European River Cruise - Viking, Rhine and Danube River Cruises - Europe River Cruises
River cruises, and specifically European River Cruises, have come of age. While this type of cruising has been around a long time, river cruises have become mainstream in the 21st century.
While European river cruises are the most popular, river cruises are also available in Asia and North America. And while most people think of European river cruising as taking place on the Continent, there are other options, such as cruising the Scottish Highlands.
You can search our database by river cruise line for the latest offers on river cruises and barge cruises, or contact one of our River Cruise Specialists. For additional information, please read on.
TravelStore works with all the major European river cruise companies, those in Asia and the USA, as well as several European barges cruises, and can arrange the right river cruise or barge vacation for you.
Why choose a Europe River Cruise?
As most commerce occured along rivers in the history of Europe's cities and towns, life along the river was central to the growth of these areas, and there is much to be seen and appreciated from the comfortable deck of a European river cruise ship as one crosses through the heart of a country on a Danube or Rhine river cruise.
While the vessels plying the world's rivers certainly vary in standards and quality, a European river cruise vacation generally entails cruising on a river ship which provides your accommodations, meals onboard, and some light entertainment. During your European Danube, Rhine or other river cruise, the ship stops at various cities or towns, where passengers can disembark and enjoy shore excursions or wander on their own.
< Europe River Cruise: Quick Tip >
Several of the European river cruise operators include shore excursions as part of the package price, usually an optional cost on an ocean cruise, increasing the value they provide. Be sure to compare what is included when shopping for a Europe river cruise. Our river cruise experts are ready to assist you, and to help you take advantage of the best current offers.
< European River Cruise Ships: Quick Tip >
Many new European river cruise ships have been built in recent years, while some are of older vintage. Generally, though not a hard rule, newer ships offer more amenities and comforts (such as WiFi access). Also some ships and/or staterooms offer picture windows, while others offer French balconies, where you can open the full length sliding glass door. Europe River cruises include brand new ships on the Danube and Rhine rivers, and China river cruises have new ships on the Yangtzee.
What's a European river cruise like?
Quality and inclusions will vary, but one deluxe offering on the River Cloud operated by Lindblad Expeditions includes a historian, naturalist and hand-picked guides on board. The ship carries bikes on board, and organizes bike trips along the river and vineyards, along with private wine tastings. Walks ashore are offered, such as a hike in the Vienna Woods. Private excursions for the group are arranged along the river. Back onboard from the day's activities, the day is recapped with local cheeses and sausages. In Bratislava a classical music concert might be held onboard deck.
What are my choices in Europe river cruises?
There are five principal companies specializing in European river cruises. In alpha order they are: Amadeus Waterways, Avalon Waterways, Peter Dielmann Cruises, Uniworld, and Viking River Cruises. In addition, tour operators like Tauck World Discovery and Lindblad Expeditions offer select river cruise programs worthy of consideration. These companies often charter river boats and customize and enhance their programs. Our river cruise experts can assist you with all these options.
Amadeus Waterways
Amadeus Waterways has a fleet of six ships cruising the rivers of Europe, Russia, China and Egypt. They offer two of the newer, more deluxe ships (MS Amadagio and the MS Symphony, which operate exclusively for the English-speaking market). They operate Europe river cruises on the Rhine, Moselle, Danube, in Holland & Belgium and Russia.
Deluxe cruise accommodations and on-board amenities range by ship and destination, but include in-room English language television and movies, internet access and satellite telephones. There is also a fitness center and sauna onboard.
Amadeus Waterways also offers an enhanced shore excursion program that gives an in-depth, authentic view as you discover highlights as well as places only locals know about. In the evening, savor gourmet dinners with complimentary local wines accompanied by great local musical performances on-board or the pre-arranged activites that take place in town. Afterwards, there is always time to explore local nightlife ashore. (As Amadeus is not presently in our database, please contact our river cruise experts for details and assistance.)
Avalon Waterways
Avalon is owned and operated by tour operator Globus, and its European river cruise ships are among the newest fleet, generally featuring slightly larger cabins, at over 170+ square feet, than some of its competition. Accommodations provide hotel-style beds, private facilities,satellite TV, floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors in most staterooms and some cabins with private balconies. Most vessels have internet access.
Avalon offers cruises on the Rhine, Moselle, Danube, Black Sea, Russia. China and Tulip Time cruises in spring. Avalon Waterways also offer themed cruises centered around wine and music. Search for Avalon Waterways Europe river cruises from Globus.
Peter Dielmann Cruises
Peter Dielmann is in the deluxe category of European river cruises, a German company which markets a number of river vessels, and one ocean-going cruise ship, to English-speaking markets, and which has some of the largest cabins -- some from 190 to 200 square feet. There are never more than 2.5 passengers for each staff member, ensuring a high level of attention and service.
Peter Dielmann offers its Europe river cruise programs on the Rhine, Moselle, Danube, Rhone, Saone, Elbe, Vltava, and Oder rivers. Of note is the Cezanne which cruises in southern France.
The product is distinctly multi-lingual, unlike some others that cater exclusively to English speaking markets. Peter Dielmann also offers theme cruises around hiking, biking, music, golf and gardening. Search for Europe river cruises from Peter Dielmann.
Uniworld Grand River Journeys
A longtime player in this market, with trips on the great rivers and waterways of China, Egypt, Europe and Russia, Uniworld Grand River Journeys has always specialized in tailoring products exclusively for the American market and featuring an all-English staff. It's newest Europe river cruise vessel, River Royale, is also the first to have Wi-Fi access.
Uniworld cruises also promote to families. Recent promotions to this market offered reduced rates for kids 8 to 18 travel 50 percent of the normal fare.
Uniworld cruise upgrades include flat screen televisions, terrycloth bathrobes, higher-count thread linens, wool-cashmere throws, and European-style comforters. A new series of Grand Value Cruising includes shore excursions. Search our Europe river cruises from Uniworld.
Viking River Cruises
One of the larger Europe river cruise operators, Viking River Cruises has some ten river ships in central Europe plus a few more in Russia and Ukraine, most acommodating about 150 guests on average. Viking River Cruises' all-inclusive vacation packages include roundtrip airfare, cruise, shore tours with English-speaking guides, deluxe revierview cabins and gourmet meals.
In addition to standard European river cruise programs, Viking also operates a program on the Seine in France, as well as in China and Russia. Search for Europe river cruises from Viking River Cruises.
What are my choices for river cruises other than Europe or American River Cruises?
There are a few river cruise companies operating on the scenic Yangtze River in China, and those principally catering to the English-speaking market include Victoria Cruises, Viking River Cruises, Regal Cruises and the deluxe Orient Royal Cruises. In addition, Nile River Cruises are also popular.
Cruising the Yangtze has been a very popular program, particularly when packaged as part of a longer tour or visit to China, and new ships are being introduced here, too.
Most of the tour operators that package up trips to China and the Yangtze rely on the ships of one of these companies: Uniworld, Tauck World Discovery, Viking River Cruises and Globus Tours. Generally your cruise will be included as part of your China tour package.
There is also a river cruise product available in Myanmar (formerly Burma) and along the Mekong between Cambodia and Vietnam. Contact our river cruise experts for more information.
Nile River Cruises are also the most popular way of seeing the sights of Egypt, and there are many boats and programs from which to choose. Contact our Egypt specialists for more information and assistance.
Cruise West guests would rather watch for whales than spend the afternoon in a casino. They linger outside on deck as the Captain noses under a waterfall, rather than watch a video. With ten small ships Cruise West's focus is on the outside where nature provides the entertainment, rather than on artificial amusements conjured up to occupy your attention during long hours of open water. Their motto is "up-close, casual and personal," with open-seating dining and no formal attire necessary.
With Cruise West you're not just a visitor, you're a participant, engaging in an experience for all your senses. While destinations include Alaska, Costa Rica & Panama, Mexico's Sea of Cortés, Japan, South Pacific, Vietnam, British Columbia & the Atlantic Coast Experience, they also operate river programs on the Napa (California Wine Country), Columbia & Snake Rivers.
To arrange your river cruise vacation, contact our river cruise experts who will help ensure you get the best overall value, or call us at 1-888-779-7447.
