Exciting new river cruises are about to amaze the world of travel as a result of novel itineraries, unexpected destinations and enhanced ships.
If you’re a wine enthusiast, consider exploring the Douro River region
Have you already indulged in Riesling from Germany and Merlot from France? Why not embark on a river cruise aboard Avalon Waterway’s newest Suite Ship, the Avalon Alegria, to uncover the stunning Portuguese ports and wines.
The eight-day Vida Portugal: Vineyards & Villages itinerary will see you exploring terraced vineyards across Douro River. Venture to Peso Da Regua, home to one of the oldest farms in Douro Valley for an olive oil and wine tasting whilst receiving a personal tour.
In Freixo de Numao enjoy guided tours around vast vineyards alongside granite houses before stopping at Porto where there is opportunity take up visiting a family-owned factory that showcases cork production methods as well barrel productions – your adventure awaits with sailings available throughout April until November 2024 or 2025!
Experience Holland and Belgium as a family vacation destination
Think river cruises are only for grown-ups? Think again! Disney and AmaWaterways have teamed up to offer a family-friendly adventure through Holland and Belgium during the spring tulip season in April of next year.
The eight-day journey will be guided by experienced Adventure Guides trained by Disney, known for their captivating storytelling skills. Youngsters on board, dubbed Junior Adventurers, can enjoy an evening with newfound pals while taking part in Guide-led activities.
Families will explore historic windmills and castles along the way as well as visit must-see attractions like Keukenhof – one of the world’s largest flower gardens – and Floralia Brussels’ impressive flower show showcasing stunning blooms amidst gorgeous landscapes perfectly aligned with holiday festivities.
Upper Amazon River is a must-see destination for those who love animals
During the 10-day Upper Amazon trip with Lindblad Expeditions, you might be greeted by a mesmerizing sight of pink river dolphins when you wake up.
The journey begins at Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve, which is home to three million species of wildlife and guarantees animal encounters throughout your cruise. You’ll come across capuchin monkeys swinging on trees, woodpeckers tapping away while sloths hang onto branches casually along the banks.
River otters and spotted river turtles can also be seen near shorelines as well as menacing piranhas, anacondas and tarantulas if timing permits! A chance sighting of jaguars may occur too. On-board education includes learning photography skills from an experienced instructor certified by Lindblad-National Geographic expeditions program.
The entire expedition takes place aboard Delfin II- an exquisite Relais & Chateaux-styled boat that features fourteen staterooms for passengers’ convenience. Departing in Lima Peru where they begin from, the schedule comprises Several departure dates every year.
Return Limawraps it up perfectly giving travelers multiple options to match their preference for visiting this South American destination’s boundlessly beautiful nature reserves brimming with diverse life forms waiting just outside our doors here since time immemorial!
For those interested in history: The Danube
Scenic’s 10-day Danube in Depth cruise from Nuremberg to Budapest (or vice versa) offers a captivating blend of historical architecture and exploring moving World War II sites.
Cruisers can visit the Rally Grounds and Courtroom 600, where members of the Nazi Party faced trial for war crimes in Nuremberg; Mauthausen’s former concentration camp outside Linz; and Schonbrunn Palace, once home to Habsburg royalty, with an exclusive classical concert at Palais Liechtenstein available too.
This luxurious experience is made even better aboard one of Scenic’s five Space-Ships that provide up to five dining options ranging from casual to fine cuisine.
Belgium is a must-visit destination for those who love the festive season
Experience the ultimate Christmas extravaganza by embarking on a river cruise that glides through some of Europe’s finest yuletide markets. Imagine indulging in delectable treats, ice skating and getting an aerial view of shimmering festive lights atop a Ferris wheel while sipping vin chaud.
Uniworld is giving you this incredible opportunity to explore Belgium’s marketplaces aboard their latest vessel SS Victoria, which features gigantic suites unmatched throughout European rivers.
The eight-day roundtrip from Brussels takes cruisers to charming cities like Ghent and Hasselt where they can immerse themselves into authentic local cultures at exceptional Christmas markets brimming with festivity aplenty!
Additionally, revel in Valkenburg cave’s underground X-mas marketplace during your staycation packed full of memorable experiences adrift amidst fine dining accompanied by seasonal specialties featuring fresh farm-to-table ingredients sourced daily for guests’ culinary delightment—unmissable indeed!
Calling all nature enthusiasts: Great Lakes await you!
If your dream has always been to witness the thunderous beauty of Niagara Falls, then we have exciting news for you. Viking Cruises now offers a 17-day voyage called “Niagara & the Great Lakes Treasures,” which takes in not only this awe-inspiring natural wonder but also showcases the vast waterways of North America’s largest freshwater system –
The Great Lakes! Departing from Milwaukee and ending in Toronto, travelers will experience amazing sights like navigating through Canada’s Welland Canal locks, exploring car-free Mackinac Island in Michigan and spotting migratory wildlife at Ontario’s Point Pelee National Park.
Be sure to pack comfy hiking boots as well because there are plenty of opportunities to explore dense boreal forests that outline Lake Superior and Lake Michigan during scheduled shore excursions.
Guests can look forward to cruising on sleek Scandinavian-designed twin vessels Octantis or Polaris while relishing laid-back luxury vibes aboard them too! Multiple departures starting May until September 2026 make it convenient for all travel plans.
River Seine: A Must-See Destination for Art Lovers
One of the standout features of Tauck’s River Seine: Chateaux, Impressionism & Normandy itinerary is the early-access entrance to Claude Monet’s impeccably maintained home and gardens at Giverny.
This experience offers artists and art enthusiasts an incredible opportunity to appreciate the soft light, serene Japanese water garden, and picturesque countryside that inspired one of history’s greatest impressionists.
The journey begins near Paris in Le Pecq before culminating with a farewell reception held exclusively at 17thcentury Chateau de Bizy. Other highlights include touring Duclair’s Italian Renaissance mansion -Chateau du Taillis- followed by dinner accompanied by music there as well as lunch served amidst elegant settings in historic estates such as Chateau la Cheneviere along with newly designed MS Sapphire cruises leaving three times per month from July through August.
For gourmet enthusiasts: The Mekong
Embark on a 13-day journey through Vietnam and Cambodia aboard APT’s latest addition, Mekong Serenity, to savor the essence of life along the famous Mekong Delta. As part of their Signature Experiences program, guests get to relish an exceptional dining experience at renowned chef/TV host Luke Nguyen’s restaurant – Vietnam House in Ho Chi Minh City.
While cruising through Tan Chau, you’ll encounter a floating fish farm and catch sight of rice wine rooms. Additionally, the itinerary includes a unique viewing experience during sunrise at Angkor Wat’s remarkable temple complex and an awe-inspiring Buddhist blessing ceremony held at Oudong monastery.
The 88-guest vessel boasts top-notch amenities such as a pool on the upper deck alongside alfresco dining arrangements that allow for unmatched views of picturesque landscapes each day.
Moreover, relish in five-course menus consisting only of freshly sourced ingredients served by our specialty restaurant aboard this ship- with various departure dates throughout 2024 to choose from!
The Murray awaits Aussie explorers
Next year, the Murray River will witness the launch of PS Australian Star, which is set to become the largest paddle-steamer in the Southern Hemisphere.
The vessel is owned and operated by Murray River Paddlesteamers and boasts a five-star rating. Come April 2025, it will begin its operations on Echuca’s Victorian side of the river with an accommodation capacity for 38 guests across 19 staterooms each featuring a deck access.
The seven-night All-the-Rivers-Run sailing itinerary offers multiple activities including visiting wineries, silo art tours as well as exploring Perricoota Station gardens located near Moama – popularly known for being one of filming locations used during production on ‘All-The-River Runs’ TV series back in1980s .
Take your relaxation game up several notches while watching panoramic views from Hopwood Lounge via large windows or any other outdoor leisure spots provided aboard. In addition to this cruise package option are three night and four night alternatives offered by PS Australia star where you can savor locally sourced fresh produce at Randell Dining Room available onboard.
