River Cruise Prices And Fees
River cruises are typically all-inclusive, meaning Wi-Fi is usually free, along with regular meals and sometimes alcohol. How much and the type of alcohol and the times of day or night served may depend on the details of your booking. If drinks are an expected part of your vacation, make sure your upfront fee includes unlimited, premium alcohol. Your river cruise package price may or may not include tips, so be sure to confirm the tipping policy before going on board.
Lesson
River cruises tend to be booked well in advance. If you are planning a trip for next summer, a good time to book is in the fall when the most deals are to be found, according to travel experts. On the other hand, some cruises may offer last-minute deals closer to the booking cut off. A travel agent may help you find the best price, or you could contact each cruise line directly for help.
River cruises arent for the budget traveler. Its a sound financial practice to protect the amount youve paid for your trip with travel insurance to cover trip cancellations for any reason, delays, lost luggage, illness or injury while traveling and more. You will pay from $120 to $250 for travel insurance, depending on your age and the trip being insured. It is recommended that you check with your credit card company to see if they include travel insurance as a perk.
River Ship Line #: Vantage Deluxe World Cruises
The river cruise branch of tour operator Vantage Deluxe World Travel has several of its own ships, the majority of which sail in Europe. In fact, the vessels were some of the first river ships in Europe to have cabins designated for solo travelers. But in 2020, the company started operations in Egypt on its new m/s Nebu, which also has solo cabins. Providing its clients with even more options, Vantage also charters ships around the world for a variety of itineraries.
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Americas River Cruise Brands
To sail the rivers of the United States, cruise ships must be American-owned, American-built, American-flagged, and American-staffed.
While there are very small players that meet this criterion, for purposes of this article, we are going to focus on the best of the best.
Here is the list in alphabetical order:
How to Book a U.S. River Cruise
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Best River Cruises In Usa
With the Mississippi, the Columbia, and more, America is home to some enormous and iconic rivers that have played key roles in the development of the nation. Each river has its own stories to tell and stunning scenery to offer, and one of the best ways to enjoy the rivers of America is by taking a river cruise. With cruise lines like American Queen Steamboat Company and American Cruise Lines offering multiple routes and experiences at great prices, theres never been a better time to book a USA river cruise. Read on to learn about a few of the best river cruises you can choose. We recommend that you call the attractions and restaurants ahead of your visit to confirm current opening times.
Small Ship Line #: Star Clippers
Star Clippers has a fleet of three ships, with its flagship Royal Clipper holding the record as the worlds largest full-rigged sailing ship. All three are sailing yachts, unfurling their sails for itineraries across the Caribbean, Mediterranean, and Southeast Asia, with classic exteriors and interiors featuring several bars, a swimming pool, library, and formal dining room.
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Small Ship Line #: Seadream Yacht Club
Sailing through the Caribbean, around Europe, or across the Atlantic on either of SeaDreams two 112-passenger yachts means quickly getting to know your fellow guests. Facilities on the six decks include a pool, whirlpool, and casino, but the real highlight is the watersports marina that can be lowered down to the waves for easy ocean swimming, kayaking, and more. The ships often overnight in port, allowing guests the opportunity to experience the local nightlife before taking off for their next destination.
New Orleans To Memphis With American Queen Steamboat Company
If youve been dying to eat grits, drink iced tea and say yall as much as you possibly can, a voyage through the Mississippi Delta on an actual steamboat probably sounds just right. Youll depart from NoLa and from there, explore the romantic antebellum South, visiting historic mansions and towns as you head up to Memphis .
9 days fares from $2,999
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Will There Be European Cruises In 2021
The restart of operations in Europe will not happen until March 31, 2021, and no longer sailings until May 2021. Update 7: The British-based cruise line has extended its pause on operations until May 2021 due to the uncertainty with travel restrictions. Braemars cruises will remain on hold until Spring 2022.
Are there round trip cruises from US to Europe?
Transatlantic cruises from the USA to Europe depart from New York and Florida, and destinations include Denmark, England, Ireland, Italy and Spain. Most Atlantic voyages are one-way to Europe from the United States and can be excellent deals, although there are a few round-trip cruises too.
How long is a cruise from Florida to Europe?
Passengers must prepare to spend a significant part of a Florida-to-Italy cruise at sea, as it takes six or seven full days to cross the Atlantic. This long stretch of seafaring is balanced out upon arrival in Europe, where ports of call are plentiful and itineraries become packed with action.
Do cruises Resume 2022?
As travel begins to return in greater numbers following the COVID-19 pandemic, the future of cruise will continue to evolve in 2022 and beyond. And river cruise operator Uniworld has seen a 425 percent year-on-year increase in late 2021 and 2022 bookings to exotic destinations like India, Vietnam and Egypt.
American Queen Steamboat Company
One of the most iconic rivers in the United States is undoubtedly the Mississippi, and this 8 Night Mark Twain’s Mississippi cruise from the American Queen Steamboat Company is an awesome way to explore this stunning river like never before. With rooms available for around $300 per night and plenty of different room types to choose from, this is a fully flexible cruise that can work with different budgets and desires.
This cruise lets you climb aboard the wonderful American Queen. Unlike any other cruise ship on Earth, the American Queen was designed to look just like the old Mississippi riverboats, offering a really authentic Mississippi River cruise experience. The ship has been lovingly crafted and decorated with Victorian-era influences and authentic furnishings. It even features its own saloon, where live music is played regularly, and also offers multiple dining options and plenty of other features.
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Columbia And Snake Rivers Cruise With American Cruise Lines
Lewis and Clark did it 200 years ago, and now its your turn to see what the explorers saw on this epic routewell, we doubt they had a pit stop at a local winery. Youll take off from Portland, and visit places like Astoria, Oregon Mount St. Helens in Washington and the incredible Columbia River Gorge, ultimately ending your voyage along the pristine Snake River. Still, our favorite part of the trip might be the onboard musicians performing maritime songs and sea shantiesya know, to get you in the Lewis and Clark mind-set.
8 days fares from $3,725
Book it
Small Ship Line #: Metropolitan Touring
Operating three expedition vessels in the Galápagos, Metropolitan Touring is the ideal cruise line for those seeking a casual experience in the wildlife hotspot. The tiny ships, which only accommodate between 40 and 78 passengers, have a laid-back atmosphere where the focus is very much on wildlife spotting. The company also offers land-based tours in mainland Ecuador, Peru, and Colombia that can be combined with a Galápagos expedition.
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Envision Paradise Adventure And Relaxation With Usa River Cruises
Imagine exploring the ins and outs of the largest group of freshwater lakes on earth and then hop aboard our Great Lakes River Cruises.
Perhaps youve always wondered what it would be like to explore the Deep South in comfort and style. Our Mississippi River Cruises are the place to be.
Or maybe youve always wanted to experience Europe from a ships-eye view. Well USA River Cruises has those, too, with our sweet suite of European Cruises.
Theres so much for you to see and do. From the Great Lakes and the mighty Mississippi to the Columbia River and our Alaskan Cruises ports of call all the way to our cruises throughout Europe and the Caribbean.
USA River Cruises has been making travel dreams come true since 1999. Were experts at matching people with the experiences they seek. Theres something for everyone. Theres something for you.
This Columbia River Cruise experience was a total delight, very informative, educational, entertaining, and just a fantastic experience overall. Every port offered opportunities for exploration and learning. The on-board Riverlorian brought history to life, as did the local entertainment brought onboard. The cuisine selections and quality were top-shelf all the way.
Emerald Waterways Review Which Recommended Provider
If you like the sound of Scenics river cruises but are put-off by the cost, youll want to consider its more cost-conscious sister, Emerald Waterways. All its ships have been built within the last 10 years, so its no wonder they were highly rated for spaciousness and facilities. The food is top-quality, too, making Emerald Waterways a great option for a slightly more wallet-friendly European river cruise.
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There Are Both A Captain And A Pilot Onboard Us River Boats
Technically, there are two captains onboard, as all pilots also have their captains licenses. But because you cannot have two captains in command of a ship, one captain is the master and the other the pilot. Both stand watch for alternating six-hour shifts. When the boat is in a situation where both are needed , the master will concentrate on boat operations, while the pilot is in charge of navigation. On big ocean ships, local pilots come aboard to help the Captain dock in specific ports, but river pilots often do not have intimate knowledge of specific stretches of water. This is particularly true because rivers change on an almost daily basis.
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River Cruise Tours & Trips In Egypt Reviews
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I cant say it more strongly: NOW is the time to travel to Egypt. There are few tourists,
10 Day Egypt Experience Tour
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My partner and i took a trip up the nile starting from Luxor where we were met by
Nile Cruise 7 Nights, Luxor/Aswan/Luxor
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Very very happy with your service and prompt resolution to our minor problem We
5 Star 8-Day Nile Jewel, Cairo & Nile Cruise
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This trip was a life long desire. I went with my wife at end of October 2018. The
Egyptian Legacy
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A trip of a lifetime! Hands down one of the best trips Ive ever been on. Egypt is
Egypt and the Nile
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An excellent tour with an extremely knowledgeable tour guide who really brought Ancient
Egypt Luxury Tour Package 8 Days, 7 Nights
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Medium Ship Line #: Crystal Cruises
While many cruises are notorious for charging guests for alcohol and specialty dining options, Crystal practices a generally all-inclusive fare structure covering all drinks , one specialty dining reservation per passenger , 24-hour room service, and a Wi-Fi package. The line has just three ocean-going vessels: Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony, which both have capacities of fewer than 1,000 passengers and sail global itineraries, and the newly launched Crystal Endeavor, an expedition megayacht that set sail this year.
You Can Walk If You Want To
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American riverboats dont need to dock only at large piers like their oceangoing counterparts. If you can offload a power fishing boat into the water at the towns edge, you can dock a 400-passenger riverboat there, too. That means riverboats are capable of pulling up and debarking passengers within easy walking distance of town. In St. Louis, the Arch is less than a 10-minute walk from where the riverboats moor. In Cincinnati, though the boat is technically docked in Newport, Kentucky, youre just a 15-minute walk across a pedestrian bridge from the Great American Ballpark where the Reds play, and 20 minutes from the heart of the city. So even if you dont want to spend anything to do an excursion, its easy and free to make your way into just about any town or city you visit.
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The Best Luxury River Cruises
| June 19 2019
For those who think ocean cruises are the only option, there are plenty of luxury river cruises that allow you to explore smaller cities along rivers such as the Nile, Danube and Rhine. Oftentimes, the ships are far smaller meaning that there are less people onboard and more intimate experiences to be had. Read on for the best luxury cruises in the world.
Frequently Asked Questions About River Cruises
What is river cruising?
Its a form of leisure boat travel along inland waterways most popularly along the worlds major rivers, including the Mississippi, Danube, Rhine, Volga and Yangtze. River cruise boats are smaller than ocean liners to maneuver smaller waterways and can carry up to 250 guests. This reduced capacity makes the whole experience of river cruising more intimate than typical ocean cruising.
Are river ships different from other cruise ships?
River ships are much smaller in size compared to giant ocean liners, so they cater to fewer guests. It is easier to get to know some of the other travelers on a river ship. Also, because rivers are shallow, river cruises tend to be smoother sailing than ocean liners.
How long does a typical river cruise last?
River cruises are typically just over a week in length and include several port stops during each passage. Instead of spending many days at sea, you will spend less time sailing on a river cruise and can expect to awaken each day in a new port.
What are some amenities found on river cruises?
Ocean liners often sail with amenities such as pools, fitness centers, casinos, entertainment venues and so on. River ships tend to have fewer onboard amenities and instead offer educational, cultural or culinary experiences to keep things lively on board.
What can I expect a river cruise to include?
Whats the best season for a river cruise?
What should I pack for a river cruise?
What type of person enjoys a river cruise?
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The Best River Cruises Blend Refined Onboard Accommodations With Exciting Itineraries Along Some Of The Worlds Most Memorable Waterways
After pandemic-related challenges at the beginning of last year, river ships got back to what they do best: exploring inland waterways in Europe, the United States, and select other destinations around the world. Travel + Leisure readers enthusiastically returned, setting out on voyages both classic and new.
Every year for our Worlds Best Awards survey, T+L asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe to share their opinions on the top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. Readers rated individual cruise ships on their cabins and facilities, food, service, itineraries and destinations, excursions and activities, and value. Those assessments were combined to generate results for the cruise lines in six categories, including river cruising.
The top three in the river cruise lines were very close in their scores. Viking, the worlds largest river cruise company, moved up two spots into the lead position. Tauck, the well-known tour and river-ship operator, retained its No. 2 spot. The itinerary was thoughtful as well as instructive, wrote one reader who traveled on the Joy. In the No. 3 spot is Uniworld Boutique River Cruises, with praise that included this rave from one voter who sailed on the : This was an exceptional cruise. The staff was excellent. I cant say enough about this cruise line and this ship.
Find the full list of the best river cruise lines and more on what sets Viking apart below.
