Small Ship Line #: Metropolitan Touring
Operating three expedition vessels in the Galápagos, Metropolitan Touring is the ideal cruise line for those seeking a casual experience in the wildlife hotspot. The tiny ships, which only accommodate between 40 and 78 passengers, have a laid-back atmosphere where the focus is very much on wildlife spotting. The company also offers land-based tours in mainland Ecuador, Peru, and Colombia that can be combined with a Galápagos expedition.
Are There Any River Cruises Available In The Uk
Absolutely! There is a rich selection of rivers and canals to cruise in and around Great Britain. Famous rivers include the Thames, Avon, and Trent. Most charming of all we think, though, is Britains canals. Look at Llangollen Canal on the Welsh-English border or the beautiful countryside along the Kent and Avon Canal.
Games Of Thrones Lives On
The hit TV show might be finished, but “Game of Thrones” fans will recognize dozens of locations in the walled city of Dubrovnik, the jewel of Croatia’s Adriatic coast. Farther afield, explore the countless waterfalls of Plitvice Lakes National Park or pair European cruises with tastings at underrated wineries.
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Into A Scottish Fairytale
When you visit Scotland, it can be difficult to discern legend from real life. Strolling down Edinburghs Royal Mile to Edinburgh Castle might feel like a dream, while the fabled and mythical Loch Ness may surprise you with its charm and stunning scenery. Scotlands one of the best places to visit in Europe, period.
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The Best Cruises In The Mediterranean Are:
Ready to book? The links below are a shortcut to trusted booking platforms. Keep scrolling for details on each cruise and why we rate it.
Best for accessibility: Princess Cruises*Best for the Greek islands: Variety CruisesBest for a small ship experience: CroisiEuropeBest for families: MSC*Best for tall ships: Star Clippers*Best for the eastern Mediterranean: Celestyal CruisesBest for Aegean itineraries: Celebrity Cruises*Best for style: Silversea*Best for a British vibe: Ambassador Cruise LineBest for older travellers: Saga
The Dordogne And Garonne Rivers In Frances Bordeaux Region
Best for: oenophiles
A must-do for wine lovers is an in-depth exploration of Bordeaux, along the Dordogne and Garonne rivers and the Gironde Estuary in France. Australian luxury line Scenic Cruises does a seven-night Bordeaux Affair itinerary thats as appealing as it sounds. Sailings run from late April into October, and while they dont take passengers far geographically, thats not the point. Rather the idea is to sip and savor Frances wine country, stopping along the way at gorgeous châteaux and vineyards to enjoy the local product in iconic destinations such as Margaux, Saint-Emilion, Medoc, Pomerol, and Sauternes. Scenics tours include several Grand Cru Class estatesChâteau Franc Mayne and Château Myrat among them. If you cruise in September or October, youll also be able to observe the annual grape harvest. The cruise takes place on Scenics 167-passenger Scenic Diamond and is priced from $5,145 per person.
On Avalons more active sailings, excursion options include kayaking along the Amsterdam canals.
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Small Ship Line #: Seadream Yacht Club
Sailing through the Caribbean, around Europe, or across the Atlantic on either of SeaDreams two 112-passenger yachts means quickly getting to know your fellow guests. Facilities on the six decks include a pool, whirlpool, and casino, but the real highlight is the watersports marina that can be lowered down to the waves for easy ocean swimming, kayaking, and more. The ships often overnight in port, allowing guests the opportunity to experience the local nightlife before taking off for their next destination. In 2021, SeaDream will launch a 110-cabin luxury expedition yacht, SeaDream Innovation, that will sail to all seven continents.
Medium Ship Line #: Silversea Cruises
Silverseas fleet has five ships, of which just two are technically medium-sized, with passenger counts around 600 peoplebut thats considered quite a large number for the luxurious cruise line, which specializes in smaller vessels, including five ships in its expedition fleet. Silversea Muse is the newest and largest ship, making her maiden voyage in 2017. Despite her relatively small size, Muse has eight restaurants for her passengers, all of whom are accommodated in spacious suites. As a cruise line, Silversea sails to more than 900 destinations around the world.
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Discover The Greek Isles
If azure waters and picture-perfect whitewashed villages with pops of bougainvillea is top of your wishlist, consider sailing on Norwegian Jade from Athens across to the glorious Greek Islands. The 2023 seven-day Greek Isles: Santorini, Mykonos and Rhodes odyssey also stops in to Bodrum in Turkey for a visit to an ancient amphitheatre, as well as Crete, and the UNESCO World Heritage site of Delos, a short ferry ride from Mykonos, the mythological birthplace of Apollo and Artemis. Discover the beautiful beaches of the islands and sit at tavernas watching the world go by.
City Of Love Cte D’azur
The only thing better than strolling into Paris as the Eiffel Tower lights up at night? Sitting down for a meal of fresh-caught seafood as the sun sets into the harbor of aptly-named Nice. France has got something for every traveler, which is why so many cruises to Europe dock here.
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Choosing The Best European River Cruise For You
Savvy travelers know that European River Cruises arent just for seniors. On board every Tauck riverboat, youll find couples young and young at heart groups of friends and groups who share common interests or alma maters solo travelers and families all having the best time of their lives. No matter which waterway you want to journey along in Europe, who youre traveling with and what you hope to take away from the experience, youll find the best European river cruise for you with Tauck, voted to Travel + LeisuresWorlds Best Awards list for 22 consecutive years.
Best Short Cruise: Celesytal Cruises
Courtesy of Celesytal Cruises
- Ship Name: Celestyal Olympia
- Itinerary: Mykonos, Patmos, Rhodes, Santorini, Piraeus Greece Kusadisi, Turkey
If you dont have time for a longer voyage but want a little taste of Greece, consider Celestyal Cruises which packs a punch with six ports of call on a four-night cruise. The Greek-based cruise line operates the 1,664-passenger Celestyal Olympia, and is all about immersing passengers in Greek culture. Onboard, the entire ship is Greek-themed from décor and food to music. Activities include yoga, dance competitions, Greek language classes, cooking lessons and more but dont expect the over-the-top amenities found on mainstream ships.
Gratuities, unlimited drinks and two excursions are also included in the pricing. For this itinerary, its an acropolis tour of Lindos, the Citadel of the Knights and an ancient Ephesus bus tour.
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Delectable Dining & Beverages
As charming towns glide by, youll enjoy the flavours of Europe. The continent is renowned for its culinary delights and each meal on board will showcase local dishes. Whats more, wine, beer and soft drink are included with onboard lunches and dinners during your European Gems or Douro river cruise. Tea, coffee and water is available on all cruises. In fact, if youre cruising on one of our new contemporary ships, an onboard barista can also whip up the perfect coffee.
Bonus: Canal Cruising In France
There are river cruises, then there are barge cruises. The two are worlds apart, or at least waterways apart. River cruises take place on Europes major waterways on vessels that typically carry from 100 to 200 guests. By contrast, barge cruises operate on small canals and typically carry no more than two dozen guests. To say that the experiences are similar would be a quite a stretch. Sure, they both operate on water, but they are markedly different modes of transport. How so? In this post well take a look at 10 Reasons To Choose Luxury Hotel Barge Cruising.
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Small Ship Line #: American Cruise Lines
American Cruise Lines has the unique distinction of operating not only old-school paddlewheelers in the United States, but also contemporary river ships. And they dont just sail on the Mississippiyou can also explore the Columbia and Snake Rivers in the Pacific Northwest, too. Beyond that, the 13-strong fleet also has oceangoing vessels that explore the coasts surrounding the entire country, from New England to Alaska to the Gulf of Mexico.
What To Expect On A River Cruise
A festive evening scene from Basel’s city center Photo courtesy of Erica Lamberg
McDaniel says if youve cruised on an ocean-going vessel, expect a more intimate onboard experience on a river cruise.
River ships carry far fewer guests, have a higher crew-to-guest ratio, and dont have those larger bells and whistles, she says. McDaniel says travelers will find plenty of spaces on board to enjoy the views, as well as a plethora of enrichment opportunities that immerse travelers in the places they visit.
Because of their small size, river ships are able to pull right into the heart of some of the most quaint and special towns Europe has to offer. If you feel inspired to dive deeper into the history of a place, Viking and other river cruise companies often offer guided excursions, some included and some optional.
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Best Music Festival Cruise: Norwegian Pearl
Courtesy of Kiss Kruise
- Duration: 3-5 nights
- Ship Name: Norwegian Pearl
Cruisers looking to let their hair down and soak in some musical vibes at sea should consider a music cruise with Sixthman. The company charters major cruise ships like the Norwegian Pearl to offer music festivals at sea a great way to meet like-minded adults. The Kiss Cruise from Miami features two shows from Kiss , and other fun activities with the band. Norwegian Pearl also hosts cruises like Runaway to Paradise with Jon Bon Jovi, Keeping the Blues Alive at Sea, the Outlaw Country Cruise, the 311 Cruise, and many more. After the show, passengers can dance the night away at Spinnaker Lounge and Bliss Ultra Lounge and Night Club.
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European River Cruises Tips
- Choose from the delightful Danube for cultural immersion, the relaxing Rhine for an enchanting adventure or the stunning Seine for an intimate tour of Paris, there are many possibilities to ensure that you have the best river cruise experience.
- Get up at least once to watch the sunrise! Remember to wear warm clothes as it can be chilly as the mist rises up from the river and the sun peeks over the hills to wake up all the birds along the banks.
- It would be a crime not to sample the delicious flavours on your cruise ship! Indulge in a sweet stroopwafel in Amsterdam, a tasty trdelnÃk in Prague, or a mouthwatering macaron in France.
- There is a wide range of cruises to choose from. Lueftner, Regina, or Nicko offer cheap and cheerful comfort cruises, or if you like living the life of luxury, AmaWaterways, Scenic and APT are for you!
- Make the most out of your river cruise by bringing some binoculars. They will help you zoom in on those fairytale castles scattered throughout the landscape. If you forget, the boat might have extras.
- Dont hesitate! European summer is prime-time for cruising so make sure you grab our last-minute 2019 deals so you can spend your days cruising on tranquil waters. Its pure bliss!
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Western Mediterranean For Culture Vultures
For foodies, fashionistas and art lovers, its hard to top a cruise to the western Med. These cruises follow the sunshine and in the footsteps of artists and connoisseurs as you explore the renowned resort towns and famed coastal cities of Italy, France, Monaco and Spain.
Small ship and luxury cruise lines, along with such popular big-ship lines as Princess Cruises, Costa Cruises, Carnival Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line and MSC Cruises, sail on one-week or longer itineraries between Barcelona and Rome, visiting Italy, France, Monaco and Spain.
This is your opportunity to see Antoni Gaudis fantastical church and other creations in Barcelona, visit Michelangelos David sculpture and other Renaissance treasures in Florence, Italy, hang out at the casino in Monte Carlo, and visit Provence, France.
You may stop in dreamy Nice and Cannes in France, and Spanish cities such as Malaga on the Costa del Sol, where Pablo Picasso was born, or Seville , home of flamenco dancing.
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Shop for Italian, French and Spanish designer fashion. Dine on the best pasta and gelato you ever tasted or bouillabaisse and escargot in France, or paella and tapas in Spain accompanied by local wines. Even if you just sit at a seaside cafe, sip coffee and check out the beautiful people walking by, youre in for a treat.
Ponant Le Commandant Charcot
Leave it to Ponant to up the ante with the unveiling of Le Commandant Charcot. The French cruise brands first Polar Explorer, she is kitted out with some superlative technology that promises minimal impact on the environment alongside a suite of exclusive offerings, from a promenade deck that has benches heated by recycled energy to a fine dining restaurant created in partnership with Alain Ducasse. The ship herself is a joy to experience: The public spaces are layered with custom-made furnishingssome with book-filled shelves and black-and-white photographs of the polar regionsand the staterooms are polished bolt-holes with tactile natural materials, curvilinear walls and ceilings, and concealed lighting that creates a warm ambiance. Spend your days hiking snow-dusted landscapes dotted with snoring sea lions and a cacophony of emperor penguins hang out by the heated indoor pool with a fresh juice from the detox bar or simply while away your day in the light-filled Observatory Deck while vast bright blue icebergs float silently past the panoramic windows. Eleven-night cruises from $19,450 per person. Lauren Ho
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Best Cruise Lines For Honeymoons
Our picks for perfect honeymoon cruises start with Celebrity Cruises. Celebritys fleet is designed for modern luxury, with grand dining rooms, exquisite specialty restaurants, and inviting public spaces. Celebrity is best known for its top-level accommodations, and onboard the newest Celebrity Edge, they range from two-room suites to two-level villas bigger than most apartments the perfect cocoon for newlyweds. Suite guests have exclusive access to a specialty restaurant, a private lounge, an expansive sun deck, and services of a butler and concierge. On every Celebrity ship, an expansive spa with thermal suites and couples treatments are available.
Princess Cruises the original Love Boat continues its romantic connection to this day. The adults-only Sanctuary can be found on the top deck of most ships, with gorgeous views, food and beverage service, and private cabanas. Couples sailing on Princess newest ships such as the Royal, Regal, and Sky Princess can utilize the Medallion technology to have food and beverages delivered to them anywhere onboard the ship, so they can enjoy in-suite room service, or champagne on deck at sunset, without having to leave each other. Princess also offers Ultimate Balcony Dining, with a sumptuous breakfast served with sparkling wine, or a multi-course dinner served with champagne, lavishly set up on the balcony of the couples stateroom.
Celebrity Cruise Line: Celebrity Solstice
Rekindle your romance on the most lavish and luxurious ship Celebrity Solstice of Celebrity cruise line that offers numerous activities on board to make your vacation a memorable one. Wine bars, multi-specialty dining venues, double pool loungers, real grass lawns and rooftop gardens is divine. Private retreats for people who are looking to spend some time in complete privacy, private hot tubs on the balcony, and adult only solariums. Have a picnic at the Lawn club or have an a la carte dinner at Muranos, Celebrity Cruise Line offers everything that you need.
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