River Cruise Lines to Know

By -

If you’ve been on a river cruise, you know it’s a very different experience from an ocean cruise. The shoreline is always in sight, providing changing views and a panorama of life along the river. The smaller, more intimate ships can often dock right in the heart of a port city. And, the focus isn’t so much on the ship’s amenities, but the places you’ll visit; days without a port call are rare.

If you haven’t cruised on a river yet, take a look at this brief summary of some well-known river cruise lines and their styles.

AmaWaterways takes pride in its airy, elegant ships. Innovations include twin-balcony staterooms equipped with both Juliet and sittable balconies. This was the first river cruise line to offer a full-size, onboard pickleball court; bicycles that passengers can use on shore; and a complimentary Chef’s Table restaurant for a special dining experience. AmaWaterways sails in Europe, Southeast Asia, and Africa.

Avalon Waterways’ ships feature spacious suites designed for maximum views through wide, floor-to-ceiling windows. Instead of traditional balconies, the windows slide open to make the entire suite an open-air space. Some ships offer deluxe staterooms that have smaller windows, but amenities equal to a suite. Avalon sails on several European rivers as well as the Nile and the Mekong, and offers Amazon and Galapagos adventures, too.

Tauck River Cruises offers onshore experiences focused on places and events that are generally not available to the public, such as after-hours museum visits and private palace tours. Tauck’s ships sail European rivers like the Danube, Rhine, Seine, Douro, and more. Tauck also offers small-ship ocean cruises, as well as an extensive variety of land tours on seven continents.

Viking River Cruises’ ships are far more comfortable than the Viking ships of the Middle Ages, but they still have an adventurous Scandinavian spirit and aesthetic. Ship decor makes generous use of natural light, light woods, and simple but comfortable furnishings. Viking’s ships sail the rivers of Europe, the Nile, the Mekong, and more, as well as U.S. itineraries on the Mississippi and the Great Lakes. Viking has ocean-going ships, too.

Be sure to talk with Anita, your professional travel advisor, about these and other popular river cruise lines. And when it comes to pricing, keep in mind that river cruises are often more inclusive than ocean cruises; for example, beverages and shore excursions may be automatically included in your fare.

Find us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/AtthetaTravel

Popular posts from this blog

Zip Line Adventures

By -
Zip lines – gravity-propelled, off-the-ground pulley and cable systems – are booming in popularity and are in high demand as cruise shore excursions. The cruise lines meet their guests’ desire to zip through the air, offering zip line adventures in many ports around the globe. It’s a great way to see scenery – forest canopies, mountains, remote waterfalls – that would be difficult to see from a lower vantage point. Zip lines had humble beginnings, serving as practical transportation down mountains or across river valleys. Today, most zip lines are used for entertainment and adventure: riders say the feeling is something like flying. Reputable zip line operators follow careful procedures; steel cables and strong harnesses assure comfort and safety, along with an exhilarating experience. Since 2007, more than 40,000 cruise ship guests have ridden the zip line at Icy Strait Point in Hoonah, Alaska, where the adventure begins with a scenic ride up the mountain (keep an eye out for...
Read more

Dining With the Kids

By -
One part of cruising that everyone looks forward to is onboard dining. But if you’re cruising with children, you may wonder how well the ship will meet their gastronomic needs. In short, don’t worry. Cruise ship chefs and servers know how to work with diners who might be a bit fussy, a little messy, and always hungry. One aspect of cruise ship dining that’s great for kids is the variety of dining spots and food available. Most ships have at least two dining options – a main dining room and a buffet – as well as themed or specialty dining venues (some ships have dozens of these). The main dining room offers sit-down, multicourse breakfasts, lunches and dinners for all ages. Some offer special children’s menus, but kids are welcome to order from the regular menu, too. If your child doesn’t find the menu appealing, get creative. Ask for a side dish as main plate; for a different preparation, such as chicken that’s fried instead of grilled; or for an unfamiliar sauce or despised vegeta...
Read more

Letter from Cruise Holidays

By -
At Cruise Holidays, the health and safety of our clients is always top of mind. As the coronavirus situation evolves, we want you to know that we are working hard to stay up-to-date on all the facts so that we can help address any of your travel concerns. We’re here to help you travel smarter. We are also in constant contact with our suppliers (i.e. airlines, hotels, tour operators and cruise lines) to understand their latest policies and terms to benefit all of our clients whose travel has been impacted. Here is some information that may be helpful. Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) resources: The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are monitoring the situation in real-time. Both organizations have issued guidance for preventing exposure to respiratory illnesses. Older adults or those with chronic medical conditions may want to seek the advice of a medical professional. Travel warnings and advisories: Both the U.S. State Department ...
Read more