River Cruising Introduction
Transcription
River Cruising Introduction
River Cruising Introduction River cruising, an increasingly popular way to explore the tributaries of Europe, Asia and beyond, is a lot like the ocean-bound cruises most of us know and love. You can visit numerous ports of call without the hassles of getting to and fro, and you can sleep in the same bed for a week without ever packing and repacking your suitcase. Riverboats are also equipped with plenty of amenities, such as comfortable cabins, restaurant-style dining, onboard enrichment and entertainment that's brought onboard in ports of call. INDEX ----------------River Cruise Lines UNIWORLD AMAWATERWAYS AVALON WATERWAYS But here's a tip, which holds true for river and ocean-oriented cruising alike: don't choose a river cruise based on price alone. Every river line has its own unique personality (even within the same fare ranges). Making choices slightly more complicated is that onboard experiences can differ within fleets, depending on whether you're booked on an older ship or a newer one. VIKING RIVERS The good news is that major river lines like Viking River, Uniworld, Avalon, AMAWaterways, Tauck and Scenic are in the midst of major expansions. They're refurbishing many older vessels, building new ones and expanding to new destinations. SCENIC TOURS Europe's the major hub for river cruising, particularly on the Rhine, Danube, Rhone and Seine, and we will tackle this region here. But let’s not forget that emerging regions include Portugal's Duoro, Russia's Volga, Italy's Po and France's Bordeaux. And beyond Europe, river cruising is popular on Egypt's Nile, Asia's Yangtze and Mekong Delta, and North America's Mississippi River, among others. Let’s get started. Which river cruise speaks to you? TAUCK GRAND CIRCLE TRAVEL River Destinations NORTH AMERICA EUROPE SOUTH AMERICA EGYPT ASIA RUSSIA Cruise Critic River Cruising Guide CruiseCritic.com p.1 Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection Uniworld offers the most elaborately upscale experience in river cruising. Ships are plush, with silk-lined walls, elaborate art collections (including a Chagall that hangs over the purser's desk on River Beatrice) and sumptuous suites and cabins. All ships in the fleet share a lavish design sensibility, but its newest vessels are some of the most innovative in the industry. Some even have balconies that convert to conservatories at the touch of a button, indoor pools and a dedicated top-ship lounges and restaurants. While the line emphasizes the onboard environment, Uniworld is also an industry leader in developing unique shore outings in ports of call. Best for... Passengers who will enjoy this line include cosmopolitan travelers who appreciate an international passenger base and first-rate dining and service. It's also ideal for those who want a luxurious ambience and superb pampering and service. Cycling enthusiasts (each ship has a fleet of bikes onboard for use in port) and those who appreciate out-of-the-ordinary tours will also be impressed. Who's onboard? While passengers hail from all corners of the globe, they’re sophisticated, well traveled and fluent in English. Compared to an oceangoing cruise line... Uniworld's elegant vibe matches it with Silversea in some respects, while its superb dining and service are similar to the Crystal Cruises experience. If this were a hotel, it would be... Uniworld's fleet is reminiscent of the ultra-luxe Relais & Chateaux country house hotels. Plush surroundings, European-influenced cuisine and superior service make for a more formal onboard ambience. Where can you go? Europe, China, Russia, Southeast Asia and Egypt INDEX ----------------River Cruise Lines UNIWORLD AMAWATERWAYS AVALON WATERWAYS VIKING RIVERS TAUCK GRAND CIRCLE TRAVEL SCENIC TOURS River Destinations NORTH AMERICA EUROPE SOUTH AMERICA EGYPT ASIA RUSSIA Cruise Critic River Cruising Guide CruiseCritic.com p.2 AmaWaterways AmaWaterways, which has introduced 15 riverboats since its creation in 2002, is one of the industry's fastest-growing river lines. Helmed by Rudi Schreiner, who worked for almost all the other major river companies before creating his own, AmaWaterways has a cozy, family feel. The decor is elegant but not fussy. Food, primarily reflecting the places in which its ships travel, also offers enough American-oriented favorites to please all palates, and service, from a dedicated onboard crew, is just superb. AmaWaterways doesn't rest there. Ships are large enough to have innovative amenities: splash pools on the sun decks, spacious cabin categories with both French balconies and a real, sit-outside-and-watch-the-world-go-by verandahs. They also offer nice areas for massages, fitness workouts and beauty salons. With, at most, just 164 passengers aboard, the vessels feel spacious and uncrowded. AmaWaterways stands out as well for its super range of shore excursions, which include "hidden" city tours that focus on off-the-beaten-path attractions, recreationally-oriented cycling tours, and hands-on culinary and wine-related experiences. Best for... Its cruises are best for well-traveled, reasonably active passengers who enjoy a combination of guided tours and \independent exploration. Who's onboard? AmaWaterways markets to English-speaking travelers. It's primarily aimed at North Americans, but you might meet Brits and Aussies onboard, as well. Compared to an oceangoing cruise line... AmaWaterways has a serious commitment to fine food and wine, and related enrichment opportunities, particularly through shore excursions. This would appeal to fans of Oceania Cruises. If this were a hotel, it would be... This line is best compared to Four Seasons. In style and substance, AmaWaterways offers a contemporary, upscale cruise experience, with service that is a hallmark. Overall, its strengths appeal to reasonably well-heeled and well-traveled passengers. Where can you go? Europe, Russia, Asia, Africa and Egypt INDEX ----------------River Cruise Lines UNIWORLD AMAWATERWAYS AVALON WATERWAYS VIKING RIVERS TAUCK GRAND CIRCLE TRAVEL SCENIC TOURS River Destinations NORTH AMERICA EUROPE SOUTH AMERICA EGYPT ASIA RUSSIA Cruise Critic River Cruising Guide CruiseCritic.com p.3 Avalon Waterways On Avalon, the ambience is comfortable, and ships are simply decorated in a contemporary fashion. Trips focus more on experiences in port than onboard distractions -- with the exception of the excellent enrichment program, which is creatively tied to various itineraries. Avalon also offers the river industry's largest array of theme cruises with topics -- again, tied to ports of call -- that include Jewish heritage, tulip appreciation, jazz, wellness and European politics, among others. Avalon is in the midst of an impressive expansion program that focuses on its all suite class of ships. While the experience on Avalon is consistent across the fleet, Avalon's newer all-suite vessels offer cabins with slightly more space than the river industry norm. Although they're not suites in the traditional sense, they do offer French balconies -- sliding glass doors along one entire wall that open to let in the fresh air. Best for... First-timers to the river niche who don't want too much formality will enjoy sailing with Avalon, as will travelers who appreciate a vibrant onboard enrichment program. Avalon does a great job of incorporating local history, culture, food and wine into its onboard activities. Who's onboard? Avalon markets primarily in the U.S., U.K., Canada and Australia. Compared to an oceangoing cruise line... Because of the relaxed mood onboard Avalon's ships, the experience is comparable to the one you'd find on Norwegian Cruise Line. For instance, the dining rooms feature more tables for two in the main restaurant than other river lines do, which means you're not forced to be sociable. Another similarity: Fares are among the industry's most competitive. If this were a hotel, it would be... This line evokes the Hyatt Regency because it offers solidly good fares in an onboard atmosphere that's sleek, modern, clean and not fussy. Where can you go? Europe, China, Southeast Asia, Egypt and the U.S.A. (via American Queen Steamboat Company) INDEX ----------------River Cruise Lines UNIWORLD AMAWATERWAYS AVALON WATERWAYS VIKING RIVERS TAUCK GRAND CIRCLE TRAVEL SCENIC TOURS River Destinations NORTH AMERICA EUROPE SOUTH AMERICA EGYPT ASIA RUSSIA Cruise Critic River Cruising Guide CruiseCritic.com p.4 Viking Rivers When it comes to attracting folks who are new to cruising -- not just fans of ocean cruising, but also land-based package-tour travelers -- Viking is the market leader. Its pricing is the most competitive in the first-timer niche, but it's important to note the cruise line has made a serious investment in upgrading service, dining and shore excursions over the past few years. Each ship, whether one of Viking Rivers' revolutionary Longships or one of its other models, offers sleek and spare Scandinavian ambience. Amenities include flat-screen televisions with extensive (and complimentary) movie libraries, 24-hour coffee and beverage walls, and small but well-stocked libraries. What Viking Rivers does not have: Aside from the traditional lounge, a small library/Internet area and an expansive sun deck, the line does not offer extras like gyms, onboard bicycles or spa services. However, its concierges will arrange services that include spa treatments or recreational and spa outings in ports of call. Best for... Viking is ideal for value-oriented 50-and-older travelers from the U.S., Canada and the U.K. It's also ideal for those who enjoy tour travel -- but not cookie-cutter shore excursions. Its Longship series of vessels, with a contemporary vibe, will appeal to the younger-than-50 set. Who's onboard? Expect an international crowd of Americans, Canadians, Brits, Australians and New Zealanders. Compared to an oceangoing cruise line... Like Holland America Line, Viking Rivers' target passenger is an older (50-plus), generally well-traveled passenger for whom a wide range of destinations, a nice variety of shore excursions and superb value are major considerations when choosing a cruise. If this were a hotel, it would be... Ships that were launched before 2012 offer an experience on a par with Marriott hotels. Viking's Longship series of vessels is slightly more upscale, more of a J.W. Marriott property. Regardless of new or old, Viking River's fleet offers a Marriott-esque full-service experience with decent amenities, a pleasant ambience and creature comforts at a competitive price point. The line also offers a wide variety of itineraries. What elevates the Longships to J.W. Marriott status is their slightly more upscale accommodations, especially the suites (with separate living and sleeping areas), which are still somewhat rare in the river niche. Where can you go? Europe, Russia, China, Southeast Asia, Egypt and the U.S.A. INDEX ----------------River Cruise Lines UNIWORLD AMAWATERWAYS AVALON WATERWAYS VIKING RIVERS TAUCK GRAND CIRCLE TRAVEL SCENIC TOURS River Destinations NORTH AMERICA EUROPE SOUTH AMERICA EGYPT ASIA RUSSIA Cruise Critic River Cruising Guide CruiseCritic.com p.5 Tauck Tauck is quietly elegant, with superb food and service that's geared to American palates. Its cultural and touring activities ashore are of best-in-industry quality. The ambience is deceptively laid-back and unpretentious, but everything operates like Swiss clockwork -- not unusual for a Switzerland-based operations team. One of the most inclusive lines, Tauck has lofty fares that encompass some off-site meals and special events. Its tradition of "lagniappe," which means "delightful surprise," also provides for lovely moments on tour, ranging from spur-of-the-moment visits to Vienna's markets with the ship's chef (who may offer food and wine tastings along the way) to impromptu invitations for coffee and pastries at local cafes. Best for... Tauck is aimed squarely and unabashedly at North American passengers, and its cruisers tend to be well-traveled and sophisticated, though not necessarily adventure-oriented. Who's onboard? Doctors, lawyers, CEO's and other white-collar passengers typically make up the cruiser base. They're generally knowledgeable about the regions they visit, so lectures tend to rise above the usual introductory-style ones found on the rivers. Compared to an oceangoing cruise line... Tauck is comparable to Crystal Cruises. The typical Tauck passenger is sophisticated, curious and opinionated, and the line's excellent enrichment program onboard and superb (if sedate) shore excursion program ashore are created with this in mind. If this were a hotel, it would be... Tauck's extremely loyal repeat travelers (many who've experienced the line via its upscale land tours) enjoy a luxury experience that's oriented to North American sensibilities, much like what's offered at the Ritz-Carlton. Where can you go? Europe INDEX ----------------River Cruise Lines UNIWORLD AMAWATERWAYS AVALON WATERWAYS VIKING RIVERS TAUCK GRAND CIRCLE TRAVEL SCENIC TOURS River Destinations NORTH AMERICA EUROPE SOUTH AMERICA EGYPT ASIA RUSSIA Cruise Critic River Cruising Guide CruiseCritic.com p.6 Grand Cricle Cruise Line Grand Circle, which enjoys a high passenger loyalty ratio, is one of the industry's most budget-friendly lines. Its cruise experience spotlights heavy-duty enrichment programs and sedate but in-depth port explorations. Onboard, it's perhaps the most traditional of the North America-oriented river cruise lines. Dining is solid but not gourmet, and decor is somewhat outdated, as are cabins. It attracts a generally sociable, experienced traveler who tends to prefer experiential tours over independent exploration. Best for... This line works for inquisitive passengers who want a value-oriented cruise that emphasizes interaction with culture and history over onboard luxuries. Who's onboard? Many Grand Circle devotees are also big fans of the company's land tour arm. The passenger mix is mainly Americans who are ardent sightseers. Compared to an oceangoing cruise line... Voyages of Discovery and Swan Hellenic are the most similar, as Grand Circle ships are simply floating hotels that support land-based activities. If this were a hotel, it would be... Grand Circle is best compared to Sheraton. Ships are comfortable enough, but there's no effort to create a contemporary experience with fancy extras. The focus is on land-based exploration. Where can you go? Mainstream Europe, Russia and Burma. The line's small-ship arm also offers cruises to destinations that range from Antarctica to Panama. INDEX ----------------River Cruise Lines UNIWORLD AMAWATERWAYS AVALON WATERWAYS VIKING RIVERS TAUCK GRAND CIRCLE TRAVEL SCENIC TOURS River Destinations NORTH AMERICA EUROPE SOUTH AMERICA EGYPT ASIA RUSSIA Cruise Critic River Cruising Guide CruiseCritic.com p.7 Scenic Tours Australia-based Scenic, which only began river cruises in 2009, has recently set its sights on travelers from the U.K. and North America. It offers one of the most contemporary river cruise experiences, especially onboard, with dynamic design, alternative restaurants, an all-day cafe and solid recreational options, from a spa to electric bicycles that are free to use in port. Speaking of free, Scenic's fares are among the industry's highest, but it's worth noting they're also the most inclusive. In addition to round-the-clock beverages and shore excursions, its fares include gratuities, butler service for all passengers, hotels and airport transfers. On Scenic's "Space Ships" (all but one in the fleet), more than 80 percent of cabins have balconies -- and these are true verandahs, complete with pairs of chairs and cocktail tables. They also have retractable glass walls; in inclement weather, the push of a button transforms balconies into all-weather conservatories. The line also prides itself on offering more choices for touring ashore, with multiple excursion options in each port, plus the opportunity to explore independently using GPS devices loaded with touring routes and prerecorded commentary. Exclusive events like dinner in a castle or a private concert are included in select ports and do not cost extra.Be sure to check out the first-in-river-cruising Starbucks-like coffee bar/cafe that offers all-day noshing, and Portobello's, an Italian-influenced alternative restaurant. Best for... Luxury travelers who want a trendy, rather than classic, river cruise experience will do well with Scenic. Who's onboard? Scenic primarily draws from its land tour arm's well-heeled Australian passenger base, though the line is expanding its outreach efforts in the U.K. and North America. Compared to an oceangoing cruise line... Celebrity Cruises gets the nod, as Scenic ships offer a contemporary, artsy onboard ambience. If this were a hotel, it would be... Scenic's onboard ambience is somewhat jazzy, compared to that found at W Hotels. Scenic's new ships offer features aimed at appealing to younger river cruise travelers; they include an alternative Italian restaurant and an all-day bistro cafe, along with a spa, gym facility and electric bicycles for use in port. Where can you go? Europe and Russia INDEX ----------------River Cruise Lines UNIWORLD AMAWATERWAYS AVALON WATERWAYS VIKING RIVERS TAUCK GRAND CIRCLE TRAVEL SCENIC TOURS River Destinations NORTH AMERICA EUROPE SOUTH AMERICA EGYPT ASIA RUSSIA Cruise Critic River Cruising Guide CruiseCritic.com p.8 River Destinations INDEX ----------------River Cruise Lines UNIWORLD AMAWATERWAYS AVALON WATERWAYS VIKING RIVERS TAUCK GRAND CIRCLE TRAVEL SCENIC TOURS River Destinations NORTH AMERICA EUROPE SOUTH AMERICA EGYPT ASIA RUSSIA Cruise Critic River Cruising Guide CruiseCritic.com p.9 North America River Cruises North America River Cruises With the Midwest's Mississippi and the West Coast's Columbia and Snake rivers experiencing a renaissance, there's never been a better time to explore these slices of the U.S. Chesapeake Bay Chesapeake Bay Hudson Columbia St. Lawrence Mississippi Lines visiting North America Avalon Waterways American Cruise Lines American Queen Steamboat Lindblad Expeditions St. Lawrence Cruise Lines Chesapeake Bay The Chesapeake Bay is the largest estuary in the United States and is bordered by Virginia and Maryland; popular stops include Williamsburg, VA, St. Michaels, MD and Annapolis, MD. Hudson The Hudson River flows along eastern New York, with a portion serving as a boundary between New York and New Jersey; stops include New York City, Albany and West Point. Columbia The Columbia River flows from British Columbia’s Rocky Mountains, through Washington State, and ends in Oregon; Lewis and Clark traveled along the Columbia River during their famed expedition. INDEX ----------------River Cruise Lines UNIWORLD AMAWATERWAYS St. Lawrence VIKING RIVERS TAUCK GRAND CIRCLE TRAVEL St. Lawrence The St. Lawrence River flows through Ontario, Quebec and New York; cruises along the St. Lawrence travel the borders between New England and Canada. Hudson Mississippi The Mississippi has had a recent renaissance with the launch of new riverboats traveling its waters; the river reaches a total of ten states in the U.S., from Minnesota to Louisiana. Columbia AVALON WATERWAYS SCENIC TOURS River Destinations NORTH AMERICA EUROPE SOUTH AMERICA EGYPT ASIA Mississippi RUSSIA Cruise Critic River Cruising Guide CruiseCritic.com p.10 Europe River Cruises Europe River Cruises Offering a vast range of adventures, Europe's rivers feature cosmopolitan cities, terraced vineyards, charming historic villages, and monuments and castles galore. Danube Chesapeake Bay Danube Though the Danube is best known for marquee cities like Vienna and Budapest, small towns and villages are a delight. Dnieper The Dnieper River flows from Russia, through Belarus and Ukraine; ship stops include Ukraine’s capital of Kiev and Zaporozhye. Douro Part of the Iberian Peninsula, the Douro River travels through Spain and Portugal, and ends in Porto. Danube Dnieper Douro Elbe Moselle Po Rhine Rhone Seine INDEX ----------------- Elbe The Elbe travels through the Czech Republic and Germany; river cruises along the Elbe include visits to Berlin and Prague. Moselle The Moselle runs through the heart of German wine country; longer voyages can also include the Rhine and the Danube. Lines visiting Europe Uniworld Avalon Waterways Viking Rivers Tauk Grand Circle Travel Scenic Tour AmaWaterways River Cruise Lines UNIWORLD AMAWATERWAYS St. Lawrence VIKING RIVERS TAUCK Po The Po flows across northern Italy into the Adriatic Sea near Venice; popular ports on Po River cruises include Venice, Verona and Bologna. GRAND CIRCLE TRAVEL SCENIC TOURS Rhine The castle-clogged Rhine Gorge between Koblenz and Rudesheim is one of the most spectacular scenic passages. Dnieper Hudson River Destinations NORTH AMERICA EUROPE Rhone The Rhone flows from Switzerland through Lake Geneva, into France; visit Lyon, a UNESCO world heritage site. Douro Elbe Columbia Seine The Seine runs along northeastern France into the English Channel; many ships based in Paris cruise down to the Normandy region. AVALON WATERWAYS SOUTH AMERICA EGYPT ASIA Mississippi RUSSIA Cruise Critic River Cruising Guide CruiseCritic.com p.11 South America River Cruises South America River Cruises The major difference between cruising the Amazon on a big ship versus a small one is the larger vessels primarily sail only as far as Manaus. More traditional river-style vessels can venture deeper into the river's Peruvian roots. Amazon The second longest river in the world, the Amazon runs through Brazil, Columbia and Peru; the portion running through Peru is especially popular with riverboats. Amazon Danube Chesapeake Bay INDEX ----------------- Lines visiting South America River Cruise Lines Aqua Expeditions SeaDream Yacht Club UNIWORLD AMAWATERWAYS St. Lawrence AVALON WATERWAYS VIKING RIVERS TAUCK GRAND CIRCLE TRAVEL SCENIC TOURS Dnieper Hudson River Destinations NORTH AMERICA EUROPE SOUTH AMERICA EGYPT ASIA Douro Amazon Mississippi RUSSIA Cruise Critic River Cruising Guide CruiseCritic.com p.12 Egypt River Cruises Egypt River Cruises Ancient empires and the myths and mystery of the Sphinx and the Pharaoh offer an immersive look at Egypt, from Cairo to Luxor and beyond. Nile Known as the longest river in the world, the Nile river is located in northeastern Africa and runs through ten countries, including Egypt – the focus of Nile River cruising. Nile Lines visiting Egypt Danube Chesapeake Bay INDEX ----------------- Abercrombie & Kent Uniworld Boutique River Cruises Avalon Waterways Viking Rivers Grand Circle Cruise Line River Cruise Lines UNIWORLD AMAWATERWAYS St. Lawrence AVALON WATERWAYS VIKING RIVERS TAUCK GRAND CIRCLE TRAVEL SCENIC TOURS Dnieper Hudson River Destinations NORTH AMERICA EUROPE SOUTH AMERICA EGYPT ASIA Douro Nile Mississippi RUSSIA Cruise Critic River Cruising Guide CruiseCritic.com p.13 Asia River Cruises Asia River Cruises Cruises on Asia's Yangtze and Mekong Delta focus on ancient empires -- and modern cities like Beijing, Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Yangtze Mekong Lines visiting Asia AmaWaterways Uniworld Victoria Cruises Viking Rivers Yangtze China's longest river is also a hot destination for exotic cruise trips; typical cruises are paired with land tours, and popular stops include Beijing and Shanghai. Mekong The Mekong flows from China's Tibetan Plateau, through Burma, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam; many cruises visit Ho Chi Minh City and offer land tours to Hanoi. INDEX ----------------River Cruise Lines UNIWORLD AMAWATERWAYS AVALON WATERWAYS VIKING RIVERS TAUCK GRAND CIRCLE TRAVEL SCENIC TOURS River Destinations NORTH AMERICA EUROPE SOUTH AMERICA EGYPT ASIA Yangtze Mekong RUSSIA Cruise Critic River Cruising Guide CruiseCritic.com p.14 Russia River Cruises Russia River Cruises Be a traveler not a tourist as you experience Russia's heart and soul via river cruise journeys that sail between Moscow and St. Petersburg. Svir Volga Lines visiting Russia Svir The Svir River is located in northeast Russia, and connects the two largest lakes in Europe; St. Petersburg is a popular stop on Svir River cruises. Volga The largest river in Europe, the Volga River is located in central Russia and is a popular river for cruising; voyages typically sail between Moscow and St. Petersburg. INDEX ----------------River Cruise Lines AmaWaterways Uniworld Viking Rivers UNIWORLD AMAWATERWAYS AVALON WATERWAYS VIKING RIVERS TAUCK GRAND CIRCLE TRAVEL SCENIC TOURS River Destinations NORTH AMERICA EUROPE SOUTH AMERICA EGYPT ASIA Svir Volga RUSSIA Cruise Critic River Cruising Guide CruiseCritic.com p.15 Visit CruiseCritic.com for more information on river and ocean cruises. Yangtze Mekong Cruise Critic River Cruising Guide CruiseCritic.com p.16