River Cruise Vacations and What you Need to Know About River Cruising
Summerville and Charleston Travel Agency Specializing in River Cruises
Adventures by Disney
Family-oriented: While catering to all age groups, the itineraries are designed with family-friendly activities that can be enjoyed by children, teens, and adults alike, incorporating the Disney touch with storytelling, entertainment, and attention to detail.
Onboard activities: The nature of river cruising means that there's less space for amenities like swimming pools, theaters, and multiple dining venues. However, Disney ensures that onboard activities are high quality and suitable for their target audience, often including unique educational components.
Destinations: Disney Adventures River Cruises are primarily offered in Europe, sailing on rivers such as the Danube, Rhine, and Seine. The itineraries often focus on ports in countries like Germany, Austria, France, and the Netherlands, among others.
Partnership with AmaWaterways: In order to offer these river cruising experiences, Adventures by Disney partners with AmaWaterways, a well-regarded river cruise company. These riverboats are customized to meet the standards and family-friendly atmosphere expected from Disney, including some rooms that accommodate families, which is uncommon on typical river cruise vessels.
AmaWaterways
Taste of Bordeaux (8 or 14 days) -- Cruise this wine-producing region of southwestern France, where excursions introduce travelers to wine estates and walled medieval towns. The cruise-only vacation starts and ends in the city of Bordeaux, but there's also a two-week version that travels round trip from Paris and includes sightseeing in the French capital and the Loire Valley.
Avalon Waterways
Essential Holland & Belgium (8 days) -- Springtime departures of this cruise include the brilliant blooms of 70-acre Keukenhof gardens; later trips visit Delft, famous for its distinctive blue pottery. Also spend time in Amsterdam, Ghent and Antwerp.
Enchanting Belgium (8 or 9 days) -- Belgian ports of call on this itinerary include Namur, known for its pedestrian-friendly core, and Antwerp, where you'll visit the Grote Markt, a pretty square in the medieval center edged by guild houses. There's also an excursion to the World War I battlefields of Ypres, fought over for nearly all four years of the Great War. Avalon has designated some of these departures as WWI-themed cruises with onboard lectures.
Danube Dreams -- Habsburg History Cruise (8 or 10 days) -- Learn about one of Europe's most powerful dynasties on a cruise from Passau to Budapest. Carlos Felipe von Habsburg will be on board to provide an insider's look at his family's long history. The 10-day version adds a pre-cruise hotel stay in Prague.
CroisiEurope
From Berlin to Prague (9 days) -- Cruise the Elbe and Vltava rivers into the heart of Prague on the 80-passenger Elbe Princess, built to navigate shallow waters. Sightseeing stops along the way include the Wittenberg church where Martin Luther posted his 95 theses, the enormous Konigstein Fortress near Dresden and Prague's historic Jewish Quarter.
Cruises on 3 Rivers (9 days) -- This itinerary combines the Rhine, Moselle and Seine. Sail by the Rock of Lorelei, where the mythical siren was said to have lured sailors to their deaths with her irresistible singing. Join a walking tour in Luxembourg, and cruise past the Eiffel Tower and other Paris landmarks at night.
Visiting the Great Cathedrals (6 days) -- This route highlights some of Europe's major religious monuments, such as the red sandstone cathedral in Strasbourg (famous for its late Gothic architecture and astronomical clock), and Cologne's impressive cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site whose construction lasted from 1248 to 1800.
Click here to see all brand-new itineraries from CroisiEurope.
Emerald Waterways
Highlights of Vietnam & Cambodia and Mekong Cruise (16 days) -- Activities scheduled include a walking tour of Hanoi's Old Quarter, a two-night cruise of Halong Bay in a traditional boat called a junk, a tour of the Cai Be floating market and explorations of the temples of Angkor Archaeological Park.
Scenic
Iconic Danube (8 days) -- While in port, guests choose from several included sightseeing excursions. In Budapest, unwind in thermal baths or join a tour of city sights, and in Vienna, visit Schonbrunn Palace or shop at a local market with the ship's chef. A stop in Linz brings opportunities to explore either Salzburg or the picturesque medieval town of Cesky Krumlov.
11 Day Unforgettable Douro (11 days) -- Portugal's wine-growing region is the focus of this sailing, with visits to producers of sparkling and port wines. You'll also cross into Spain to visit Salamanca, where a lunch of local dishes and a flamenco performance await.
Luxury Mekong River Cruise (8 days) -- Numerous cultural encounters are scheduled on this route between Ho Chi Minh City and Siem Reap. Visit a family-owned rice factory, participate in a tai chi session on the ship's sundeck, watch silk weavers at work and meet the novice monks of the Wat Hanchey monastery.
Click here to see all brand-new itineraries from Scenic Cruises.
Tauck
The Rhine, Swiss Alps & Amsterdam (10 days) -- Tauck has arranged unique experiences on this Rhine River voyage. Ride an alpine cogwheel train to the Jungfraujoch railway station (Europe's highest, at an elevation of 11,332 feet), visit the Porsche Museum in Stuttgart and attend a private reception and dinner at Schloss Ehreshoven, a castle east of Cologne.
Uniworld Boutique River Cruises
India's Golden Triangle & the Sacred Ganges (13 days) -- Highlights of this itinerary include the fortresses and bazaars of Jaipur, Mother Teresa's home and tomb in Kolkata, the artisans' village of Matiari and sunset and sunrise visits to the Taj Mahal. Guests sail on the new 56-passenger Ganges Voyager II.
Highlights of Eastern Europe & Istanbul (12 days) -- Six countries are featured: Bulgaria, Croatia, Hungary, Romania, Serbia and Turkey. Spend time with a Croatian farming family and at a palace in Belgrade, and cruise past the stone cliffs called the Iron Gates.
Ultimate European Journey (26 days) -- Sail across a large swath of Europe between Amsterdam and Istanbul. See the baroque art and architecture of the Wurzburg Residenz, tour the Grand Market in Budapest and visit Istanbul's Topkapi Palace, once home to Ottoman sultans.
Click here to see all brand-new itineraries from Uniworld.
Viking River Cruises
There are several companies that offer river cruises around the world, covering rivers in Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas. Here's a list of some of the most well-known river cruise companies:
1. Viking River Cruises - Offers a wide variety of itineraries in Europe, Asia, and Egypt.
2. AmaWaterways - Known for luxury river cruising experiences in Europe, Asia, and Africa.
3. Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection - Provides a boutique hotel experience on rivers mostly in Europe, as well as in Egypt, India, and Asia.
4. Avalon Waterways - Offers cruises in Europe, Asia, South America, and Africa, known for their Suite Ships with unique cabin designs.
5. American Cruise Lines - Specializes in river and coastal cruises in the United States, including the Mississippi River and Alaska.
6. Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours - Offers all-inclusive luxury cruising along European rivers, the Mekong, and Russia's Volga.
7. Tauck River Cruising - A luxury travel company offering European river cruises, as well as on the Nile and the Yangtze.
8. Emerald Cruises (formerly Emerald Waterways) - Offers cruises in Europe and on the Mekong, and caters to an active demographic.
9. CroisiEurope - Offers value-oriented cruises in Europe along with cruises on the Mekong and in Africa.
11. Crystal River Cruises - Known for its high-end luxury offering on European rivers.
When considering a river cruise, it's essential to look at the destinations served, the type of experiences offered, the clientele they cater to (e.g., families, older travelers, luxury travelers), onboard amenities, and the price range that fits your budget. Always check for the most current information as the offerings and itineraries can change over time.
1. Expert Knowledge: River cruise specialists are knowledgeable about various cruise lines, ships, itineraries, and destinations. They are aware of the nuances between different cruise companies and can provide in-depth information and recommendations based on your preferences.
2. Personalized Service: They can tailor your trip to your specific needs, such as cabin selection, dietary requirements, and any special requests you may have. A specialist will take the time to understand what you want from your cruise and make suitable suggestions.
3. Access to Deals and Offers: Specialists often have access to exclusive deals, discounts, and promotions that are not available to the general public. They may also offer added value through complimentary upgrades or additional amenities.
4. Assistance with Pre and Post Cruise Arrangements: A river cruise specialist can help you with pre and post cruise travel plans like flights, transfers, hotel stays, and land tours, ensuring a seamless travel experience from start to finish.
5. Problem-Solving: Should any issues or emergencies arise before or during your cruise, a specialist can act as your advocate, working on your behalf to resolve problems and minimize the impact on your vacation.
6. Time-Saving: Planning a cruise can be time-consuming, especially when it comes to researching destinations, excursions, and logistics. A river cruise specialist can save you time by handling all the details and providing streamlined options that match your interests.
7. Insider Tips: Specialists often have first-hand experience with river cruising and can offer insider tips, like the best cabins for your needs, which onboard activities and shore excursions to consider, and how to make the most of your time in each port.
8. Peace of Mind: Knowing you have an expert handling the planning and available to assist you before, during, and after your cruise can provide peace of mind, allowing you to relax and enjoy your vacation.
It's important to find a river cruise specialist who is reputable and has a proven track record. Look for certifications from trusted travel industry organizations and read reviews from past clients to ensure you're working with a professional who will deliver a high level of service.
