Table Of Content
However, there are also other lesser-known cruise lines to choose from that are contenders for the best river cruise line in Europe, depending on your travel style. To help you out, we've taken a look at 10 lines, from the familiar to the lesser-known, so you can decide the best river cruise line in Europe for you. AmaWaterways hits a sweet spot for both foodies and active travelers (and families on the Disney sailings).
Should you travel Europe via river cruise? - USA TODAY
Should you travel Europe via river cruise?.
Posted: Tue, 06 Feb 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]
FAQ: River cruises
Along the way, guests can choose a hike through vineyards, canoe trip, village walking tours, or wine tasting onboard. American Cruise Lines is a U.S.-based cruise company that specializes in small ship and riverboat cruises, primarily along the rivers and waterways of the United States. Uniworld’s luxurious fleet boasts original artworks and antiques together with the latest technological innovations. This family-owned Austrian company has over 40 years of experience in river cruising. Also known as Lüftner Cruises, they sail along the Danube, Rhine, Main, Moselle, Elbe, and Seine rivers in Europe. Going strong for 38 years, Scenic Luxury Cruises are known for their all-inclusive offerings that leave nothing to chance.
Best small ship cruise lines
Perks include a roommate matching service for solo cruisers, competitively priced single supplements and group discounts, plus price match guarantees. Ships offer traditional-style cruising and Exclusive Discovery Series, which provides first-person accounts from locals or expert talks about the destinations you'll be visiting. John Shallo is the founder and editor of Cruise Addicts, a premier online community for cruise travelers.His love for cruising began after his first cruise in 1989.
Lueftner Cruises
Spacious staterooms feature private balconies for stellar views no matter the destination, and there are more than 50 itineraries to choose from throughout the United States. Nearly 165,000 T+L readers completed the 2023 survey, an increase of nearly 25 percent over pre-pandemic voting levels. A total of more than 685,000 votes were cast across over 8,500 unique properties (hotels, cities, cruise lines, etc.). Everyone goes to the cocktail parties, and getting to know your fellow passengers is a big part of the experience. Grand Circle is a top choice company for solo travelers because the ships feature a good number of small cabins designed and priced for one, plus reduced single-supplement pricing for solos who want larger rooms.
Programming and excursions are geared toward kids, To that end, expect a focus on storytelling rather than straight history lessons. You'll also find plenty of energetic and engaging activities, like tobogganing, 4x4 tours and bike excursions. In the evenings, supervised meals for kids and teens (and movie nights) keep the vibe upbeat until bedtime. CroisiEurope is the largest company based in Europe and operates a fleet of riverboats and hotel barges. While people from North America aren't regular passengers on the line's European river cruises, the line is bilingual so English-speaking passengers won't be left out.
Black history and culture in France with Amawaterways
Particularly on the newer ships, guests stay in big, hotel-like staterooms with indoor sitting areas and balconies (on the 175-passenger American Symphony, for instance, cabins range from 250 to 650 square feet). Local entertainment comes on board, the food is often locally sourced, and cocktail parties are included in the cruise fare. Heritage Line is an award-winning luxury river cruise company that operates vessels along some of Asia’s most scenic and culturally-rich waterways. Their fleet of boutique river cruise ships provides an intimate and high-end experience for travelers. River cruises aren’t known to be inexpensive, but that doesn’t mean they can’t provide good value.
Because most people travel in pairs or a family on a cruise, rates are based on double occupancy. Solo travelers are still welcome but may have to pay a supplement fee for booking as a single-occupancy rather than a double. The suites, which are about 300 square feet, have floor-to-ceiling windows, King-sized beds, and a lounge area with a daybed. There is a price difference between the first deck and the second deck, with the former being more affordable.
“Highlights of the Douro Valley and Salamanca River” with Riviera River Cruises
Amawaterways is now accepting reservations for its highly anticipated cruises on Colombia's Magdalena River departing from both Cartagena and Barranquilla in 2024. Both seven-day itineraries explore Colombia's rich musical and cultural history, along with a chance to experience the country's natural wonders and local cuisine. Amawaterways is the first major river cruise line to highlight Colombia’s beauty with these types of voyages.
Book a cruise on Avalon Waterways
Although children are allowed, the line does not offer extra amenities or perks for kids. As for the bed itself, guests can choose their own mattress and pillow firmness from Avalon's Comfort Collection. It lacks the grandeur of the suites, and is small at about 172 square feet, and has small windows peaking above the waterline.
7 best US river cruises - The Points Guy
7 best US river cruises.
Posted: Mon, 15 Apr 2024 12:02:19 GMT [source]
The Panorama Dining Room serves daily four-course à la carte dinners along with complimentary wine, beer, and soft drinks, or guests can choose the more casual Panorama Bistro or Sky Grill. There are also four different dining venues (more than most river ships), and that choice has proven popular with previous passengers. With more itineraries than any other, Viking is the best cruise line in Europe for first-time river cruisers. The world's largest river cruise line offers a well-tested river cruise recipe on its fleet of identical Scandinavian-style longships. Insightful port talks provide information on the next day's program that cover all questions, such as how much walking is involved and difficulty levels. Special Christmas Market itineraries in Germany and Austria make Grand Circle a great off-season choice, too.
Saga River Cruises is a British river cruise line that is part of the Saga Group, a company known for providing travel and insurance products for older adults. The cruise line caters specifically to the 50+ demographic, with an average passenger age of years old. Shore excursions range from walking tours and bike rides to more active adventures like hiking and kayaking, allowing guests to explore the destinations in depth. Avalon is known for its focus on providing innovative ship design, all-inclusive pricing, and flexible cruise packages that appeal to both experienced and first-time river cruisers. Les Bateaux Belmond is the river cruise division of the prestigious Belmond luxury travel brand.
Their award-winning European river cruises are praised for their personalized service, exclusive destination experiences, luxurious cabins and suites, fine dining, and professional, caring staff. There are several all-inclusive river cruise lines offering inclusions such as airport transfers, tour experiences, meals, beverages, in-suite bar, shore excursions, gratuities, bike rentals, and butler service. When it comes to riverside scenery, it’s hard to beat the Rhine, with its 40-mile UNESCO World Heritage-protected Upper Middle Rhine Valley.
The fleet of 46- to 140-passenger ships cruises waterways that include the Seine, Rhine, Mosel, Main, Danube and Rhone. Always onboard are Grand Circle program directors supplementing the onboard team and assuring a certain amount of handholding on ship and shore; your American tastes and expectations will be catered to. The line focuses attention on onboard enrichment, such as lectures, dance performances and cooking demonstrations.
