Melk on the Danube River

European river cruises are becoming more popular for a number of reasons.   Because riverboats sail along Europe’s great waterways, there’s no time spent tendering ashore, or getting to and from the places you want to explore.  In most cases, you simply walk off the riverboat and into town.  Plus, when the boat is docked there overnight, you can have dinner ashore, or visit a pub after dinner to enjoy the local scene or listen to some music.   And you only have to pack and unpack once.

Most European river cruises include shore excursions in the fare, and beer or wine with dinner.  So your incidental expenses are less than they would be on an ocean cruise.   Many also include an overnight ashore before or after your voyage too.

There’s more to see while you’re cruising.  Europe’s castles, towers, villages, and farms are on either side of the river.  And the rooftop sundeck on most riverboats is a great place to watch the unfolding panorama.

There are four main European river cruise companies targeted to English-speaking cruisers:  AMA Waterways, Avalon Waterways, Uniworld River Cruises, and Viking River Cruises.  All three have won numerous awards from publications like Travel & Leisure and Conde Nast Traveler, making it a challenge to choose one over another.

All four lines offer Rhone River cruises, Saone River cruises, Seine River cruises, Danube River cruises, Main River cruises, Moselle River cruises, and Rhine River cruises.   They also have Christmas market cruises, spring-time tulip cruises in Holland and Belgium, and wine cruises in Burgundy.

There are some very good deals out there these days.  So price may be the determining factor.  When you compare prices, make sure to compare

Danube River

cabins on upper decks.  On older ships, cheaper cabins are close to the water line.  And look for hidden charges like port taxes, fuel surcharges, and transfers.

One of the newer river cruise lines, AMA Waterways was founded in 2002 as Amadeus by industry veterans.  Their ships include bicycles for guests,  elevators — a rarity for riverboats — and audio players for on-shore sightseeing.  Staterooms, which are larger than average, have ìinfotainment systems’ with keyboards, monitors, and  free WIFI Internet access.  And the modern bathrooms feature showers with three shower heads.  The suites have bathtubs.

Complimentary European wines flow freely at dinner.  And after dinner, there’s often a pianist playing in one of the two lounge.

Launched in 2004, Avalon is owned by Globus, a major tour operator that’s been in business for more than 80 years.  They introduce a new ship each year, and today, they have one of the youngest fleets afloat.  Their technical innovations include a propulsion system that they say produces a smoother, quieter ride.

Avalon currently has 8 boats operating in Europe, all carrying fewer than 170 passengers.  All staterooms are outside, and they’re larger than most.  Ninety percent of the cabins have French balconies with sliding glass doors.  And inside, you’ll find amenities like flat-screen TVs, Egyptian linens, and mini bars.

Since parent-company Globus operates the land-based tours for Avalon, their program ashore is professional and seamless.  And food on board is good and varied.  Expect your fellow Avalon passengers to be 50+.

Uniworld has been in the European River cruising business since the 1970s.  They were purchased in 2004 by The Travel Corporation, which also owns Trafalgar Tours and Insight Vacations, so their program ashore is also first rate.

With an average capacity of 134 passengers, their ships are a little smaller, and so are their staterooms.  But their staff to guest ratio of 1:3 is exceptional.   Meals are prepared fresh daily with local ingredients.  And being able to have dinner al fresco on the sun deck is a nice feature.

Lately, Uniworld has been trying to attract a younger audience to European river cruising by offering options like hot-air balloon rides and bicycle excursions.  In fact, bicycles are available onboard for guests’ use.  Several of their 2010 sailing are aimed at families, which is virtually unheard of in this industry.  Kids from 8 -18 pay 50% of the adult fare on selected sailings.

Foodies will enjoy the nine Epicurean Adventure Program cruises which include private wine tastings, cooking demonstrations, and culinary shore excursions.

In business since 1997, Viking River Cruises is the largest river cruise line with 21 riverboats in Europe, China, Russia, and Egypt.  Their newest ship, the 189-passenger Viking Legend, has innovative, green features like hybrid diesel/electric engines that produce 20% fewer emissions.  The new engine also reduces vibration and noise.

The riverboats’ tasteful interiors are Scandinavian in design and well thought out.  Most of the windows on their riverboats open to let in fresh air.  And on-board cultural performances enrich the experience.

Travelers looking for an intimate, hassle-free European vacation should seriously consider a European river cruise.

Melk on the Danube River image Flickr: joiseyshowaa

Danube River image Flickr: alisharusher