Mosey Along The Moselle
Best for longer sailings The narrow Moselle river flows into the Rhine at Koblenz and is often featured as part of a longer European river cruise. The Moselle valley is especially scenic, with terraced vineyards clinging to almost sheer slopes guarded by craggy castles, and the banks dotted with water meadows and quiet villages. The river loops around a series of curves as you head upstream to the historic villages of Cochem and Bernkastel, both famed for their wine production, and on towards Trier. The city has some of the best-preserved Roman structures in the whole of Germany, including the original Porta Nigra town gate and an amphitheatre built to seat 20,000.
Avalon Waterways Danube And Rhine
Keep the holiday spirit going on Avalons 15-night Danube and Rhine journey through five countries from Vienna to Basel Switzerland. Unique attractions along the way include Austrias oldest municipal theatre, which dates back to 1791 and is still in use, in the medieval town of Grein. Theres also a trip to the Käthe Wohlfahrt Christmas museum in Rothenberg with the worlds largest collection of traditional German Christmas decorations. When the ship is sailing enjoy activities such as an Austrian cookie tasting and talk on European festive traditions.
Best suited to 21+
Staterooms Size/views On The Amamagna
Since this ship is so unique, here is the size and number of 96 staterooms by category for comparison purposes:
1 Owners Suite 710 sq feet with balcony
6 Grand Suites 474 sq feet with balconies
46 Suites Category SA & SB 355 sq feet with balconies
34 Category AA & AB 252 sq feet with balconies
11 Category D & E 205 sq feet with fixed windows
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Discover Must Do Experiences And Highlights On A Europe River Cruise
The Elegant Elbe
Are you a seasoned river cruiser? Dont forget the River Elbe rising in the Giant Mountains of the northern Czech Republic before traversing Bohemia, Germany and flowing into the North Sea.
The Reds of Bordeaux
Take a cycling trip to explore the picturesque Medoc region, stopping to taste the local reds from the finest French region for red wine.
Experience a Quinta
Take the chance to spend a relaxing day at a traditional vineyard in Portugal tasting the Port wine for which the region is famous.
Castles by the Rhine Gorge
Head to the sundeck as you leave Rudesheim and enters the narrows of the World Heritage-listed Rhine Gorge. Spot the 40 castles and fortresses atop the high cliffs as you glide toward Koblenz.
The Lights of Budapest
Feel romance on the Danube as you set sail from Budapest en route to Amsterdam, farewelled by the golden lights that lace the Parliament Building on the riverbank. A magical moment on your European river cruise.
Booking Terms & Conditions
PRICE GUARANTEE: Once you have paid in full for your trip, you are safe from any additional charges. Airfare increases, currency fluctuations, increased fuel surcharges, new government taxesnone of these will apply to you.
20222024 RIVER CRUISE AND AIR SAVINGS: Offer valid on bookings made from November 1-30, 2022. Special fares plus FREE international air valid on 20222023 departures of Grand European Tour and European Sojourn 2023 departures of Capitals of Eastern Europe. Airfares vary on other gateways & departures. Airfare does not have to be purchased to get cruise/tour offer. All prices are in CAD dollars and for CA residents only. Additional restrictions may apply. Book by November 30, 2022. 2022: Pay in full by November 30, 2022 or at time of booking if within 90 days of departure. 2023: Pay in full by December 15, 2022. 2024: Pay in full by April 30, 2023. Offers expires November 30, 2022.
AIR OFFER RESTRICTIONS: Offer expires November 30, 2022.
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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.
Enjoy Culture Along The Elbe
Best for dramatic scenery The Elbe is tricky for most river cruise ships to navigate but a generation of shallow-draft boats and paddlewheelers is able to take you from edgy Berlin to medieval Prague. A typical cruise visits Wittenberg, including a look at Dr Martin Luthers house Meissen, of pottery fame and elegant Dresden. The landscape is especially spectacular as you head south from here, cruising through Saxon Switzerland, where the river slices through dramatic sandstone mountain ranges. Some river cruises end in Melnik in the Czech Republic, while others join the Vltava river and sail into the heart of historic Prague. Either way, you can easily bolt on a stay in Prague as an extension to your trip.
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Frankfurt Walking Tour With Local Treats
Heidelberg Castle visit
Walk up a cobblestone incline to Heidelberg Castle, where youll have a guided tour of the courtyard and the Heidelberg Tunthe worlds largest wine barrel. The views from the hilltop castle ruins, which greatly inspired writers and artists of the Romantic era, are simply
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The Giant On The Danubethe Amamagna
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Launched in May 2019, the AmaMagna, is a double wide vessel, & carries 196 passengers.
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It has expanded on board facilities4 restaurants 5 bars, 2 massage rooms, and a water sports platform.
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It can only sail on portions of the Danube, as their extra width does not allow it to use some of the locks on the Danube River
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Best And Worst River Cruise Lines
Our river cruise ratings reveal a gulf in the quality of the cruise experience, and Covid flexibility between the best and worst companies. If you’re thinking of booking one for later in 2022 or beyond, it’s essential you do your research.
Its important to know which river ships have cramped decks and which give you space away from other passengers. And its vital that you choose the company offering the best value for money, with no hidden costs.
To help you find the best one for your budget we ask hundreds of customers about their booking and on-board experiences in our annual survey. That way, we can be sure that Which? Recommended Providers are the very best on the water. Our survey doesnt just uncover the companies offering great cuisine, varied facilities and good value for money, it also highlights the brands with lacklustre cabins, unimaginative excursions and overpriced packages. Based on real experiences, we can reveal what customers really think of each brand.
The pandemic has also shown us just how important it is to book with a cruise company with a fair refund policy, in case something should go wrong. WRPs aren’t just those companies rated highly, they have also committed to refunding your money within 14 days if the cruise is cancelled.
A World Of River Cruises Beyond Europe
But, of course, the world is larger than just Europe.
When you think river cruise, Europe probably springs to mind first. Europe is, in fact, the biggest destination for river cruising.
Yet its also possible to drift on inland waterways in many different countries, including in Egypt , China, the U.S., India, the Far East and South America.
You can sail on everything from a six-person luxury barge to a floating river hotel.
Weve been fortunate to enjoy several of the worlds best river cruises in China, Egypt , Namibia, Myanmar and our most recent, in France on the Seine River .
Indeed, ever since our first river cruise, weve been hooked on meandering slowly along rivers, soaking up some of the worlds most historic and cultural sights.
Were pretty sure that once you take your first river cruise, you too will be seduced by river cruising.
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Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours Which Recommended Provider
Scenic specialises in luxury river cruises in Europe and Asia. It’s not cheap, but there are no nasty surprises because everything’s included in the initial price, including gratuities, 24-hour room service, private butlers and a concierge laundry service. As a result, the company still earns four start out of five for value for money.
As a WRP, Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours has committed to promptly refunding customers for cancelled cruises and offering alternatives, including a refund, if itineraries change due to travel restrictions.
You have a choice of at least two excursions at every stop. And while on board, you’ll be treated to high-quality cabins, excellent food and friendly and helpful staff. Customers told us that ‘being looked after from start to finish made the holiday care-free’.
Passengers also raved about the five-star passenger-to-space ratio, so you’ll never feel cramped on board
Should I book with Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours? Yes. Fantastic staff, food and just about everything else add up to a brilliant cruise, if you’re willing to pay.
What Do Itineraries Look Like On The Main Moselle And Rhine Rivers
Winding its way through six countries — Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Austria, Germany, France and the Netherlands — the 776-mile Rhine is the number one river for cruise vacations and a great starting point for first-timers.
The most popular Rhine cruise is a one-week sailing between Amsterdam and Basel, or vice versa, where the landscape of steep vineyard slopes, fairy-tale castles and medieval towns provide an ever-changing panorama.
The scenic highlight on this cruise is the UNESCO-listed Upper Middle Rhine Valley, which is dotted with castles and medieval wine-growing villages. Music is traditionally played on the sun deck, often accompanied by complimentary cocktails, when ships pass the legendary Lorelei rock, a sheer 433-foot slate cliff, where a beautiful siren was said to lure passing sailors to their doom.
Weeklong cruises usually visit Rudesheim, with its bustling main Drosselgasse street, and Heidelberg, with a castle perched on a rocky hilltop. Built between the 13th and 17th centuries, it’s had a turbulent past and disproves the old saying that lighting never strikes twice — having been hit in both 1537 and 1764.
Rhine cruises can also be booked to coincide with annual events such as the spectacular Rhine in Flames firework festival, which takes place every September to celebrate the wine harvest.
How Do I get to the Main, Moselle and Rhine Rivers?
Is There Anything I Should Watch Out For When Choosing a Main, Moselle and Rhine River Cruise?
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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.
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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Apt Luxury River Cruises Which Recommended Provider
APT offers luxury river cruises in Europe and Asia. But in addition to these, APT also has an ‘essential’ cruising price tier for those wanting to see the sites for a little less expense.
As a WRP, APT Luxury River Cruises has committed to promptly refunding customers for cancelled cruises and offering alternatives, including a refund, if itineraries change due to travel restrictions.
Even on its cheapest cruises, all meals, drinks with meals, tips and most excursions are included in the price. As one passenger said: ‘There are no unforeseen extra charges, so once you have paid for your holiday you can forget about money.’
All ships feature sun decks with either hot tub or pool – some with swim-up bars – plus a wellness centre. And many customers raved about the well-organised tours with ‘expert and enthusiastic guides’.
Should I book with APT Luxury River Cruises? Yes. It’s a WRP, highly rated for its customer service and food and drink. Plus, its ‘essential’ range of cruises delivers quality at a more affordable price.
Adventures By Disney River Cruises
Partnering with AmaWaterways, Adventures by Disney offers cruises on the Seine, Rhine, and Danube Rivers, Disney style. Specially designed itineraries and Adventure Guides create experiences for parents, children, and teens, from active excursions to unique onboard activities. Adults-only dinners and wine tasting experiences along with teen programming, Disney movie nights, karaoke, trivia nights, and Junior Adventurer dinners provide entertainment for guests of all ages.
The eight-day Danube River Cruise starts in Budapest where excursions include a horse show at an equestrian park and a goulash-making competition for Adventurers. In Bratislava, Junior Adventurers can visit a petting zoo, and in the evening, there’s family karaoke. A tour of Vienna and Schönbrunn Palace, marionette show, concert, and strudel making are options the next day. A day in Salzburg ends onboard with “The Sound of Music” film and singalong. After an Oktoberfest celebration and captain’s farewell dinner, the cruise ends the next day.
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Planning A European River Cruise
Once youve chosen your Europe river cruise route which hopefully this post will help with youll have to choose a cruise company. There are plenty of options, so do some research.
Make a list of your must-haves for the ship, and any sights you really want to see on your river cruise. Then look for a cruise company that ticks all your boxes. Check that the itinerary stops at all your must-see sights, and read online reviews to make sure that the company sound like the right fit for you.
Book your cruise, then look for flights. Lots of European river cruises start and finish in two different cities, so you might need two separate flights. However, it can often be cheaper to book return flights to and from the same city, as well as a separate internal flight back to the original airport.
Best River Cruises In Europe 2022/2023
Explore the waterways of Europe from the Danube to the Douro on one of these European river cruises.
Reap the benefits of travelling at a pace and in a style that only a cruise can offer. Relax and watch the world go by as you gently drift down beautiful rivers through Europes finest countryside. Wake up in a new place every day and explore top tourist destinations on a choice of optional or included excursions. You may even choose to celebrate Christmas or New Year aboard.
Browse the selection of fantastic European river cruises from our trusted partners and choose your perfect cruise today.
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Viking Cruises Paris & The Heart Of Normandy
Take it from us the Seine is one of the most beautiful European rivers to cruise on, and this eight-day cruise celebrates history, art and food in both the best foodie cities in France and pastoral settings.
In Giverny, youll have the opportunity to visit one of the world’s most beautiful gardens and a charming farmhouse where Claude Monet lived and worked it’s the setting that inspired many of his masterpieces.
Youll trace the footsteps of Joan of Arc in Rouen, and visit Normandys American Military Cemetery and the World War II beaches. Youll also get to sample Normandy cuisine back on board one of Vikings new 168 guest longships, which dock at Vikings exclusive location a few steps from the Eiffel Tower in Paris.
Departing Paris in May 2022, prices start at $4,810pp / £3,545pp and include return flights to select UK airports, a standard stateroom, six guided tours, meals including wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner, WiFi and gratuities.
To find out more and to book visit Viking Cruises or call 0800 319 66 60.