River cruising is a wonderful, hassle free way to visit Europe. Unlike a land tour where you are constantly packing and unpacking and being herded around in large groups, you only have to unpack once and you are with a much smaller group. You sail along to a new port each day where you are taken ashore for wine tastings, city tours, etc... and at the end of the day, you return to your cruise vessel and enjoy dinner, the comradery of your fellow passengers and a relaxing evening. River cruise vessels typically carry from 50 to 200 passengers, and are low in profile, which makes it easy for them to fit under bridges. They cruise rivers like the Danube, the Rhine, the Rhone, the Seine, the Douro, and other great rivers of Europe.
An important difference between pricing the mainstream cruise lines here in the US v.s. a river cruise overseas is that most mainstream cruises don't include things like shore excursions and wine with dinner, but on a river cruise overseas, most costs are typically included in the fare so it's easy to budget your trip once you have chosen a destination and vessel.
European river cruises are typically classified according to the quality of accommodations, dining, and amenities onboard. Luxury cruise prices average from $400 to $600 per person, per day, plus airfare. Deluxe cruise prices average from $100 to $400 per person, per day, plus airfare. First Class prices average from $80 to $275 per person, per day, plus airfare. Budget prices average from $45 to $130 per person, per day, plus airfare. Here is a list of European river cruises I would recommend:
Luxury
Abercrombie & Kent -Abercrombie & Kent has been internationally recognized as the first name in luxury escorted travel. They began in 1962 as a safari company in Nairobi, Kenya. Their operations now extend to more than 100 countries all over the world and include European river cruises. Every one of their tours include knowledgeable local guides, luxurious accommodations, comfortable transportation and a choice of activities and amenities. They specialize in "matching unique people with unique places, and in providing the expertise and (unobtrusive) support that allows them to experience those places fully, at first hand and in their own personal style." To learn more about their canal and river cruising, call Nancy at 888-579-3082.
Tauck World Discovery - Tauck was started in 1924 by Arthur Tauk, who at the time was a 26 year old traveling salesman who just happened to be driving through Adams, MA enjoying the beautiful fall foliage. It's amazing to me that this man was able to start this amazing tour company in the middle of the depression! Some 80 years later, they have been named the “#1 Tour Operator & Safari Outfitter” three times by the readers of Travel & Leisure magazine, and they enjoy the travel industry's highest return-guest rate. Tauck is still a family company, and today Arthur's granddaughter Robin Tauck serves as president. In 2006 they received the Readers Choice Award: Best Tour Operator: Europe. Headquartered in Norwalk, Connecticut, Tauck today offers 130 trips visiting 60 countries and all seven continents via motorcoach, cruise ship, rail, helicopter, and riverboat. To learn more about their canal and river cruising, call Nancy at 888-579-3082.
Deluxe
AMA Waterways - From their website: "Beginning with the 2006 launch of the MS Amadagio, the line has steadily expanded its “AMA” fleet to include the MS Amalegro (2007), MS Amacello (2008), MS Amadante (2008). The MS Amalyra and MS Amadolce joined the fleet in 2009, while the MS Amadolce and another vessel is scheduled for 2010. The MS Amabella is scheduled to debut in 2011.
The newest and most state-of-the-art fleet in Europe, the innovative “AMA” ships carry 148 passengers in unequaled luxury, comfort and style. Features include the most spacious cabins on the rivers; French balconies; plush bedding with down duvets; flat-screen TVs; Infotainment system with complimentary internet access; fluffy terry bathrobes and slippers; spa-quality bath amenities and marble-appointed bathrooms. Each vessel offers complimentary Wi-Fi in the public lounges; complimentary specialty coffees and free-flowing complimentary wine at dinner. The ships also include a fitness center, beauty salon, whirlpool, walking track on the Sun Deck and a fleet of bicycles for passenger use. Each AMAWATERWAYS cruise is accompanied by an elite cruise director, and expert local guides conduct complimentary city tours at each destination. Smoking is only allowed on the top deck of their vessels.
AMAWATERWAYS’ collection of vacation programs includes popular itineraries on the historic Danube, Main, Rhine and Mosel rivers. The Romantic Danube program, featuring three nights in Prague followed by a cruise from Vilshofen to Budapest. AMAWATERWAYS also offers a unique selection of destination cruises in France, Portugal and Russia." I have had many clients cruise with AMAWATERWAYS over the last several years and they have all returned truly delighted! For more information, specifically pertaining to their river cruises in Europe, please call Nancy at 888-579-3082.
Avalon Waterways (Globus) - Avalon Waterways is part of the Globus family of Brands, "...backed by 80 years of experience in planning itineraries and guiding vacations around the world. And as experts in travel, Avalon continues to raise the bar when it comes to small-ship cruising by creating truly unique getaways—on one of the youngest fleets on the waterways today!
Each year, Avalon adds new vessels that deliver the accommodations and amenities desired by today’s traveler. These modern, contemporary-designed ships feature elegant polished metal and glass throughout, revolutionary engineering, state-of-the-art technology, and personalized service of the highest caliber. From the minute you step on board, an English-speaking crew extends a warm welcome and delivers exceptional service throughout your journey. The Cruise Director is readily available to help you make the most of each day, and delivers educational commentary as you pass through interesting landscapes.
In port, Avalon helps you see your destinations like a local—not a tourist. We work with Local Guides in the area to create shore excursions that reveal the famous sights of a city, as well as the insider secrets and native stories." In my opinion, they are very comparable to AMAWATERWAYS. It really just depends upon the itinerary and ship you are looking for. For more information on their Europe river cruises, call Nancy at 888-579-3082. I have first hand experience cruising on these ships.
Uniworld River Cruises, Inc. - Uniworld River Cruises, Inc., newly acquired by The Travel Corporation, is a leading river cruise and tour company offering premium level vacations in Europe, Russia, China and South America. The company provides an all-inclusive experience to discerning, experienced travelers in an all-English speaking, non-smoking environment. I would caution you though, to check their cancellation and refund policy carefully. Deposits are non-refundable and you may enter the cruise line's cancellation penalty period prior to final payment. In their words, from their website, here is what diferentiates Uniworld from other river cruise companies:
Intimate, boutique hotel-style cruise ships with an average of 134 guests. An all English-speaking, world-class attentive crew with a ratio of one crew member for every three guests. Elegant riverview staterooms appointed with hotel-style beds draped in the finest linens, and bathrooms stocked with thick towels, plush robes, and soothing bath amenities. Over 98% guest service satisfaction rates Gourmet cuisine prepared fresh daily using only the freshest and finest ingredients, often brought onboard from the local markets. Complimentary fine wine during dinner*, bottled water in your stateroom, and 24-hour specialty coffees and teas. Captivating shore excursions, included with the price of your cruise, hosted by all English-speaking guides who use a state-of-the-art Quietvox portable headset system to enhance your sightseeing experience. Exciting onboard local entertainment, demonstrations and lectures reflecting the regions you visit. All transfers on arrival and departure days.* The best European Cruise Managers in the industry. Please see individual itineraries for additional inclusions.
For more information on their Europe river cruises, call Nancy at 888-579-3082. I have first hand experience cruising on these ships.
First Class
Viking River Cruises - Viking River Cruises' itineraries journey along the rivers of Europe, Russia, and China allowing you to explore fascinating destinations up close and in comfort. All-inclusive vacation packages include roundtrip air, cruises, and shore tours with English-speaking guides, deluxe river view cabins and gourmet meals. They have been sailing the rivers of Europe for over 175 years! They have consistently placed high on competitive rankings like Condé Nast Traveler’s Gold List, Reader’s Choice and Best Small Ships awards; and Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best. Travel Agents have honored them with awards including TravelAge West’s “Editor’s Choice” and Travel Weekly’s #1 River Cruise Line. They are also featured in the National Geographic’s The 10 Best of Everything. Their most recent award just announced is that, once again, they have been recognized by readers of Travel + Leisure as one of the “Top 10 Small-Ship Cruise Lines” in its 13th annual “World’s Best” awards.
