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The United States Military Academy at West Point, founded in 1802, is also on the itinerary, as is Sleepy Hollow. The Sleepy Hollow legend comes to life during a tour of the local cemetery where author Washington Irving is buried. Back in the Big Apple on day seven, you'll have time to explore before saying farewell to your ship. Launched in 2022, it's currently the largest river ship in the U.S. and features three restaurants and an aft infinity pool. You can cruise the entire length of this mighty river as you visit 14 cities in seven U.S. states on Viking's two-week sailing.
Tauck
There are a fair amount of UNESCO World Heritage Sites on the itineraries, which are almost always awe-inspiring. But if you think this a Disney river cruise would be all about the kids, you're wrong. Grownups may enjoy adult-only dinners and wine tastings, and there is actually a nice variety of adult-exclusive sailings (generally when school is in session), which offer more sophisticated offerings.
Christmas markets in Europe with Scenic
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Special family departures — Tauck Bridges — cater to multigenerational families, adding such kid-friendly adventures as a scavenger hunt at the Louvre in Paris. Some staterooms on the newer ships are lofts with high ceilings and a raised seating area; some ships have a Jacuzzi and putting green on the sun deck. Included shore excursions go beyond the standard tours that most lines offer, such as a visit to the Szechenyi baths in Budapest.
Melodies of the Danube 2024
Unique to riverboats is the two-level theater, the Grand Saloon, found on the American Queen. Although children are allowed, the line does not offer extra amenities or perks for kids. Scenic offers various excursions, from visiting World Heritage Sites to a round of golf. Their National Geographic sailings are particularly of note and include a variety of educational, expert-led travel excursions and talks. Most of the Avalon's cabins are Panorama Suites, which offer a wide view of the rivers on which you are traveling. Book their "Open-Air Balcony" and enjoy wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling windows that open for fresh air.
Scenic Cruises is amping up the holiday cheer with six itineraries this November and December. Each city will showcase a unique Christmas experience as you stop in Amsterdam, Munich, Paris, and Prague, just to name a few of the festive ports in store. It will be a holiday like no other as you dock at quaint riverside villages aglow in fairy lights. Walk over the cobblestones with mulled wine in hand while you browse handmade goods and enjoy festive treats and age-old traditions. In The Dalles, you can enjoy a sommelier-led tasting of Columbia Valley wines, visit Multnomah Falls or get adventurous on a river kayak tour.
You'll also find plenty of energetic and engaging activities, like tobogganing, 4x4 tours and bike excursions. In the evenings, supervised meals for kids and teens (and movie nights) keep the vibe upbeat until bedtime. 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.
Why Viking
Each of the cruise line’s 12 vessels is adorned with opulent antiques, crystal chandeliers and dramatic artwork to create the feel of a lavish boutique-hotel-on-water. Tips cost extra, but Riviera throws in a premium drinks package with all of its European river cruises. It has more solo traveller and no-fly options than most operators, and you can travel by train to its Belgian, Dutch, French and German boats. Recommended Providers (WRPs) are the cream of the crop, and we only consider giving the accolade to river cruise lines with the highest customer scores. Most companies in this category offer all-inclusive fares, so you don’t have to worry about getting a hefty bill onboard. You’ll also find top-notch amenities, state-of-the-art ships and extras such as specialty restaurants.
Best small ship cruise lines
Passengers can sip on fine wines in the Wachau Valley, wander Regensburg's UNESCO-listed old town and marvel at Vienna's Habsburg-period architecture. Itineraries feature guided trips to revered museums, cathedrals, and palaces—complemented by slow days sailing these scenic waterways. As rivers become a much sought after destination for travel, more operators are rising to the challenge of creating river cruise tour itineraries.
Best European River Cruise For Families: A-Rosa, A-Rosa Sena
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. In addition to the main dining room, ships have smaller venues where every passenger can have a meal. There's also the exclusive Table La Rive fine dining experience for Diamond Deck suite guests. Daily activities feature a wide choice of included shore tours so you can personalize your cruise experience. Everyone goes to the cocktail parties, and getting to know your fellow passengers is a big part of the experience.
The eight-day "Sensations of Lyon & Provence" cruise begins in Lyon and heads to a quaint village and then south again towards Tournon, with its 16th-century castle. Along the way, guests can choose a hike through vineyards, canoe trip, village walking tours, or wine tasting onboard. For true indulgence, book a table at the fleetwide reservation-only Vintage Room, set up for private dining, with an extravagant seven-course wine-pairing menu. The experience is worth the $295 fee, especially for true oenophiles who will get to savor coveted Bordeaux Grand Crus. Other highlights include visiting a truffle farm near Viviers and savoring a selection of wines at Châteauneuf-du-Pape vineyard.
Each day, you'll receive an enamel pin reflecting the day's adventure such as Mickey dressed as Mozart or Donald cooking goulash. Meals come with complimentary beverages, including house wine, beer, and premium spirits. Their twin-balcony staterooms feature both a French balcony and an outside balcony. While the suites are about 350 square feet, the standard stateroom is about 170 square feet with fixed windows at the waterline. It was a fascinating trip down the Danube River in Europe with Disney Cruises, focused on Christmas markets. See all of our readers' favorite hotels, cities, airlines, cruise lines, and more in the World's Best Awards for 2021.
Bikes and walking tours are available in most ports, or guests can choose a leisurely day in a comfortable lounge enjoying the passing scenery. Selecting the right river cruise for you depends on the kind of experience you’re after. There’s a European river cruise for every type of traveler, from families and couples to the budget-conscious and luxury seekers.
European Waterways has 17 barges sailing along the less-visited waterways in the U.K., France, the Netherlands, Luxembourg and Italy. 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. Perks include a roommate matching service for solo cruisers, competitively priced single supplements and group discounts, plus price match guarantees.
Emerald offers both yacht and river cruises, with a range of cruises on the rivers in Europe. Founded in 2013, Emerald now features a fleet of nine "Star-Ships," with stylish suites, first-class amenities, and room for 180 guests. Excursions include the EmeraldPLUS program of special experiences to connect with their destinations, and EmeraldACTIVE offers faster-paced guided tours, bike rides, hikes, and activities. Celebrating their 20th anniversary in 2022, this family-owned and operated cruise company focuses on excellent food and wine, tasteful décor, stateroom views, and innovation in their luxurious fleet. Fares include fitness classes, shore excursions, and all dining on board, including The Chef's Table specialty restaurant. New ships debut each year, and the spacious AmaMagna, launched in 2019, is nearly twice the width of traditional European cruise ships.
It’s one of the cheapest brands in our table, but guests have to fork out extra for drinks, excursions and tips – perhaps going some way to explain why it scores only two stars for value for money. Reliable Riviera has classy cruises at a good price, and really looks after its customers. We reveal which cruise lines offer the best value for money – and what customers really think of each brand. As the most discerning, up-to-the-minute voice in all things travel, Condé Nast Traveler is the global citizen’s bible and muse, offering both inspiration and vital intel.
