My Viking River Experiences
The first Viking River Cruise I took was the Rhine Christmas Market Cruise with my sister. We did the Basel, Switzerland to Amsterdam, Netherlands route with stops in Breisach, Heidelberg, Koblenz, Cologne , Strasbourg and Kinderdijk .
My second Viking Cruise was with my husband, Todd and we sailed on the 8-day Danube Waltz Cruise with stops in Passau , Linz, Melk, Vienna , Bratislava , and Budapest .
My third cruise was with my mom, Penny and we sailed on the 11 -day Passage to Eastern Europe Viking Danube Cruise. This cruise began in Budapest, Hungary and ended in Bucharest, Romania with visits to Veliko Tarnovo, Arbanasi, Vidin , Golubac, and Belgrade , Osijek , and Kalocsa .
Mississippi River Bourbon Theme Cruise
Cruise up the Mississippi River from Memphis to Louisville on the American Queen Steamboat Companys American Queen, with private tastings and cooking demos along the way, as well as lectures by historians. This special sailing, offered annually in July, also includes the opportunity to sample rare and vintage bourbons as well.
The Mighty Amazon River
Embark on a journey to one of the worlds vastly unexplored regions, the mighty Amazon. Experience the Amazon wilderness where it originates in Peru. The Amazon Basin covers an area larger than Western Europe, but its in Perus Amazon where biodiversity is at its greatest and the rainforest is untamed. Imagine venturing deep into the Amazon jungle in search of elusive wildlife, taking a swim with pink dolphins, and visiting native communities, all while returning to an air-conditioned suite, hot shower, and an over-sized plush bed. Cruises on the Amazon River run through Peru.
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Ganges River Cruise News 2023
Travelmarvel is featuring India for the first time in 2023. Its 13-night Authentic India — Lower Ganges Cruise begins and ends in Kolkata and also includes a three-night hotel stay in the city. Cultural experiences include a visit to Nirmal Hriday, or Pure Heart, which is the hospice set up by Mother Teresa a scenic local train journey from Kolkata to Farakka the brass-making village of Matiari and a traditional rickshaw ride through the town of Kalna. The trip can be extended to include the Golden Triangle, with the Taj Mahal, and Mumbai.
Uniworld is teaming up with opulent Maharajas’ Express train to offer a 15-night journey through India. The trip combines seven nights on Ganges Voyager II from Kolkata with a private train journey through the Golden Triangle and Rajasthan to Mumbai. Sights along the way include the Taj Mahal, Amber Fort and Ranthambore National Park, home to one of the worlds largest populations of Bengal tigers.
Nile River Cruise News 2023
Viking’s latest ship is scheduled to launch in August. The 82-passenger Viking Aton will feature the line’s trademark Scandinavian design, including the Aquavit Terrace found on its European river ships. The vessel will sail on the 11-night Pharaohs & Pyramids itinerary an excursion options include a sunrise balloon flight over the ancient temples and burial grounds of the Valleys of the Kings and Queens. Knowledgeable Egyptologists will accompany the sailings on the ship which is owned and operated by Viking
Luxury line Uniworld has new family-friendly sailings in Egypt as part of its Generations program. Alongside the iconic sights of the Pyramids of Giza and Valley of the Kings, the 11-night Splendors of Egypt and the Nile cruise aboard River Tosca has been adapted to include activities such as a football match with local children and some of the ship’s crew, sand dune boarding and exploring the river on a traditional felucca.
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Louisville To St Louis River Cruise
Inside Staterooms start at $999 for this popular itinerary. Guests will board the American Queen for a 9-day cruise along the Ohio River and Mississippi Rivers, starting in Louisville, Kentucky, and ending in St. Louis, Missouri. The boat offers an extreme luxury room, the Owners Suite, for $4999. The Suite includes a private veranda and even comes with its own butler.
Stops and Popular Excursions Include:
- Louisville, Kentucky A big city that feels more like a small town. Louisville has museums, art galleries, bourbon, and a thriving theatre scene.
- Brandenburg, Kentucky A taste of rural Kentucky, Brandenburg is full of natural beauty. Otter Creek Recreation Area offers scenic walking trails and fly-fishing opportunities.
- Owensboro, Kentucky Visit the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame & Museum, showing off the cultural music of Kentucky and its famed proponents.
- Henderson, Kentucky Included in the cruise price is an on-shore Hop-On Hop-Off tour of this lovely town.
- Paducah, Kentucky Another town with an included Hop-On Hop-Off tour. Paducah is home to the National Quilt Museum, has a charming historic downtown, and features beautiful murals along the floodwall near the Ohio River.
- Cape Girardeau, Missouri Visit the Mississippi River Tales Murals, a 1,100-foot-long mural that depicts 24 panels with a historical theme.
- St. Louis, Missouri Home to the Gateway Arch, this stop includes a bus tour for those wishing to take in more of the city.
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Sometimes You Have To Stop On United States River Cruises
Traffic isn’t the only impediment on a river locks also slow boats down and bring them to a complete stop. Not all rivers have locks, which generally keep waters at an even level, but many do, including the Mississippi, Ohio and Columbia Rivers.
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Seasickness Will Not Be A Problem
Even during bad weather, you never have to worry about the motion of the ocean. U.S. river water pretty much only goes one way, and while you might bump into a log and feel the boat give a small jolt, its never going to be rocking from side to side. So leave your seasick patches and pressure point bands at home you dont need em.
+ Fabulous Reasons To Take A Viking River Cruise In 2023
If you are contemplating a Viking River Cruise in 2023 or a Viking Ocean Cruise, I have 52 amazing reasons you should book today! Keep scrolling because I know these tips will shed light on what makes the Viking experience so spectacular.
This article is a little different than most of the 52 reasons articles because it includes tips and Viking Cruise memories from three of the most important people in my world my husband, sister, and mother who have each joined me on a Viking River Cruise ship.
I also reached out to three bloggers I met while cruising on the Rhine River Christmas Cruise and two additional friends of mine who have sailed with Viking who are also travel writers to get their top tips for choosing Viking River Cruises in 2023.
Why choose Viking River Cruises in 2023? How about 52 reasons to take a Viking Cruise!
Some of these friends and family have one Viking Cruise under their belt and some have up to nine cruise experiences with Viking. I couldnt think of a better group of people to share why the Viking experience is so special.
If you are trying to decide which river cruise to take, Ive got an article for that too: How to Choose the Right Viking Cruise!
As of November 2022, Viking River Cruises Vaccine Requirements: Viking requires that all guests be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 at least 14 days prior to travel. For added protection, they strongly recommend that guests who are eligible for a
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Upper Mississippi American Heartland Theme Cruise
This river cruise from Chicago to St. Louis is on American Queen Steamboat Companys newest ship, the American Duchess, a paddle wheeler as majestic as her older sisters, with the same iconic red paddlewheel. Youll see the towering skyscrapers of Chicago and get the perfect photo op of St. Louiss famed arch. The focus of this cruise is American history, and you can see towns that were settled as trading posts by French explorers, visit the site of the first Lincoln-Douglas debate in Ottowa, Illinois, and check out places from Mark Twains writings in his hometown of Hannibal, Missouri. Want to learn even more of Americas backstory? Start with these 16 best cities for American history buffs.
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More About The Snake River
The Snake River connects with the Columbia River in Burbank, Washington.
The Snake River and Columbia River separate as the Snake River heads northeast. It then goes on a winding, snake-like journey. The water travels in an intense snake-like pattern for almost 1,079 miles, hence its name.
Once it reaches Lewiston, Idaho, the Snake River snakes south between the Oregon and Idaho border. It continues through the border of Idaho and Washington, and finally continues its journey east until it reaches Palisades Reservoir, which is on the border between Idaho and Wyoming.
There are no cruises that only cover the Snake River. That may change as cruise lines change their itineraries depending on the year. However, as mentioned above, you can join a cruise that sails on the Snake River and Columbia River if you want to explore both.
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Savor The Holidays In The Old South
Discover the history and charm of the Lower Mississippi on this special voyage. Discover Memphis, complete with exclusive Privileged Access to Graceland, decorated for Christmas. Marvel at Christmas light displays and decorated historic homes in Natchez and Baton Rouge savor Cajun cuisine and shop for festive treasures in New Orleans. Onboard festivities include special celebratory regional dining, seasonal treats and more to celebrate the holidays.
Mekong River Cruise News 2023
July will see the launch of APT’s 88-passenger Mekong Serenity with 300-square-foot Deluxe Twin Balcony Suites that offer some of the largest entry level suites of any vessel on the river. Sailing on 14- to 22-night itineraries from Hanoi to Siem Reap and Siem Reap to Ho Chi Minh City, onboard dining options include the Indochine restaurant serving an authentic taste of Vietnam with a special five-course tasting menu. There is nightly entertainment in the lounge, such as apsara dance performances typified by the dancers graceful hand movements. The 14-night Vietnam and Cambodia Highlights itinerary features a meal at Vietnam House in Ho Chi Minh City, founded by Australia-born Vietnamese celebrity chef Luke Nguyen.
On the rarely sailed Upper Mekong in Laos, the intimate 20-passenger Anouvong is slated to launch in August. The vessel, which features two opulent signature suites with a hot tub and eight deluxe staterooms, will sail on the less-traveled stretch of the Asian river through the only land-locked country in Southeast Asia. Anouvong has an onboard spa and offers free sunrise Tai Chi classes. Itineraries, sold through Rainforest Cruises, range from three- to nine-night itineraries with highlights of the longer Laotian Serendipity sailing including sunset cocktails and a dining experience on a river island, a walking tour of the Luang Prabang UNESCO World Heritage Site and kayaking along the Nam Ou River.
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Us & Canada Pacific Cruise Highlights
Small Ship Cruise ExperienceRiver ships accommodate a maximum of 140 guests. The small size of these ships allows the crew to provide exemplary, personalized service in an intimate, relaxed and casual atmosphere. Onboard many friendships are formed as guests and crew mingle and share their adventures.
American History and CultureRivers were once the highways of historic America. A journey on one of America’s great rivers allows guests to experience all of the cities and towns that were built as the country expanded and to learn about the history and culture that makes the United States what it is today.
Wildlife and Local BeautyA river cruise brings nature and wildlife up close and is as diverse as the rivers that you cruise on. Cruises on the Chesapeake Bay, the inland waterways of the south, the Mississippi River delta, the Hudson River and New England, the Columbia River and Alaska all boast a different variety of landscapes and wildlife that are sure to amaze adventurers young and old.
Special Cruise Offers
Envision Paradise Adventure And Relaxation With Usa River Cruises
Imagine exploring the ins and outs of the largest group of freshwater lakes on earth and then hop aboard our Great Lakes River Cruises.
Perhaps youve always wondered what it would be like to explore the Deep South in comfort and style. Our Mississippi River Cruises are the place to be.
Or maybe youve always wanted to experience Europe from a ships-eye view. Well USA River Cruises has those, too, with our sweet suite of European Cruises.
Theres so much for you to see and do. From the Great Lakes and the mighty Mississippi to the Columbia River and our Alaskan Cruises ports of call all the way to our cruises throughout Europe and the Caribbean.
USA River Cruises has been making travel dreams come true since 1999. Were experts at matching people with the experiences they seek. Theres something for everyone. Theres something for you.
This Columbia River Cruise experience was a total delight, very informative, educational, entertaining, and just a fantastic experience overall. Every port offered opportunities for exploration and learning. The on-board Riverlorian brought history to life, as did the local entertainment brought onboard. The cuisine selections and quality were top-shelf all the way.
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Check Out An Emerging Neighbourhood Cruise The River Dine At A Local Institution And Other Ways To Explore The Citys Many Sides
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If Tampa, the historically sleepy small city on Floridas Gulf Coast, were looking for a new official motto, they might consider Coming soon. Previously associated with Busch Gardens and suburban sprawl, its now one of Americas fastest-growing cities and witnessing the rapid densification of the downtown core, largely organized around the banks of the picturesque Hillsborough River.
Thats where youll find gleaming residential skyscrapers, repurposed historic buildings, hipster craft breweries, third-wave coffee shops, and dozens of new restaurants and bars with papered windows, on the verge of opening. The Florida Aquarium and the Tampa Museum of Art are embarking on multimillion-dollar renos, and the already-impressive Riverwalk is expanding. When I visited in October, the sense of possibility was palpable. On your next trip there, here are six great ways to see the city, spanning the new and the classic.
For one-stop shopping: Oxford Exchange
For a beloved local institution: Columbia Restaurant
For refined wine-sipping: Cru Cellars
For the see-and-be-seen setting:Azure
Sarah Treleaven travelled as a guest of Visit Florida, which did not review or approve this article.
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Our Small Cruise Ships
American Cruise Lines’ modern ships are a testament to premier nautical engineering, luxurious comfort, and river cruising convenience. Our fleet of American riverboats, paddlewheelers, and small cruise ships offer the latest amenities, state-of-the-art navigation, and safety equipment.
Cruising on our world-class ships, enjoy comfortable lounges and large observation decks that provide the perfect place for guests to relax and enjoy the company of fellow travelers who share their interest in American heritage. Glass enclosed dining salons provide panoramic views of the spectacular scenery you will see on every American Cruise Lines trip.
Our spacious staterooms are the largest in the small cruise ship industry. These hotel-like rooms feature large opening picture windows, roomy baths, and many offer furnished private balconies. From charming small towns to gracious southern ports, the American Cruise Lines fleet will bring you to your desired destination in luxury and comfort. Single occupancy rooms are available on all of our ships. We can also accommodate three people to a room.
- Largest Staterooms in the Industry
- Private Balconies with Breakfast Room Service
- Elevator Service to All Decks
- Spacious Sun Decks
- Modern Design, Floor-to-Ceiling Sliding Glass Doors
- Multiple Lounges with Panoramic Views
- Single Seating Dining Room
- Multiple Lounges with Panoramic Views
- Spacious Sun Decks
- Multiple Lounges with Panoramic Views
- Spacious Sun Decks
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What Cruise Lines Operate River Cruises In The Us
Weve mentioned a few in this post and, if you noticed, repeat many of the same cruise line names for different itineraries. This is because there are not as many river cruise lines sailing in America as on other continents, like Europe.
The rules and regulations cruise lines need to follow to operate in the United States are stringent. This means abiding by requirements like their vessels being built within the country and a certain percentage of the crew being US citizens.
The three major US river cruise lines are as follows:
- American Cruise Lines
- Lakes and Oceans
Their river cruise boats have the famous red paddlewheels that make them easy to identify. You may know the brand by its former company name, American Queen Steamboat Company.
The names of their vessels all begin with American: American Queen, American Countess, American Duchess, and American Empress.
Their lakes and oceans boat names begin with Ocean, and they currently have two: Ocean Voyages and Ocean Navigator. These vessels do not offer balconies with their cabins, whereas the river cruise and expedition boats with AQV do.
Lastly is their expedition ship, Ocean Victory, which sails in Alaska.
Seine River Cruise News 2023
See the parts of the Seine larger ships cannot reach on this hotel barge cruise with French specialist CroisiEurope. The round-trip Paris sailing on the cozy 21-passenger Deborah takes in the Petite Seine section of the river, and its tributary the Yonne, and includes a visit and tasting at a Champagne cellar.
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Hudson River Valley Fall Foliage Theme Cruise
This eight-day American river cruise on American Cruise Lines American Constitution sails round-trip out of New York City before taking you to Hyde Park, the Catskills, and West Point as well as Sleepy Hollow, all in upstate New York. But in addition to the history in the region, the highlight of the cruise is easily the changing colors of the autumnal leaves.