European river cruises are really gaining in popularity.
There are several good reasons why.
First of all, since the riverboats sail along Europe's great waterways, you're never far from the heart of things.
The castles, vineyards, and sights you've come to see are just a few hundred yards away.
Going ashore is as easy as docking in town - there are no tenders to catch and no long bus rides from the port city.
Lastly, when the ship is docked somewhere for the evening, you can go back into town simply by walking off the boat.
On a river cruises, you're never far from where you want to be.
Because many European cruises include shore excursions, beer or wine with dinner, and other items that are extra on ocean cruises, they really are all inclusive.
In some cases, a hotel night is also included before or after you board the riverboat.
On a river cruise, the distances between destinations is relatively short, so you'll usually spend the morning exploring a town, come back aboard for lunch, sail for a few hours, and then arrive someplace new.
When you are sailing, head up to the sundeck for great views of the European countryside.
Most American river cruisers sail with Viking River Cruises, Uniworld River Cruises, AMA Waterways, or Avalon Waterways.
All four lines provide great experiences and good value for money.
Especially right now, when there are still some two-for-one fares available.
It's hard to rate one line above another.
So which one you choose may boil down to which has the cabin you want available when you want to travel.
With only 60 or 70 cabins, these boats fill up faster than ocean cruises ship with 1,500 cabins.
Viking River Cruises.
Viking River Cruises has been in business since 1997.
With 21 riverboats, they have the largest fleet of any European river cruise line.
Their boats are Scandinavian in design, and the newest, Viking Legend, has innovative features that reduce noise, vibration, and emissions.
They offer cruises on all the major European rivers, as well as in China, Russia, and Egypt.
Uniworld River Cruises.
Uniworld has been operating European programs since the 1970s.
They are owned by the Travel Corporation, which also owns Trafalgar Tours.
If you are a loyal Trafalgar customer, you'll probably enjoy Uniworld too.
Carrying just 134 passengers, their ships are smaller than some, as are the staterooms.
The crew to guest ratio of 3-to-1 is excellent, so you can expect great service.
Uniworld understands the importance of food to many of its passengers so they have developed an Epicurean Adventure Program that includes special food-oriented activities on several departures.
They also have options for more active travelers like biking tours and hot-air balloon rides.
And if you want to travel with the kids, Uniworld is probably your best bet.
AMA Waterways.
One of the youngest cruise companies, AMA Waterways started in 2002 as Amadeus.
Their ships have larger staterooms with high-tech amenities like infotainment systems, WiFi Internet access, and modern showers with multiple shower heads They also have elevators, so if you have difficulty with stairs, choose AMA.
Avalon Waterways.
Avalon Waterways has eight riverboats in Europe.
Owned by Globus, they introduce a new ship each year, and consequently, have one of the youngest fleets.
Their boats carry fewer than 170 passengers and cabins have flat screen TVs and mini bars.
Ninety percent of the cabins have French balconies.
European river cruises offer thoughtful travelers the opportunity to travel in comfort and style, and to experience a part of Europe up close and in depth.
There are several good reasons why.
First of all, since the riverboats sail along Europe's great waterways, you're never far from the heart of things.
The castles, vineyards, and sights you've come to see are just a few hundred yards away.
Going ashore is as easy as docking in town - there are no tenders to catch and no long bus rides from the port city.
Lastly, when the ship is docked somewhere for the evening, you can go back into town simply by walking off the boat.
On a river cruises, you're never far from where you want to be.
Because many European cruises include shore excursions, beer or wine with dinner, and other items that are extra on ocean cruises, they really are all inclusive.
In some cases, a hotel night is also included before or after you board the riverboat.
On a river cruise, the distances between destinations is relatively short, so you'll usually spend the morning exploring a town, come back aboard for lunch, sail for a few hours, and then arrive someplace new.
When you are sailing, head up to the sundeck for great views of the European countryside.
Most American river cruisers sail with Viking River Cruises, Uniworld River Cruises, AMA Waterways, or Avalon Waterways.
All four lines provide great experiences and good value for money.
Especially right now, when there are still some two-for-one fares available.
It's hard to rate one line above another.
So which one you choose may boil down to which has the cabin you want available when you want to travel.
With only 60 or 70 cabins, these boats fill up faster than ocean cruises ship with 1,500 cabins.
Viking River Cruises.
Viking River Cruises has been in business since 1997.
With 21 riverboats, they have the largest fleet of any European river cruise line.
Their boats are Scandinavian in design, and the newest, Viking Legend, has innovative features that reduce noise, vibration, and emissions.
They offer cruises on all the major European rivers, as well as in China, Russia, and Egypt.
Uniworld River Cruises.
Uniworld has been operating European programs since the 1970s.
They are owned by the Travel Corporation, which also owns Trafalgar Tours.
If you are a loyal Trafalgar customer, you'll probably enjoy Uniworld too.
Carrying just 134 passengers, their ships are smaller than some, as are the staterooms.
The crew to guest ratio of 3-to-1 is excellent, so you can expect great service.
Uniworld understands the importance of food to many of its passengers so they have developed an Epicurean Adventure Program that includes special food-oriented activities on several departures.
They also have options for more active travelers like biking tours and hot-air balloon rides.
And if you want to travel with the kids, Uniworld is probably your best bet.
AMA Waterways.
One of the youngest cruise companies, AMA Waterways started in 2002 as Amadeus.
Their ships have larger staterooms with high-tech amenities like infotainment systems, WiFi Internet access, and modern showers with multiple shower heads They also have elevators, so if you have difficulty with stairs, choose AMA.
Avalon Waterways.
Avalon Waterways has eight riverboats in Europe.
Owned by Globus, they introduce a new ship each year, and consequently, have one of the youngest fleets.
Their boats carry fewer than 170 passengers and cabins have flat screen TVs and mini bars.
Ninety percent of the cabins have French balconies.
European river cruises offer thoughtful travelers the opportunity to travel in comfort and style, and to experience a part of Europe up close and in depth.
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