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River cruising has become popular with travelers who enjoy a more intimate cruising experience, typically catering to adults and baby boomers. Be prepared to be taken into ancient towns and marketplaces that were historically built around rivers, that you wouldn’t be able to experience by foot or with larger cruise lines. Visit the Danube and Rhine in Europe, the Volga in Russia, the Mekong and Yangtze in Asia, the Nile in Egypt, or the Chobe in Africa. Choose from several major river cruise lines all featuring their own unique itineraries, including AmaWaterways, Avalon Waterways, Crystal River Cruises, Emerald Waterways, Scenic, Uniworld, and Viking River Cruises.
What draws people to river sailings is that they are typically all-inclusive, with many added amenities available for use such as bicycles and Nordic walking sticks. River cruising is the easiest way to visit a new place every day, without having to think about the logistics involved with packing, unpacking, and checking into hotels. You can relax in your comfortable surroundings, dine al fresco, or enjoy a glass of regional wine or beer as you take in the divine scenery. Shore excursions are not only included with your cruise but are also hosted by expert English-speaking local guides who enthusiastically share their passion and insight.
River ships are also typically smaller in size, averaging at about 150 guests. The biggest river vessel you’ll find is the 296-passenger Victoria Jenna, which sails along the Yangtze River in China. However, beyond their capacity, what makes them so intimate is the fact that they voyage through the heart of quaint towns where you can experience insightful encounters with local cultures and heritage. Most of the fine cuisine onboard is prepared with local ingredients, as well as regional specialties that are often featured. Dine with likeminded passengers while enjoying local talent every night, as well as shore excursions that take you to the region's finest vineyards, patisseries, markets, or iconic venues.
Navigate historic byways and waters, as you experience truly authentic cultures; and make lasting friendships, both onboard and on shore.
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GUIDE TO EUROPEAN RIVER CRUISING
The Planet D - Sep 2, 2014
Making the most of your European river cruise.
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River Cruise Holidays in 2024, 2025 & 2026
RiverVoyages is Europe’s leading expert in river cruise holidays. Our team of river cruise specialists are here to help you plan your perfect cruise along the world’s most scenic waterways. With access to exclusive offers and savings, we’re ready to help you plan every detail of your next river cruise holiday.
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Explore Europe’s Christmas Markets or Ring in the New Year On Board
Cruise through the heart of Europe during the most festive time of year and experience the timeless tradition of its magical Christmas Markets. Browse colorful market stalls filled with whimsical handicrafts and take in enticing aromas of seasonal delights as you sip hot mulled wine beneath endless strands of twinkling lights. From the legendary Danube River to the fairytale Rhine and even along the Rhône River in Provence, we offer unparalleled experiences for guests of all ages.
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Join us on one of our specially curated Christmas Markets cruises taking place at the height of the season with multiple market visits included.
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Select one of our early or late season departures offering special savings, reduced crowds, and “just a taste” of Europe’s Christmas Markets included.
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November and Late Season December Departures with Special Savings
Select cities, including Budapest, Hungary and Vienna, Austria, open their markets as early as mid-November, allowing you to experience a taste of the festivities in Europe before the Advent season begins. Preview the holiday magic that unfolds along the Danube, Rhine and Douro rivers on these special sailings while enjoying typically less expensive airfare and far less crowds. Plus, celebrate Thanksgiving on board as well with a delicious feast on select departures! Later December dates also often see reduced crowds at select markets in the days just before and after Christmas.
Best of all, you can save up to $2,000 per stateroom on these departures. Contact your travel advisor to take advantage of these savings today!
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11 Best River Cruise Itineraries to Book in 2023 and 2024
By Paris Wilson
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The best river cruises have always had a mystique to draw travelers in—even those who are new to cruising. For history buffs, they could be an excellent way to visit ancient sites or historical landmarks. For those that love the outdoors, river journeys are a way to experience the natural landscape of the dream destinations. This year, the river cruise market has been anticipating more travel, so consider booking these once-in-a-lifetime voyages as early as you can.
Here, we’ve highlighted 11 of the most exciting river cruise itineraries to book for this year and next—from Amazonian expeditions to kid-friendly European voyages , these cruises have something for every kind of traveler.
Colombia's Magdalena River with Amawaterways
Amawaterways is now accepting reservations for its highly anticipated cruises on Colombia's Magdalena River departing from both Cartagena and Barranquilla in 2024. Both seven-day itineraries explore Colombia's rich musical and cultural history, along with a chance to experience the country's natural wonders and local cuisine. Amawaterways is the first major river cruise line to highlight Colombia’s beauty with these types of voyages. 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.
Family river cruises on the Danube and Rhine with Emerald
Emerald is opening up two of its Europe river itineraries to younger guests, with kid-friendly menus and exciting onboard activities such as video games, movies, and tournaments. Children must be 10 years old or older to take part in Emerald’s kid-friendly voyages. Both itineraries have been modified and feature destinations the whole family can enjoy. The Danube Explorer includes stops in Germany, Austria, Slovakia, and Hungary . While the Jewels of the Rhine explores the Netherlands, Germany, France, and Switzerland.
Mississippi River Cruises with Viking
Float down the mighty Mississippi with Viking's first U.S. voyages. Featuring five different itineraries with stops in New Orlean s, Memphis, and St. Paul, you’ll explore the French Quarter, enjoy authentic Memphis barbecue, and get an up-close look at America’s national bird, the bald eagle. In celebration of its 25th anniversary, Viking is offering special fares, reduced airfare and a$25 deposit on select voyages.
Black history and culture in France with Amawaterways
During Amawaterways' Black History cruise, guests aboard the AmaKristina will sail through the South of France along the Rhone River. The journey from Arles to Lyon will include stops in Avignon, Viviers, Tournon, and Vienne. After arriving in Lyon, passengers will stay in Paris for an exclusive guided tour showcasing jazz, food, and wine, all while shining a light on Black heritage.
Amazon River voyages with Seabourn
Journeying through the Amazon's small channel of the Boca dos Botos, Seabourn's expedition team, will immerse you in the region's one-of-a-kind ecosystem. The three itineraries are broken up into regions: Flooded Forests and Blackwater Tributaries; The Frontier Amazon; and The Peruvian Amazon. Each major region exemplifies a new, unique environment that differs from the next. Take in the natural beauty of the flora and fauna as you share space with sloths, howler monkeys, and more.
Christmas markets in Europe with Scenic
Scenic Cruises is amping up the holiday cheer with six itineraries this November and December. Each city will showcase a unique Christmas experience as you stop in Amsterdam , Munich, Paris, and Prague, just to name a few of the festive ports in store. It will be a holiday like no other as you dock at quaint riverside villages aglow in fairy lights. Walk over the cobblestones with mulled wine in hand while you browse handmade goods and enjoy festive treats and age-old traditions.
Viking's Nile River Cruises
Follow the footsteps of the ancient Egyptians with Viking's voyages down the Nile . Delve into the history of those that called Cairo home, built the Pyramids, and looked upon the great Sphinx. With stops in Luxor, Quena, and Esna before docking in Aswan—it’s a timeless voyage you won’t want to miss. As part of Viking’s anniversary sale, a $25 deposit is applicable for this booking.
India’s Golden Triangle aboard Uniworld
Immerse yourself in India’s “Golden Triangle”—Delhi, Jaipur, and Agra. 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.
Portugal's Douro River with Scenic
Experience the past and present of Portugal as you travel through the Douro River Valley. The river flows from Spain to the Northern Portuguese countryside, which is known for its wine production. Five different tours are being offered with stops in Lisbon , Porto, Madrid, and Salamanca. Passengers will have the chance to explore charming villages, see the Palace Duques de Bragança, kayak along the Pinhão River, and sample delicacies of the region. Plus, every stateroom aboard Scenic's ship comes with private butler service to ensure the journey is truly stress free.
Aqua Expeditions Mekong River cruise
Along with visits to bustling cities like Phnom Penh and Ho Chi Minh City , Aqua Expeditions' Mekong River cruises also visits serene ports in the countryside. Imagine kayaking to floating villages, watching silk weavers at work, and biking to village markets. Beyond the beautiful sights in Cambodia and Vietnam, the ship, Aqua Mekong , is a marvel in itself. The vessel has 20 suites that feature full-length windows and onboard amenities include a cinema, top deck plunge pool, and sun deck with lounge chairs and cabanas. If you book a river cruise between now and 2025, you can receive 30 percent off your voyage.
2-for-1 Flash Sale
Book two guests for the price of one on select 2024 sailings offer ends 10 may 2024., a world of unrivalled luxury awaits, discover what makes us the most-awarded luxury river cruise line., planning a last-minute luxury getaway, exclusive savings worth up to £1,500pp on a range of best-selling itineraries., planning to explore the world’s rivers as a solo traveller, no single supplement fees available on a range of european sailings., embark on an odyssey of opulence in egypt, save up to £1,500pp with our 2024 spring promotion—prices from £5,199pp, the highlights of india’s golden triangle & sacred ganges await, discover the ultimate long-haul adventure with great offers on 2024 & 2025 departures., experience the timeless beauty along the venetian lagoon, save up to £500pp and uncover the exclusivity of uniworld, a world of luxury awaits: explore the latest offers available on ultra-luxury river cruises, order your complimentary 2024 /2025 brochure.
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