Tuesday, March 26, 2024

What Is The Best River Cruise Line In The Usa

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Romantic Rhine River Valley

9 Best River Cruises In The World

While the entire Rhine River is 820 miles in length, this stunning section of the Middle Rhine Valley situated in Germany is a mere 58 miles long. Rife with castles and fortresses, treacherous rocks and mysterious legends, this enchanting stretch will keep you entertained around every twist and bend.

Many cruise operators, including Avalon Waterways, Tauck, Uniworld River Cruises and Viking River Cruises offer sailings along the Rhine River Valley from March through mid-December. AmaWaterways, CroisiEurope and Viking River Cruises also feature New Years cruises on the Rhine.

No matter which direction youre traveling, all Rhine River cruises that include stops in Mainz and Koblenz will take you through a medieval world filled with fairy-tale castles, quaint villages and Romanesque architecture.

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.

Small Ship Line #1: Star Clippers

Star Clippers has a fleet of three ships, with its flagship Royal Clipper holding the record as the worlds largest full-rigged sailing ship. All three are sailing yachts, unfurling their sails for itineraries across the Caribbean, Mediterranean, and Southeast Asia, with classic exteriors and interiors featuring several bars, a swimming pool, library, and formal dining room.

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River Ship Line #: Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection

Uniworld’s 21 ships cruise around the globe in Europe, Egypt, Russia, China, India, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Peru. Their excursions offer passengers the opportunity to get a little closer to their destinations of choice, with visits to local homes, farms, and artisans, and every excursion is rated by ability level. In 2018, two of its ships were overhauled for a new venture, U by Uniworld Cruises, with itineraries, dining, and activities that appeal to younger prospective passengersthink silent discos, mixology classes, and rooftop camping.

Best Cruise Lines For River Cruises

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The best cruise lines for river cruises as ranked by verified reviews submitted over the past 12 months. This list is continuously updated as we receive new reviews from our members, so be sure to check back often!

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APT’s award-winning, five-star river ships offer unforgettable journeys along iconic waterways. The line sails itineraries throughout the rivers of Europe, Myanmar , China, Vietnam, and Cambodia. APT is known for its Freedom of Choice program that lets guests tailor their excursions to suit their personal preferences.

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AmaWaterways is one of the most well-known river cruise lines, consistently ranking highly among other river lines and in Europe overall. All of their modern vessels include either a swimming pool or whirlpool, which is a treat not always found on river ships. Most balcony cabins include two types of balconies: a French balcony as well as a traditional outdoor one.

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Avalon Waterways offers a river cruise fleet of over 20 vessels sailing in Europe, South America, Egypt, and Asia. Avalons Suite Ships offer unique Panorama Suites that feature widest opening windows in river cruising and the industry’s only Open-Air Balcony perfect for exploring the lands you are journeying through from the comfort of your stateroom.

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Small Ship Line #1: Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity’s three expedition vessels are by far the smallest ships in the cruise line’s fleet: Celebrity Xpedition carries 48 passengers, Celebrity Xploration carries just 16, and Celebrity Flora carries 100 passengers. All three sail the Galápagos, with some itineraries including pre- or post-sailing tours to mainland Ecuador and even Peru, where guests can visit Machu Picchu.

Best Cruise Lines For Couples

Awards for the best cruises for those traveling in twos are:

  • Viking Ocean Cruises “Gold Award”
  • Seabourn Cruise Line “Silver Award”
  • Azamara “Silver Award”
  • Crystal Cruises
  • Regent Seven Seas Cruises
  • Viking dominates this category due to its “adult-focused environment and luxurious and romantic amenities, such as fireplaces in each ship’s common area and private verandas in every stateroom,” according to a U.S. News & World Report’s press release.

    To qualify for this category, at least 62% of a cruise line’s online traveler reviews must be made by couples.

    Most luxury cruise lines allow kids, though they often don’t cater to them the way the larger lines do. Viking, however, doesn’t allow children at all.

    The company previously welcomed kids aged 12 and older to cruise, but as of 2018, all guests must be 18 or older to board.

    Also on the list: Celebrity Cruises , Oceania Cruises , Silversea Cruises , Cunard Line and Holland America Line .

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    River Ship Line #: Amawaterways

    AMAWaterways cruises the waters of Europe, Africa, Vietnam, and Cambodia, with a handful of new ships debuting in the past few years. In 2019, the line launched AMAMagna, a double-wide river cruise on the Danube that features massive 710-square-foot suitesa size unheard of on a river-going vessel. Despite the ship being so much larger than its sisters, the passenger count only increased by 20 percent to 196 guests, ensuring an intimate experience. The cruise line sails 22 ships in Europe, one in Vietnam and Cambodia, and two in Africa . In 2023, AMAWaterways will expand to Latin America, sailing the AMAMagdalena in Colombia.

    Medium Ship Line #: Regent Seven Seas Cruises

    6 Best European River Cruise Lines. Which One Is Right For You?

    As far as all-inclusive cruises go, Regent Seven Seas is the real deal. Everything from specialty excursions to meals and alcohol to airfare is included in the rates. Even the mini-bar is free! The only things youll have to pay for are spa treatments, laundry, and the casino. The cruise lines five ships each carry 750 passengers or fewer, but the ships are actually quite large, offering each guest plenty of personal space, especially in their cabins. Regent Seven Seas specializes in round-the-world itineraries. Next up for Regent: the Seven Seas Grandeur, scheduled to launch in 2023.

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    Medium Ship Line #: Crystal Cruises

    While many cruises are notorious for charging guests for alcohol and specialty dining options, Crystal practices a generally all-inclusive fare structure covering all drinks , one specialty dining reservation per passenger , 24-hour room service, and a Wi-Fi package. The line has just three ocean-going vessels: Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony, which both have capacities of fewer than 1,000 passengers and sail global itineraries, and the newly launched Crystal Endeavor, an expedition megayacht that set sail this year.

    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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    River Cruises In America

    American river cruises have been growing in popularity in recent years. Some of the best river cruises in the US include the inside passage of Alaska, the Columbia & Snake Rivers, the Mississippi River, the Great Lakes, and the Hudson River. With American Cruise Line you can voyage down the Mississippi River on a historic paddleboat, meandering alongside glaciers in Alaska in a modern cruise ship or head down the Hudson River to go leaf-peeping in Fall.

    Best River Cruises In Usa

    Which Luxury River Cruise Lines Offer the Best Value ...

    With the Mississippi, the Columbia, and more, America is home to some enormous and iconic rivers that have played key roles in the development of the nation. Each river has its own stories to tell and stunning scenery to offer, and one of the best ways to enjoy the rivers of America is by taking a river cruise. With cruise lines like American Queen Steamboat Company and American Cruise Lines offering multiple routes and experiences at great prices, theres never been a better time to book a USA river cruise. Read on to learn about a few of the best river cruises you can choose. Certain attractions may be temporarily closed or require advance reservations. Some restaurants are currently offering pickup only. Hours/availability may have changed.

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    Small Ship Line #: Seadream Yacht Club

    Sailing through the Caribbean, around Europe, or across the Atlantic on either of SeaDreams two 112-passenger yachts means quickly getting to know your fellow guests. Facilities on the six decks include a pool, whirlpool, and casino, but the real highlight is the watersports marina that can be lowered down to the waves for easy ocean swimming, kayaking, and more. The ships often overnight in port, allowing guests the opportunity to experience the local nightlife before taking off for their next destination.

    Small Ship Line #: Metropolitan Touring

    Operating three expedition vessels in the Galápagos, Metropolitan Touring is the ideal cruise line for those seeking a casual experience in the wildlife hotspot. The tiny ships, which only accommodate between 40 and 78 passengers, have a laid-back atmosphere where the focus is very much on wildlife spotting. The company also offers land-based tours in mainland Ecuador, Peru, and Colombia that can be combined with a Galápagos expedition.

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    Its Not Easy To Choose 5 Best River Cruises But Here Are My First

    If a cruise sounds appealing but the idea of spending your vacation with 4,500 other guests isnt your cup of tea, it might be time to rethink that ocean cruise. You may be ready for a slower-paced river cruise.

    With so many riverboats and itineraries to choose from, how do you find the one thats right for you? There are river cruises around the world that beckon to the worldly traveler, like a five-night journey on the Chobe River in Botswana. And then there are also trips that appeal to the novice cruiser, such as a four-day sailing around Venice, Italy with CroisiEurope. The options are almost endless. In truth, theyre all best river cruises!

    Its not an easy decision and only you can decide which waterways and ships cater to fit your needs but here are my current best river cruises that deliver awe-inspiring views, a leisurely pace and ample time to explore exciting destinations full of history, culture and charm.

    Best Cruise Lines In The Caribbean

    TOP 4 EUROPEAN RIVER CRUISES…
  • Disney Cruise Line “Gold Award”
  • Celebrity Cruises “Silver Award”
  • Seabourn Cruise Line “Silver Award”
  • Royal Caribbean International
  • Crystal Cruises
  • It’s a clean sweep for Disney in this category too. Disney has been named the top cruise line in the Caribbean for the past eight years, according to U.S. News & World Report.

    Living up to its name, the Miami-based Celebrity Cruises partners with well-known names in the arts and entertainment industry. It’s newest ship, Celebrity Beyond, has Gwyneth Paltrow as its “wellbeing advisor” and a restaurant created by Michelin-starred chef Daniel Boulud, according to its website.

    Also on this list: Regent Seven Seas Cruises , Holland America Line , Carnival Cruise Line , Norwegian Cruise Line , Oceania Cruises , Princess Cruises and MSC Cruises .

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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 the company has 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.

    Medium Ship Line #1: Holland America Line

    Of Holland Americas 11 ships, eight of them fall into the medium-size category, carrying between 1,400 and 2,500 passengers. The refined ships sail to destinations across the world, but one of the most popular destinations for the cruise line is Alaska. When cruising resumes, check out the Noordam, which was refurbished in 2019, as it sails itineraries around the Japanese archipelago, China, and Southeast Asia.

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    Medium Ship Line #: Oceania Cruises

    Its all about the food on Oceania Cruises. Its 1,250-passenger MS Marina and MS Riviera offer restaurants by Jaques Pepin, a six-course Dom Perignon dinner with a pairing of three vintages, a cooking center where passengers of all cooking skill levels can take classes, and culinary-themed excursions, like a visit to the market in Nice with a chef. Its four smaller Regatta-class ships, each accommodating 684 passengers, also have excellent dining options, like the Polo Grill and the Italian eatery Toscana. Two new 1,200-passenger ships are on the way for Oceania, set for delivery in 2023 and 2025.

    The 8 Best Cruises For Adults In 2022

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    Our editors independently research, test, and recommend the bestproducts youcan learn more about ourreview process here.We may receive commissions on purchases made from our chosen links.

    • Best Overall: P& O Cruise See Rates“Ideal for cruisers who enjoy ocean cruising on a mid-sized ship, with an array of dining options and several cabin choices.”
    • Best Music Festival Cruise: Norwegian Pearl See Rates at Expedia“Offers music festivals at sea a great way to meet like-minded adults.”
    • Best for Over 50: Saga See Rates“Entertainment onboard the vessel is more traditional and a hybrid between the river ship model and ocean cruises.”
    • Best Cruise Experience: Holland America See Rates at Expedia“Offers a musically-themed cruise voyage that appeals to an older demographic.”
    • Best Traditional Cruise: Tauck See Rates “Tauck’s more traditional themed cruises have excursions that are aimed at adults.”
    • Best Holiday Cruise: Azamara Club Cruises See Rates at Expedia“Spends New Years Eve at Copacabana Beach in Brazil.”
    • Best Modern Cruise: U River Cruises See Rates“Takes hip approach to river cruising, with modern, stylish ships featuring chic rooftop lounges.”
    • Best Historical Cruise: Viking Ocean Cruises See Rates“Has excursions geared toward older travelers interested in art, history, and culture.”

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    Large Ship Line #: Disney Cruise Line

    If theres one thing Disney Cruise Linedoes well, its hospitality. The company has taken every lesson its learned from its parks and resort operations and implemented that into its four cruise ships, the 2,400-passenger Disney Magic and Disney Wonder, and the 4,000-passenger Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy. The ships are designed for families through and throughthere are numerous themed activities every day, from meet-and-greets to full-blown parties with Disney charactersbut there are plenty of adults-only areas that provide a respite from little ones. That said, the ships are not over-the-top when it comes to Disney decor. In fact, theyre quite elegant, taking design inspiration from early-20th-century ocean liners and sporting Art Deco and Art Nouveau aesthetics. The four ships currently sail the Caribbean , Alaska, Europe, the Pacific Coast, and the Panama Canal. Three more ships, including Disney Wish, are scheduled to be added to the fleet between 2022 and 2025.

    River Ship Line #: Vantage Deluxe World Cruises

    The river cruise branch of tour operator Vantage Deluxe World Travel has several of its own ships, the majority of which sail in Europe. In fact, the vessels were some of the first river ships in Europe to have cabins designated for solo travelers. But in 2020, the company started operations in Egypt on its new m/s Nebu, which also has solo cabins. Providing its clients with even more options, Vantage also charters ships around the world for a variety of itineraries.

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    Lower Mississippi From New Orleans To New Orleans

    Seeand eatthe highlights of New Orleansfrom beignets to po boysbefore setting sail on American Cruise Lines America Song. Youll head to Natchez and Vicksburg in Missouri for Civil War sites and St. Francisville and Houmas House, Louisiana for historic plantations with a stop in the middle in Baton Rouge to see the Louisiana State Museum and the capital buildings. Occasionally, the line also offers a food-themed cruise out of New Orleans, too. Here are 13 things experts wish you knew about booking a cruise.

    One Of The Best European River Cruises

    European River Cruising : 8 Need-to-Knows And Tips for First-time Cruisers

    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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