Once travel is back on the menu, lovers of the "Old Continent" might want to get a new perspective on a number of beloved countries by experiencing them from the water. A European river cruise can be a dream come true for those of us who want to explore Europe at a relatively slow but steady pace, with typically 50 to 70 cabins (but some up to 200); superior onboard dining reflecting local cuisines; and a plethora of chances to see historic landmarks - either on your own or in organized shore excursions - and experience different popular locations from a slightly different perspective. Some of the rivers, regions, and themes you can explore by way of a river cruise include:
France's River Seine
Cruises on France's most famous river usually leave from Paris and are round-trip. They generally bring passengers to the landing beaches in Normandy and last for about a week.
Bordeaux, Garonne, and Dordogne
River cruises in these southern French regions are usually between four and 12 days in length. They generally leave from Bordeaux and are round-trip.
The Rhine River
A river cruise on the Rhine generally travels between Basel in Switzerland through Germany and the Netherlands, ending up in Amsterdam.
The Danube River
A Danube cruise usually travels between Romania and Hungary or Austria and are generally about a week in length.
The Lower Danube
Some cruises concentrate just on the lower Danube, in Romania and Hungary, and usually last a week.
The Rhine, Main and Danube
Cruises combining these rivers are usually about two weeks or longer in length, and most often include the Danube, the Main-Danube Canal, the Main itself, and the Rhine.
Portugal's Douro
A Douro river cruise usually leaves from Porto (in itself a wonderful destination) and is round-trip. At the eastern end there are generally excursions to the nearby Spanish of Salamanca available.
Christmas Market Cruises
You can go on an exploration of the Christmas markets in various European countries by way of river cruise. Such themed cruises are available of course during market season between late November and late December.
And here are three of the major river-cruise players in Europe:
Avalon Waterways
Specializing in Europe, this respected 16-year-old river-cruise line operates on most of the above rivers and especially heavily in Germany, Austria, Hungary, and the Netherlands (including season Christmas-market cruises). It operates "Suite Ships" with cabins featuring floor-to-ceiling window walls and sliding glass doors that open onto a balconies. Tea, coffee, and non-alcoholic beverages are available 24/7, and the main dining room is compemented by the Panorama Bistro, with a light menu as well as wine. There's also offers a "Sky Deck" where you can enjoy a grilled lunch when the weather is favorable.
Emerald Waterways
This British line has been sailing for six years, and its nine Europe-based ships offer cruises on the Rhine, Main, Rhône, Danube, and Douro, along with Russia's Volga River, with free shore excursions at all ports. There are two dining rooms, with lunch and dinner including complimentary soda, wine, and beer. Staterooms include bottled water, and deluxe "Owners Suites" have complimentary stocked mini-bars. Laundry concierge service, is available for a fee, and there's also a bar/lounge with after-dinner live piano music.
Viking River Cruises
This division of Switzerland-based Viking Lines is one of the largest most popular European river-cruise companies, and also operates some of the largest ships in the market, from 98 to 190 cabins. Cruise-package inclusions are also greater, including meals, shore excursions (bikes are also available for use ashore). If you book an "Explorer Suite," laundry service and stocked mini-bars are also included.
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