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.
Destinations Explore Unique Villages And Towns On European River Cruises
River cruising comes into itself when it comes to destinations. We have an abundance of castles, forts, churches, wine-growing regions, unique local industries and artisans, and a vast array of European cultures and cuisines. River cruises in Europe focus mainly on the historical sights of art and religion, culture, and cuisine.
Ocean cruises on large cruise ships take you on the open seas from country to country in regions such as the Mediterranean, the Greek Isles, or Scandinavia. You can even cruise between continents on longer voyages, such as from North to South America. And even to remote regions on expedition cruises such as the Antarctic.
On the other hand, river cruises take you to smaller ports, often docking close to town centers. You choose your region by the river its a beautiful way to explore inner Europe.
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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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Shore Excursions Is There A Choice And What If You Want To Do Your Independent Tour
Shore excursions offered on a river cruise in Europe are the reason we chose a river cruise in the first place. It is rare to stay on board the cruise ship when you have docked. Quite simply, there is not much to do on board when everyone else is on land.
This doesnt mean you must follow the shore excursion organized by the cruise line. Very often, there is at least one excursion that is included in the price of your cruise. Indeed many river cruises offer all-inclusive packages, so you do not have to think about purchasing any extras once you are booked and on board.
But this also means that if you choose not to join the excursion, you will miss out and will not be offered an alternative. The excursion often includes an excellent walking tour with a local historical guide. There will also be the opportunity to have free time during the day.
But by all means, do your own thing, and explore in your own time. Not everyone wants to follow the crowd when river cruising and visiting new places. However, we recommend you take a good guidebook and stay on the beaten path to ensure you get back to the ship in good time.
And if you are more independent, look for the cruise lines that offer cruise-only prices instead of package prices there are a few of them to choose from. See more information below.
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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Pay Attention To Details In Your River Cruise Documentation
Read all the emails and documentation the cruise line sends you before traveling.
Do not miss out on filling in all the necessary forms, ensuring you have all your travel documents, a valid passport, etc. Entry rules to different countries can change , so read and re-read everything. Know how to check in online and what documentation you will need at the airport, your hotel, and finally, to get you on board your river cruise ship.
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-story 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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Large Ship Line #: Holland America Line
As its name indicates, Holland America is a cruise line that was established in 1873 to primarily ferry passengers, many of whom were emigrants, between the Netherlands and the United States. Of course, these days, the cruise line sails more broadly to more than 470 ports around the world on its 11 shipsand its highly regarded for its Alaska itineraries. While passengers can enjoy classic cruise activities like swimming, sports, and gambling, Holland America is particularly noted for its culinary and musical programs: it has a partnership with the TV show Americas Test Kitchen for cooking demonstrations, cooking classes, and a number of live music venues , and stage productions dedicated to the history of music on many of its ships. It also partners with O, The Oprah Magazine, on lifestyle programming, like daily meditation classes. The next addition to Holland Americas fleet will be the Rotterdam, which is due to set sail in 2021, with a capacity of 2,650 passengers.
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What Is The Best Time To Cruise To Europe
The most popular time to cruise to Europe is during the summer months, but the shoulder seasons of spring and fall are prime times to see the continent with fewer crowds. Cruise lines sail to Europe year-round, with special voyages to view the northern lights, visit holiday markets and other wintry wonders, but there are notably less sailings during the months of January through February.
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Viking River Cruises Review Which Recommended Provider
Viking River Cruises may be the largest river cruise line in the world, but don’t assume that means large ships packed full of people. In fact, the opposite is true, with the self-styled ‘small-ship experts’ earning full marks for its on-board passenger-to-space ratio.
As a WRP, it has committed to promptly refunding customers for cancelled cruises and offering alternatives, including a refund, if itineraries change due to travel restrictions.
Viking scores well for its cabins. Its Longships have the largest suites on European rivers, each with two full rooms. Even the smaller staterooms feature river views and verandas. And many of its ships are new or recently refurbished.
Viking received a four-star value for money rating. That may be because there are no hidden fees. Excursions, port changes, wi-fi and drinks with meals are included.
Should I book with Viking River Cruises? Yes. It’s an excellent brand, which consistently offers great service.
What Should I Pack For A Cruise To Europe
Lots of sightseeing in Europe is done on foot down cobblestone streets — pack comfortable shoes. Consider bringing clothes for both sightseeing by day and attending the opera at night, if thats your thing. A simple pashmina or shawl for women helps keep out the chill and covers shoulders for cathedral or mosque visits. For more tips: 10 Must-Pack Items for a European Cruise.
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Uncover History Along The Eastern Danube
Best for going back in timeBeyond Budapest, the Danube cuts its way through the southern Carpathian Mountains, continuing under the vast skies of the steppes, and finally reaching its marshy delta in Romania. Along the way are cool cities such as Novi Sad and Belgrade, standing in stark contrast to swathes of forested countryside in Bulgaria and Serbia. Theres ancient history in Veliko Târnovo, the former capital of Bulgaria at the medieval fortress of Baba Vidin and in the wind-sculpted rock formations at Belogradchik. But this is also an opportunity to learn about the tragedies of the much more recent Balkans conflict, which kept this stretch of the river off limits for decades.
Several lines have now added the eastern Danube to their river cruise collections, some of them providing an extension to Bucharest, a city of grand boulevards and brutalist architecture, and to mysterious Transylvania, a region of jagged mountains where vampires are still very much part of the local psyche.
Discover The Heart Of Southern Spain
Best for impressive architecture The very name Andalucia conjures up images of flamenco and sherry, of narrow winding streets through historic old towns. Its not normally associated with cruising, but its possible to experience the charms of southern Spain and see some of its greatest classical cities on a river cruise. Youll wander the elaborate Alcazars and beautiful gardens of Seville, discover the sherry bodegas of Jerez, spend an evening in the coastal city of Cadiz, and discover Córdobas world-famous mosque-cathedral.
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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.
European River Cruise Lines Worth A Look By Americans
As river cruising continues to boom, more and more lines compete for attention on the European waterways. While many American travelers have heard of companies such as Viking, Grand Circle, Tauck, AmaWaterways, Crystal and Avalon — to mention just a few — there are also some European companies out there that Americans probably don’t know that may deserve consideration. Here’s a look at who they are and what they offer.
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The Main River Cruises
The Main River winds through terrains of enhancing appeal and character, with interesting towns and notable miracles distant from the customary vacationer trail. Connecting the Rhine to the Danube, the waterway presents the absolute best in Germanic legacy from the archaic quality of Bavaria to the early stage excellence of the supernatural Black Forest.
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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
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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 thats due to coronavirus or for any other reason, youre 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 youre 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 thats where you should start.
But the Package Travel Regulations dont protect you if you decide to cancel the cruise, so only book if youre sure youll want to travel when the time comes. And always take out travel insurance as soon as making any travel booking.
Discover Medieval Villages On The Main
Best for a Christmas cruiseWhile many European cruises sail from Amsterdam to Basel along the Rhine, others leave the river near Mainz and sail the navigable stretch of the Main. This takes you as far as Bamberg, where the Main-Danube canal begins. The river flows through forested hills and past lush water meadows. In between Frankfurt and Würzburg, youll visit medieval Miltenberg, its crooked, half-timbered houses straight out of a Grimms Fairytale. A cruise in winter is particularly scenic, the banks cloaked in snow and the Christmas markets in full swing.
Frankfurt, Germanys financial centre , is a largely modern city with a sensitively restored medieval heart and lively pubs lining the riverbank. In the elegant university town of Würzburg, meanwhile, youll visit the Residenz, one of Europes most opulent Baroque palaces.
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Explore France Germany And More On These European River Cruises
Much of the appeal of European river cruises, especially as we emerge from the pandemic with pent-up travel demand, is the small size of the ships, casual atmosphere, and accessibility. Unlike oceangoing ships that carry as many as 5,000 passengers, most river cruise ships accommodate around 150 guests, for a more intimate experience. Balconies, floor-to-ceiling windows, and open-air viewing are features of most river cruise ships, and some offer pools, spas, fitness areas, and jogging tracks.
Guests are kept busy with daily shore excursions, and most cruises offer several options depending on interests and activity levels. Bikes and walking tours are available in most ports, or guests can choose a leisurely day in a comfortable lounge enjoying the passing scenery.
“River cruises offer opportunities to step ashore in fairy-tale towns and fabled cities. You can immerse yourself in contemporary culture and learn something about the history of the towns along the continent’s greatest rivers,” according to Ralph Grizzle of River Cruise Advisor. “Sitting on the top deck of a ship under brilliant blue skies, you can gaze on fabled landscapes dotted with castles, villages, and vineyards. A flight of stairs down, and you have all the amenities of a modern hotelrestaurants, bars, fitness facilities, spas, internet access, and comfortable staterooms.”
Holland And Belgiums Inland Waterways
Best for: beer lovers
Tulip Time for Beer Enthusiasts is a themed cruise that Avalon Waterways designed specifically for beer lovers. From Amsterdam, passengers will cruise through Holland and Belgium, where springtime flowers will be on full display along the way there will ample opportunities for sipping brews. A harbor cruise in Rotterdam comes with a beer lecture, and guests can opt for guided visits to breweries in Antwerp and Ghent in Belgium. A beer expert will be on board hosting talks, tastings, and food pairings. The cruise embarks on March 26, 2023, with fares from $2,648 per person. Avalon Waterways also has beer itineraries on the Rhine and Danube.
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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.