Uniworld River Cruises has more than trebled its tally of multi-generational river cruises next year to cope with growing interest from families.

In all there are 17 departures in 2016, up from just five this year, on a range of itineraries on the Rhine, Danube, Seine and Po in Italy.

Only four coincide with UK school holidays but that is more than this year, and means there is more choice for parents or grandparents who want to introduce youngsters to river cruising.

The departures are on the Seine on July 31, the Rhine on July 24 and the Danube and Grand Europe Discovery cruise departing July 29.

While there are no play areas for children on Uniworld craft, there will be child-friendly activities during the multi-generational sailings including pastry-making and language classes, and tours with the captain or hotel manager.

Suggested child-friendly tours include a visit to see the Lipizzaner stallions in Vienna, learning to make that city’s famous sachertorte chocolate cake, a culinary treasure hunt in Heidelberg and rafting on the River Ilz in Germany. Families can also borrow their ship’s pedal bikes free of charge and explore local areas alone.

Prices start from £2,719 per person cruise-only for eight days on the Seine in July sailing round-trip from Paris. Children aged 4-11 pay 50%.