I Took My Kid on a Viking River Cruise. Here’s What Happened.

Viking, the luxe international leader in river, expedition and ocean cruising, regularly advertises that guests don’t encounter children, casinos or other over-the-top mega-ship features. The line’s boats were designed with tranquil passenger comfort in mind and the onboard vibe exudes mature, refined elegance.

I get it. It’s not the sort of place you’d bring most teenagers. But a cruise along France’s famed Seine River turned out to be an incredible get-away for me and my 18-year-old son. Here’s how it worked for us, what we experienced, and why it might just be the perfect multi-gen vacation for your family.

Editor’s Note: The author and her son were hosted by Viking.

Are you reader for another adventure? Let us guide you with our weekly newsletter! Sign up here.

Rules of Engagement

Technically, I didn’t break any rules bringing my son aboard the gorgeous Viking Skaga: the cruise line considers anyone 18 or older an adult. However, given his age, we took a few steps to ensure he fit in just a bit better.

My kid’s wardrobe got a pre-trip glow-up. He left his t-shirts at home, swapping them out for polo shirts, light sweaters, and a smart hoodie for outdoor excursions. Khaki shorts replaced his typical joggers, and ball caps were reserved for exploring off the boat.

When we were on the public areas of the ship, his phone and headphones were out of sight. This is not to say he didn’t text friends back home, watch TikTok or listen to his favorite tunes. But when he did, he was in our room or on our verandah.

Bottom line, he took care to dress well and show respect to the other passengers. It made a world of difference during our week onboard.

Food and Drink

During our 8-night Seine sail, food and drink offerings leaned heavily into the region’s traditional cuisine. My son has always had a fairly adventurous palate, and during the cruise he sampled escargot, remoulades and rillettes with gusto. When he needed an American food fix, ordering a cheeseburger from the set menu was no big deal. Desserts were decadent, with French confections ending every meal.

I skipped upgrading to the premium Silver Spirits alcohol package. Viking stipulates everyone in a cabin must be covered under the plan, and because my son is not of legal drinking age in the United States I didn’t think it wise or necessary. However, complimentary house wine and beer is served with every lunch and dinner; we both enjoyed an occasional glass with meals.

Suffice to say, we never went hungry onboard, the service was terrific, and we both came away with a better appreciation of French cooking techniques and dishes.

Onboard Experiences

Life on the Skaga was sweet and slow-paced. There was a small, well-stocked library and an area off the main lounge where we could play cards or board games on sail days. Each evening, we’d drift up to the top deck and grab settee seats to take in the sunset, the stars, and on one special night, Bastille Day fireworks before heading back to our spacious and comfortable stateroom.

Perhaps the best onboard experience we had was the simplest: sitting on our veranda, looking out over the French countryside from the Seine, marveling at the swans and signets that routinely followed in our wake. Those quiet moments gave us a chance to slow down, relax, and truly enjoy each other’s company.

Ports of Call and Excursions

We had two full days to explore before leaving the dock, which gave us just a taste of what Paris had to offer. While a comprehensive full-day city tour is included in the cruise fare, we also braved The Louvre on our own to catch a glimpse of the enigmatic Mona Lisa and stopped for French cuisine at a cafe on the Ile de Saint Louis.

In Vernon, we explored the small town’s farmers’ market and city square. Just a few miles away sat Giverny, where Monet created the watercolor works that cemented his legacy. My son and I walked through his dreamy gardens together, and spied his famous water lilies.

We had a Game of Thrones thrill exploring Richard the Lionheart’s 12th century castle in Les Andelys. Rouen was a charmer, with its half-timbered homes, ancient shops and striking monument to Joan of Arc, who was martyred there.

But the most moving experience, hands down, was our trip to the Normandy Beaches. There, my son looked out over the waves where his great-grandfather came ashore on D-Day. We learned more about what he likely encountered and the miracle of his survival. It was a somber, reflective day neither of us will ever forget.

Making Connections

Being on a small ship for more than a week forced my son to make connections with nearly 200 complete strangers, including the captains, crew members and staff who kept things running smoothly, and the passengers with whom we shared meals and excursions.

At first, we were a bit of a novelty. We got occasional sideways looks, as if to say “What the heck is that kid doing here?” The first couple of dinners were a bit awkward, getting to know older adults and keeping up lively conversation.

But my son rose to the occasion every time. He listened more than he spoke, asked thoughtful questions of our new friends, and shared a few laughs with them, too. The engagement was special for everyone involved. I do think the passengers enjoyed spending a bit of time with my son, and the feeling was certainly mutual for him.

By the end of the cruise, it was as if he’d acquired dozens of new grandparents; I traded a teen for a fine young man.

Will It Work For Your Family?

To be fair, this sort of vacation would not be ideal for every young adult and their family.

If your idea of an ideal multi-gen vacation includes lounging for hours beachside, an unlimited buffet, or hitting a huge amusement park, a European river cruise probably isn’t your best option. Indeed, at times our cruise felt more like a hands-on history lesson than a holiday.

But that’s why it was perfect for us, and an excellent choice for any family that includes curious individuals, no matter their age.

The places we visited, the insights from our guides, and the real-life experiences we had in France taught both my son and me, bringing us closer in the process. When a family learns together, it grows together, and that was the true gift of this unlikely adventure.