Sunday, April 21, 2024

Our Readers' Favorite River Cruise Lines of 2023

river cruise boat

And some river cruises are much more active than others with, for instance, biking and hiking tours. AmaWaterways ups its dedication to active cruisers with a bevy of wellness spaces as well, including massage rooms, a fitness center, open-air spin classes on the sun deck and a pool. However, despite being twice as wide as most river ships in Europe, there are only about 30% more travelers onboard (just shy of 200 passengers). Grand Circle generally draws travelers aged over 50 and is a popular line for Americans cruising the rivers of Europe. Grand Circle attracts a high number of repeat passengers, drawn by value-for-money fares that are often lower than other European river cruises. During Amawaterways' Black History cruise, guests aboard the AmaKristina will sail through the South of France along the Rhone River.

river cruise boat

What Readers Loved

Guests then disembark at The Dalles, Oregon, for whitewater rafting or a relaxing winery tour. The voyage begins in Memphis, where passengers can visit the Stax Museum of American Soul Music, take in a show at one of the nightclubs along legendary Beale Street, or tour Elvis Presley's mansion, Graceland. After a day of cruising, the ship stops at Paducah, Kentucky, where you can admire the more than 50 murals on the floodwall along Water Street before exploring the National Quilt Museum. The next day, the ship travels through the Barkley Lock and past the stunning coves and limestone bluffs of the Cumberland River's Lake Barkley– a view best enjoyed from the balcony of your stateroom.

Grand Circle Line

Catherine on the Rhone and Saone, for instance, boasts a $1 million art collection. Here are five river cruises that will show you the U.S. in a whole new light. Cruising the Mississippi River and its tributaries with American Cruise Lines is an extraordinary journey through history.

Upper Mississippi

A Sinking Feeling: Mid-Ohio Valley riverboat cruise operator ceasing operations - The Review

A Sinking Feeling: Mid-Ohio Valley riverboat cruise operator ceasing operations.

Posted: Sat, 24 Feb 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]

From Colonial pioneers to entrepreneurs, much of America’s story has been forged – or fought – along their length. The Mississippi River is navigable from New Orleans, Louisiana to the Twin Cities of Minnesota, and forms a maritime corridor through the U.S. heartland. The 10-day itinerary features visits to the Taj Mahal, Rajbari temple complex, and Mother Teresea’s home. One price covers most everything—port charges, Wi-Fi, meals, lectures, activities and shore excursions—plus hotel accommodations on cruisetours. Cruise through the smooth waters of the Puget Sound and San Juan Islands as you view the Olympic and Cascade Mountains. From a charming fishing village take part in a whale watching cruise and kayak excursion, where you can also view eagles and seals.

Most European Waterways ships are old working barges, though the casual houseboat atmosphere includes beautiful modern interiors. Each all-inclusive cruise holds just eight to 20 passengers and can also be chartered by families and groups. Upscale river line Tauck is the best for solo river cruises in Europe, even though Grand Circle gives the line a run for its money. Tauck waives single supplement charges on all of its Category 1 lower-deck cabins on every ship in its European fleet. Perks include a roommate matching service for solo cruisers, competitively priced single supplements and group discounts, plus price match guarantees. Ships offer traditional-style cruising and Exclusive Discovery Series, which provides first-person accounts from locals or expert talks about the destinations you'll be visiting.

After disembarking, passengers can explore nearby Minneapolis before going home. History buffs will love this nine-day cruise along the Upper Mississippi and Illinois rivers aboard American Queen Voyages' 245-passenger American Countess paddle wheeler. The itinerary offers guests a chance to explore the idyllic river towns that inspired the Father of American Literature.

river cruise boat

The journey from Arles to Lyon will include stops in Avignon, Viviers, Tournon, and Vienne. After arriving in Lyon, passengers will stay in Paris for an exclusive guided tour showcasing jazz, food, and wine, all while shining a light on Black heritage. American Cruise Lines has carefully curated two comprehensive cruises across America, featuring the best and most popular destinations we bring our guests to on our 50+ itineraries. The Great United States itinerary celebrates America the beautiful on a 61-day adventure across 20 states, on 3 ships, and connected by 2 flights. The ships deliver great food and wine and beyond-the-norm experiences on shore, such as the chance to sip local varietals in a wine cave.

Passengers can disembark for a guided hike, then return for a wine tasting with the ship's sommelier. The gourmand adventures continue with an excursion to Walla Walla, Washington, which includes visits to olive oil makers, chocolatiers, and family-owned wine cellars. Day five begins at the mouth of the Palouse River, where guests can kayak or paddleboard. The next day, passengers can visit Columbia Hills State Park and Rowena Plateau on foot or by skiff boat while enjoying river dips, farm-to-fork delights, and a wine tour and tasting.

The line charters AmaWaterways and, while you shouldn't expect a bevy of Disney branding on the ship, Disney's Adventure Guides are trained to bring kids into the river cruise experience. Fancy associations aside, these credentials translate into some truly awesome dining experiences. European ships have the cozy Chef's Table restaurant where all guests get to dine for free once every cruise. AmaWaterways also has food and wine-themed sailings accompanied by expert hosts.

Mississippi River cruises take hit as American Queen shuts down - MinnPost

Mississippi River cruises take hit as American Queen shuts down.

Posted: Wed, 28 Feb 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]

When you choose to apply (and are approved) for a new credit card through our site, we may receive compensation from our partners, and this may impact how or where these products appear. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information. The hand-held, everything-taken-care-of luxury experience that Tauck provides is hard to beat. For those watching their pennies, Emerald is the best of the budget-priced ships.

The best river cruises have always had a mystique to draw travelers in—even those who are new to cruising. For history buffs, they could be an excellent way to visit ancient sites or historical landmarks. For those that love the outdoors, river journeys are a way to experience the natural landscape of the dream destinations.

Particularly on the newer ships, guests stay in big, hotel-like staterooms with indoor sitting areas and balconies (on the 175-passenger American Symphony, for instance, cabins range from 250 to 650 square feet). Local entertainment comes on board, the food is often locally sourced, and cocktail parties are included in the cruise fare. If that size river cruise sounds too small for you, Uniworld is a great boutique-style option for sailing Europe's rivers..

Children must be 10 years old or older to take part in Emerald’s kid-friendly voyages. Both itineraries have been modified and feature destinations the whole family can enjoy. The Danube Explorer includes stops in Germany, Austria, Slovakia, and Hungary. While the Jewels of the Rhine explores the Netherlands, Germany, France, and Switzerland. Everyone goes to the cocktail parties, and getting to know your fellow passengers is a big part of the experience. Adventures by Disney is, unsurprisingly, one of the best river cruise lines for families in Europe.

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