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 â to mention just a few â there are also some European companies out there that Americans probably donât know that may deserve consideration. Hereâs a look at who they are and what they offer.
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Danube River Cruises In A Nutshell
The inspiration behind the famous waltz by Johann Strauss, the Danube is an enchanting river. A Danube river cruise is also a history lesson about the days when Vienna ruled an empire and, more recently, an Iron Curtain divided Europe.
What Does a Danube River Itinerary Look Like?
The Danube flows from the Black Forest in Germany to the Black Sea in Romania, passing through Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Serbia, Croatia and Bulgaria on the way.
The most popular itineraries are one-week sailings between Budapest in Hungary and Passau, situated in Germany and close to the Austrian border, or weeklong round trips from Passau. The Wachau Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located between the Austrian towns of Krems and Melk, is particularly stunning. City highlights include elegant Vienna, with its grand palaces such as Hofburg from which the Habsburgs ruled Austria for 700 years. You can also see the gorgeous white Lipizzaner horses at the Spanish Riding School. Although it can be hard to plan a cruise to coincide with one of the evening dressage displays, there are daily stable tours and visitors can sit in on the morning exercise sessions to music, which take place in the ornate, chandeliered riding school.
How Do I get to the Danube River?
Is There Anything I Should Watch Out For When Choosing a Danube River Cruise?
Moorings in Vienna and Budapest are beside busy roads, and due to the number of ships of the river, you might find yourself moored alongside another vessel.
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.
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.
- Istanbul, Turkey
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Rhone & Saone River Cruises In A Nutshell
If you like food and wine, this is the river cruise region for you, as it sails through Provence and Burgundy, the gastronomic heartland of France and two of the country’s top wine-making regions. You’ll cruise past acres of vineyards and have ample opportunities to taste the local grapes.
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What Does a River Rhone Itinerary Look Like?
The 505-mile Rhone flows from the Swiss Alps through southern France and into the Mediterranean Sea, west of Marseille. Rising in France, the Saone is the chief tributary of the Rhone and the two converge at Lyon, where the Saone becomes the Rhone.
Once an important trading route for the Greeks and Romans, today’s cruises run along the southernmost stretch. The main itinerary is a seven-night cruise from Lyon to Arles or nearby Avignon, or the reverse. Some cruises also depart from Chalon-sur-Saone, just north of Lyon.
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Passengers are transported through medieval cities such as Avignon and Beaune, the wine capital of Burgundy.
How Do I get to the River Rhone?
If you’re cruising from Lyon, you’ll fly into Lyon airport, from which it’s a short transfer to your vessel, and out of Marseilles, which is just over an hour by road from Arles. Some operators fly passengers in and out of Lyon, with a coach trip between Avignon and Lyon at the start or end of the cruise.
Is There Anything I Should Watch Out For When Choosing a Rhone River Cruise?
Main Moselle And Rhine River Cruises In A Nutshell
With more castles than any other river, the Rhine river cruises combines centuries of history and culture with spectacular scenery and some of the oldest and most historic cities in Germany. The lesser-known Moselle, running through northeast France and Luxembourg, joins the Rhine at Koblenz. The Main river flows into the Rhine from eastern Germany cruise along this, and you’ll end up in the MainDanube Canal, which enables vessels to sail into the iconic “Blue Danube,” the gateway to Hungary and beyond.
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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.
Inspired By The Destination
For 90+ years, the Tauck family has had a passion for sailing aboard small ships and yachts at sea, riverboats along great inland waterways, and at home on the rivers and lakes of Connecticut and New York. When we began blending our land experience with our strong passion for cruising in our first European river cruise back in 1992, we knew that no “ordinary” river cruise experience would do for our guests. We wanted them to travel Europe’s rivers in the same beyond-the-ordinary Tauck style they experienced on our land trips. With that in mind, we searched to find a company to partner with that would share our values and our commitment to “do the right thing” by our guests… and found it in another family-owned company, Scylla. Together, we crafted a river cruise experience that was ahead of its time and inspired by the destinations we explore.
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Enriching Encounters Wherever You Choose To Travel
Curating extraordinary encounters on the worlds finest rivers is what we do best at Scenic. Our team of expert Journey Designers are tasked with sourcing stimulating cultural events on every luxury river cruise itinerary we offer, helping to elevate your river cruise experience from ordinary to extraordinary.
Wherever you choose to travel with Scenic, your river cruise will be complemented by a collection of all-inclusive activity programmes, including Freechoice and Enrich. These special excursions give you unprecedented access to once-in-a-lifetime events from classical music performances in historic European palaces to unforgettable sight-seeing adventures in the Mekong Delta.
As a Scenic river cruise guest, youll also benefit from the use of a Tailormade self-guided GPS device, which comes complete with an interactive map and commentary guide. Scenic Tailormade is designed to add genuine flexibility to your journey, so that each special moment can be tailored to your personal travel preferences.
Happiness Flows In Every Direction
From windmills and wine to castles and coastlines, all are in your view on an Avalon river cruise in Europe. Tip your beret to bountiful France. Mosey on the Moselle or make waves on the waterways of Holland. Find serenity on the Seine or roam the Rhine Valley. Waltz through history on the Danube or revel on the Rhône. Rock the boat with countless ways to discover your choice of European river cruises where happiness flows!
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Discover Must Do Experiences And Highlights On A Europe River Cruise
The Elegant Elbe
Are you a seasoned river cruiser? Don’t 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.
Explore More Explore Moreyour Guide To The River Cruising Through Europe
21 February, 2020
APT have kicked off their 2020 Europe river cruise season with their pre-release collection now available. The release of these journeys comes hand in hand with incredible Superdeals including fly free offers, companion fly free specials, and air credits. Plus, guests wanting to travel…
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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.
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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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.
River Cruise In Europe
2022-2023 departures available!
Plan your 2022-2023 river cruise in Europe, browse our wide range of destinations to select the departure of your choice.
Our 2022-2023 European river cruises include the our best selling river cruise itineraries on the Romantic Rhine, the Blue Danube, the picturesque Seine, the enchanting Bordeaux region or the pleasant Provence region along the Rhône and Saône rivers. The cruises on the Loire and the Elbe rivers are among our latest destinations on board our new paddle wheel ships. On board the MS Belle de l’Adriatique, CroisiEurope also offers sea cruises for unique Vacations.
CroisiEurope offers you a unique chance to experience the very best of the destinations of your dreams. With our high quality services, you will be in the very best conditions to make the most out of your River cruise vacation.
During your Cruise you will experience the very best CroisiEurope has to offer. Our cruises offer High quality restauration as well as a very high quality selection of wine and drinks. Don’t wait any second and book now your dream holidays.
Explore music, culture, and breathtaking landscapes on one of our river cruises in Europe. While onboard, our friendly and attentive staff will ensure your experience is as pleasurable as possible. You will be delighted by the exquisite gourmet options – each meal on your cruise will give you a delightful experience of French haute cuisine.
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Cruise To Europe With Avalon Waterways
Just as the great cities of the world arose along the great rivers of Europe, so did the gentle hills and humble villages that youll encounter on an Avalon European river cruise. From the rich heritage of Budapest to the rare haunts of Bucharest, and from the castles of Germany to the classics of Vienna, the treasures of the Danube River beckon to us. And while we may follow the , , , , , and , you need only follow your passions to experience your cruise your way. From active pursuits on a bike or a hike in Burgundy to a new discovery in a painting class in Amsterdam from the beloved classic sights in Paris to Portugal’s vibrant vineyards how you experience an Avalon European river cruise is up to you. Your captain, cruise director, and caring crew deliver relaxed luxury from start to finish.
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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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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New River Ships In Europe North America Asia
As is typically the case, Europe will be at the center of the growth. River cruise giant Viking alone is adding four new ships in the region. AmaWaterways, Avalon Waterways, Emerald Waterways, Uniworld and Tauck have new Europe river ships coming, too.
Debut vessels in other parts of the world include everything from a notable paddlewheeler for the Mississippi River to a first-of-its-kind new build for the Nile in Egypt.
River lines aren’t alone in adding a profusion of new vessels to the market this year. This also will be a significant year for new ocean-going ships .
Read on for a list of the 10 new river ships we’re most excited to book.
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What Should I Pack For A Cruise To Europe
Lots of sightseeing in Europe is done on foot down cobblestone streets â 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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