I Want To Participate In Onboard Activities
The beauty of river cruising is that your accommodation moves around with you, so you are always welcome to stay onboard rather than head ashore should you choose. With no inside cabins you will always get at least a window on a river cruise, however, on lower decks these can be high in the cabin to allow for natural light but not necessarily a view from where you sit. If you plan on spending a bit of time in your cabin, you can upgrade to a higher deck or a balcony stateroom to enjoy views while scenic sailing or just to get some sunshine while you are in port. Ships are designed with plenty of communal areas to relax should you wish to move around rather than stay in your cabin. You can play a round of cards in the lounge, soak in the pool, or read a book on the sundeck.
There are also onboard activities on offer and these vary between operators. You can choose to have a spa treatment, do some guided sunrise yoga, enjoy a guest lecture or take part in a class onboard. On the Scenic Sapphire and Scenic Diamond which cruise through Bordeaux and the south of France youll find a bespoke cooking area where guests can take part in cooking demonstrations as part of the Scenic Culinaire program. The popular Magnificent Europe cruise with APT also offers plenty of onboard activities, including a stroopwafel demonstration by a local baker, an onboard wine tasting, a glass-blowing presentation, a German language lesson, and much more.
Burgundy Rhone River And Provence River Cruise
Relax on a river cruise and unwind somewhere luxurious while you travel to Burgundy, the Rhone River, and Provence.
Wine lovers will enjoy tasting locally produced wine in Beaune and Burgundy, and food lovers will delight in the local cuisine offered in Lyon, France.
The cruise also takes you to Medieval Avignon the Roman remains in Arles, Vienne in France, and many other destinations that will make this river cruise one to remember.
River Cruise Refunds And Cancellations
All river cruises booked in the UK and lasting more than 24 hours are protected by the Package Travel Regulations. So, if your provider cancels your cruise, whether that’s due to coronavirus or for any other reason, you’re entitled to a full cash refund within 14 days.
However, not all river cruise operators have been meeting their legal obligations on refunds, so if you’re thinking of booking a river cruise, it pays to do your research. Thankfully, all our WRP river cruise providers are refunding promptly and also put on exceptional cruises, so that’s where you should start.
But the Package Travel Regulations don’t protect you if you decide to cancel the cruise, so only book if you’re sure you’ll want to travel when the time comes. And always take out travel insurance as soon as making any travel booking.
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Europe River Cruise Interview And Questions
To add a little bit more flavor to this Travel article, Ive included some questions which will test the readers ability to properly use this Travel information. Hope you are the candidate to answer the questions below, and then make your Comments about your test against a real-life example of a Europe river cruise interview question found here.
European Cruise Tips And Tricks
Before going on your European cruise trip, make sure you do all your research on all the ports of call. It can come in handy to have a plan B of what to do. Theres much to do anywhere you dock, but its essential to see whats most interesting for you. Also, check the wheater. It can be unpredictable sometimes, and you wouldnt want to spoil a good mood.
Another critical question before your river cruise is tipping. You need to know what to do in Europe with tips on river cruises. You may be familiar with either pre-paying your tips or adding them to your onboard account if you have sailed on an ocean cruise, or they are included in the cost of your cruise. You will not have to think about tipping anyone with some river cruise lines, as all gratuities for onboard workers, onshore tour guides, and bus drivers are included in your cruises upfront price. This is not always the case, however. A range of river cruise lines will provide onboard workers gratuities. Make sure you review the tipping policy for the cruise line.
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Choosing A River Cruise
River cruise boats are restricted to a certain size to accommodate narrow water passages. Stateroom dimensions will be similar from line to line, and onboard amenities are scarce. For these and other reasons, the most critical factor in selecting a river cruise is determining where you want to go.
Lesson
Once you have a destination in mind, its all about the details. From priceless art and luxury interiors to interesting themes to culinary expectations, finding the best river cruise is all about identifying whats most important to you as a traveler.
If climbing stairs are difficult for you or you have a disability, it is essential that you discuss accommodations while onboard and at ports of call with the river cruise company. The Americans with Disabilities Act does not apply to river cruise ships nor are those regulations followed outside of the U.S.
Uniworld European River Cruises
A luxury river cruise line that offers travelers an all-inclusive experience sailing along some of Europes most picturesque waterways. Passengers can expect to receive top-notch service, delicious cuisine, and comfortable accommodations while enjoying all the sights and sounds that Europe has to offer.
Some of Uniworlds most popular river cruise itineraries include sailings along the Danube, Rhine, and Seine rivers. Highlights of a Uniworld river cruise can include stops in such iconic European cities as Vienna, Budapest, Amsterdam, and Paris.
Uniworld River Cruises has been voted Best River Cruise Line by readers of BTE for five years in a row and it is easy to see why. Uniworld offers an unbeatable river cruising experience that is sure to please even the most discerning of travelers.
If you are looking for a luxurious and relaxing river cruise vacation, look no further than Uniworld River Cruises. You are sure to have the time of your life sailing along Europes most beautiful waterways with Uniworld.
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Best Christmas Markets River Cruises
If you look forward to the holiday season all year long, December is the best month to board a Tauck Christmas Markets River Cruise on the Danube or Rhine Rivers. Delivering equal parts old-world charm and a festive holiday mood, these itineraries include guided visits to Europes traditional Christmas markets as well as on board celebrations to make your spirits bright.
One Of The Best European River Cruises
No, its not a Danube River cruise. Or a Rhine River cruise. Or even a Douro River cruise in Portugal.
Its a Seine River cruise in Normandy, France.
Lets travel back in time to France. The year is 1883.
Claude Monet was clickety-clacking on a train through the quaint village of Giverny when he spotted a charming two-storey house through the window. He instantly fell in love with its pink crushed-brick façade and jaunty green shutters and moved in.
Here he gardened and painted, and in time created his celebrated water-garden. It served as the inspiration for his series of masterpiece Impressionist paintings on water lilies.
For some 40 years , Monet continued to live and paint in this enchanting little slice of Normandy.
Monet picked well.
We too were enchanted by Giverny when cruising the Seine River one of the best river cruises in the world for a destination-rich itinerary.
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Mega Ship Line #: Norwegian Cruise Line
Known for its colorful ships, Norwegian Cruise Line first broke into the mega-ship category in 2010 with the launch of Norwegian Epic, which can carry just over 5,000 passengers at full occupancy, and have since introduced five others in the Breakaway and Breakaway-Plus classes. The crowd aboard these vessels, which primarily sail in North America, the Caribbean, and the Mediterranean, often consists of families who take advantage of amenities like waterparks, virtual-reality gaming, and go-kart racing, though the cruise lines newest ship, Norwegian Bliss, has a decidedly more mature atmosphere. In November 2019, Norwegian launched the newest member of its fleet, Norwegian Encore, which is the most luxurious of its mega-ships.
Amawaterways River Cruise In Europe
If youre looking for a unique way to explore the stunning scenery and fascinating history of Europe then a river cruise with AmaWaterways might be the perfect option for you. This company offers a wide range of cruises along some of Europes most beautiful waterways. Including the Danube, Moselle, Rhine, and Seine Rivers.
Onboard their state-of-the-art ships, youll have countless opportunities to experience all the highlights of your chosen destination through guided tours and excursions.
Plus, thanks to the onboard amenities and facilities that are tailored specifically to enhance your cruising experience. Youll never want for anything during your time onboard one of AmaWaterways ships. Whether youre looking for total relaxation or a chance to get out and explore all that Europe has to offer, and AmaWaterways cruise is sure to exceed your expectations. So why wait? Book your trip today and get ready for an unforgettable vacation in this exciting corner of the world!
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Viking River Cruises Review
Great Destinations and Itineraries |
Getting its start in 1997, Viking River Cruises was among the first lines to set the standard for river cruising. The company has since built a strong reputation along with a large fleet of river-sailing longships, serving plenty of dates and destinations along the rivers of Europe, Russia, China, Egypt and Southeast Asia. The longships are made to be space-efficient and modern in design, accommodating 190 guests without feeling cramped.
Viking Longboat
Viking River Cruises start off at around $1,800 for 2019 and serve so many destinations throughout the year that new river cruise customers favor this company. If you are looking for an excursion with cultural and historical experiences, Viking has a proprietary Culture Curriculum featuring showcases for musicians and dancers, lectures and intellectual talks, or cooking lessons in the cuisine of the region, and other added onboard enrichment sessions. Onshore walking tours, lectures and experiences are also offered, although may come with an additional fee.
Viking River Cruises rate a 4.8 on a five-star scale. We found some complaints about spotty Wi-Fi access, small rooms and the crew being very busy. However, the overall opinion is that Viking offers quality excursions and the staff is very accommodating.
River Cruise Company Reviews
Part of the fastest growing segment in the cruising, river cruise lines have been popping up all over the place these days. There are more than 20 river cruise providers around the globe, and a little less than half of those could be considered premium or luxury standouts. From there, we did the hard work for you, with an in-depth look at some of the most popular river cruises available.
After our evaluation, we chose the three best river cruise lines: Viking River Cruises and Uniworld. With multiple ships, destination countries and themed adventures, these four lines stood out for their enrichment, culinary expertise and high-touch service.
- Great Destinations and Itineraries
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River Cruises In Holland And Belgium
A cruise through Holland and Belgium will take you through the vast network of scenic canals and rivers. You will visit some of the most beautiful European cities and towns and enjoy the stunning landscapes of the Netherlands iconic windmills and tulips.
A Tulips & Windmills tour gives you the opportunity to easily explore some of Europes most dynamic and culturally rich cities from the luxury of the cruise ship. Indulge in cosmopolitan Amsterdam on an Amsterdam day trip and see world-renowned paintings and magnificent Gothic churches in Belgium.
Eight different destinations, spanning ten days, a Holland and Belgium cruise is not to be missed.
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Medium Ship Line #: Norwegian Cruise Line
Until it launched Norwegian Epic in 2010, then the Breakaway and Breakaway-plus classes in 2013 and 2015, respectively, Norwegian primarily focused on mid-sized ships that carry around 2,000 passengerswhich still make up the majority of the fleet. A colorful atmosphere pervades the ships, as guests enjoy everything from water slides to silly pool contests like synchronized swimming to everyones favorite: bingo night. Norwegians ships have itineraries all over the world, with many focusing on North America.
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Accommodation On Board A Viking River Cruise
Luxury River Cruising Accommodation – Viking Longship Veranda Suite Living Room. Image Credit: Viking River Cruises.
Viking provide a variety of stateroom choices, from the deluxe comfort of spacious Veranda and French Balcony Staterooms to Veranda and Explorer Suites. Viking Longships suites are true suites, each with two full-size rooms. These spaces are among the largest suites on Europes rivers.
Book A Cruise On Scenic
Typical starting price: $2,195 for 7 nights
Where do they sail: Danube, Main , Rhine, Moselle, Rhône, Douro , Seine, Bordeaux, Volga , Mekong , Irrawaddy
Duration: 7 to 21 nights
Specialty cruises: National Geographic, Christmas markets
Onboard amenities : Laundry,wellness area, gym, massage services, hair salon, Wi-Fi, e-bikes, LOccitane products, pillow menu, shoeshine
Inclusive: Meals, butler service, gratuities, transfers, excursions, beverages , minibar fully restocked daily, chef-prepared picnics, 24-hour in-room dining, entertainment
Pros: Having a butler on call is a big perk. They will tend to your needs throughout the journey including nightly turndown service and laundry concierge. Scenic also has theTailormade App, which works as an audio guide and offers independent city tours, and an offline navigation system.
Cons: There are different levels of service depending on the cabin category you book. For example, guests staying in suites enjoy exclusive dining, priority reservations, and a private Captains cocktail party, while those staying in standard rooms will lack many special perks.
Scenic operates custom-made vessels and a variety of cabins types. Standard suites are sparse, small and lack balconies. A good mid-tier option is theRoyal Balcony suite, which comes with a great view and perks like daily fruit skewers, canapes, and petit fours. All upgraded suites come with butler service, nightly turndown, and a laundry concierge.
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Medium Ship Line #: Cunard
While Cunards Queen Mary 2 fits more than 2,600 passengersand a number of cats and dogson board, her sister ships, Queen Elizabeth and Queen Victoria only have a capacity of about 2,000 passengers. Though theyre quite similar in layout, the QE and the QV differ in design. Both nod to the historic ocean liners of the early 20th century, but the QE takes on a bolder Art Deco vibe, while the QV features more subdued yet equally elegant decor. Guests on board both ships are likely to partake in afternoon tea before donning a glamorous gown for dinner.
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River Ship Line #: Aqua Expeditions
Aqua Expeditions has three river ships: Aria Amazon and Aqua Nera, which sail the Peruvian Amazon, and Aqua Mekong, which traverses the Mekong between Cambodia and Vietnam. Guests sailing aboard these modern, luxurious vessels will partake in daily excursions that introduce them to both the ecology and the culture of their destinations. Aqua also operates the expedition ship Aqua Blu, which sails through Indonesia.
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Crystal Europe River Cruise Lines
Crystal Europe River Cruises offer an amazing way to see some of the most beautiful and historic sites in Europe. Their river cruises sail along some of the most famous waterways in Europe, including the Danube, Rhine, and Elbe Rivers. Some of the highlights that passengers can expect to see on a Crystal Europe river cruise include the Palace of Versailles in France, the city of Prague in the Czech Republic, and the ancient city of Rome in Italy. Crystal Europe River Cruises offer amazing deals on their cruises, making them a great choice for anyone looking to take a river cruise in Europe.
Emerald Cruises Review Which Recommended Provider
If you like the sound of Scenic’s river cruises but are put-off by the cost, you’ll want to consider it’s more cost-conscious sister, Emerald Cruises. All its ships have been built within the last 10 years, so it’s no wonder they were highly rated for spaciousness and facilities.
As a WRP, Emerald Cruises has committed to promptly refunding customers for cancelled cruises and offering alternatives, including a refund, if itineraries change due to travel restrictions.
Customers were particularly impressed by the food on drink. Formal dinner is served in up to four on-board restaurants and includes local delicacies from each port. And passengers praised the ‘very high-quality food’.
Its on board-facilities also come highly rated, with novelties such as a heated pool that converts into a cosy cinema at night.
Should I book with Emerald Cruises? Yes. If you like modern, state-of-the-art ships, Emerald is a good choice. It’s the sister brand to top-rated Scenic, but more than £100 cheaper per night in our price comparison.
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Best Eastern European Cruises
Eastern Mediterranean
Crushing through the Eastern Mediterranean can be one of the most satisfying travel experiences youll ever have, from its beautiful coastline and ancient architecture to its renowned cuisine and fascinating culture. The cities in this area are the patriarchs of Europe, and many of them are visited by the finest Eastern Mediterranean cruises. The ideal itinerary is ready and waiting if you want to stand on top of the Acropolis in Athens or discover Dubrovniks old towns ancient gateways.
Most Popular Cruise Ports
Today, when cruises to Athens, tourists flock from around the world to explore its history. After all, across the fabric of entire cultures, Athens sculpture, theater, architecture, and philosophy had ripple effects. Today, Athens is a blend of ancient and modern. Piraeus serves as the
main port for Athens. Archeological and maritime museums, the hilltop quarter of Kastella, Mikrolimanos seafood restaurants, and the Piraeus Walls remnants are attractions here.
Eastern cruises very often depart from Venice, so a cruise from Venice is an utter must.
Youd be astonished everywhere you look by the sheer beauty of the citys architecture and its ridiculous richness of art by the organic nature of the place, as if it had evolved rather than built. The creative ways Venetians have found both to adapt their city to the modern world and ensure that it does not sink into the lagoon is impressive.
- Istanbul, Turkey