Cruise Vacations On Waterways such as the River Thames and the Canal Du Midi Offer a Host of Family-Friendly Attractions

(TRAVPR.COM) USA - June 25th, 2015 - There is no time quite like family time. And the self-skippered boat cruises offered by Le Boat, Europe’s number one boating vacation company, are an ideal way to strengthen family bonds on a European Vacation. Self-skippered family boating vacations are growing in popularity throughout Europe, and for good reasons: mom and dad are the captains (no boating experience or license is required), a family has a boat all to itself for the entire journey, and they can create their own itinerary tailored to the interests of every family member. Adding to the enjoyment, Le Boat is offering a 25% discount on most boat rentals through July.

“Our family-friendly boats are like floating hotels. They have a common area for families to get-together, yet are large enough for family members to avoid being constantly in each other’s space,” said Shannan Brennan, Le Boat’s head of Distribution and Marketing, U.S., Canada and Latin America.  “Best of all, our fully equipped galleys make family dining onboard a convenient and money-saving option.”

Among Le Boat’s most popular routes for family vacations are the River Thames in England and cruising the Canal du Midi to Camargue, France.

THE RIVER THAMES - A HISTORIC VACATION

Along England’s River Thames, families can visit such historical attractions as Windsor Castle, Hampton Court Palace and Cliveden House, and take walking tours of centuries old gardens and villages.  While visiting Hampton Court Palace, families can also experience the nearby Chessington World of Adventures, a perfect diversion for young children. The theme park features a zoo with tigers, gorillas and sea lions, as well as a sea life center. Another popular attraction for children is Legoland Windsor Resort, which features over 50 interactive rides and attractions. Children can “fly” through the treetops to escape fearsome dragons, ride the rapids with a Viking Fleet, join LEGO® divers on an underwater adventure or enjoy the U.K.’s only LEGO® Star Wars™ Miniland model display.

Families boating on the Thames can also enjoy fishing, wildlife viewing, and other recreational activities. There are also many shopping and family-friendly dining options.

 CANAL DU MIDI TO CAMARGUE – A PLAYGROUND FOR FAMILIES

Families cruising on France’s Canal du Midi to Camargue will find a new and different adventure awaiting them in every mile along the way. The canal winds its way close to such attractions as the Méze Dinosaur Museum Park, the largest dinosaur themed museum in Southern France, where visitors can view the skeletons and fossils of prehistoric creatures. Other activities can include horseback riding in a traditional horse-herd called Manades, viewing wild animals from the comfort of their boat’s sundeck, exploring the medieval city of Aigues-Mortes, and taking strolls along endless beaches like La Grande Motte.

 “Nothing compares to fondly looking back on a family vacation and being able to tell stories that begin with, ‘remember when’ and end with, ‘that was the greatest.’ Our boating vacations provide families with the type of experiences family members of every generation will always remember,” said Brennan. “Adults and children alike will find that there’s never a dull moment on a Le Boat self-skippered cruise wherever you ‘take to the water’ in any of our nine destinations.”

 Le Boat prices vary according to selected boat model, number of cabins and total nights onboard, with weekly rentals ranging from $1,145 for a small one-cabin boat in low season to $7,000 for a top-of-the line four-cabin cruiser. Whichever boat is selected, guests can be assured that they meet all applicable safety requirements and provide the utmost in reliability.

 About Le Boat

Le Boat is Europe’s leading boating vacation company, with more than 40 years of experience in the industry.  The company owns and operates one of the largest and most stylish selections of rental boats in Europe, with accommodations for up to 12 passengers. Renters can sleep onboard in 5-Star comfort and style, saving substantially on hotel costs. Boats feature fully equipped kitchens, comfortable furnishings, showers and bathrooms, and air-conditioning, depending on the model.  All boats have warm air heating. No experience or boating license is necessary.  Instructions and an orientation are provided to first-time renters, ensuring they get the most out of their boating holiday. Unlike conventional cruises that follow a preplanned itinerary, Le Boat provides travelers with suggested itineraries but allows them to visit the towns and attractions that most interest them on a particular route.  Le Boat also offers a free app that travelers can download from the Apple and Google Play stores. For more information, call toll-free at 1-800-734-5491.

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