Top 5 river cruise lines for destinations all over the world

Many people all over the world enjoying taking cruises to destinations in Europe, Alaska, the Pacific, South America, and everywhere in between.  While river cruises have been around a long time, they are catching on in popularity as an alternative to sailing on big cruise ships in the ocean. 

European cruises are booming and as people are looking for Rhine, Danube, and various other cruises as well.  While Royal Carribean, Norwegian, Carnival, Princess, and Holland America are well known in the cruise industry, river cruise lines like Viking River Cruises are beginning to rise in popularity for those that want a different type of cruise.  Enjoy many of the same benefits of big ship cruises on rivers rather than oceans.

There are a number of advantages to river cruises over ocean cruises.  And if traveling to local destinations with a more intimate feel in places like Europe and Asia appeal to you, then check out the top 5 river cruise operators.

1.  AMA Waterways

Cruise Passengers - These river cruises are comfortable and a little bit on the upscale side as they offer fine dining and some great meals along with some upscale room options.  Their staff varies as many are from countries all over Europe.  They offer some great spaces, exercise rooms, and a number of on board activities.  Most of their passengers come from the US, Canada, and Australia.

Ships - Most of their ships are newer, state-of-the-art vessels from the mid to late 00s.  A couple of their other fleets are from the 90s but have been recently refurbished.  Passenger size ranges from about 120 to 150 passengers for each ship and room sizes range from 130 square feet to over 200 square feet with a number of suites available.

Featured amenities - Complimentary bicycles for excursions, free WiFi, free headsets for tours.

Destinations - AMA is primarily a European river cruise operator with a few cruises in Russia and China.  AMA offers a number of European river cruises as well as a number of specialty cruises for Oktoberfest, Christmas, and more.

Pricing - Most cruises run from 8 days to 2 weeks with a few which last from 3 weeks to a month.  Cruise prices are $2,000 - $3,000 for cruises, $3,000 - $4,000 for cruise and land packages, and $4,000 and up for cruise, land, and air packages. 

Check out AMA Waterways on their website http://amawaterways.com/.

2.  Avalon Waterways

Cruise Passengers - One of the hippest, more modern, and cosmopolitan  river cruise companies, it is also one of the oldest.  Avalon Waterways seeks to appeal to all types of cruisers - budget travelers, Boomers, GenXers, and families. However, they are about style, class, and comfort with modern conveniences, upgraded living and dining experiences, and some of the newest fleets in the river cruise industry.  For cruise passengers, they are one of the most diverse with a number of passengers hailing from other English-speaking countries.

Ships - While Avalon has been around for 80 years, don't let their age fool you.  They have some of the newest ships and some of the best amenities to offer.

In 2011, they will roll out their newest ship, the Avalon Panorama, which will feature a number of suites including the Panorama suites featuring 200 square feet of living space and a wall-to-wall panoramic window.  With a focus on comfort, style, and elegance, this is reflected in their design, food, and itinerary. 

Featured amenities - Avalon bedding, high speed internet service, flat screen TVs, L’Occitane toiletries, plush robes and slippers

Destinations - Hip, modern, and comfortable, Avalon offers cruises to over 20 countries including Europe, China, Egypt, and the Galapagos Islands. 

Pricing - Avalon Waterways has a number of shorter cruises, with many of their cruises lasting for 4 days to under 2 weeks.  With the cheapest under $1,000 and the most expensive over $5,000, there are a number of prices, cruise lengths, and destinations to choose from.

If their style and destinations appeal to you, check them out at http://avalonwaterways.com.

3.  Grand Circle Travel

Cruise Passengers - "Cruising to the oldies" might be a great music compilation for this river cruise operator as they tend to cater to "mature Americans."  While Grand Circle Travel does more than just river cruises, their cruises have become popular for many Americans who want to slow down and enjoy cruising at different pace.

Grand Circle Travel river cruises are exclusively for Americans and cater to a different audience.  From language to food to the itineraries, these are made with Americans in mind. 

Ships - Cruise ships are a bit older and smaller than other river cruise operators but offer a casual and relaxing experience.  Their cruises are often a bit longer than most other cruises as well since they appeal to a more mature generation with a little more time.   

Featured amenities - free headsets for tours

Destinations - While these cruises may focus on more mature Americans, anyone can enjoy a cruise on Grand Circle river cruises to Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.  Because of the length of the trips, the casual atmosphere, and the audience that it caters to, the prices for these river cruises are very reasonable. 

Pricing - Cruises range from about 12 days up to 3 weeks and most are on the $2,000 to $3,000 range offering some of the best values per day of the river cruise operators.

Check out Grand Circle Travel river cruises at http://www.gct.com/Find-Trips/River-Cruises.aspx.

4.  Viking River Cruises

Cruise Passengers - One of the budget friendly cruise options, Viking offers a number of discounts and 2-for-1 cruises to those passengers who are flexible and budget conscious.  Viking offers a good balance between casual and luxury and their prices reflect that as well. 

You can get some inexpensive cruises with the discounts they offer.  Prices for these cruises are moderate and they are currently advertising 2-for-1 on cruise, land, and air plus complimentary wine.  They provide a good balance between excursions and time for independent travel.  Currently, it is the most popular river cruise operator for Americans.

Ships - Rooms are comfortable, convenient, and moderate and the ship has 150 to 300 guests on their cruises.  The ships are comfortable and modern and offer great views from their decks.  Not too flashy but very comfortable, these ships are popular for river cruising. 

Like other river cruise operators, they have a cruising vessel launching in 2011, Viking Schumann, which will offer a little more elegance.  A couple of other new ships will be making their debuts as well on their Russia and China river cruises.

Featured amenities - Quietvox tour audio system gives passengers lightweight, portable headsets with volume control so you never miss a word on a tour.  Get free WiFi on board as well.

Destinations - Viking tends to focus on Europe with numerous cruises on the Danube, Rhine, Seine, Elbe, Rhone, and more.  However, they also offer cruises to China and southeast Asia, Russia and the Ukraine, as well as Egypt. 

Pricing - They have a good mix of cruises from $1200 to around $3,000 for most of their cruises which generally are from 8 days to 2 weeks.  Don't forget to check out their discounts and special offers as well.

For more information Viking, check out their website at http://www.vikingrivercruises.com.

5.  Uniworld River Cruises

Cruise Passengers - Probably the most upscale and most expensive river cruise operator, it is also very popular. Upscale design and feature products are included to pamper their guests while rooms and meals are finely decorated and planned. Picked by Condé Nast Traveler’s and Travel+Leisure's as the top small cruise line, they seek to mix elegance, style, and hospitality with an array of cruise destinations.

Ships - Average passenger size of their ships is about 130 passengers with elegantly decorated rooms.  The range of ships into service ranges from 1993 to 2009 with two new ones set to debut next year for cruises in the Netherlands, Germany, Spain and Portugal. 

While a majority of the ships were put into service in the 90s and early 00s, nearly every one of them has been refurbished in the last 5 years.  The rooms are comfortable and the amenities include guest robes and boutique body-care products.

Featured amenities - Flat screen TVs in every room, complimentary bottled water, plush and lavish robes, L'Occitane bath and body amenities, complimentary bicycles

Destinations - Cruises include Europe, Russia, Egypt, and China and most of them run from 9 days to 16 days.  Their biggest focus is on Europe with their next biggest destination in China. 

Pricing - While there are a number of cruises under $2,000, most of the cruises they offer are $2,000 and up.  Most cruises are 9 days to a little over 2 weeks.

If their style and destinations fit your taste, check out Uniworld cruises at http://uniworld.com/.

River cruises are big business in Europe, Asia, and Africa.  Many people enjoy the slower pace, life on the river rather than the ocean, and fewer passengers.  If river cruising entices you, check out the best river cruise lines and destinations in the world.

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