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ToursFamily Friendly

Family Friendly Small Ship Cruise Tours & Trips

1,916 Family Friendly trips. Tours from 415 tour companies. 1,191 reviews. 4.8/5 avg rating.

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Small Ship Cruise
Antarctica Christmas Cruise
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Antarctica Christmas Cruise

By ROW Adventures
premier
5/5 Excellent
81 reviews
Small Ship Cruise
Why we love them
They’ve been recognized by major travel publications for their pioneering adventure travel expertise that spans back to their founding in 1979.
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Ushuaia

Highlights

  • Visit Punta Arenas
  • Visit very historic location of Elephant Island
  • Have a chance to view to the north of Mount Shackleton and Mount Scott is impressive
  • Visit to Half Moon Island
  • Antarctic expedition include glacier climbing, penguin viewing, whale watching, camping out under the stars and more.

Themes

Education / Learning, Family Friendly, Hiking & Walking, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Rafting, Kayaking, Canoeing, Small Ship Cruise, Sailing, Photography, Festivals & Special Events

What travelers are saying

"I have travelled with ROW numerous times, including four trips on the Rogue River. Every trip has been wonderful and every person associated with ROW has been nice, knowledgeable, professional and fun. The Rogue is a great river and the trip is an excellent one for two people or a large group—and I have done both. I’ve taken both of my kids, one time each, and have organized groups of colleagues twice; most recently in 2019 when 14 of us gathered. The guides at ROW are great and help to make the trip very enjoyable. The scenery, lodging and the wonderful outdoors including warm air and refreshing water, make for a wonderful escape from the everyday routine. The fact that this trip offers beds and indoor plumbing is a nice benefit and allows those who have an aversion to camping a chance to see the wilderness. I have recommended ROW and the Rogue trip more times than I can count and my group has already reserved our trip for 2021. What are you waiting for?"

Trip dates & details
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-58%$21,990
12 days From$9,195
Price updated 1 year+ ago

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Antarctic Express: Cruise South, Fly North
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Antarctic Express: Cruise South, Fly North

By Quark Expeditions
none
4.6/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Ship Cruise
Lodging level
Luxury - 5 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Highlights

  • The excitement of a southbound Drake Passage crossing
  • The speed and convenience of a northbound flight over the Drake Passage
  • All the Antarctic Peninsula highlights
  • Lecturers and specialists deliver presentations on geology and animal life

Themes

50 plus, Family Friendly, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Small Ship Cruise

What travelers are saying

"Zodiac trips are fantastic. The whale watching is amazing."

Trip dates & details
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10 days From$11,595
Price updated 1 year+ ago
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Glaciers, Geysers, Volcanoes & Elves: An Epic Family Voyage Around Iceland
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Glaciers, Geysers, Volcanoes & Elves: An Epic Family Voyage Around Iceland

By Road Scholar
preferred
4.3/5 Great
100+ reviews
Small Ship Cruise
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Visits

Blue Lagoon, Gullfoss, Lake Myvatn, Reykjavík, Skaftafell National Park, Snaefellsnes Peninsula, Thingvellir National park, Vatnajökull National Park

Highlights

  • See Europe’s largest glacier and take a boat excursion through icebergs on a glacier lagoon.
  • Witness the aftermath of a volcanic eruption on the island of Heimaey.
  • Discover incredible natural formations like Gullfoss (“Golden Waterfall”) and Geysir and take a dip in the famous Blue Lagoon.

Themes

50 plus, Education / Learning, Family Friendly, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Small Ship Cruise

What travelers are saying

"I had purchased a Greek Island trip with Roads Scholar for the end of October 2022. I did not purchase travel insurance until after I fell playing pickleball and broke my pelvis, wrist, and sacrum. I purchased the insurance past the deadline and they still accepted it! I felt I could still do the trip as it was over 2 months away. I felt I might need some health protection while I was there. Then it started to become obvious that I could not do this trip…it would become too risky for me! So I cancelled the trip. The company had at least 1 1/2 to 2 months to fill that slot of mine with someone else. I asked for credit for another trip and they refused as it was past the deadline. They have not given me credit for another trip. I feel that under the circumstances that it would be good customer service to at least give me some credit for another trip. They have $6400 of my money that I never got to use."

Trip dates & details
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13 days From$5,995
Price updated 1 year+ ago
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All Family Friendly, expedition cruises, self guided adventures and vacation packages. Find the best guided and expert planned vacation and holiday packages. Read more about Family Friendly

Galapagos
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Galapagos

By National Geographic Expeditions
preferred
3.5/5 Great
30 reviews
Small Ship Cruise
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Visits

Galapagos

Highlights

  • Snorkel amid shimmering fish, sea turtles, penguins, and playful sea lions.
  • Cruise to pristine islands and walk among colonies of animals and birds unfazed by your presence.
  • Observe rare giant tortoises at the Charles Darwin Research Station.
  • Explore the waters of the Galápagos by kayak, glass-bottom boat (Endeavour only), or Zodiac.

Themes

50 plus, Family Friendly, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Small Ship Cruise

What travelers are saying

"We booked a National Geographic expedition Holland and Belgium by River. The promotional literature promised a 14-day deposit refund window. The “invoice” was marked “non-refundable” deposit. We completed the National Geographic Traveler Information. About 8 days later we received the “Travel Agreement” to be signed. We both approved and signed the National Geographic documents. A Cruise Line Travel agreement was enclosed but had no signature line. This document contained language which was unacceptable. We submitted the signed NatGeo documents. The following day we canceled the trip due to the unacceptable Cruise Line language. Cancellation was made 12 days after booking and no deposit was returned. We were told on the phone that the refund deadline was triggered by the 14 day window OR signatures on the Travel Agreement which ever came first. This was NEW information. To date, we have received NO refund of our $1000. We cancelled our trip within the advertised 14 day window."

Trip dates & details
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10 days From$5,490
Price updated 1 year+ ago
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Galápagos Family Odyssey
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Galápagos Family Odyssey

By National Geographic Expeditions
preferred
3.5/5 Great
30 reviews
Small Ship Cruise
Lodging level
Luxury - 5 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Visits

Galapagos, Guayaquil, Isabela Island, Santa Cruz Island, Santiago

Highlights

  • --Discover the fascinating wildlife and geology of the Galapagos Islands on a family adventure aboard the National Geographic Endeavour or Islander. --Cruise to pristine islands and walk among colonies of animals and birds unfazed by your presence. --Snorkel amid sea turtles, quirky penguins, and playful sea lions; gaze into the old eyes of a giant sea tortoise; and sit among a colourful band of marine iguanas . --Participate in special kids' activities, such as stargazing, scavenger hunts, drawing and poetry workshops, and knot-tying lessons.

Themes

50 plus, Education / Learning, Family Friendly, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Small Ship Cruise

What travelers are saying

"We booked a National Geographic expedition Holland and Belgium by River. The promotional literature promised a 14-day deposit refund window. The “invoice” was marked “non-refundable” deposit. We completed the National Geographic Traveler Information. About 8 days later we received the “Travel Agreement” to be signed. We both approved and signed the National Geographic documents. A Cruise Line Travel agreement was enclosed but had no signature line. This document contained language which was unacceptable. We submitted the signed NatGeo documents. The following day we canceled the trip due to the unacceptable Cruise Line language. Cancellation was made 12 days after booking and no deposit was returned. We were told on the phone that the refund deadline was triggered by the 14 day window OR signatures on the Travel Agreement which ever came first. This was NEW information. To date, we have received NO refund of our $1000. We cancelled our trip within the advertised 14 day window."

Trip dates & details
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10 days From$6,290
Price updated 1 year+ ago
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Alaska Family Voyage
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Alaska Family Voyage

By National Geographic Expeditions
preferred
3.5/5 Great
30 reviews
Group Tour
Lodging level
Luxury - 5 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Alaska, Glacier National Park

Highlights

  • Traveling aboard the National Geographic Sea Lion, spot black and brown bears and breaching humpback whales with experienced naturalists.
  • Glide in a Zodiac among a maze of icebergs in Tracy Arm Fjord, and paddle a kayak into pristine fjords and hidden coves.
  • Learn about the everyday life of Alaska's native tribes.
  • Participate in special kids' activities, such as scavenger hunts, special hikes and Zodiac excursions, and hands-on lessons with our naturalists.

Themes

Family Friendly, Hiking & Walking, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Small Ship Cruise

What travelers are saying

"We booked a National Geographic expedition Holland and Belgium by River. The promotional literature promised a 14-day deposit refund window. The “invoice” was marked “non-refundable” deposit. We completed the National Geographic Traveler Information. About 8 days later we received the “Travel Agreement” to be signed. We both approved and signed the National Geographic documents. A Cruise Line Travel agreement was enclosed but had no signature line. This document contained language which was unacceptable. We submitted the signed NatGeo documents. The following day we canceled the trip due to the unacceptable Cruise Line language. Cancellation was made 12 days after booking and no deposit was returned. We were told on the phone that the refund deadline was triggered by the 14 day window OR signatures on the Travel Agreement which ever came first. This was NEW information. To date, we have received NO refund of our $1000. We cancelled our trip within the advertised 14 day window."

Trip dates & details
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8 days From$5,790
Price updated 1 year+ ago
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Splendid Japan and South Korea Tour
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Splendid Japan and South Korea Tour

By Bravo Asia Tours
none
4.8/5 Excellent
24 reviews
Private Guided
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Very Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Visits

Hakone, Kyoto, Osaka, Tokyo

Highlights

  • Visit Mt Seorak National Park
  • Explore a Korean traditional village in Andong
  • Visit Tumuli Park and Gyeongju National Museum
  • Explore the vibrant Osaka
  • Enjoy exploring Kyoto
Show more

Themes

Cultural, Family Friendly, Local Immersion & Homestays, Small Ship Cruise, Transformative, Photography

What travelers are saying

"DO NOT BOOK WITH THIS COMPANY!!!! They SCAMMED ME AND MY FAMILY OUT OF 5,000 US Dollars!!!"

Trip dates & details
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16 days From$6,199
Price updated 1 year+ ago
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Antarctic Peninsula
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Antarctic Peninsula

By AdventureSmith
none
4/5 Great
100+ reviews
Small Ship Cruise
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Visits

Antarctic Peninsula, South Shetland Islands, Ushuaia

Highlights

  • Explore Ushuaia
  • Opportunity to Cruise along beautiful Antarctic Peninsula
  • Visit the Ukrainian Vernadsky Station
  • Enjoy sail through the spectacular Lemaire Channel to Pléneau Island and You will have a chance to encounter Humpback Whales, minke whales and fin whales.
  • Experience the joy of cruising by zodiac between the icebergs in the inner parts of the bay
Show more

Themes

Birding, Family Friendly, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Small Ship Cruise

What travelers are saying

"We particularly wanted to do this trip because of the abundance of wildlife we expected to encounter and selected this ship because they offered the kayaking experience. Overall, the weather was very good. Most people seemed like minded and were there for the adventurous experience. Accommodations Review They upgraded our cabin and we were very pleased with the amount of space and the amenities in the room. We appreciated the twin windows and being able to see humpbacks diving from our cabin. It was kept very clean and it was a treat to have our bed turned down with chocolates on the pillow each night. Meals Review We liked the variety and the quality of the food. There was always something new to try. The dining room staff was very professional and personable. Crew & Guides Review Solon was our Principal Trip Leader. He was incredibly professional and it seemed like he was constantly working to maximize the encounters with wildlife and scenery, taking advantage of all the weather opportunities and going to places that they don't often go. He worked very closely with the captain who was very accommodating and caring about us having a memorable voyage. Aymie and Andrew were our kayak guides. We went out to kayak 10 different times and were able to get to know both of them well. They worked hard to keep us safe and well informed. They made sure that we didn't miss out on any land excursions. We've had quite a few kayak guides over the years that we've paddled and we loved these two. Marla was the marine biologist aboard the ship. She was very enthusiastic and had a passion for marine mammals that was infectious. We loved listening to her presentations and looked forward to hearing her voice on the PA saying that there was another whale sighting. Colin, the geologist aboard the ship, was very knowledgeable and able to make difficult subjects understandable to the passengers. Itinerary Review The trip far, far, far, far, far, far exceeded our expectations. I had one "far" in the sentence when we left South Georgia Island after seeing 250,000 King Penguins at St. Andrews Point and added the second when we saw blue whales on two different days. The third "far" was added when we saw hundreds of whales for 6 hours along the iceberg, A68a. I added another "far" when we kayaked for over an hour with humpbacks all around and another "far" when minke whales were all around the kayaks the next day. The last "far" was added the day we didn't paddle since a leopard seal was all around the kayaks and then an orca came close. We had so many incredible experiences that we could never experience all of them in the same trip again. The guides told us that the close encounters that we had didn't happen very often and that we were very lucky that they all happened on our trip. The only thing that we didn't like was portions of the Drake Passage when it was a tad rough, but that experience gives us something to talk about. Transportation Review We made our transportation arrangements through another travel agency. Traveler Advice Make sure that you take sea sickness meds. Take advantage of every opportunity to see wildlife."

Trip dates & details
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10 days From$5,500
Price updated 1 year+ ago
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Family Friendly Reviews & Ratings

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1,191  Reviews
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Great
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Average
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Disappointing
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J

Julia

Oct 2022

Written on

How great it was to participate in all of the unique activities

Although it didn’t seem like a romantic getaway, I booked the Egypt tour for my significant other and me. I could not believe how great it was to participate in all ...

Tour:  Egypt: See & Experience the Ancient Sites in 9 Days, 1st Class Custom Tours

R

Rose

Oct 2022

Written on

It was obvious the company spent a lot of time and thought planning the trip

I found the trip by CharlieTheTraveler to Egypt very organized. It was obvious the company spent a lot of time and thought planning the trip. This made it easy for m...

Tour:  Egypt: See & Experience the Ancient Sites in 9 Days, 1st Class Custom Tours

J

Jane

Oct 2022

Written on

Everything was planned for me

I have never had such a laid back trip until I booked the Egypt tour through CharlieTheTraveler. Practically everything was planned for me and our tour guide made th...

Tour:  Egypt: See & Experience the Ancient Sites in 9 Days, 1st Class Custom Tours

R

Richard

Oct 2022

Written on

Done it so well.

Planning a trip to a country abroad is stressful and overwhelming. Upon doing some research to help alleviate the stress, I found CharlieTheTraveler had a 9-day tour...

Tour:  Egypt: See & Experience the Ancient Sites in 9 Days, 1st Class Custom Tours

J

Jimmy

Oct 2022

Written on

The history and modern culture of Egypt was emphasized

The history and modern culture of Egypt was emphasized in every activity on this trip. CharlieTheTraveler organized a balanced trip that gave me a well-rounded exper...

Tour:  Egypt: See & Experience the Ancient Sites in 9 Days, 1st Class Custom Tours

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Family Friendly Tour Selection Trips

  • Find a tour that focuses on kid friendly activities. Many guided tours welcome children, but not all focus on activities specifically geared toward them. So finding a kid-centric tour can keep them entertained and engaged. And these tours usually try to craft a balanced itinerary so parents get a fulfilling travel experience as well.
  • Cultural tours with a lot of demonstrations and hands on activities are perfect for kids - they help bring the past to life! 
  • If going on a tour that involves adventure activities, such as river rafting or zip lining, make sure to double check all age requirements. These are in place for everyone’s safety and are important to adhere to.
  • Families often get discounted rates for museums, tours, and landmarks, so be sure to ask about this when booking your trip.

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