River Cruises - Europe

There is no experience quite like a river cruise in Europe. The trip lies somewhere between a traditional cruise ship and a land tour. One thing is certain, cruising the waterways of Europe is probably the best way to sample this magnificent area in depth and in comfort. Unlike large ocean liners, these specialty boats make their way down the internal river systems that link village, cities, regions and even entire countries. Travel is often during the night allowing with docking right at “downtown” piers allowing guests to walk ashore on their own or join shore excursions arranged by the line. There are several major companies that cater to North American guests and conduct programs predominantly in English. Stateroom accommodations are cruise ship style but somewhere smaller due to the physical constraints of the various rivers. On board amenities are designed to enhance the land experience unlike mega cruise ships which are self contained floating resorts. Since most carry less than 150 passengers, these river boats create a convivial and friendly atmosphere amongst both passengers and staff.

Since virtually all meals are taken on board, it is a great hedge against the rising Euro from a dining and hotel viewpoint.

Uniworld
Uniworld is one of the largest operators of European river cruises with a fleet of 9 ships. Marketed primarily to North Americans, English is the main language used on board. Various itineraries take place on the Rhine, Moselle, Danube, Main, Rhone, Saone, and Douro (Portugal and Spain) Rivers. Itineraries span 8 to 30 days. The Uniworld river experience is famous for its friendly staff and excellent onboard dining which takes advantage of fresh, local supplies including excellent cheeses and other delicacies.

Amadeus Waterways
Amadeus Waterways is a well known and experienced river cruise operator with a fleet of 5 vessels which provide a variety of itinerary choices including the Danube, Rhine, Moselle, Rhone, and Volga (Russia) rivers. Ship size ranges from 130 to 150 passengers in standard outside cabins ranging from 160 to 170 square feet and Junior Suites at 236 to 255 square feet. Dining is open seating and includes local wines. English is the primary on board language.

Peter Dielmann Cruises
Deilmann River Cruises are designed for the first time cruisers as well as the frequent European vacationer who enjoys comfort, style, attentive service and fine dining. Casually elegant ambience and deluxe standards can be found fleet-wide, and all voyages are seven days or longer. You can choose between five star vessels such as the MV Mozart, MV Katharina, MV Heidelberg, MV Dresden, MV Cezanne, MV Casanova or MV Frederic Chopin. Four-star voyages are offered on board the MV Konigstein, and MV Princesse de Provence.

Viking River Cruises
Viking bills itself as the largest operator of river cruises with 11 vessels dedicated to European itineraries. Beginning with the purchase of four ships in Russia, the company’s expansion continued with the purchase in 2000 of Europe’s KD River Cruises—a company with a heritage of more than a century of river cruising. Built to accommodate discerning travelers, Viking offers Rhine, Danube, Main, Elba, and Seine river cruises. Viking caters to both North American and international passengers with a friendly English speaking staff. The Europe fleet accommodates from 124 to 198 passengers in standard and deluxe staterooms ranging in size from 120 to 154 square feet.