10 Things To Know Before Your First European River Cruise

Photo by Valerie Marino

Well hello, Danube.

For the first-time Europe traveler, a river cruise is an attractive option.

River cruising has been enjoying a recent surge in popularity, and it’s easy to understand why: Unpack your bags once and enjoy the changing scenery from your stateroom balcony as you sail through multiple countries and charming European towns. Could river cruising be the sweet spot between guided land tours and sailing on a cruise ship? My husband and I set sail on the Danube River this summer for a week full of firsts: our first time aboard a cruise ship, and our first visit to any of the countries on the route, including Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, and Germany. Here’s what we learned along the way—and what we'll know for next time.

THEY’RE NOT JUST FOR BABY BOOMERS

While river cruising is still quite popular with travelers of a certain age, the market is opening to younger couples and multigenerational families. One example? Adventures by Disney this summer teamed up with AmaWaterways to sail the Danube River, with the Rhine coming in 2017, aboard custom-designed ships featuring connecting staterooms and suites that accommodate up to four passengers each. Disney guides lead so-called Junior Adventurers on special excursions and host a kids-only dinner in the ship’s lounge nightly, so you may even forget they’re on the ship at times.

OVERPACKING IS BAD, BUT BEING UNDER-PREPARED IS WORSE

With the average stateroom size under 200 square feet, it’s important to pack smart for a river cruise. That said, you will need to be prepared for a variety of situations—everything from strenuous hiking to dinner at the ship’s chef’s table to getting caught in the rain in Salzburg. Take advantage of your ship’s laundry service as a way to cut back on what you bring. It’s worth repeating an outfit or two if that leaves precious room inyour luggage for souvenirs.

YOU WILL ABSOLUTELY BREAK A SWEAT

Try not to feel too guilty about the lavish four-course dinners plated before you each night: After all, gelato every day for a week feels like a reasonable indulgence when you’re averaging 20,000 steps a day. Popular shore excursions in Austria’s Wachau Valley include climbing to the ruins on Dürnstein Castle (1,023 feet straight up) and a 22-mile bike ride between the riverside towns of Melk and Krems. But if you feel like that’s not enough, you can always power-walk a few laps on the sun deck or sneak a workout in the exercise room before dinner.

IT'S A GOOD WAY TO VISIT EUROPE FOR THE FIRST TIME

With a day in each port, river cruising provides a “best of” when it comes to all the sights and experiences the region has to offer, with the intimidation-lowering factor of your own semi-private guide. If you take advantage of all the excursions your cruise provides, you’ll be kept busy from just after breakfast until dinner—and still feel like there’s so much more to see.

FREE TIME IS PRICELESS

The downside of trying to take in a city in a single day is feeling over-scheduled. Remember that everything on your daily itinerary is optional. (Except for the port departure time—you won’t want to miss that.) Discover on the first day that you absolutely despise guided walking tours? Take the charter bus with your group and then tour on your own. Hear great things about a local restaurant, but your dinner is scheduled on the ship for that night? Ask the front desk to help you book a reservation and a cab. Plan an itinerary that makes sense for your interests and preferences, not just what the cruise line thinks you should do.

Written by Valerie Marino

 www.cntraveler.com

CroisiEurope Announces Seven New Ships For The 2016-2017 Sail Seasons

Three ships will be added to the fleet this year with an additional four coming to the Douro, Mekong, Rhine and Danube Rivers in 2017

CroisiEurope, Europe’s largest and longest operating river cruise line celebrating 40 years in 2016, is on course to add an additional seven ships to its fleet by the end of 2017. With the introduction of the much anticipated MS Elbe Princesse next month and two new barges, CroisiEurope is announcing plans to add four ships next year on the Douro, Mekong, Rhine and Danube Rivers.

The 2016 additions to CroisiEurope's fleet: MS Elbe Princesse, Deborah Barge and the Daniele Barge

3 NEW SHIPS IN 2016

On the Elbe River

The MS Elbe Princesse, an innovative paddle steamer will sail on the Elbe and the Moldau between Berlin and Prague, with stops in Magdebour, Wittenberg, Meissen, Dresden and Litomerice, as well as the reverse itinerary. With a capacity of 80 passengers in 40 spacious cabins, this stylish paddle wheeler will be christened on April 14, 2016 in its new home port of Berlin.

On France's canals

The Déborah Barge, a new build with modern design and decor, this barge has a maximum capacity of 22 people with 11 cabins will take an unprecedented route on the Briare Canal, in the Upper Loire Valley and the region of Sancerre. This unique itinerary will include stops in Briare, Lere, Ménétréol- Sous-Sancerre, Chapelle Montlinard, Marseilles-Les-Aubigny and Nevers.

The Danièle Barge, also hosting up to 22 guests in 11 modern cabins, will operate along a route covering the canals of Burgundy.

4 NEW SHIPS COMING IN 2017

On the Douro River

A new premium and innovative ship will be added to CroisiEurope’s fleet on the Douro River. Boasting three luxurious decks and a pool, guests will be treated to a contemporary interior decor and 66 cabins that can accommodate 132 passengers. Built at the Sambre and Meuse Shipyard in Namur, Belgium, it will be joining the four other ships on the Douro River. Beginning in 2017, it will host 8-day cruises on the “Golden River,” leaving from Porto and stopping in Regua, Vega de Terron Ferradosa and Pinhão.

On the Mekong River

The RV Indochine II, coming in 2017, will be a high class colonial-style ship joining the other four vessels on the Mekong. Accommodating 60 passengers in 30 cabins, guests will be treated to an extravagant vacation experience, due to the ship’s novel design and spacious private balconies. Itineraries along the Mekong will operate in both directions from Siem Reap to Ho Chi Minh City, with stops in Angkor, Tonle Sap, Kampong Chhnang, Kampong Tralach, Koh Chen, Phnom Penh, Chau Doc, Sa Dec, Cai Be and My Tho.

On the Rhine and the Danube Rivers

Further expanding the company’s presence on the Rhine and Danube Rivers, the MS Symphonie II and the MS Douce France II will be best-in-class ships offering a modern design and stylish décor. With a capacity of 106 passengers in 54 comfortable cabins spread out over two decks and 135 passengers in 68 comfortable cabins, respectively, their state-of-the-art technology and open spaces lend to its elegant, friendly ambiance.

Launching in April 2017 and June 2017, these ships will explore the treasures along the Rhine and the Danube.

For More Information on CroisiEurope’s existing catalog of cruises, please visit: http://www. croisieuroperivercruises.com/. T

The digital brochure is available here: http://fr.calameo.com/read/ 0043907974ba7adf863d3

About CroisiEurope

Established in 1976, CroisiEurope is celebrating its 40^th anniversary as a leader in affordable European river cruising. Based in Strasbourg, France, CroisiEurope is headquartered at the epicenter of Europe with offices in Brussels, Paris, Lyon, Nice, Laussane, Madrid, London, Phnom Penh and New York. With an English-speaking crew of 700, this family owned company operates 43 vessels that sail along Europe’s most famous rivers. Passengers can choose from a variety of itineraries that explore picturesque riverside cities in France, Italy, Spain, Germany and Belgium while treating guests to on-board dining menus designed by French Master Chef Alain Bohn. Today, CroisiEurope offers cruises not only in Europe but also along the Mediterranean coast, Vietnam and Cambodia.

For more information on CroisiEurope, please visit: http://www. croisieuroperivercruises.com/ or call 800 768-7232.

CroisiEurope To Celebrate 40th Anniversary With Special 40-Day Europe Sailing

Europe’s largest river cruise company announces its first multi-week itinerary to fete four decades of continuous growth for this family-owned business

 To commemorate 40 successful years in business, CroisiEurope, Europe’s largest river cruise company headquartered in Strasbourg, France, is celebrating the event with a 40-day river cruise through continental Europe, May 5 to June 15, 2016. Prices start at US$10,900 (less than $300 per day) per person, based on double occupancy. This special anniversary cruise combines four of the company’s most popular sailings, while also featuring new ports of call. Never before has CroisiEurope offered a river cruise that has included so many days, ships, rivers and countries, starting in Seville, Spain and ending in Tulcea, Romania in the Black Sea.

ʺWe are inviting travelers to join us on this inaugural 40-day sailing, not only to celebrate the company’s 40^th anniversary, but also to experience the hallmarks of a CroisiEurope river cruise,” says Nicola Iannone, executive vice president U.S. and Canada. “CroisiEurope owes its success over the past four decades to the vision of its founder, Gérard Schmitter and his family, now in their third generation of family ownership.  Known to provide amazing value, CroisiEurope offers attentive English-speaking service, superb French cuisine, unlimited beverages, included shore excursions and complimentary Wi-Fi.

Throughout the itinerary passengers will have the opportunity to experience different CroisiEurope ships while sailing through 12 countries across Eastern and Western Europe. The itinerary’s exciting shore excursions pay homage to the great histories of every included destination: with visits to more than a half dozen UNESCO World Heritage Sites; the burial site of Leonardo da Vinci; wine tastings from some of France’s most prestigious vineyards, including Lafite-Rothschild and Mouton Rothschild; a viewing of works by Dutch masters Rembrandt and Vermeer; and a tour of Beethoven’s childhood home. Additional inclusions like a guided visit of the Château Versailles in Paris and the Alhambra in Granada allow guests to follow in the footsteps of kings and rulers who helped to shape modern-day Europe. Passengers will also enjoy an on-board celebratory dinner with the founding Schmitter family in the Alsatian city of Strasbourg.

This special once in a life time 40^th anniversary cruise offers more surprises for our guests and so space is very limited. The cruise is available for bookings in its 40 day entirety only. More program details are found below.

May 5, 2016: Cruise on the Guadalquivir and the Guadiana Rivers

May 13, 2016: Cruise on the Gironde River

May 18, 2016: Stopover in the Loire Valley

May 20, 2016: Cruise on the Seine River

May 23, 2016: Cruise along the romantic Rhine

May 29, 2016: Cruise on the Danube River to the Black Sea

Discover the complete vacation and day-to-day itinerary at: http://tinyurl.com/qghmczq

For more information about CroisiEurope, visit www.croisieuroperivercruises.com

CroisiEurope currently has a fleet of 43 ships for canal, coastal and river cruising. The fleet has increased by 3 more ships in 2015. The MS Lafayette is the first ship in this class downsizing from the long ships to 82 guests for a new, more intimate and personable cruise experience. One of the next ships in the “Lafayette” class, will join the fleet next year. These ships are built by CroisiEurope, a French family ship owner.

About CroisiEurope

Established in 1976, CroisiEurope has been a leader in affordable European river cruises for nearly 40 years. Based in Strasbourg, France, CroisiEurope has offices in Europe, the USA and Asia. With an English-speaking crew of 700, this family-owned company operates 43 vessels that sail along Europe’s most famous rivers. Passengers can choose from a variety of itineraries that explore picturesque riverside cities in France, Italy, Spain, Germany and Belgium while treating guests to on-board dining menus designed alongside Michelin-starred chefs. Today, CroisiEurope offers cruises not only in Europe but also along the Mediterranean coast, Vietnam and Cambodia. 

For more information about CroisiEurope, please visit, www.croisieuroperivercruises.com or call (800) 768-7232.

Celebrity Cruises Takes European Vacations To New Heights

On the heels of the successful launch of "Celebrity Explorations" – unique vacations that pair ocean cruises with rich destination experiences on land – is the introduction of European river-and-ocean cruise vacation packages. Unique to the cruise industry and only available on Celebrity Cruises, these one-of-a-kind Celebrity Explorations combine immersive Amras Cruises river journeys with guest-favorite modern luxury ocean sailings.

"Our guests want to continue seeing more of the world with Celebrity, and we are dedicated to providing them with the most destination-rich vacations," said Michael Bayley, President and CEO, Celebrity Cruises. "By introducing these river-and-ocean cruise packages, travelers can immerse themselves in Europe more so than ever before, with the ease of choosing a vacation package exclusively created by Celebrity."

The 11 new river-and-ocean cruise packages offer guests the opportunity to explore Europe far and wide by way of four well-known rivers – the Danube, Rhine, Rhone and Seine – and then by sea onboard a breathtaking Celebrity cruise around the Mediterranean, Scandinavia, Russia, Turkey and other destinations.

Ranging from 16 to 24 nights, Celebrity Explorations' river-and-ocean cruise packages include:

Seven-night Amras Cruises river cruise, including gourmet dining; select beverages, featuring regional wine and beer; fully guided tours and excursions; Wi-Fi and more
Dedicated Celebrity Cruises Destination Concierge to ensure a seamless and personalized river cruise experience
Flights to a major European city near the ocean cruise port - Rome, Italy; London, England; Barcelona, Spain; Athens, Greece; or Istanbul, Turkey
One- to two-night luxury hotel accommodations before embarking on the ocean cruise
Convenient transfers from the airport to the hotel and the ocean cruise port
Celebrity Cruises Classic Beverage Package, including wine and spirits
Each river cruise perfectly complements the signature luxuries Celebrity is known for at sea, from beautifully designed accommodations and impeccable service to distinctive dining experiences created by a James Beard-featured chef.

The European river-and-ocean cruise vacation packages offer 11 different combinations of six river cruises and nine distinct ocean sailings, including:

Southern France Sonata with Greece & Turkey – A 16-night adventure that begins with a seven-night river cruise onboard Amadeus Symphony, through Southern France – including stops in Lyon, Viviers and Avignon – followed by two nights in Athens, Greece and seven nights visiting the gems of the Mediterranean aboard Celebrity Equinox

The 16-night journey departs Chalon-sur-Saone, France on July 2 and ends July 18, 2015 in Istanbul, Turkey.

Danube Waltz with Spain & the Canary Islands – A twenty-night vacation to seven different countries starts aboard Amadeus Silver II for a river cruise visiting heritage sites of Budapest, Hungary; the Austrian shoreline and Wachau Valley; and historic German cities. Vacationers then fly to London, England for a two-night stay before meeting Celebrity Eclipse for an 11-night ocean cruise to the vibrant cities of Vigo, Spain; Lisbon, Portugal and the Canary Islands.

The 20-night journey departs Budapest, Hungary on Oct. 1 and ends Oct. 21, 2015, in Southampton, England.

Classical Rhine with Caribbean Transatlantic – Vacationers can enjoy some of the most breathtaking cities in Europe, including immersive visits in Amsterdam, Netherlands; Cologne, Germany; and Strasbourg, France. The river cruise adventure onboard Amadeus Silver is followed by an overnight stay in Rome, Italy and a modern luxury ocean cruise vacation across the Atlantic Ocean on Celebrity's newest ship, Celebrity Reflection, to St Kitts, St. Maarten and other idyllic islands of the Caribbean.

The 23-night journey departs Amsterdam on Oct. 15 and ends Nov. 7, 2015 in Miami, Fla.

Seine Symphony with Israel & the Mediterranean – Guests can experience the French countryside in a new way by sailing aboard Amadeus Diamond and docking for tours of châteaus, centuries-old cathedrals, plus the beaches of Normandy. Travelers then spend a night docked in Paris, France and fly into Istanbul, Turkey to embark on a 12-night cruise aboard Celebrity Constellation to the historic cities of Haifa and Ashdod, Israel; Valletta, Malta; and Naples and Rome, Italy.

The 20-night journey departs Paris on Oct. 15 and ends Nov. 4, 2015 in Rome, Italy.

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