European rivers are full of scenic attractions, like ancient cities with charming towns, and cruises are one of the best ways of exploring such places. Guests on European river cruises are kept busy with tours and excursions on foot, bikes, and leisure activities. An ocean cruise ship carries around 5000 passengers while a river cruise ship accommodates 150 guests. Most of these cruise ships have jogging tracks, swimming pools, spas, and fitness area.
The following are the best cruise lines for exploring European rivers:
1. Viking Cruises
They are one of the best lines for European river cruises. They contain large suites, large verandas, outdoor dining, staterooms, and itineraries to visit. They have a Portugal cruise that begins at Lisbon with a walking tour through the ancient streets that lead through Porto to board the ship. The cruise starts along the Douro River. The guests can explore the lush scenery, vineyards, Baroque palaces and Salamanca the world heritage city. They also take you to visit the villages of Regua and Pinhao and sample local food.
2. Uniworld Cruises
They have a vessel that is a destination in itself. It is regarded as the world’s only boutique cruise line. They have Hermes and L’Occitane bath amenities. In addition, they have world-class restaurants. Their cruises include an 8-day Enchanted Danube cruise mixed with a walking and bicycle tour in Budapest. In Vienna, they will take you for a Mozart and Strauss concert inside a Viennese palace. They also have a city tour, with walking and hiking exploration of the city.
3. Crystal Cruises
This is one of the best lines in the luxury cruise market. It has butler service, balconies, and suites in their ship cruises along the rivers. They have a seven-day Legendary Rhine cruise, which takes guests from Basel to Strasbourg. You get to see Cologne, Rhine Gorge, Rudesheim, and Gothic cathedral. The ship passes ancient towns, vineyards, and castles. You get to taste the local cuisine, taverns, gabled buildings, canals, and narrow streets.
4. Avalon Waterways
This cruise has floor to ceiling windows and great views from staterooms and suites. Private baths have L’Occitane bath amenities and full showers, luxurious beds, luxurious linens, which provide great sleeping, comfort, quiet quarters, and enough closet space. Shore tour or excursions have a choice for its guest, they can choose from independent, traditional and leisurely tours to explore the city. European river cruises are truly enjoyable aboard this line.
5. Tauck
Established as a New England motor coach company, theirs is a home enterprise where four generations are serving the cruise ships. They have an 8-day cruise that takes you from Paris to Normandy, wherein you visit the historic towns and cities connected to D-day, such as Normandy, Omaha Beach, and the American cemetery. Guests can enjoy a tour of WWII artifacts, music, and dinner at a palatial residence. You are also given a chance to visit the home of Claude Monet at Giverny. You get a guided tour of Joan of Arc Square, Cathédrale de Rouen, Louis XIV’s beautiful and magnificent palace and Versailles.
