European River CruisesEuropean river cruises have been popular for many years with Europeans. It is only in the last 5 or 6 years that they have really caught on with US passengers. The cruise lines that operate river cruise ships in Europe made specific changes to attract American clients. They made the cabins bigger and updated their fleets (most ships have been renovated or were built since 2000). They also catered to English speaking guests by making sure the crew and shore excursion leaders all spoke English. Many ships are non-smoking or at least have non-smoking public rooms. Almost all of the river systems of Europe are served by the various cruise lines. Probably the most popular is the Rhine, Main, Danube system that allows a ship to sail from Amsterdam to the Black Sea. There are river cruises in Portugal, Russia, Italy, and France as well as the Eastern and Western countries along the Rhine and Danube. A river cruise is a unique way to see the countries of Europe. Ocean cruises are limited to the big ocean harbors. Bus tours can go anywhere but you have to unpack and pack again at every new hotel. Your river cruise ship (your hotel) takes you from town to town. Of course, many of the most important towns in Europe grew up along the rivers. You will also get to stop in smaller less populated towns that offer a different view of European culture than you see in the larger, more popular tourist attractions. The cruiselines that sail European rivers include:Amadeus Waterways - is one of the smaller and newer companies cruising European rivers. They have three ships, all new and all aimed specifically at the US market. Their emphasis is on the countries bordering the Rhine, Main, and Danube (both Eastern and Western Europe).
Avalon Waterways - is very similar in size and scope to Amadeus. They also have three new ships and concentrate on the main rivers through the heart of Europe from Amsterdam to the Black Sea.
Peter Deilmann Cruises - is billed as the most upscale of the European River Cruising companies. Seven of their nine ships are rated 5 Stars. Being a German company, they do have more emphasis on Germany than their competitors but they do sail the whole of the Rhine, Main, Danube system. Unlike their competitors, they do not include shore excursions in their prices. They do offer excursion packages at an attractive price.
Uniworld - operates eight ships that cover all of the European river systems including Portugal (the only company sailing the Douro River). Their ships are new, elegant, and comfortable for North American guests. Their itineraries tend to include more extensive shore excursions than the others with the possible exception of Viking.
Viking River Cruises - operates thirteen (mostly new, some refurbished) ships in Europe and Russia. They do not sail in Portugal but have multiple itineraries in every other area. Their selection of included shore excursions is more extensive than their competitors.
|
