The Good-The Bad-The Ugly of Multi-gen Trips
Our Avalon Rhine River Cruise in April was an unforgettable adventure for our whole family—my husband, our adult kids, my parents, my mother-in-law, and my sister-in-law. The trip was a mix of scenic beauty, cultural experiences, fantastic food, and a few unexpected challenges that brought us all closer together.
We started with very tired parents and a transfer that was late to the game. Next time, we’ll likely just go with the cruise transfer—because herding exhausted adults is way harder than herding children. The first day was long, as we arranged a visit to Keukenhof Gardens to help keep everyone awake. With over seven million flower bulbs and 800 varieties of tulips across 32 hectares, the gardens were stunning. In hindsight, adding a day at the beginning to adjust to jet lag might have made the visit easier for everyone, especially my mother-in-law, who valiantly tried to keep up with the rest of us sleep-deprived wanderers.
Amsterdam itself was incredible. The canal cruise was a perfect introduction to the city, and someone in our group may have picked up a birthday gift at the Diamond Store. Fun fact: this particular cruise departs from Switzerland, so Basel isn’t a place to get VAT refunds—something to keep in mind for future trips.
From Amsterdam, we headed to Cologne for an overnight stop. Our not-quite-21-year-old son got to share a beer with his dad—a pretty sure-not-his-first-beer moment, though still a memorable father-son milestone. We even connected with friends traveling on a different route. Everyone enjoyed the scenic cruising along the Rhine, with castles dotting the landscape. Dad, not an engineer but a true mechanic, was fascinated by the locks and couldn’t resist figuring out how they worked. My mom was in her element, chatting with new friends and making everyone feel like part of the family.
Rüdesheim brought a mix of fun and drama. We tried the famous Rüdesheimer Coffee—a mix of hot coffee, Asbach brandy, sugar, and whipped cream—and the kids surprisingly enjoyed the Music Museum at Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Cabinet, which houses over 400 self-playing instruments. It was also here that I gained first-hand experience with the German hospital system. My mother tore her Achilles tendon during an evening stroll. Fortunately, Avalon’s staff were incredible, assisting our new wheelchair-bound passenger and even adding birthday decorations and small surprises. While she couldn’t get off the ship for the rest of the trip, sailing along the waterways still made it a wonderful experience, and she’s already planning a return trip to step into France.
The food on the cruise was fantastic. As a gluten-intolerant traveler, I felt truly cared for—from the initial meeting with the chef and restaurant manager to their insistence that I let them make a gluten-free ham and cheese sandwich while cruising in France, because it was their specialty. Every meal felt thoughtful, delicious, and personalized, which made the trip even more enjoyable.
Heidelberg Castle was stunning, and the shopping was fun. Then we ventured into the Black Forest, where I finally got a moment of “me time” away from the chaos that had been swirling around the trip. I also picked up a new cuckoo clock as a souvenir, appreciating the craftsmanship that goes into these iconic pieces. Strasbourg offered a quick glimpse of France, and I made sure to spot the famous stork nests—always a highlight for me.
The trip concluded with the Avalon transfer to Basel for our return home. One of the highlights of the cruise was how it allowed different generations to explore activities at their own pace. The kids enjoyed discovering their own favorites while also taking advantage of the ship’s Wi-Fi—our son even managed to take college tests on board.
By the end, I felt like a mama duck, herding her ducklings across Europe. Once all were safely on board, I upgraded my husband and myself to row 1. After all, a mama duck deserves a little luxury once the chaos is over—and after keeping everyone fed, entertained, and vaguely in line, I definitely earned it.
