dover to Rome, with stops in Le Havre, Lisbon, Gibraltar, Barcelona, Cannes and Florence. Departure: Aug. 21, 2010.
ROYAL CARIBBEAN: The 3,114-passenger Adventure of the Seas cruises the western Mediterranean for a week, sailing round-trip from Malaga, in Spain, with stops in Sardinia, Rome, Corsica and Palma de Mallorca. Departures: Weekly all summer.

EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN & ADRIATIC  
This region is perfect for families looking to balance ancient history with beach time and water sports. Some cruises originate in Rome and stop in Naples, where families can climb Mount Vesuvius. Others depart from Venice­, with its intriguing gondolas and narrow alleys. The ships sail along the rocky, island-strewn Dalmatian coast, and may stop in Split, where passengers can visit the spectacular palace of the Roman emperor Diocletian. In the Greek Islands, Mamma Mia–fueled fantasies of blue water and white villas come to life. And what kid wouldn’t be awed by the grand bazaar in Istanbul?

NORWEGIAN: The 2,394-passenger Gem, based in Venice for the summer, makes 7-day and 14-day Adriatic sailings through mid-October.                                                CELEBRITY: The 2,850-passenger Equinox, launched in 2009, sails 10-night and 11-night trips from Rome through the Eastern Mediterranean. Departures: July 5, July 16, July 26 and Aug. 6, 2010.

BALTIC & NORTHERN EUROPE
Think opulent palaces, fairytale gardens, Old Norse lore, dramatic glacial scenery and a mild summer climate. Most Baltic capitals are easy to navigate. The dazzling Summer Palace, designed for Peter the Great, is St. Petersburg’s main family attraction. Kids can create their own sweet sculptures at the Marzipan Museum in Tallinn, Estonia, one of Europe’s best-preserved medieval cities. Scandinavia’s maritime museums appeal to families: One in Oslo showcases Thor Heyerdahl’s Kon-Tiki expedition, while another focuses on the polar exploration ship Fram. Stockholm’s most popular museum displays the intact 1628 warship Vasa. In Copenhagen, you can kayak on the canals and ride a Viking ship on a carousel at the magical Tivoli Gardens.

DISNEY: The 2,400-passenger Magic offers 12-night trips to the Northern capitals, sailing round-trip from Dover, England, with stops in Oslo, Copenhagen, St. Petersburg, Tallinn or Helsinki, and Stockholm. Departures: July 6 and July 18, 2010.
COSTA: The 2,260-passenger Luminosa sails 11 nights round-trip from Amsterdam, stopping in Copenhagen, Tallinn, St. Petersburg, Helsinki and Stockholm. Departure: Aug. 21, 2010.

EUROPEAN RIVER CRUISING
River cruises have traditionally been adult vacations, with their slow pace, lack of onboard recreation and focus on vineyards and galleries. But riverboats are starting to add swimming pools and Nintendo Wii systems, and introducing family itineraries. Among the classic routes that have been adapted for families is a Danube trip from Hungary to Germany, with visits to amusement parks in Vienna and Salzburg. On the Rhine, cruise past hilltop castles from Basel, in Switzerland, to Amsterdam, with trips to a theme park in Strasbourg and the Chocolate Museum in Cologne.  

UNIWORLD: The 9-day “Castles Along the Rhine” trip from Basel to Amsterdam on the 128-passenger River Ambassador has new family itineraries. Departures: July 10 and Aug. 7, 2010.
TAUCK: The 8-day Riverboat Family Cruise aboard the 118-passenger Swiss Sapphire sails the Danube from Budapest to Regensburg, Germany. Departures: July 1 and July 29, 2010.


Let RCI book your next cruise. To learn more about RCI’s cruising options, visit cruiserci.com or call 877-RCI-BOAT (877-724-2628).


NOTE: Information may have changed since publication. Please confirm key details before planning your trip.