From the tulips of April to the Christmas markets in December, hundreds of barges and riverboats glide along the historic rivers of Europe, which span thousand miles of continental waterways, and connect North Sea to Black Sea.
However, riverboats are too small and can't offer the big-ship options including Vegas-style entertainment, vast sun decks, modern spa and fitness facilities, kids clubs and much more - riverboats just serve as floating hotels. They are built long and low-slung, out of necessity to squeeze through narrow canal sluices and under solid ancient bridges.
Times are changing for Europe river cruise, as operators like Uniworld, AmaWaterways, Avalon, Viking River, Scenic, Tauck, and others invest in new boats which incorporate more of contemporary cruise ships' features. The new-builds feature spacious suites with two rooms, full-balconied cabins, alternative dining, Wi-Fi, swimming pools, gyms and spas, precious art collections.
The thing which makes Europe river cruise different from typical ocean cruises is the emphasis on the visited places. Every day features a new port as no "river" days are here. Guided tours are all included, and no passengers spend the day on boat when they can be out exploring.
It's nice that Europe river cruise itineraries offer a diverse mix of metropolises, such as Paris, Vienna, Budapest and Amsterdam, picturesque villages like Danube's Durnstein, Rhone's Provence, and Rhine's Cochem.
Following are the reasons why to take Europe river cruise.
The Great Value of Europe River Cruise
Europe river cruise riverboats do not spend full days on the European rivers, but when they pass through exquisite stretches like Rhine River Gorge or Danube Wachau Valley, lines feature daytime river cruising, entertainment and themed meals.
Europe river cruising offers excellent vacation value, with modest entertainment (like Austrian string quartets, not revues that are Las Vegas-style), shore excursions, local wines with dinner, all included in Europe river cruise fares.
Tauck River Cruising is especially good as offering shoreside compelling activities, such as dance performances, private concerts, chef-led excursions to European food markets.
Free shore tours - shore touring takes central part in Europe river cruise concept. Shore tours are usually included in Europe river cruises cost. Tours vary as some are traditional village and city walks, while others offer experiential or active options (cycling tours, wine tastings and meals in private homes). The big plus is they use technology which makes it easy to follow along. AmaWaterways, Tauck and Avalon issue guests personal headsets, that plug into wireless receivers and all can hear the guides clearly, no matter the venue or distance.
Europe river cruises guests never get bored as between the tour-packed port days, there are shore tours, lectures, cocktail parties and meals.
Your Luxury Europe River Cruise
Uniworld Europe river cruises offer the best posh onboard ambience. S.S. Antoinette, which is line's newest vessel, plies Rhine and features magnificent sun deck with plush pillows, wrought iron chaises, the trendy Leopard Bar, beautiful spa and indoor pool. Its variety of mini-suites with silk-walls offer the perfect indulgence. S.S. Antoinette has nifty competition from Europe river cruises other lines, such as Viking River, Scenic and AmaWaterways.
Europe River Cruise boutique cabins are unique and spacious. Europe river cruise lines like Avalon, Uniworld, Viking River and Scenic update ship designs and standard cabins got more spacious, feature hotel-style beds, marble bathrooms (compact, but still practical). Europe river cruises suites are becoming more popular. Avalon launched all-suite river cruises ships. Viking River longship design (by 2014 a dozen) provides two-room suites.
Is Europe River Cruise Eco-friendly?
One of the reasons Europe river cruises to become more eco-friendly is that it's becoming more popular sightseeing by bicycle. Bicyclists are respected in Western Europe, and they have tree-lined huge paths and paved smoothly lanes that are set aside for them only.
Like lots of other Europe river cruise riverboats, AmaWaterways Amacello carries 20 bikes that are available to take out in port at no charge if you're eager for city tour active options. Choose to ride along riverside and you can meet the ship at next port. Europe river cruise directors often help chart the route and warn about making wrong choices. Another thing are Scenic Tours Scenic Crystal onboard electric-powered bicycles.
Europe river cruise companies are becoming increasingly eco-friendly. The major river cruises lines invest in new technologies to improve operational efficiency, environmental sensitivity and safety.
Viking River plays the leading role. One of the biggest achievements of Viking River 19-ships fleet is on its newest - state-of-the-art new propulsion system delivering vibration-free, quieter, and environmentally friendly sailing. Guests won't even notice what's going on below waterline.
The truth is that the diesel-electric hybrid engines save 20% on fuel. So, isn't Europe river cruise eco-friendly?