The simplicity of touring on a moving hotel can be yours with a
reservation for a river cruise. The Mediterranean region is
famous for its charm and beauty, and to see it decked out in
holiday finery will be an unforgettable experience.
Waterway cruises are sometimes called mini cruises simply
because they are shorter than a Transatlantic crossing, or an
extended vacation in a tropical resort. But they are not small
or second rate. New cruise lines have sprung up to offer these
specialized trips to famous cities of Europe via the natural
water channels of the continent. You will experience a closeness
with the countries you visit that is not possible on large
vessels.
The large cruise lines, such as P&O Cunard, Royal Caribbean,
Fred Olson, or Princess, have not ventured into offering tours
on smaller waterways. For trips that sail from sea or ocean
ports, their vessels are ideal. It is something of a specialty
to navigate narrower water channels in style. Many of these
companies have created a club for discounted rates.
AMA Waterways is a standard for luxury in the genre. AMA focuses
on the best of Europe. New in 2010 they are offering a romantic
Danube Christmas cruise, and a Far East tour of Viet Nam and
Cambodia.
Avalon Waterways will cruise the Danube, Nile, Rhine, Rhone,
Moselle, Seine, or Main. Whether you prefer northern or southern
Europe, there is a package for you. The Yangtze in China is also
on their itinerary.
Brendan has 40 years of experience boating Europe, and have
recently added four new ships to their line. Specialties include
a Greek tour, Turkey, and Italy.
Sea Cloud offers a great variety of trips traveling most
navigable waterways throughout the continent, including the more
exotic eastern cities such as Budapest, Bratislava, Oryakhovo
and more.
Tauck Tours focuses on the ancient heart of Europe including the
Rhine, Moselle, Main, Danube, and the Black Sea.
Uniworld has been chosen by Conte Nast as being among the best
small cruise ships. Sail the well known Rhine, Rhone, Seine,
Danube, Moselle, Main, and Nile, or the less traveled Saone of
southern France, or the Duoro through Portugal and Spain.
Viking ships cruise the romantic Danube and Rhine. They also
serve the Far East with a tour of China’s Yangtze.