River Boat Cruise Lines: Best Options For You

River cruises are a great way to travel and explore new destinations. They offer a more relaxed and calm experience compared to the hustle and bustle of massive ocean liners. River cruises provide the opportunity to visit lesser-known ports and explore new cities and cultures. With river cruises gaining popularity, there are now several companies offering exquisite river cruise experiences. This article will explore some of the best river cruise lines to help you choose your next vacation.

Viking River Cruises

Viking's river cruises include meals, one shore excursion per port, Wi-Fi access, guest lectures, cooking demonstrations, musical performances, libraries, outdoor decks, and more. Select Viking riverboats are also equipped with swimming pools, while cabins feature minibars, premium toiletries, heated bathroom floors, purified water, and TVs. The dress code on Viking River Cruises is casual, with most passengers wearing pullovers, button-up shirts, khakis, and blouses. Jeans and shorts are not permitted at dinner.

Uniworld Boutique River Cruises

Uniworld's ships aim to create the feel of a boutique hotel with stylish decor, antique artwork, and specialty restaurants. Stateroom amenities vary by vessel but may include marble bathrooms, Egyptian cotton linens, French balconies, iPod docking stations, Nespresso coffee machines, rainfall showers, and more. The line's all-inclusive rates cover meals, alcoholic beverages, select excursions, gratuities, onboard fitness classes, and Wi-Fi access, on top of entertainment and enrichment classes. Uniworld prides itself on its top-notch cuisine, which is made with local ingredients sourced from the ports on your itinerary and also includes vegetarian and vegan options.

• European River Cruises: Explore iconic sites and hidden gems in cities like Paris, Bordeaux, and Venice.
• Holiday Season Cruises: Celebrate the holidays with cruises along the Rhine and Danube rivers, visiting Christmas markets in Germany, Austria, and Hungary.
• Timeless Wonders of Vietnam, Cambodia, and the Mekong: Discover the wonders of Southeast Asia with itineraries that include Hanoi, Siem Reap, and Ho Chi Minh City.
• Splendors of Egypt and the Nile: Sail along the Nile River and explore ancient Egyptian history and culture.

Uniworld attracts affluent, sophisticated travellers, mainly from North America, the UK, Australia, and Asia. While the majority of passengers are in the traditional 60-plus river cruise age group, there is a growing trend of travellers between 40 and 60 who are drawn to the stylish onboard ambiance. Uniworld was also one of the first lines to offer themed cruises, including sailings aimed at Jewish Heritage, LGBTQ+ travellers, and active travellers, as well as families.

American Cruise Lines

The cruise line operates more than 20 small ships and river vessels, ranging from modern riverboats to small coastal ships and authentic paddlewheelers. Its ships feature comfortable cabins that can accommodate up to three people, with spacious bathrooms and picture windows, and some with private balconies. All ships offer single staterooms designed for solo travellers.

Scenic Luxury Cruises and Tours

Scenic's river cruises sail through Europe and Asia, with popular destinations including the Danube, Mekong, and Douro Rivers. The company offers all-inclusive packages, with meals, beverages, shore excursions, gratuities, and Wi-Fi access included in the base cruise fare.

Scenic's ships provide a high level of service due to their high crew-to-passenger ratios. Each passenger is assigned a designated butler who can assist with tasks such as nightly turndown service and laundry arrangements. The suites on board are also spacious, ranging from 161 to 517 square feet, with special in-room touches like pillow menus, slippers, and robes.

In terms of dining, Scenic sources local ingredients and culinary inspiration from the ports visited on the itinerary to provide an authentic experience. The company also offers a range of dining options on board, including up to six choices per day.

Scenic has received praise from travellers for its spacious cabins, attentive service, and knowledgeable crew and tour guides. However, some travellers have expressed disappointment with the food and slow dinner service.

Overall, Scenic Luxury Cruises and Tours offers a high-end river cruise experience with a focus on customisation and attention to detail. The company's all-inclusive packages, spacious accommodations, and personalised service make it a good choice for those seeking a luxurious and hassle-free river cruise vacation.

CroisiEurope Cruises

Onboard accommodations are relatively basic, which keeps cruise fares budget-friendly. The cruise line aims to provide the best value for money in the cruise industry. The cuisine is French with some local flair in the main dining room, which is included in the cruise fare. The passenger mix on a CroisiEurope cruise is relatively international, featuring large contingencies from France, Germany, the UK, and North America. Announcements are typically given in both French and English. The cruise line sees a mix of older couples and groups, as well as younger families, depending on the itinerary and time of year.

While some cruisers felt that some of CroisiEurope's river ships are due for refurbishment and that internet connectivity could be improved, others maintained that the experience was superb and highlighted the reasonable prices.

If you're looking for a quality experience and want to spend less than $300 per day, CroisiEurope is a good option. The family-owned company, which has been in business for over 40 years, offers a wide range of destinations and is one of the few river cruise lines that operate on certain rivers.

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