Attributes Of The Top River Cruise Companies
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Please note that the table can be scrolled horizontally so that you may view all data.AmaWaterwaysAvalon WaterwaysCroisiEuropeCrystal River CruisesEmerald WaterwaysRivieraScenicTeeming River CruisesUniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection **Viking River Cruises
What Makes A Which Recommended Provider
Which? Recommended Providers are the cream of the crop and the accolade is only given to river cruise lines with the highest customer scores.;
Thats not all. We know that pricing transparency is important, so we only offer it to the companies that provide clear information about gratuities, excursions and drinks at the booking stage. After all, it’s hard for customers to compare prices if they can’t find these details before parting with their cash. If the companies fall down in more than one area, theyre not eligible to be Which? Recommended Providers, whatever score they receive in the survey.;
Similarly, a company can only be considered for WRP status if it has committed to promptly refunding customers for any cruises it is forced to cancel, such as if coronavirus travel restrictions prevent the cruise from going ahead.
And because Which? is independent, you can be sure that our recommendations are influenced only by our survey results. We’re not influenced by third parties and we don’t accept freebies from product manufacturers, retailers. or providers.;
Our Search For The Best River Cruises
1.We searched for the top river cruises from an extensive list of more than 20 luxury river cruise lines.
2. We evaluated more than eight premium river cruise lines based on our expert-guided buying criteria: destinations and itineraries, service, food and accommodations, and more.
3. We provided you the best three river cruises for first-timers.
The approach we took to narrow down the top river cruises was as follows:
We began our search with 20 river cruise companies. These companies offer river cruise packages around the world and each package offers different features, amenities and entertainment.
We analyzed river cruise companies based on well-known travel review sites.
We found and removed companies with an excessive amount of negative reviews. For example, river cruise companies that chartered ships rather than use their own fleet were cut.
We delivered the best river cruise companies so you can start planning your trip.
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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 complete opposite is true, with the self-styled ‘small ship experts’ earning full marks for its on-board passenger to space ratio. Customer service, food and drink and port excursions are also rated highly by guests, making this a great way of visiting Europe, Egypt or Asia.
, or read our full Viking review for more information.
Americas River Cruise Brands
To sail the rivers of the United States, cruise ships must be American-owned, American-built, American-flagged, and American-staffed.
While there are very small players that meet this criterion, for purposes of this article, we are going to focus on the best of the best.
Here is the list in alphabetical order:
How to Book a U.S. River Cruise
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Best River Cruise Line
The best overall river cruise line for the second-year running is Australian brand Scenic Luxury Cruises and Tours.
Its expensive, with an average price per night of £349, but well worth it. It impressed passengers with everything included in the upfront price: gratuities, 24-hour room service, private butlers, a concierge laundry service and a choice of at least two excursions at every stop.
It was also the only river cruise line to score a full five stars for its cabins thanks to luxury toiletries, a free mini bar and a pillow menu with eight choices available even in standard suites.
If your wallet doesnt stretch to cruising with Scenic Luxury Cruises and Tours then you could consider joint-second-placed Emerald Waterways.
Its the sister brand to top-rated Scenic Luxury Cruises and Tours, but more than £100 cheaper per night in our price comparison, and still offers a luxury experience.
Alternatively, you could pick the Which? Recommended Provider that has average prices just above £200 per night.
Read our full river cruise line reviews to discover which brand this is and the others that passengers rate best value for money.
The Best European Luxury River Cruise Lines
The major success story in the cruise industry in recent yearshas been that of river cruising, with a huge increase in vesselsintroduced each year, additional itineraries researched andoperated, and the sudden expansion of quality river cruise vesselsthroughout Europe and further afield.
So many companies are jostling for position, claiming to be thebest, that it’s hard as a consumer to make a judgement on which tochoose. First of all, a quick rule of thumb – you get what you payfor! If something looks cheap, that’s either going to be because itis out of season , or becauseit is of an inferior quality.
Whilst in the ocean going cruise market it is quite easy todifferentiate from brand to brand, when choosing a European rivercruise, you will be more likely to find many similarities. If youare paying top dollar, you should expect included shore excursions,included drinks with meals, included gratuities, localentertainment, a lecture programme, whisper headsets and bicyclesfor passenger use. In our opinion, the following companies are thevery best luxury river cruise lines in Europe:
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Riviera Travel Review Which Recommended Provider
Riviera Travel is not only one of the best river cruise lines around, it’s also one of the cheapest. The on-board facilities aren’t quite in the same league as some pricier rivals, but Riviera is second-to-none when it comes to customer service, spaciousness and food and drink.
, or read our full Riviera Travel review for more information.
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 arent 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 were most excited to book.
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Nile River Cruise Highlights
- Learn the secrets of the ancient world from Egyptologists and fall in love with the rich history.
- Let the flowing waters carry you down the river, observing desert villages and crumbling temples from days long ago.
- Float from Cairo to Aswan in the river where no mainstream liners are found, the tranquil waters call for a ride on a luxury felucca or traditional dahabiya.
- Cruising is the ideal way to explore the Nile with views only accessible by boat.
- Luxor: With a mysterious ambiance that is amplified by the historic temples, statues that guard the entrance and huge pillars that loom overhead as you walk in the footsteps of King Tut.
- Valley of the Kings: You cant help but feel like Indiana Jones in this royal burial site. Home to the great names of Egyptian history and their elaborate preparations for the next world.
Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection
Whilst you may not have heard of this much awarded company , you should certainly add it to yourroster of the best river cruise vessels in the world.
When you step on one of their vessels, you immediately start toappreciate the Uniworld difference. The concept is all aboutrecreating the feel of a small boutique hotel on board anall-inclusive river vessel, and every ship is different, personallydesigned by members of the Tollman family who own Uniworld’sparent, TravCorp.
If you’ve seen pictures of Uniworld’s ships then you’ll probablyhave been struck by the slightly garish interiors depicted in theofficial photography; but in reality, the decor is a lot moresubtle than it appears in the oversaturated promo shots. Quirky,yes, but elegant and tasteful with it.
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The Best Luxury River Cruises
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For those who think ocean cruises are the only option, there are plenty of luxury river cruises that allow you to explore smaller cities along rivers such as the Nile, Danube and Rhine. Oftentimes, the ships are far smaller meaning that there are less people onboard and more intimate experiences to be had. Read on for the best luxury cruises in the world.
Explore An International Horticultural Wonderland Abloom With Green Cities And Designed With Healthy Living In Mind
As a special Dutch treat included on this river cruise, visit Floriade 2022, the World’s Fair of horticultural shows. Explore an international horticultural wonderland that celebrates Green Cities of the Future on 148 acres of land repurposed and reclaimed from the sea for a future rich in sustainability, greenery, food, energy and healthy living. Featuring four themed districts connected by bridges, walkways, gondolas and trains, this once in a decade exposition will run from April to October as it showcases green-themed, flower-filled exhibitions from more than 40 countries, along with cultural entertainment, art and cuisine that make it fun for everyone. Truly an energizing experience!
Book Today… And Travel Dreams Begin
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Choosing A River Cruise
River cruise boats are restricted to a certain size to accommodate narrow water passages. Stateroom dimensions will be similar from line to line, and onboard amenities are scarce. For these and other reasons, the most critical factor in selecting a river cruise is determining where you want to go.
Lesson
Once you have a destination in mind, its all about the details. From priceless art and luxury interiors to interesting themes to culinary expectations, finding the best river cruise is all about identifying whats most important to you as a traveler.
If climbing stairs are difficult for you or you have a disability, it is essential that you discuss accommodations while onboard and at ports of call with the river cruise company. The Americans with Disabilities Act does not apply to river cruise ships nor are those regulations followed outside of the U.S.
What Is A Pre Paid Funeral Plan
A prepaid funeral plan protects you against the rising costs of funerals. This allows you to pay for your funeral in advance so your relatives dont have to cover all the costs themselves. Choosing a funeral plan now will help protect your loved ones from a lot of stress and financial worry in the future.
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Has Viking Cancelled Any Cruises
Viking Cruises Cancels Sailings Through May The good news is that Viking vessels remain in a warm layup and ready to begin sailings with new health measures in place once government approvals are given. Viking Cruises preciously announced on December 8,nded hold on operations through March 31, 2021.
From The Avalon Waterways Travel Blog
As you plan, or just dream about your next vacation, we invite you to get inspired by the Avalon travel blog showcasing news, tips, and stories! Plus, you can read articles where Avalon Waterways and Avalon ships have been featured in the news. Every great traveler has someone on the inside who knows all of the best kept secrets about their travel destinations. Let us be your inside source!
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European River Cruise Deals And Sales
Up to $1,500 off 2022 Europe river cruises w/flexibilty
Up to $1,000 off per couple on 15-day Europe cruise + flights
Up to $1,500 off 2023 cruises
Up to $1,500 off Europe cruises
Up to 50% off river cruises
Stephanie Yip is the travel editor at Finder and has been writing about travel and lifestyle for over a decade. She has written for Travel Weekly, Escape, Showpo, The Nibbler and Hostelworld. She was also the editor of kids magazine DMAG. Stephanie has a Bachelor of Communications from the University of Technology Sydney and has visited 55 countries .
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Its beginning to look a lot like Christmas in these delectable destinations!
Berlitz Cruising And Cruise Ships
#1 Ship 2017, 2016
In itsCruising & Cruise Ships 2017edition,BerlitzratedViking Seafirst in her category, noting her many elegant touches and excellent inclusive value. This year,Viking Star, which was rated highest in her category in 2016, earned second place behind her sister shipViking Sea.;
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Concluding Thoughts On River Cruises
Bottom Line:River cruising is a great option for culture-hungry travelers. Pay attention to the travel package details to get the best value for your money.
River cruise lines make researching their adventures fun, with video tours and details to suit the needs of many different types of travelers. Our three river cruise lines, for example, have well over 100 river ships between them and offer destinations around the globe. Consumers who dive into this research and understand the details of the packages they consider will get the most out of the experience. It also helps to get input from friends, family and acquaintances who have taken part in a river cruise experience. Look for feedback on travel websites and customer review forums. Finally, working with a travel agent can help you understand your options, and get you started on the voyage thats right for you.
Comparing The River Cruise Lines
It’s true what they say, that oceans take you to countries, while rivers take you through them. The chance to explore ancient sites, experience magnificent cities and immerse yourself in the culture and cuisine of places that can’t be reached on a traditional cruise ship is the allure of river cruising.
But which river cruise line is right for you? What amenities or services are offered by each? How does each river cruise line compare?
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Video Reviews Of The Rivers
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Adventures By Disney River Cruise
Typical starting price: $4,599 for 7 days
Where they sail: Danube, Rhine, Seine
Duration:;8 days
Specialty cruises: Danube Christmas markets, Oktoberfest, Rhine food and wine, Seine National Geographic photography
Amenities : High-speed Wi-Fi, gym, sun-deck, walking track, bikes for shore use, pool or whirlpool, fitness classes, salon, massage
Inclusions: All meals, unlimited beverages , daily excursions, all gratuities onboard and at restaurants, daily cocktail hour, select meals off the ship during excursions, onboard entertainment
Pros: Adventures by Disney guides add a wonderful touch to each journey with storytelling, educational information, and goes above and beyond to ensure every guest has a great time.
Cons: The ships aren’t “Imagineered.” In other words, if you are used to the added magic that occurs on a Disney Cruise Line, you won’t find that here.
Adventures by Disney, the guided, family vacation arm of the Walt Disney Company, offers unique journeys sprinkled with signature Disney magic. Each day, you’ll receive an enamel pin reflecting the day’s adventure such as Mickey dressed as Mozart or Donald cooking goulash.
The Adventures by Disney river cruises are designed for families, and their itineraries, both onboard and onshore, have something for every age group. Kids love the Junior Adventurer dinners or Disney movie nights, and there is also a Just Teens program with dinners and separate tour groups at various destinations.
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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-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.