Archive for the ‘River Cruises’ Category

Photographed Tuesday, Silver Shadow (in the distance against the mountains) anchored in Akaroa, New Zealand, with no other cruise ships in sight. The day before, two ships disgorged a few thousand passengers into this town of 700. Why the Steinlager sign? It was my favorite beer when I traveled the north and south islands more than 20 years ago. It is good to be back in New Zealand.

This week, we pose a question: Are you a big-ship cruiser or a small-ship cruiser?

Live From the AmaLyra: Recapping our Christmas Time Cruise

Sailing into Budapest aboard the AmaLyra: a definite hilight of the trip. Photo © 2011 Aaron Saunders

“The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page.”

- St. Augustine

As the saying goes, all good things must come to an end, and such is the case today aboard AmaWaterways’ beautiful AmaLyra as we disembarked in the wonderful Hungarian city of Budapest and begin our long journey back to Canada.

Chris Parker, vice president of sister company All Aboard Travel recently returned from an Avalon river cruise on the Seine River (Paris to Normandy’s Landing Beaches itinerary).  Here is his personal account: 

I recently experienced an Avalon Waterways river cruise on the Avalon Creativity cruising the Seine River.  It was amazing to experience France’s beautiful countrysides, meet fascinating people, enjoy fantastic cuisine and excellent service and take in all the great history this itinerary provided.

Is river cruising the best way to explore Europe? We think so.  Nothing quite compares to the convenience of unpacking once for a trip through multiple countries. Here are the top ten reasons why you should consider taking a river cruise on your next vacation.

Rhine Valley from Uniworld

1. Destinations –visit some of the world’s greatest cities. Many cities and towns in Europe were built alongside rivers…Paris, Vienna, Budapest just to name a few.

On my recent trip to Europe to attend the Christening festivities for Avalon Waterways

Panorama

brand-new Avalon Panorama I had the opportunity to visit some distinct and interesting cities. The Rhine River is most famous for its legendary Lorelei rock and the imposing medieval castles that line its banks. Aboard Avalon Waterways you sail through cities like Amsterdam, Cologne, Heidelberg, Strasbourg, and Basel. Today I want to share with you two other cities that I enjoyed.

In April 2011 I sailed aboard AMA Waterways on a Europe river cruise. My guest and I arrived

Kelli with VP Gary Murphy

early at the airport in San Francisco for our afternoon flight to Amsterdam.  The lines for check-in were wrapped around as if we were waiting for a ride at Disneyland! That’s why it’s always good to give yourself lots of time at the airport.

Uniworld Antoinette christening

Tom Baumann, President of Cruise Specialists, recently attended the christening of Uniworld’s new 164-passenger S.S. Antoinette pierside in Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

“The Antoinette is absolutely without a doubt the most incredible ship ever built for river cruising,” described Baumann.  “If you are looking for an upscale river cruise and truly a ‘boutique’ experience, then you must try a Uniworld cruise.  Not only is the ship absolutely incredible, but the service and food was fantastic!  There is an infinity pool, a gym, spa treatment rooms, a movie theater, two lounges, two restaurants, a 24 hour specialty coffee and tea bar and more.”

In October 2010 I had the pleasure of travelling with AMA Waterways from Nuremberg

Amadagio in Budapest

to Budapest aboard the elegant Amadagio. This luxury river cruise product was wonderful from start to finish.

The staterooms were modern and luxurious with large marble bathrooms and huge glass showers – the shower heads had six different spray levels. My stateroom had large floor-to-ceiling sliding doors with a French Balcony that opens up for fresh air. The largest suite aboard the Amadagio is 230 sq. ft. featuring a French balcony, large tub and separate shower.

AMALYRA River Vessel

Last month I travelled from Prague to Budapest aboard AMA WATERWAYS AmaLyra river cruise. From start to finish this river cruise was terrific. We were even lucky enough to experience some of the famed Christmas Markets along our route!

Our Cabin, number 327, was a B Category with a comfortable 170 sq ft. The marble-appointed bathroom and large shower with three shower heads and six settings was very impressive. The complimentary in-room internet was much appreciated when the signal was strong. After a

We arrived in Amsterdam July 29th to board the brand-new ms Avalon Luminary for my very first River Cruise. This was a great experience and a wonderful way to cruise along the Rhine River – with so much history and countryside to see.  Most of the towns and villages we toured were hundreds or thousands of years old.