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Limber up for a game of pickleball on the full-size court that was just added in 2023. Passengers can work out solo at the Zen Wellness Studio or join an open-air spin class, while drinking in scenic river views. The ship's ample deck space also offers passengers the chance to unwind in the heated pool and indulge in a nap-inducing massage in one of two treatment rooms. From Portugal's dazzling Douro to the mighty Danube, a river cruise is a fantastic way of exploring Europe’s magical cities and sensational countryside. Sparkling new Europe-based ships seemingly debut every year, all with innovative features and itineraries that showcase art, history, food and more. The best European river cruises make it easy to enjoy the continent’s marvelous scenery to its fullest, with thoughtful amenities, intimate ship sizes and a slower pace to soak it all in.
European River Cruising
The eight-day "Sensations of Lyon & Provence" cruise begins in Lyon and heads to a quaint village and then south again towards Tournon, with its 16th-century castle. Along the way, guests can choose a hike through vineyards, canoe trip, village walking tours, or wine tasting onboard. Scenic offers both ocean and river cruises, all with emphasis on its fleet of "Space-Ships" and their meticulous design and spacious quarters. Ships offer a wellness area, massage services, gym, e-bikes, and onboard entertainment. The 196-passenger, Danube-based AmaMagna is a standout among the cruise line’s well-equipped offerings.
Grand European Tour
The cruise ends in Passau with a choice of bicycling, walking, or hiking to explore the city and a special captain's farewell reception and dinner. Sail the Seine from Paris to Normandy aboard Tauck’s intimate 98-passenger MS Sapphire to explore destinations such as Caudebec-en-Caux, Les Andelys, Mont-St-Michel and Étretat. The cruise features a number of thoughtful, exclusive excursions, like dinner at the 16th-century Château du Taillis and a walking tour in Rouen to Joan of Arc Square and the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Rouen. Most poignant, however, is the chance to pause at the D–Day Beaches, with 2024 marking the 80th anniversary of the Allied landings in Normandy. The guided tour also visits the somber Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial on Omaha Beach. Selecting the right river cruise for you depends on the kind of experience you’re after.
Ships
Summer, when the weather is hottest, is peak season and as a result Europe’s cities are particularly crowded. Because of that, we recommend taking a Danube river cruise in April, May, September and October. Good Housekeeping's seven-night itinerary sails in September, when the weather should still be balmy and dry, but the summer hordes have gone home. Norwegian line Hurtigruten explores remote parts of the British Isles on a 12-night itinerary (from $6,741 per person) next spring and summer, with the recently updated 532-passenger Maud. Sailing roundtrip from Dover, United Kingdom, passengers will visit places known for Neolithic sites, bird colonies, whiskey, and woolens.
All the New River Cruise Ships for 2024 - TravelAge West
All the New River Cruise Ships for 2024.
Posted: Mon, 15 Jan 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]
If you want to see the Northern Lights in Norway, Seabourn’s wintertime Norway cruises are your best bet. Join Uniworld CEO Ellen Bettridge, our destination experts, and two 2023 Rivers of the World cruisers to learn what to expect on this once-in-a-lifetime adventure. Our decades of luxury cruising experience and 100+ years of hospitality excellence means you're always in the best hands. You deserve the finest chefs, the freshest locally-sourced ingredients, and distinctive wines and beers chosen by acclaimed sommeliers.
Grand European Tour Map
At Blaye, Vauban’s 17th century citadel is a military masterpiece complete with village and ramparts to explore. The trouble is, stars come with crowds, so looking beyond the obvious is a good idea. I defy anyone to gaze at the roof of the Hospices de Beaune on the Saône and not be mesmerised by its geometrical beauty, or walk the streets of Strasbourg on the Ill and not believe you’re back in medieval times. Other hotspots along the Danube include the verdant Wachau Valley in Austria, which tumbles down to the riverbanks; and medieval Esztergom, Hungary’s former capital, which is home to the country’s largest church, Esztergom Basilica.
The world’s best cruises for 2024
While Scenic isn't strictly adults-only, this elegant Australian-owned cruise line doesn't tend to draw many families, making it ideal for couples. There are 12 Scenic all-suite vessels on Europe's waterways, each one featuring nifty innovations such as in-suite windows that slide down at the touch of a button—perfect for languid mornings gazing at picture-perfect scenery. Couples can dress up for glitzy cocktail receptions and choose from romantic dining venues, including Portobellos or L'Amour, for candlelit meals for two.
What happens when your cruise ship leaves you behind?
In Bratislava, Junior Adventurers can visit a petting zoo, and in the evening, there's family karaoke. A tour of Vienna and Schönbrunn Palace, marionette show, concert, and strudel making are options the next day. After an Oktoberfest celebration and captain's farewell dinner, the cruise ends the next day.
Perhaps the best known of the river cruise companies, Viking promotes their "longships," which include large suites and inviting verandas for outdoor dining. Guests enjoy Viking's destination-focused dining as well as the variety of staterooms and itineraries with a wide range of prices. Some lines, however, offer excellent value—especially when you compare the price to the overall cost of a land-based vacation in Europe. One cruise line that consistently offers great value is Emerald Cruises, a river cruise operator that gets travelers more bang for their buck—without compromising on quality or service.
The six-day "Highlights of the Rhine" cruise begins in Cologne and cruises on to Rotterdam and then Amsterdam the following day. Options include a bus tour, canal tour, pedal boats, or private auto tour, each at an additional cost. This German cruise company's distinctive ships are easy to recognize by the large red lips and rose on the bow.
The chateaux of the Loire will always be a draw, and while this cruise has an all-day excursion to discover them, Nantes is a jewel in its own right. The castle of the Dukes of Brittany, giant mechanical elephants — yes really — and taking coffee in La Cigale, the wonderful 19th century Belle Epoch Brasserie, are essential sites to tick off. Calling at Paris, Melun, Barbizon, Moret-Loing-et-Orvanne and Sens. Departs th September. Similarly, part of the central square in Libourne is surrounded by the traditional arcades and is especially lively on market days.
We wanted them to travel Europe's rivers in the same beyond-the-ordinary Tauck style they experienced on our land trips. With that in mind, we searched to find a company to partner with that would share our values and our commitment to "do the right thing" by our guests... Together, we crafted a river cruise experience that was ahead of its time and inspired by the destinations we explore.
