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AMA WATERWAYS = LUXURY ON THE RIVERS

Dec 8, 2020

AMA Waterways = Luxury on the Rivers? AMA means love. Having cruised with them on four separate occasions and sent many clients on their journey of a lifetime, I can say that AMA personifies that. From the moment you decide on your dream cruise, you will experience the values that have made them the river cruise experts.

While the ships themselves are elegant and tastefully appointed, it is the crew that really makes your cruise magical. They go beyond service to make you feel as if you are a valued member of their family. They see it as their mission to make this the best experience you can have. I have experienced this myself. A waiter remembering I like hot tea with breakfast rather than coffee; a crew member walking with a passenger to make certain they can navigate cobblestones; the hotel manager going ashore at a market town to buy local treats for the entire ship. These are just some of the examples of why AMA Waterways = Luxury on the Rivers. You will find your own reasons when you step onboard an AMA Waterways ship and experience that special love.

So, let’s discover all the ways AMA Waterways defines luxury on the rivers!

RUDI SCHREINER IS THE HISTORY OF AMA WATERWAYS : Sometimes an idea comes to you from somewhere you least expect it. A journalism assignment had Rudi designing and building his first ship, which was a raft he then sailed on the Amazon River. From there he decided to go into travel. In 1992 the Rhine-Main-Canal was completed and the AMA story begins. Rudi Schreiner, who has been dubbed “The Godfather of river cruising” is the architect for creating this innovative luxury river cruise company. He teamed up with Kristin Karst and Jimmy Murphy to make his dream come true. While Jimmy Murphy has passed away, the company is lucky to have his son Gary on board as one of its leaders.

AMA Waterways Luxury River Cruise Co-Owners

Meet the Architects of AMA Waterways Luxury River Cruises

THE SHIPS: There are 17 ships in the AMA Waterways fleet at this time and each one has been designed and created for the rivers and itineraries they will sail on. In addition to their regular fleet, you will see that Rudi is always innovating and introducing new concepts to river cruising.

Some of the elements common to most of the fleet are:

- Panoramic Lounge with bar
- Piano and dance floor
- Walking track
- Whirlpool, fitness room and bicycles for exploration
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
- Hair salon and massage services (Additional costs apply)
- The Chef’s Table specialty restaurant with glass-enclosed kitchen and tasting menu
- Breakfast and lunch featuring regional cuisine
- Exquisite multi-course dinners made with fresh local ingredients
- Hand-selected wine, beer and soft drinks with meals—plus a Sip & Sail cocktail hour
- All-day tapas menu and afternoon tea, 24-hour coffee station
- Welcome Cocktail, Welcome Dinner, La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs
- Dinner, Captain’s Cocktail and Gala Dinner

AMA Magna-

With AMA Magna Rudi realized another of his dreams: to build a larger river cruise ship. She is twice the width of traditional European river ships and offers more personal space, more unique dining venues, and more leisure opportunities. She is redefining the river cruise experience! Most accommodations are spacious suites measuring 355 to 710 sq. ft. with full balconies. In addition to the Main Restaurant and The Chef’s Table, AMA Magna introduces two enticing new dining venues: Jimmy’s, a family-style restaurant named for AMA Waterways’ late Co-Owner Jimmy Murphy, and the Al Fresco Restaurant, with retractable windows and outdoor seating.

Both a sun-deck pool and whirlpool invite guests to refresh and enjoy the views. AMA Magna’s Zen Wellness Studio is an expansive space with a fitness center, two massage rooms, and a refreshing juice bar.

Golf Anyone? Imagine if there was a way to combine luxury river cruising on the iconic Danube with the opportunity to indulge your passion and play golf. AMA Waterways has created the perfect package to enable you to do just that. On the AMA Magna you can take advantage of the Exclusive Concierge Golf Program. Not only will you have a choice of excursions in every port, you will have the opportunity to play up to 5 rounds of golf at some of the leading championship courses on the continent.

AMA Waterways’ Exclusive Concierge Golf Program is available on select Romantic Danube and Melodies of the Danube cruises sailing aboard the AMA Magna.

AMA Dahlia-

Next year will see the return of AMA Waterways to Egypt with the introduction of the AMA Dahlia. The stunning AMA Dahlia is an inviting 68-passenger ship offering 18 standard staterooms and 16 magnificent suites. There are also a wealth of amenities that will surprise and delight you, including a heated sun-deck swimming pool and bar. These are in addition to the standard amenities throughout the fleet.

Marvel at scenic Nile River views in luxury, enjoy regionally inspired entertainment, and savor the flavors of both local and Western cuisine on board.

THE UNIQUE ITINERARY

AMA has put together an unparalleled 11-night Nile River cruise and land experience that includes exquisite cuisine, authentic experiences, and the extraordinary service for which AMA Waterways is renowned.

On the luxurious, newly designed AMA Dahlia you explore ancient wonders, such as the beguiling Temple of Luxor and the mystifying Valley of the Kings and Queens. Plus, come face-to-face with the last survivor of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Great Sphinx and the three Pyramids of Giza. This unforgettable itinerary includes exclusive experiences, such as a private tour of the tomb of Queen Nefertari and a private lunch at the Abdeen Presidential Palace. Uncover the many mysteries and secrets that have shaped Egypt’s past and continue to influence the future of this remarkable land.

AMA Dahlia defines luxury on the rivers with AMA Waterways

Sail the Nile on the Luxurious AMA Dahlia

THERE’S MORE: AMA Waterways has put together several pre- and post-cruise packages to destinations in the region. If you have always wanted to see Dubai and the world’s tallest building, you can spend 3 nights there before the cruise. You can also do this and have a post-cruise 4-night stay in Israel.

Another choice is to have 4 nights in Israel with the 3 nights pre-cruise extension in Jordan.

What an extraordinary opportunity to see more of this ancient and historical part of the world.

An extraordinary visit to Petra is yours on the extension of your Nile Cruise with AMA Waterways

Zambezi Queen-

This ship was designed and created in 2009 to sail exclusively on the Chobe River. It’s small size, accommodating only 28 passengers, ensures unobstructed views of the wildlife from anywhere on the ship.

Imagine the photos you can take on your Chobe River cruise.

With AMA Waterways, there are five unique itineraries that include the 4-night cruise on the Chobe. With the Africa Safaris & Wildlife Cruise, you can spend time in Cape Town and experience the world renown Victoria Falls on your 10-night adventure.

If you have always wanted to take a luxury rail trip, the Rivers & Rails of Africa tour will start in Cape Town, include your cruise and Victoria Falls and transport you to Johannesburg on the elegant Rovos Rail in an upgraded deluxe suite. You will have 13 nights of exquisite luxury on land, on your cruise and on the wonderful Rovos Rail.

Want to experience life in the bush? You should consider the 13-night Wildlife & The Falls itinerary. It combines Johannesburg, Victoria Falls and 3 nights in Kruger National Park. You will have morning and afternoon game drives, with only 6 guests in each vehicle to guarantee an opportunity for once in a lifetime sightings of the animals in their natural habitat.

If you want to savor this trip for longer, I suggest either the 15-night Stars of South Africa or the 17-night Golden Trails of East Africa.

Whichever option works best for you, this is the trip of a lifetime and now is the time for you to check it off your bucket list.

AMA Douro-

In 2019 Rudi and his team launched the AMA Douro to sail exclusively on The Douro river and explore Portugal and Spain. While she only has 51 staterooms, she exemplifies the same standards of luxury and service as others in the fleet.

There are two exciting 7-night itineraries: one exclusively in Portugal and another that includes the country of Spain. On both cruises you will experience the Port wine tastings, historic places that have been the destinations of pilgrims for hundreds of years and the wonderful tradition of Flamenco.

AMA Dara-

Envision Vietnam and Cambodia and you think of the exotic Mekong river, ancient temples and a culture very different from our own. You will experience all these and more with an AMA Waterways cruise. I will always remember when Jacqueline Kennedy visited Angkor Wat to fulfill one of her “lifelong dreams”. At that time, it was not something you or I could do. Rudi Schreiner and AMA Waterways have now made it possible for us to make this journey on the intimate 124-passenger AMA Dara.

You will visit rural villages, colorful markets, and a monastery, where you will receive a special Buddhist blessing. Delve into the peaks and valleys of Cambodia’s history in the Royal Palace and National Museums of its beautiful capital, Phnom Penh. Witness skilled artisans who create exquisite handicrafts and delicacies, and be treated to authentic experiences, including rides via oxcart, tut tut and trishaw. On this transformative journey, the Mekong truly reveals a vibrant world along its shores.

NOW IS NOT TOO SOON to begin taking steps to find your next exciting river cruise. Unique Journeys is a valuable asset to make certain you get the right cruise at the right time and for the right price. Don’t go it alone and risk not having the best experience possible. Together we will give you the vacation you deserve.

Now that you are perusing river cruises to make the perfect choice, here is a must read article on avoiding river cruise booking mistakes. For the best river cruise experience you will want to contact expert Nancy at Unique Journeys. She will assistance you in finding the perfect cruise experience where you will create memories for a lifetime. You are welcome to find additional information at AMA Waterways regarding the luxury river cruise experience.

AVOIDING RIVER CRUISE BOOKING MISTAKES

Oct 14, 2020

Avoiding river cruise booking mistakes sounds complicated, but with the help of an experienced travel counselor to help make decisions, will not be. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Every trip is different, but this should help you get started on having a truly remarkable river cruise experience.

Avoiding River Cruise Booking Mistakes will guarantee a better river cruise experience

Docking in the city center

Ignoring the Destinations

If you have been on one of the larger ocean cruise ships, you know that there are so many venues on the ship, that going ashore sometimes seems unnecessary. On a river cruise ship, the destinations are the main focus. River ships don’t have casinos and grand stage shows. They focus on the towns and cities that have grown up on the river with their history, regional cuisines and culture. They dock mostly in the heart of the town, so you are only a gangplank away from seeing the sites.

Therefore to ensure you’ll enjoy the stops, take some time to read through the itineraries offered. Then select one that lines up with your interests and hobbies. Whether you want to take a themed cruise such as wine, golf, history and art, there is a cruise out just made for you.

Even though there are plenty of things to see and do, just relaxing on the ship can be one of the highlights of your trip. You will not be bored, but can pick and choose activities and leisure time.

Skipping an Extension

Many river cruises start and end at spectacular cities, such as Budapest, Vienna, Amsterdam or Paris. To make the most of your trip to Europe, consider arriving a few days early to the port city where your cruise begins — or stay longer at the place where your trip ends. This will give you some unstructured time to explore on your own.

All river cruise companies offer pre- or post-trips that you can easily connect to your cruise (many of these also include transfers to the ship). You can also arrange an extended stay on your own before sailing.

An added bonus: If you arrive a day or two early, you’ll have a built-in safeguard. If your initial flight to Europe is delayed and you arrive late, you won’t miss the cruise departure.

Avoid Over Packing and Packing the Wrong Gear

To pack the perfect suitcase, start by checking the average temperature for the places where you’ll travel. On many cruises, you’ll need a sweater or light jacket even during the summer months, as an evening breeze could create a chill on the boat.

River cruises are mostly casual with only one night that might require you to dress up and that’s the last night with the Captain’s farewell.

Keep in mind that all river cruise ships also have laundries so you can have a clean change of clothes overnight and this will save room in your suitcase for items you will surely bring home.

Since you’re likely to get in thousands of steps during the excursions, bring comfortable shoes that you can wear all day. Also pack a raincoat and compact umbrella so unexpected rain showers don’t catch you off guard.

As you fill up your suitcase, remind yourself that your cabin will likely be smaller than what you’d find on an ocean cruise ship. The less you bring, the less you’ll have to unpack in your space. Picking a main color will also help, since you can mix and match outfits.

To make the most of your clothing, think in layers: You might be able to dress up an outfit with a simple scarf or coat.

Power adapters are a necessity in the electronic age and you can easily find them at most stores such as Target, Walmart and Best Buy. Some even have multiple ports so that you can charge more than one device at a time. Extra batteries are also a great idea. Even if you don’t need them, I bet someone on the cruise will and you can save the day.

Not Double-checking Documents

To travel outside the United States you must have a valid passport. Most countries require a passport to be valid for at least six (6) months from the day you depart their country. Also, passports must be in good condition with no rips, tears or other issues. Make copies of your passport and keep them in separate places while you travel, so that if your passport is lost or stolen, it can be easily replaced. You should also leave a copy at home with a relative or friend.

You’ll want to make sure you have all your cruise documents in place before heading out. If you have booked your travel with a travel agent, they will have gone over them, but it never hurts to check them yourself.

Bring your driver’s license if you plan to rent a car during part of your time in Europe. Also take medical insurance cards, a copy of your prescriptions and a list of the medicines you’re taking.

A good idea is to print out an extra copy of your itinerary to leave at home so that if someone needs to contact you, they will have the information to do so. River cruise lines typically print a list of contact points with the documents you receive.

Erring On the Season

The peak cruising season for European rivers generally runs from April through October, but there are cruises on the Danube and Rhine through December for the Christmas Market cruise season.

The shoulder season months can give you the best bargains, but the weather can also be chilly. If you’re cruising Europe in April and May or October and November, make sure you pack plenty of warm layers and a rain jacket. Outdoor activities might be less fun than museum visits, so if you’re set on biking your way along the Rhine, take your cruise in the summer when you are more likely to have better weather.

Water levels can also fluctuate depending on the time of year. If you’re concerned about high water levels which can make it difficult for boats to pass through certain areas, avoid cruising in the springtime. Very low levels can happen in the heat of the summer, in August or September.

Planning for Quiet Days

As noted, river cruise ships dock for the most part in the center of the town or city you will be visiting. This gives you an opportunity to explore on your own. You can take part in a walking tour and then stay in town if you wish to do a little exploring on your own.

Also, most ships have shore excursions of varying activity levels, so you might choose a “gentle walker” shore excursion for the morning and maybe a more active one in the afternoon.

Most ships also carry bicycles so that you can ride around the area if you like. They also have bike tours led by members of the crew if you want company.

If you choose to stay one the ship, there is a library with books and games and you can relax in the lounge or the sun deck. If the weather is warm enough you can also take a dip in the pool or sit in the whirlpool. All the comforts of home.

Overlooking the Fine Print

Just like other cruises, you’ll want to read through the details before booking a river cruise.

While most cruise lines offer all-inclusive packages, it’s best to find out exactly what is covered — and what is not — in these deals.

Check to see if shore excursions, dinners and drinks, such as wine and beer are included, or if they come a la carte.

To properly plan your trip and budget, look carefully at all costs listed. Make sure the cruise offers features that appeal to you and sights you are longing to see.

After doing your homework, you’ll be ready for one of the most engaging ways to tour Europe.

INSURANCE

One of the biggest river cruise booking mistakes, and potentially the most costly is not taking out insurance on your trip. There are several ways to protect your trip; the cruise lines have insurance plans that cover all elements you have booked with them. However, if you book a pre-cruise hotel, your own air, etc. those would not be covered.

If you choose a third-party insurance, your pricing will depend on several factors, your age, the cost of your trip and the state you live in. Your travel agent will be able to research this and give you a price.

In these uncertain times it isn’t prudent to not have insurance to protect this major investment.

NOW IS NOT TOO SOON to begin taking steps to find your next exciting river cruise. Unique Journeys is a valuable asset to make certain you get the right cruise at the right time and for the right price. Don’t go it alone and risk not having the best experience possible. Contact me at Unique Journeys so you can start planning to give you the vacation you deserve.

WHY SHOULD YOU TAKE A RIVER CRUISE?

Dec 11, 2019

DO YOU NEED A REASON TO CONSIDER TAKING A RIVER CRUISE? You’re in luck because I can supply you with some of the top reasons a river cruise makes sense for you, your family and friends.

1. ALLERGIC TO CROWDS?

If you have taken a cruise on an ocean cruise line, you have an idea of what a crowd is like. Most ocean-going ships today hold several thousand people. Not so with river cruises. The ships are designed to fit through the locks of Europe and consequently are much smaller and more intimate. This lends itself to an overall quieter and more relaxed atmosphere. Many travelers use this as an opportunity to get to know their fellow explorers and make new friends.

Taking a river cruise is an opportunity to experience wonderful regional specialities

Great German beer and pretzels

2. LET’S TRY REGIONAL SPECIALTIES

Dining on a River Cruise is one of the highlights of your trip. Instead of mass produced food, there is often a five-star chef onboard preparing local cuisine with the freshest ingredients, which he has shopped for while in port. Imagine apple strudel in Austria, sausages, beer and pretzels while sailing through Germany and the great pastries of France. Along with the great regional cuisine, you will also be treated to the wines of the regions you are sailing through.

3. HOW ABOUT MORE TIME TO EXPLORE!

Sailing along a river has many benefits. The ride is often smoother, and there is always land in sight. Since distances are shorter, you spend more time exploring the towns and cities on your journey.

Along with the fact that you spend less time cruising, you also dock in most instances in the heart of the city, meaning you can start exploring just by going down the gangplank. Many of these towns are designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites, so you will be see not only beautiful sites, but historically significant ones as well. There are always complimentary shore excursions provided with local guides, and in some ports you have the option to take longer trips further from the ship for a fee.

4. GREAT NEW SHIPS

River cruising is the fastest growing segment of the cruise market and all the major cruise lines are launching new and innovative ships every year. This is great for you as a traveler, since you have so many choices of cruise lines, dates and itineraries. AMA Waterways has launched the largest river cruise ship in the AMA Magna. Even though it is wider and longer, than most other ships, it still only accommodates 196 passengers. You can check out all the ships with AMA Waterways here: https://www.amawaterways.com/agent/uniquejourneys

5. ARE YOU A SOLO TRAVELER? TRY A RIVER CRUISE

Since most of the river ships carry under 200 passengers, you won’t feel left out if you are travelling alone. Dining is open seating and you are sure to be welcomed to join your fellow passengers for a meal. The lounge is also a great way to meet people. It is always open with people relaxing and enjoying the view out the large windows. Grab a cup of coffee or tea and join in the conversations.

6. WHAT DO WINE, FLOWERS AND CHRISTMAS HAVE IN COMMON?

YOU GUESSED IT – THERE’S A CRUISE FOR THAT

You like wine, but have never experienced where the grapes are grown, the process of turning those grapes into the wine you enjoy. Now is your chance to see the whole process. There are wine-themed cruises on the Rhine, Danube, Moselle, Rhone and even the Douro in Spain.

Flowers make everybody happy and you can’t get happier than the cruises through Holland during tulip time. Tulips as far as the eye can see, plus a day spent at the world-famous Keukenhof Gardens where the tulips are spread over 70 acres. A feast for the eyes. As a bonus, you can indulge in some authentic beers, great cheeses and chocolates. You will also be mesmerized by the iconic windmills that have helped The Netherlands stay above water for centuries.

MAGICAL – that is the word to describe the Christmas Market cruises. The cities and towns on the Danube and Rhine rivers put on their shows at this time of year. You will be immersed in the rich culture and traditions and see families celebrating this holiday as they have done for generations. You can be part of this as you stroll through the booths, drinking Gluhwein and eating treats such as pretzels, sausages and gingerbread.

Enjoy time with friends on a Christmas Market river cruise

Enjoy your time on a river cruise ship

8. YOU ENJOY THE TIME ON THE SHIP

Unlike large ocean-going vessels, a river cruise ship travels at a slower pace and is never out of sight of land. This means you will always have great scenery to admire. Whether it’s a hillside filled with grape vines, the many castles which were built along the great rivers of Europe or the charming towns you will pass, you will always have photo opportunities and conversation starters. At various points along the way, your hotel manager will inform you of sights and history of the places you are gliding by.

9. DO YOU HAVE FAMILY/FRIENDS? YOU HAVE A GROUP

What can be better than enjoying a fabulous cruise? Enjoying it with your friends and family! Since the ships are smaller, you can create a group with fewer cabins.

Do you knit? Play Bridge? belong to a garden group? Get onboard and enjoy your cruise and your passions at the same time.

Now is the time to book your cruise so that you can get the best price and the cabin categories of your choice. River cruises are the fastest growing segment of the travel industry, so you need to secure your spot now. Call Unique Journeys and let’s get cruisin’

My Christmas on the Rhine

Apr 10, 2015

My friend Frankie and I depart on the 13th of December for our next adventure. We are taking an AMA Waterways cruise from Amsterdam to Basel. Last time I missed seeing Budapest because our flight was delayed, so this time I decided to arrive in Amsterdam a day early. I have never been there and probably will not get to see everything on my list, but I’m going to give it my best shot

I really enjoy seeing the various Christmas markets. They are so different from the commercialization here that it is great to wander around and see all the handmade gifts that I am sure to bring home. Last time I had to ship a box home, but maybe I will show more restraint this time. Probably not, though.

The cruise ends in Basel, but we’re taking a train to Lucerne to spend two nights. I am hoping to get up Mt. Pilatus. I even bought a coat, which is unusual for me. I hear it’s very cold in the Alps in December,

We are ending our trip in Paris, since that was the only way I could utilize my miles for a free ticket. We fly home on Christmas Day, or at least as far as Philadelphia. I couldn’t get a flight back to St. Louis until the next day, so hopefully there will be a decent restaurant at the hotel. I would love to try an authentic Philly cheese steak, but probably won’t find anyone open. I will just have to go back.

If anyone has been to Amsterdam or Lucerne and has suggestions for places to eat or things to do, let me know and I will pencil it in on my schedule.

Nancy

Rivers and Canals of Europe

Oct 30, 2014

See Europe Up Close and Personal

The rivers and canals of Europe are open for travel. As many as 20,000 total miles of inland waterways let travelers absorb European culture at a relaxed, leisurely and up-close pace. The waterways of Austria, The Czech Republic, England, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, The Netherlands, Portugal, Russia and others now have many options to meet the growing demand for river cruising.

No longer an obscure way to see old Europe, travel by river is one of the best ways to venture out and take in the heart of the continent. This guide looks at the options available to travelers wishing to take a trip through Europe from a river perspective, easing through the countryside at a pace that permits all of the culture’s best possibilities to unfold. Travelers who return from river cruises carry memories of very intimate encounters with the countryside, local people, and fellow passengers. River cruise and barging travelers inevitably become true enthusiasts for the experience.

A traveler can journey Europe’s waterways in a variety of ways. River cruising most often refers to river going cruise ships typically carrying fewer than 250 passengers. As such, river cruising ships are much smaller than mass-market, ocean-going vessels, but as river boats go, are on the larger end of the scale. Western and Central Europe have many river routes to offer the larger cruise boats. Popular itineraries include the Danube visiting Hungary, Austria and Germany and the Elbe River through

Germany and the Czech Republic. In France, the Rhone and the Soane meander through Provence and Burgundy, while the Seine takes passengers through Paris and Giverny. In Northern Italy, the Po offers exciting opportunities with a variety of river cruise companies. Finally, the Volga, connecting St. Petersburg and Moscow provides a decidedly different way to port between these two magnificent cities. River cruises tend to be affairs of luxury, with an emphasis on informal, but upscale travel. Relaxation and intensive sightseeing are the main activities, as organized entertainment is somewhat limited on most river cruises, except for the occasional lecture or sing-along. Mostly, the crew allows passengers to enjoy their time as they see fit.

Cabins on larger river vessels vary in size from 90 square feet on older ships to over 200 square feet on newer. Most rooms are outside cabins, meaning they have windows for optimal sightseeing. The least expensive cabins are lower in the boat, while passengers pay more for higher rooms with better views. Cabins come with basic amenities, such as hair dryers and televisions, and are often very nicely furnished. The larger river cruise vessels have telephones and even Internet service.

Many first time river cruisers are delighted to discover that, unlike ocean cruising, there is very little boat motion. The mandated slow speeds and flat waters of the rivers ensure a quiet, placid voyage. It is often difficult when not on deck to even know the vessel is underway!

On longer trips, 10 days or more, the typical river cruise passenger is a well-traveled individual often over the age of 60. Shorter cruises typically attract a younger crowd. River cruises on the larger vessels do not always allow children under 12 as passengers, so make sure to check on any restrictions for families. The passenger manifest will be a mix of European and North American travelers, but most crews speak at least some English, and many are fluent. Individuals who require physical assistance when traveling should check with their travel consultant to determine the accessibility of any particular vessel for disabled passengers.

Meals have always been a special part of cruising, and river cruises have maintained that tradition. On river cruise vessels, food is a key part of the experience, prepared by a dedicated chef or a restaurateur in a small village. Europeans take great pride in their culinary skills, and practically everyone who has ever cruised along the rivers and canals of Europe has at least one story about an unforgettable meal or food experience. Special dietary considerations can often be accommodated if requested early in the booking process. On self-drive barges, travelers can stock up on provisions from the villages and cook on board, or splurge at dining opportunities along the way.

Crewed barges with meal service and more amenities are sometimes referred to as “Hotel Barges”: smaller vessels with a passenger capacity of as few as six to as many as 50. Hotel barges tend to be much slower than river cruisers, and due to their smaller size, can enter more narrow waterways like canals, in addition to the larger rivers. Hotel barges range from Spartan accommodations to luxurious rooms with gourmet meals, fine wines, and bicycles for self-guided shore excursions. Cabins vary in size and most often have private baths with showers. Many barges have saunas and hot tubs on deck. Most are without telephones or Internet service, though, as such modernity is typically absent in the barge market.

Travelers can also book a “self-drive” barge and be their own crew. The smallest of the vessels, the “narrow boats” are often seen on the small canals of the United Kingdom and Ireland as well as Holland. These boats are very easy to handle and seldom are capable of exceeding 5 miles per hour. Without a crew, passengers are required to work with the canal lock systems on their own, a simple but time consuming task that consists of turning a crank manually or waiting while a lock attendant, if available, takes care of it. If self-drive is your choice, it’s worthwhile to discuss the number of locks along your itinerary with the boat owner/operator to ensure you are comfortable with the physical labor and time required to negotiate the lock systems.

Passengers on self-drive barges provision the galleys themselves and travel their own itinerary. Bathroom facilities are similar to those found on bareboat charters with chemical toilets and potable water. No special licensing is required to pilot a barge, and while it is a very simple exercise, most wise self-drive veterans purchase optional boat insurance to cover any accidental damage to the vessel.

The differences between a river cruise experience on the one hand and a self-drive barge on the other are matters of personal taste and preference. The larger river cruise vessels and the luxury barges are akin to the best cruising experiences anywhere. Smaller crewed or self-drive barging is an outing, something more like a bareboat charter or renting a recreational vehicle on land – an adventurer’s way of crossing the terrain. In either instance, however, it is the close connectedness of the traveler to the landscape that is key to the experience. The often ancient cities and villages that have grown up on the banks of the old rivers are artifacts in their own right. River travel affords the opportunity to savor history and culture as it was meant to be experienced: not as an observer, but as a participant.

The peak season for river cruising is much the same as European travel in general, late spring through mid-fall and early November. The shoulder season, a real value, ranges from early March through mid-May. The autumn months coincide with grape season, and several cruise lines are fully booked during this time by wine connoisseurs. Finally, April is tulip season and cruises in and around the Netherlands are particularly popular.

As always, pack as lightly as possible, as space on the smaller barges can be at a premium. Your cruise operator will no doubt provide you with a list of recommended items to bring, but the usual recommendations of hats, sunscreen and sunglasses are often overlooked but very important, because so much of your time will be spent outdoors. The smaller barges and self-drive options require good deck shoes and weather gear.

Regarding travel budgets… amenities offered by the cruise and barge operators and the travel season determine costs. For high-end river cruises and hotel barges, $2,800 per person, double occupancy and cruise only, is a common brochure cost for a seven day cruise. Discounts are usually available for most itineraries through your travel agent. Costs typically include all meals, tour excursions, and accommodations. Tips and gratuities are expected, ranging from $10 – $35 dollars per day. Self-drive options cost approximately $700 – $1000 per week for the barge alone, with all provisioning, fuel and other charges as additional costs. Your travel consultant will have many resources on hand for finding the best possible values.

Europe and its waterways await you!

The above is a great article for those contemplating a river cruise anywhere and the author Richard Earls has been in the travel industry for many years.