European River Cruises - Rhine and Danube River
River Cruising has 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. You can search our database for select river and canal cruise current offers, 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 barge operators, 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.
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 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.
< 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.
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 Watereways, Peter Dielmann Cruises, Uniworld, and Viking River Cruises. There are other companies, some with their own ships, and some using the same ships these principal companies use.
Amadeus Waterways
Amadeus Waterways has a fleet of 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. 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. Search for Amadeus Waterways river cruises.
Avalon Waterways
Avalon is owned and operated by tour operator Globus, and its European river cruise ships are among the newest fleet, generally with slightly larger cabins, at over 170+ square feet, than some of its competition. Avalon offers cruises on the Rhine, Moselle, Danube, Black Sea, Russia. China and Tulip Time cruises in spring. 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. The company 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
A longtime pioneer in this market, Uniworld has always specialized in tailoring products exclusively for the American market. It's newest Europe river cruise vessel, River Royale, is also the first to have Wi-Fi access. Upgrades include flat screen televisions, terrycloth bathrobes, higher-count thread linens, wool-cashmere throws, and European-style comforters. Compplimentary wine is served on board with meals. 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, has some ten river ships in central Europe plus a few more in Russia and Ukraine. In addition to standard European river cruise programs, Viking also operates a program on the Seine in France. Search for Europe river cruises from Viking River Cruises.
What are My Choices for River Cruises Other Than Europe?
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, Uniworld, Viking River Cruises, Regal Cruises and the deluxe Orient Royal Cruises.
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 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 are also two river cruise products available in Myanmar (formerly Burma). Contact our river cruise experts for more information.
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.
