Discover The Rivers Of France

The River Seine:

The most famous Rivers in France!

The Seine  has a natural beauty that has inspired poets, musicians and artists for centuries. Heading Northwest from the beautiful vine-clad Burgundy, through the spectacular city of Paris to the gentle, lush green country side of Normandy. This river is a firm favourite of river cruise fanatics!

The Rivers Rhone & Saone: Rising from the glacial Swiss Alps. the Rhone flows through the spectacular French countryside and empty s into the Mediterranean Sea. The Rhone is met by the Saone at Lyon, beginning in the mountains of Eastern France, The Saone runs 300 miles before joining the Rhone. The Rhone then winds through the heart of the Rhone valley.

Choose your French River Cruise Today!

Have you ever booked a cruise from Southampton ?

Viking Cruises Into the 21st Century!

Viking cruises are coming into the 21st century two massive modern massive viking ships names after Greek gods. The Oden and her sister ship Idun are massive 450ft river cruises that bring the company Viking Cruises to modern eras.

The 95 cabin ships are part of an £80 million investment by Viking River Cruises. Viking River Cruises are one of the worlds leading in river cruises and one of the worlds specialist in river cruise operators. It’s adding 12 news ships to it’s fleet, 6 this year and 6 next. This growth in river ships is due to high popularity of river cruises these last few years.

To date over a million people go on river cruises every year witch is a big increase from a decade ago! A decade ago people only went on small river trips around the Nile and Mississippi and this only about 670,00 people (witch is still a lot)

Central Europe maritime map has changed two decades ago because 106 mile main Danube has linked to the North Sea and The black Sea along with the Mekong.

Viking Cruises offer river cruises on major rivers such as these: Elbe, Danube, Seine, Volga, Dnieper, Melkong and Yangtze. So choose your perfect River Cruise today!

Concordia owners unveil giant new cruise ship

Do you remember the Concordia accident earlier this year? Well the company’s back with a new 114,500-tonne ship that cost  $653 million and has space for 3500 passengers. It was unveiled this Saturday hoping this will bring them out of the horrible state after there reputation was scarred by the Concordia disaster. They’ve named the new ship, Costa Fascinosa.

The company said in a statement:

“we can’t ignore the January accident. It hit us hard. We are working on our safety issues.”

Costa has promised to implement a real-time-route-monitoring system, to ensure the ship will stay on path at all times. They are also allowing officers to have a say in a decision so as the captain is not to make a mistake There not radically changing the captain, just allowing the officers a word.

The Costa Fascinosa, which will make its inaugural cruise on May 11, is a floating city with a shopping centre, five restaurants, 13 bars, casino rooms and more.

The company is brushing of concerns that liners have got to big and said it’s what the customers want.

Have you ever been on a Royal Caribbean Cruise? Why not check out the Royal Caribbean Reviews to see what other people think of them!

AmaCerto Christening

 

The river cruise line, AmaWaterways has announced that the Cruise Line International Association President, Christine Duffy is set to be the Godmother of the company’s newest ship. The latest ship released to soon be operation for the firm, the AmaCerto, designed with revolutionary concepts, is set to be christend by Christine Duffy at the ceremony in Vilshofen,Germany.

Executive VP and co-owner of AmaWaterways, commented on the event:

“Over the last five years, we have seen 10 percent annual passenger growth in this segment of the industry, as river cruises are among the most innovative and popular ways to discover a destination.We knew the AmaCerto needed a godmother befitting to the modern elegance of the beautiful ship. Christine Duffy’s long history in the industry and her love for cruising makes her the perfect fit. We are so pleased to know our beloved AmaCerto is under great guidance.”

Prior to joining the CLIA, Duffy acted as President and CEO of Maritz Travel, one of the largest travel management companies globally. In a statement, she talked about the christening :

“I am honored to serve as the godmother to the AmaCerto. Over the last five years, we have seen 10 percent annual passenger growth in this segment of the industry, as river cruises are among the most innovative and popular ways to discover a destination.”

The AmaCerto is set to operate on itineraries on the Rhine and Danube rivers and will offer an undeniably amazing river cruising experience for all fans of river cruises. Are you planning to sail on the AmaCerto?

 

 

 

Viking Cruises Long ships Christened

 

Viking River Cruises have launched four of their new ships all in a single ceremony with four simultaneous christenings by four Godmothers to champion the new ships. The lavish occasion marks the release of Viking’s Long ship class of river cruising ships.

The four sister ships had been built together in Germany and are set to enhance the Viking fleet massively. The four ships, holding 190 passengers each, are sold out on sailings already, as two of the ships celebrated with an evening cruise after christening. The four ships are set for a mid-April debut, being named Viking Odin, Idun, Freya and Njord, the latter two being christened by video link as they were still being finished off.

The celebrations, held in Amsterdam brought together a mix of people looking to witness the christening of the new ships destined to cruise the world’s rivers. No group was more divers than the godmothers chosen to christen the ships: Joanna Lumley christened the Odin, Viking’s most travelled Customer Gail Wiswedel named the Njord, Dr Lisa Randall, a Theoretical Physicist, named the Idun and finally Rebecca Eaton, Tv producer christened the Freya.

What are your thoughts on the development with river cruises? Will you be sailing on one of the new ships ?

Uniworld Offer River Po Cruises

 

Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection are set to make cruises on Italy’s River PO available in the company’s 2013 brochure. The Los Angeles based company is set to make available two Italian itineraries in 2012,an 8 day Venice and the river Po cruise, along with a 13 day Splendours of Italy cruise with additional nights in Rome and Florence.

The addition of the River Po will see the first river cruises on the the Po for a U.S operator and will see the refurbishment and subsequent redeployment of the River Countess ship, currently operating on the rivers Rhine and Danube.

The Countess will provide luxurious cabins, a full service bar, a library, a restaurant, a sky lounge, a sun deck, fitness center and much more that will allow passengers to cruise the Po in undeniable luxury.

The river itself flows 652 km through cities like Turin and Piacenza, before finally projecting into the Adriatic sea near Venice. Cruise enthusiast will revel in the beautiful sites along the Po Valley, through which the river Po meanders. Passengers could receive complimentary wines, beer, soft drinks and the use of bicycles during the 32 departures from Italy in 2013.

Are you a fan of river cruises? Thinking of cruising the River Po with Uniworld?

 

Ama Waterways Unveil 2013 Plans

 

Ama Waterways has revealed the firm’s 2013 program which include the release of 2 new river vessels and 4 new itineraries . Ama Waterways is set to launch the Amaprima, sister vessel to the Amacerto, and will carry around 164 passengers. The Amaprima will incorporate Ama Waterways’ new twin balcony concept, new dining venues, heated pools, seating areas and upgraded flat screen televisions in the Staterooms.

The company is also introducing another river vessel, on lease from the Portuguese firm Douro Azul. The new ship, named the Amavida is set to complete new itineraries along the Douro River Valley in Portugal. The new Portuguese itineraries on the Amavida allow Ama Waterways to enhance its overall offerings to river cruising and take the company to the next level. The Amavida carries around 108 passengers and 36 of the ship’s staterooms are to be 216 square feet and have full balconies.

The addition of the two new vessels brings Ama Waterways’ fleet upto a total of 15 vessels and the new itineraries make the companies new total itineraries available to be 25.

The ships will begin operation in 2013 and will offer new 10 and 13 day cruises in Portugal, as well as 9 and 19 days in France.

The new developments coming soon from Ama Waterways are set to add a new perspective to the cruise line’s program. What are your thoughts on the new ships and itineraries?

Viking River Cruises Delay

 

Viking River Cruises has announced the arrival of the Viking Freya and Viking Njord ships has been delayed. The river vessels were to be launched late in March.The river cruisers aren’t expected to be delivered to mid-April. Viking River Cruises cited the delay was a consequence of ” broader shipyard delays”  The delayed schedule has consequentially cancelled five voyages for the two ships.

The ships give passengers a unique river cruise experience, enabling voyages of luxury for all on board. The two explorer suites give passengers breath-taking 270 degree views of the scenery. Floor to ceiling panoramic windows give diners spectacular views whilst they indulge themselves in the fine cuisine provided.

Guests affected by the cancellations are being contacted and alternative itineraries are being discussed on other ships. Guests can also rebook for future cruises with 50 % credit or receive a full refund should they decide not to. The phrase “better late than never” is certainly applicable to these ships as they offer a brand new take on river cruising and will redefine the Viking river fleet. The Freya and Njord will join the ranks of the other longships such as the Viking Odin and Embla.

Were you booked on one of the cancelled river cruises? Would you consider booking with one of the new longships ?

 

 

River Elbe Cruise

The river Elbe flows approximately 678 miles and is one of the major rivers in Europe. The Elbe begins high up in  the Krkonoše Mountains, Czech Republic, and flows until it reaches the North Sea.  Th  Elbe flows through some truly spectacular places as it courses through the Czech Republic and Germany.

Some of the highlights are listed are below:

Wittenberg: Wittenberg is an extremely historic town which lies south of Berlin. The city began as a village of Flemish settlers under the House of Ascania. The town is one of the world’s best historic sites linked to Martin Luther, the revolutionary Protestant, Martin Luther. Part of the original Augustinian monastery that Luther lived in has been preserved and adapted to become a museum.

Prague: Prague is quite possibly one of the most spectacular cities in the world. The city contains more than 10 major museums, man historic and cultural sites worth noting. One of the premier sights to visit is the Prague Castle containing the St. Vitus Cathedral which holds inside the Czech Crown Jewels.  The shopping enthusiasts will enjoy visiting Anděl with its modern architecture and large shopping mall.

 

These are just some of the many magnificent sights along the river Elbe cruise and it makes it an unforgettable experience. Are you planning on cruising the Elbe in the near future?

 

 

Imperial Waterways of Russia

The Imperial Waterways River cruise allows passengers to explore Russia in great depth and really delve into the magnificent cultures in the region. Cruisers can experience a magical tour of Russia’s highlights and enjoy the luxury experience.

What follows is a breakdown of the river cruise and what you can expect form it :

Day 1 – Moscow – Passengers fly from UK to Moscow

Day 2 – Moscow – Passengers experience a spectacular tour of the city, their eyes being greeted by Moscow’s most magnificent attractions like St Basil’s Cathedral and more.

Day 3 – Moscow –  Passengers are given the opportunity to visit the Kremlin and tour the Kremlin Armoury.

Day 4 – Moscow – Passengers can enjoy a day at their leisure

Day 5 – Uglich – The river cruise begins here with a cruise down the moscow canal before arriving at Uglich for passengers to experience the local markets and witness the church of St Dimitry.

Day 6 – Passengers cruise the Yaroslavl and Lake Rybinsk.

Day 7 – Goritsy

Day 8 – Kizhi Island

Day 9 – Mandrogi

Day 10 - St Petersburg-  Passengers get the chance to tour the city, taking in all of the sights such as the Winter Palace and enjoying evening Ballet at the Alexandrinsky Theatre.

Day 11- St Petersburg – Passengers take a tour of the world famous Hermitage Museum, housed in the famous Winter Palace.

Day 12- St Petersburg – Passengers travel to nearby Pushkin to visit the extravagant Catherine Palace.

Day 13- Disembarkation in St Petersburg and fly home to UK

This spectacular river cruise entails some of Russia’s best attractions, are you planning on sailing this cruise in the future ?