Exploring River Cruise Lines

Get to know 5 Luxury European River Cruise Lines 

There are many cruise lines that sail along the rivers of Europe. Each river cruise line offers a unique blend of accommodations, excursions, ports of call and land packages, making it an adventure in itself to select the perfect one.  
Let's dive into the world of river cruising and explore some of the most acclaimed cruise lines in the industry.

1. AMA Waterways - Heart of The River 
AMA Waterways stands out with its spacious and well-appointed accommodations. Whether you prefer French balconies, twin balconies, or step-out balconies, each cabin offers a comfortable retreat. The exciting excursions led by local guides provide an authentic insight into the destination. From the majestic Danube to the romantic Rhine and beyond, AMA Waterways explores some of the most picturesque ports of call in Europe. 

Distinguishing Feature: AMA Waterways stands out with their exceptional ship design. Their ships are purpose-built to navigate lower water levels, allowing them to stay in the water when other lines are forced to take motorcoaches. Additionally, AMA Waterways introduced the remarkable AMA Magna, a ship that offers an exciting and distinctive amenity – a dedicated Pickleball court. This innovative feature caters to sports enthusiasts, providing them with the opportunity to enjoy this popular and engaging activity while immersing themselves in the beauty of the river cruise experience. 
 
2. Avalon: Cruising Elevated 
Avalon revolutionizes river cruising with its impressive Panorama Suites. Floor-to-ceiling windows open to create an open-air balcony, allowing guests to marvel at the stunning landscapes. The variety of excursions caters to all interests, with guided city tours, cultural immersions, and active pursuits like hiking and biking. From the mighty Rhine to the enchanting Danube, Avalon's cruises take you to captivating corners of Europe. 

​Distinguishing Feature: Setting themselves apart in the world of river cruising, Avalon Waterways offers an exceptional feature known as their "Suite Ships." These magnificent ships boast Panorama Suites, which are designed with wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows. Avalon's Panorama Suites are more than 30% larger than the industry standard, and as an added touch, the beds face the windows, allowing guests to wake up to stunning views each day. 

3. Viking: Exploring the World in Comfort 
Viking offers an exceptional river cruise experience with its stylish and comfortable staterooms. Viking's unique Scandinavian-inspired décor creates a sense of warmth and tranquility, while their culinary offerings showcase regional flavors and ingredients. Immerse yourself in local culture with their guided excursions, designed to bring each destination to life.  Viking lets you explore the world at your pace. Don't forget to consider their pre and post-cruise land packages for even more unforgettable moments. 

Distinguishing Feature: Viking offers guests a savings when they choose ACH payments rather than using a credit card, whether booking direct or through a travel advisor. It is worth noting that final payment in any form is due about one year in advance. 

4. Tauck: Travel Beyond Ordinary 
Tauck's river cruise ships exude an intimate ambiance, offering spacious cabins and luxurious amenities. Their included shore excursions provide a deeper understanding of each destination, while their itineraries cover major European rivers like the Danube, Rhine, and Seine. Extend your journey with their seamless land packages and explore more iconic cities and landmarks. 

Distinguishing Feature: Tauck's exceptional travel experience is defined by their dedicated team of Tauck Directors and handpicked local guides. Tauck offers an immersive experience with their onboard concert series. Musicians come aboard to perform live, giving guests the opportunity to enjoy delightful music right on the ship. Gratuities are included, making Tauck one of the most inclusive. 

5. Riverside: Luxury on the Water 
Riverside offers elegant accommodations, decorated with style and complemented by large windows or balconies. Unveil the treasures of Europe as you embark on guided city tours and indulge in wine tastings and culinary adventures. With journeys along the Rhine, Danube, Rhône, and Saône, Riverside takes you to picturesque destinations, painting a beautiful picture of Europe's hidden gems. Riverside is new to the industry, recently acquiring ships previously belonging to Crystal Cruises.  

Distinguishing Feature: Indulge in the luxurious staterooms aboard Riverside cruises. Each cabin is elegantly designed as a suite, offering comfort and sophistication. To enhance the experience further, every suite comes with a dedicated personal butler. Gratuities are included, both on the ship as well as on land packages. 

The world of river cruising offers endless possibilities. Whether you're seeking a luxurious retreat, immersive cultural experiences, or breathtaking landscapes, these river cruise lines have something to offer every traveler. Embrace the wonders of the waters and choose the river cruise line that suits your desires. Let your next extraordinary adventure take place aboard one of these exceptional cruise lines. 

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