Sunday, March 31, 2024

The 10 Best River Cruise Lines in Europe

best rated river cruise lines

Sail the storied Seine from Paris to Normandy aboard Tauck’s 98-passenger MS Sapphire. The intimate 96-passenger Scenic Azure winds through the port-producing Douro Valley, with its terraced vineyards, olive groves and tranquil towns and villages. The one-week route doesn't take you far but does include the walled city of Padua, the charming fishing village of Chioggia, and the culinary mecca of Bologna. That's even before you get to the Upper Middle Rhine Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Lindblad Expeditions' 7-night Columbia & Snake Rivers: Food, Wine and History Cruise

Bordeaux river cruises are different from other water routes because you explore two short waterways — the Dordogne and Garonne Rivers — and the Gironde Estuary in Southwest France. Daily escorted walking tours and other excursions provided by the river line take you to key UNESCO World Heritage Sites and other city and village attractions you've come to see. Or you can choose to explore on your own, which is easy since your ship often will dock right in town. Avalon offers a range of shore excursions to cater to different interests and physical abilities, including Classic, Active, or Discovery tours. Their river cruises provide a mix of couples, families, and solo cruisers, with a variety of cabin options to suit different needs. The cruise offers a deep dive into the vibrant river life, with options for shorter itineraries or extended 21-night journeys for more thorough exploration.

Best European River Cruise for Onboard Facilities: AmaWaterways AmaMagna

Explore some cool attractions and activities, check out our guides on things to do in Lowell, things to do in San Leandro as well as Jet Skiing in Cabo San Lucas for a memorable time here. Pandaw’s Mekong River cruise is an immersive 10-night adventure through the heart of Vietnam and Cambodia, exploring the rich cultures and complex histories of these countries. USA TODAY 10Best provides users with original, unbiased and experiential travel coverage of top attractions, things to see and do, and restaurants for top destinations in the U.S. and around the world.

Nicko Cruises

Adventures by Disney charters AmaWaterways ships that carry only 140 passengers, and brings their own spin to the sailings through Adventure Guides who are trained in all things kids. For true indulgence, book a table at the fleetwide reservation-only Vintage Room, set up for private dining, with an extravagant seven-course wine-pairing menu. The experience is worth the $295 fee, especially for true oenophiles who will get to savor coveted Bordeaux Grand Crus.

Book a cruise on Adventures by Disney River Cruise

Avalon Waterways brings a World War II expert on board to add insight on select sailings. They are, by far, the most popular, doable either on one-week segments or longer itineraries that combine areas and sometimes combine rivers. Even if your cruise is only a week, don't underestimate the allure of relaxing for seven days on a river in France or on the dreamy Douro in Portugal. The cruise line is particularly appealing to those interested in active shore excursions such as walking or cycling.

Ship amenities are plentiful, as both vessels feature staterooms with balconies, a main restaurant, a fitness center with three spa treatment rooms, and a sun deck with a relaxing whirlpool. The line also offers reduced solo-traveler surcharges on higher-grade cabins on select sailings. Tauck's ships carry fewer passengers than riverboats of a similar size, so it's easy for solo travelers to make new friends. You'll also find a high number of inclusions, such as all drinks from the bar and with meals, to create a stress-free sailing with no hidden extras. River ships dock near key attractions and feature mostly-inclusive pricing; fares include such perks as basic daily walking tours and wine and beer at meals.

Cruising on the comeback?

The 10 Best River Cruise Lines in Europe for Every Traveler - CruiseCritic.co.uk

The 10 Best River Cruise Lines in Europe for Every Traveler.

Posted: Fri, 22 Sep 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]

There’s a European river cruise for every type of traveler, from families and couples to the budget-conscious and luxury seekers. For a true luxury experience, we recommend a sail aboard Uniworld’s S.S. La Venezia, while for active travelers we love the holistic wellness offerings found on AmaWaterways’ AmaMagna. No matter what you’re searching for, these are the best European river cruises to book for 2024 and beyond.

Europe River Cruises

While there are a few things you can no longer do on cruises, this cruise line will make you forget all about them. Wherever you’re heading, you can choose from a variety of Romance Packages featuring everything from flowers and champagne to couples massages and breakfast in bed. Or just treat yourselves to date-night dinners at one of the restaurants helmed by a Michelin-starred chef. The company previously welcomed kids aged 12 and older to cruise, but as of 2018, all guests must be 18 or older to board. News' luxury list last year too — despite Chairman Torstein Hagen indicating he isn't a fan of the word.

Over two weeks, you'll visit Native American burial grounds and archeological sites in West Virginia and learn about the underground railroad in Ohio. You can taste bourbon and explore the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory or the Kentucky Derby Museum & Horse Park in Louisville. Take time to appreciate American artistry at the National Quilt Museum in Paducah, Kentucky.

best rated river cruise lines

The lower-priced offshoot of Australian-owned all-inclusive line Scenic has contemporary ships that tend to attract a slightly younger crowd -- with good reason. For wallet-conscious cruisers used to deals on ocean-going lines, the price of a Rhine River cruise can come as a shock. For about $1,000 less than the closet competitor, Gate 1 Travel manages to be one of the best Rhine River cruises for those watching there budget. The fleetwide reservation-only Vintage Room is set up for private dining, with an extravagant seven-course wine-pairing menu.

Jason Leppert is a San Diego-based cruising expert with more than 140 sailings under his belt and a fresh, millennial perspective on the industry. He is the founding editor of Popular Cruising, producer of the successful Popular Cruising YouTube channel and Cruise Editor for TravelAge West. The 10-day itinerary features visits to the Taj Mahal, Rajbari temple complex, and Mother Teresea’s home. While en route, you’ll enjoy meals created with fresh ingredients, take part in welcome and farewell gala dinners, and have complimentary house wine, local spirits and beer, soft drinks, and tea served throughout your voyage. As expected, the ships serve American cuisines with options for fresh lobster or USDA Prime Beef.

In 2023, they will launch Seven River Journeys which will cover seven rivers and 14 countries over the course of 45 nights (starting at $24,999 per person, double occupancy). Their twin-balcony staterooms feature both a French balcony and an outside balcony. While the suites are about 350 square feet, the standard stateroom is about 170 square feet with fixed windows at the waterline. Indulge in regional cuisine on Viking ships flavored with herbs grown in an on-board garden, though familiar classics are always available. The dishes are paired with a selection of wines from the area that is being explored. Cruise the Hudson round-trip from New York City on American Cruise Lines' seven-night Hudson River Fall Foliage Cruise.

An unmissable outing for couples is a private classical concert at the beguiling Sao Francisco Church in Porto, offered as one of the cruise line’s “Scenic Enrich” experiences. Special Christmas Market itineraries in Germany and Austria make Grand Circle a great off-season choice, too. U.K.-based Riviera River Cruises offers more than 20 itineraries throughout Europe that appeal to value-conscious travelers.

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