Giving experiences over “things” is the only way to gift. There are so many ways to do this, but we believe that travel is one of the best presents in the world! (Pun most definitely intended.) Experiences are both thoughtful and rewarding for the recipient. Regina Cruises have curated some lovely itineraries which make it super easy for you to share your love of travel with mums and dads. Whether it’s the holidays, a birthday, or anniversary, their themed river cruises are tailor-made for older parents!
River cruises are a great way to explore. Essentially, travellers have a stunning floating hotel at their disposal to take them to numerous cities and towns, they unpack once and enjoy views throughout the trip while sailing along flowing water.
Don’t worry, even if your parents are travelling solo, Regina Cruises often don’t charge a single supplement and plan their morning feasts, afternoon tea, and dinners in such a way that all guests are placed in a group of companions with whom they can share meals. Breaking bread is a wonderful way to meet new people and connect with fellow travellers.
Daily excursions take place close-by to where the ship docks so passengers can make the most of their time in the cities, and hop on and off with ease. These itineraries are designed in such a way that visitors get to stretch their legs without being worn out! The entire time your parents are onboard these stunning vessels, they can take advantage of being outdoors on an open topdeck. They’ll feel spoilt rotten as they sip cocktails while sailing under famous locks and past picturesque riverside towns. Check out our gift ideas for older parents that have everything!
Give them a top UNESCO World Heritage Site
On the ever-so-unique UNESCO World Heritage Rio Douro river cruise, travellers get to experience a different side of Portugal. The MS Douro Spirit sails along the Golden River through Douro valley in Portugal. The river banks spanning 220-km are lined with vineyards and are a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. Home to port and wine cellars that are 2000 years old, this ancient region can boast of the best scenery in Europe. After a welcome cocktail onboard a vessel kitted-out for Portuguese BBQs and pool-side relaxation, travellers sail on open waters towards flamenco shows, vineyards, palaces, and gardens.
For older parents who love Christmas
Are your parents the kind of people that love the holidays and end up hosting the whole family? Why not give them a festive treat by sending them on a Christmas in Alsace river cruise? They can relax in the spa town of Baden-Baden where the thermal baths are supposedly like temples before sipping on mulled wine at the Christkindelsmarkt. Baden-Baden is teeming with open-air cafes and pretty gardens. They’ll also get to go wine tasting, explore Basel, and learn about the Alsatian textile industry before returning home in time for you all to ring in the new year together!
Send them on a royal adventure in Russia
The Cities of Tsars river cruise is like something out of a storybook and takes passengers on a journey back in time through the Russian Empire. Your parents will make their way to two of the most important cities of Russia: the vibrant capital of Moscow and the charming city of St. Petersburg. Between the two former tsar residences lie unspoilt river landscapes, old Russian cities, dome-crowned churches, and magnificent monasteries. The MS Tschaikowsky will serve as the gateway to these sites and attractions. When onboard, passengers can enjoy the scenery while relaxing on the upper deck, in one of two bars or the panoramic restaurant.
For mums that love receiving flowers
If your parents love it when you send flowers, this time instead of having a bouquet delivered, why not send them to the flowers instead? The MS Thurgau Rhône sails to Provence in the south of France for their spectacular lavender bloom. On the Lavender in bloom cruise, visitors will experience a fragrant sensory overload; it’s a dream holiday enveloped in fragrance and shades of violet! Along the way, travellers can sample truffles in the village of Grignan, visit the residence of Vincent van Gogh, and explore Vienne, one of the oldest cities in the Rhône-Alpes region.
For nature lovers
The Sava river cruise is perfect for older parents that enjoy experiencing nature. The Sava flows through Zagreb, then goes on to form the border between Croatia and Bosnia & Herzegovina, before finally joining with the Danube in Belgrade, Serbia. This stretch of river is a haven for wildlife and vegetation and is interesting to explore. As well as scenery, travellers get to roam historical city centres with citadels and medieval monasteries. On this cruise, passengers will be onboard MS Prinzessin Sisi, a vessel that features a special outdoor promenade which offers promising views for the gorgeous landscape as it drifts along in all kinds of weather.
For older parents that enjoy art
What could be better than owning an original Claude Monet? The real thing of course! One of the highlights on the Castles & Waterlillies river cruise is a visit to the famous French impressionist painter’s house and gardens, where visitors can actually see the waterlily pond that inspired many of Monet’s iconic paintings. MS Swiss Ruby charters a course through Compiègne, France and other destinations, stopping off at some of Europe’s finest castles. The sleek vessel has a number of amenities onboard, including a sun deck and panorama bar. This scenic river cruise kicks-off in the imperial city of Compiègne and ends among the cobbled streets and glittering lights of Paris.
For older parents that like to live a colourful life
The Holland during tulip blossom cruises will let travellers experience one of the country’s most beautiful seasons. From March until May, parts of Holland are transformed by hundreds of colourful tulip flowers. On this five-day tour, the premium MS Johann Strauss will moor around the highlights of Netherlands, allowing passengers to enjoy the Dutch town Gouda, the bustling city of Amsterdam, and the stunning tulip colours of Keukenhof.
European river cruises offer plenty of options for older parents that love adventures and would appreciate an experience that will take them along open waters to the continent’s gems.
This story was created in partnership with: Regina Cruises
