Spike in River Cruising Popularity

River cruising continues to rise in popularity across both the United States and abroad, especially among travelers seeking more intimate experiences to more exotic locales. Despite the myth that river cruising is only for the retired set (and it is a myth), river cruising is emerging as a popular vacation for younger travelers who want to immerse themselves in the culture of a region while enjoying the creature comforts of home.

With a variety of innovations - from excursions to onboard amenities river cruising is a segment of the travel and tourism industry that can now offer something for everyone.  Here are our three reasons why a river cruise should be a must on every traveler's bucket list:

1. Exotic Destinations. Getting up close and personal with the wildlife of the Galapagos or taking in the charm of the Mississippi are all possible on todays' river cruises. AmaWaterways has added more interesting locations with cruises in Namibia, Russia, Vietnam and Cambodia. Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection is also even offering travelers a unique journey through Italy's Po River. These destinations open up access to places unreachable by large ships and create an intimate connection with the cities they visit.  The best part about river cruising is the views - most ships are 100% balcony staterooms, including those aboard Uniworld's Douro Spirit or Avalon's Victoria Jenna.

2. Experiential Cruises. River guests can enjoy trips tailored to their tastes with programs just for them. Food and wine aficionados should consider the `Culinary Delights' itinerary from AmaWaterways. Once aboard, guests can work with a local chef to plan menus for their entire voyage, shop in local markets for ingredients and prepare their own meals! Guests seeking more adventure can sign-up for bike tours that let you travel alongside the ship from port to port, taking in the scenery as you go. Tech-savvy travelers who need to stay connected will now have access to onboard Wi-Fi and those looking to stay fit will love the fact that most river vessels now have onboard gyms.


3. More Choices. As river cruising demand continues to boom, more ships and destinations are being added for cruisers to experience. Avalon and Viking, for example, are both expecting significant capacity increases in their fleets for the 2013 season. Viking will add six new longships in 2013 and Avalon will introduce two additional ships. Cruisers are also finding more choices while aboard from customized dining experiences on and off the ship, to specialized excursions.

River cruising continues to highlight the destinations it serves by immersing cruisers in the culture. Whether it is because of the out-of-the-box destinations, local flair or intimate venues, more travelers are opting for river cruises to truly escape. As innovation shapes the industry and more people see the value in river cruising, finding the right ship - and itinerary - can be tricky. A professional travel agent can step in and help navigate the options, offering the right choice for your personality, interests and budget.

For more information, click on the following image / link.

 

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Europe Flooding Impacting River Cruises

Severe flooding hits Europe

Worse flooding in 70 years has hit parts of Central Europe contributing to at least 10 deaths, according to BBC reports. The problem is caused by a stalled weather system that has been dumping heavy rains on the area.  States of emergency have been declared in many countries.

Areas impacted by the floods include Germany, the Czech Republic, Austria, Switzerland and Poland with Passau and Prague, two major river cruise ports, having been especially affected.  We suggest consulting the BBC and weather sites for more details and images about the flooding.  We'll concentrate on the impact to the river cruise schedules so that our readers can plan accordingly.

List of Impacted River Cruises

Since this information is fluid, it is best to check the links for any updates as well as the cruise line site directly.   We have covered the major river cruise lines in the area - they are other charter groups also impacted - contact them directly.

Cruise Line	Current Status / Link for Updates
AMA Waterways	Our expert teams in Europe and Los Angeles are closely monitoring the current conditions across Europe, on a continuous basis. As always, our number one priority is to deliver an enjoyable cruise in a safe environment. The good news is, we have not had to cancel any cruises and look forward to welcoming you aboard! EUROPEAN CRUISES UPDATE APT (partner) has cancelled the following: AmaBella from Amsterdam to Budapest and AmaVerde from Budapest to Amsterdam, both June 8. APT's dedicated phone number (in the U.K.) is: 020-8812 3400.
Avalon Waterways	UPDATE: Additional Cruise Cancellations. Due to unprecedented high water levels and subsequent flooding in Europe, we have decided it is necessary to cancel additional upcoming cruises. Specifically, we are sorry to report the cancellation of: - The June 7th departure of Blue Danube Discovery (WBN 30607) aboard the Avalon Luminary - The June 7th departure of Jewels of Central Europe (WBR 30607) aboard the Avalon Luminary - The June 10th departure of Austrian Highlights & Bavaria (WVP 30610) aboard the Avalon Affinity NEW CRUISE CANCELLATIONS: - The June 8th departure of Magnificent Europe (WBA 30608) aboard the Avalon Tranquility - The June 9th departure of Magnificent Europe (WBA 30608) aboard the Avalon Vista Avalon Waterways Facebook Page
Uniworld	If you are traveling with Avalon Waterways in the near future and have questions or concerns about your upcoming vacation, given the recent flooding in Europe, we invite you to contact your travel agent or call us directly at 866.397.6593 or email traveleradvisory@globusfamily.com (our U.S. office hours are Monday through Friday, 6 AM to 6 PM MT and Saturday, 7 AM to 3:30 PM MT). We would be happy to address your individual concerns and/or answer any questions you may have, one-on-one. Updated message on June 10, 11:00 a.m. PDT After conferring with our Operations Office in Europe this morning, we are pleased to announce that all cruises and cruise/tours departing June 16 onward are expected to operate normally on the originally scheduled ship with the exception of the following programs: Highlights of Eastern Europe  • June 16, 2013 departure of the River Ambassador (Vienna to Belgrade)  The program will operate as planned onboard the River Empress. We will be contacting all bookings today to advise of the ship change. • June 23, 2013 departure of the River Ambassador (Belgrade to Vienna) The program will operate as planned. Embarkation will take place in Belgrade on June 23 onboard the River Empress. On approximately June 27 in Budapest, we will change over to the River Ambassador and finish the cruise on that ship. Please note the date and location of the changeover is subject to change without notice. We will be contacting all bookings today to advise of the ship change. European Jewels  • June 16, 2013 departure of the River Empress (Amsterdam to Budapest) remains canceled. All guests have been contacted.    IMPORTANT NOTICE
Viking River Cruises	Please note: Below is a complete list of affected sailings as of June 11, 2013. This list will be updated should there be any new cruise embarkations that will be impacted. At this time, if you do not see your cruise embarkation below, your cruise will operate as scheduled. If embarkation dates are added, you will be notified by Viking. The following sailings have been canceled: June 12th Romantic Danube (Nuremberg to Budapest) aboard Viking Odin June 12th Romantic Danube (Budapest to Nuremberg) aboard Viking Freya June 15th Elegant Elbe (Berlin to Prague) aboard Viking Fontane June 15th Elegant Elbe (Prague to Berlin) aboard Viking Schumann 1. June 12th Grand European Tour (Budapest to Amsterdam) aboard Viking Sky — This cruise will begin on Viking Embla (Longship, built 2012). 2. June 14th Cities of Light (Prague to Paris) aboard Viking Prestige — This cruise is expected to proceed as scheduled. 3. June 15th Romantic Danube (Budapest to Nuremberg) aboard Viking Njord — There is a possibility that this cruise will now take place on a sister ship (Longship, built 2012). 4. June 15th Romantic Danube (Nuremberg to Budapest) aboard Viking Idun — There is a possibility that this cruise will now take place on a sister ship (Longship, built 2012). 5. June 15th Passage to Eastern Europe (Budapest to Bucharest) aboard Viking Aegir — This cruise is expected to proceed as scheduled. 6. June 16th Grand European Tour (Amsterdam to Budapest) aboard Viking Bragi — There is a possibility this cruise will now take place on a sister ship (Longship, built 2013). 7. June 16th Grand European Tour (Budapest to Amsterdam) aboard Viking Skadi — There is a possibility this cruise will now take place on a sister ship (Longship, built 2013).  8. June 16th Danube Waltz (Budapest to Passau) aboard Viking Legend — This itinerary is expected to proceed as scheduled, with minor additional alterations if necessary. 9. June 16th Romantic Danube (Nuremberg to Budapest) aboard MS Vienna — Depending on river conditions and the ability of the ship to reach its port of embarkation in time for departure, this cruise may experience alterations. 10. June 16th Vineyards & Vistas (Nuremberg to Trier) aboard Viking Prestige — This cruise is expected to proceed as scheduled. 11. June 16th Rhine Getaway (Amsterdam to Basel) aboard Viking Sun — This cruise is expected to proceed as scheduled. 12. June 16th Rhine Getaway (Basel to Amsterdam) aboard Viking Helvetia — This cruise is expected to proceed as scheduled. 13. June 19th Romantic Danube (Budapest to Nuremberg) aboard Viking Odin — There is a possibility that this cruise will now take place on a sister ship (Longship, built 2012). . 14. June 19th Romantic Danube (Nuremberg to Budapest) aboard Viking Freya — There is a possibility that this cruise will now take place on a sister ship (Longship, built 2012).  For up to date information, click on the following link: CENTRAL EUROPE WEATHER UPDATE

Spike in River Cruising Popularity

River cruising continues to rise in popularity across both the United States and abroad, especially among travelers seeking more intimate experiences to more exotic locales. Despite the myth that river cruising is only for the retired set (and it is a myth), river cruising is emerging as a popular vacation for younger travelers who want to immerse themselves in the culture of a region while enjoying the creature comforts of home.

With a variety of innovations - from excursions to onboard amenities river cruising is a segment of the travel and tourism industry that can now offer something for everyone.  Here are our three reasons why a river cruise should be a must on every traveler's bucket list:

1. Exotic Destinations. Getting up close and personal with the wildlife of the Galapagos or taking in the charm of the Mississippi are all possible on todays' river cruises. AmaWaterways has added more interesting locations with cruises in Namibia, Russia, Vietnam and Cambodia. Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection is also even offering travelers a unique journey through Italy's Po River, beginning in 2013. These destinations open up access to places unreachable by large ships and create an intimate connection with the cities they visit.  The best part about river cruising is the views - most ships are 100% balcony staterooms, including those aboard Uniworld's Douro Spirit or Avalon's Victoria Jenna.

2. Experiential Cruises. River guests can enjoy trips tailored to their tastes with programs just for them. Food and wine aficionados should consider the `Culinary Delights' itinerary from AmaWaterways. Once aboard, guests can work with a local chef to plan menus for their entire voyage, shop in local markets for ingredients and prepare their own meals! Guests seeking more adventure can sign-up for bike tours that let you travel alongside the ship from port to port, taking in the scenery as you go. Tech-savvy travelers who need to stay connected will now have access to onboard Wi-Fi and those looking to stay fit will love the fact that most river vessels now have onboard gyms.

3. More Choices. As river cruising demand continues to boom, more ships and destinations are being added for cruisers to experience. Avalon and Viking, for example, are both expecting significant capacity increases in their fleets for the 2013 season. Viking will add six new longships in 2013 and Avalon will introduce two additional ships. Cruisers are also finding more choices while aboard from customized dining experiences on and off the ship, to specialized excursions.

River cruising continues to highlight the destinations it serves by immersing cruisers in the culture. Whether it is because of the out-of-the-box destinations, local flair or intimate venues, more travelers are opting for river cruises to truly escape. As innovation shapes the industry and more people see the value in river cruising, finding the right ship - and itinerary - can be tricky. A professional travel agent can step in and help navigate the options, offering the right choice for your personality, interests and budget.

For more information, click on the following image / link.

River Cruise Companies Praying for Rain

Christmas Markets 

on Rhine & Danube Rivers

This is a popular time of year for river cruising along the Rhine and Danube Rivers in Europe.   Passengers experience the joy and magic of the holiday season as they cruise along Europe’s majestic waterways during this most festive time of year.

River Water Levels Low

In this picture you see a river cruise ship preparing to pass under one of the many bridges of Europe.   River vessels are designed to navigate the narrow waterways and have the ability to lower any protruding portion of the ship, the bridge for example, so that it can pass safely under bridges.   Currently the water levels of many rivers in Europe are quite low providing a completely different challenge for operators.

Praying for Rain

Due to the unseasonably low water levels, some passengers have had to switch ships halfway through their cruise; others found themselves "cruising by bus" as rivers became impassable. The situation has passengers and tour operators praying for rain so that the remaining cruise itineraries before Christmas can operate as scheduled.  Those prayers might be answered as the forecast calls for rain in the coming week and water levels should start to rise.

Current Situation

AMAWATERWAYS

Operating as scheduled according to their website

Avalon Waterways

Avalon Panorama on the Danube has not been impacted

Unwiorld 

S.S. Antoinette  December 7 voyage began the river cruise in Basel aboard River Princess and passengers  will transfer to S.S. Antoinette in Strasbourg on December 9 for the remainder of the cruise. 

Viking River Cruises

Last week's cruises switched to hotel / bus around Budapest;  

Viking Legend and Viking Prestige passengers will switch ships between Regensburg and Passau/Melk.;

Rhine cruises will have to swap to bus tours between Heidelberg and Basel. 

Conditions are improving and next week's cruises should need fewer alterations if any.

Just as in Hurricane season, the cruise lines monitor the situation and make adjustments in the interest of safety for passengers, crews, and ships.  In many cases, compensation is provided for changes, despite the fact that the situation is really totally out of the cruise line's control.  Cruise lines are communicating directly with impacted passengers and their agents.

Holiday Market Cruising
 
Despite the challenges that are present this year, the experience is still great.  Imagine walking through town squares glowing with thousands of lights,  smelling freshly baked gingerbread and other delights. Picture rows of wooden stands filled to the brim with hand-blown glass ornaments, handcrafted toys, and nutcrackers of all different shapes and sizes. Friendly shopkeepers help you select that special gift for someone back home.

You'll discover the holiday traditions and experience how the Europeans have been celebrating the yuletide seasons for centuries.  All your senses will be engaged as you round out your experience with the merry sounds of Christmas carolers singing joyfully in their native tongues.

The Holiday Market cruising season is drawing to a close quickly this year, but why not plan a trip for next year.  We'd be happy to help you decide which river cruise meets your wants and pocket book.

S.S. Antoinette Sailing the Rhine

S.S. Antoinette - Courtesy Uniworld

Introducing

Uniworld Boutique 

River Cruises

S.S. Antoinette

The S.S. Antoinette will be Uniworld's largest ship length wise at 443 ft. and at a width of 37.5 ft.  This March this newly built super vessel will be seen cruising the Rhine River.

The ship was built at the De Hoop shipyard in the Netherlands.  The S.S. Antoinette is a highly customized vessel with several unique features.

All top deck suites and staterooms offer full open-air private balconies that, with a touch of a switch, will raise the glass to create a completely enclosed conservatory. All staterooms throughout the ship will have their own LCD flat-screen infotainment center, including movies-on-demand, music, news, sports, hotel services, and more. And each suite has an extra TV located on the balcony.

Guests can enjoy the first 20-seat movie theater on a river cruise ship equipped with a state-of-the-art flat screen with Dolby surround sound.  Surround sound is also a feature that can be found as guests swim in the inviting, blue-tiled mosaic, heated swimming pool.  With a water depth of five feet, guests can listen to underwater music being piped in as they swim. The swimming pool together with the Serenity River Spa™ and fitness center, provide a host of options for guests to maintain their overall well-being throughout their trip.

De Hoop, who has been building ships for over 120 years, has partnered closely with Uniworld, and their sister company, Red Carnation Hotels, a collection of five-star boutique hotels, to set a new standard in river cruise ships. According to Patrick Janssens, owner of De Hoop, “The S.S. Antoinette is a highly customized vessel, more so than any other vessel, and we have used new techniques to optimize it and to make sure that it really is the next generation of vessels for the luxury cruise market.”

Egypt Travel Alert Impacts Cruises

Classic Egypt Cruises - Photo Courtesy Uniworld River Cruises

Updated February 14th 

MSC Cruises has cancelled all the upcoming calls of MSC Magnifica and MSC Splendida at Alexandria for the rest of the season.  They will continue to follow the situation very closely and in case the situation would stabilize again would change the itineraries back to their original deployment. You will find all the latest updates on this page.

Updated January 31st - Additional Cruise Cancellations Announced

Political unrest in Egypt has prompted the U.S. State Department to issue a Travel Alert for Egypt effective from now until the end of February.   Cruise lines have been monitoring the situation and, in the wake of the alert, have made modifications or cancellations.

Travel Alert, January 28, 2011

The U.S. Department of State alerts U.S. citizens to ongoing political and social unrest in Egypt.  Violent demonstrations on January 28 took place in several areas of Cairo and other parts of the country, disrupting road travel between city centers and airports.  Disruptions in communications included the interruption of internet and mobile telephone service.  The Government of Egypt has imposed a curfew from  6:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. in Cairo, Alexandria and Suez until further notice.  Given this situation, the Department of State urges U.S. citizens to defer non-essential travel to Egypt at this time and advises U.S. citizens currently in Egypt to defer non-essential movement and to exercise caution. This Travel Alert expires on February 28, 2011.    (Read more)

UNIWORLD Cancels Cruises

At this time Uniworld is canceling upcoming tours due to arrive in Egypt up to and including February 12, 2011, and customers may choose alternative tours or a full refund.

Clients who plan to travel on our Egypt tours from February 13 through February 28, 2011 have the option to cancel and rebook any 2011 Uniworld program.  The full value of the canceled booking will be applied toward the new booking.  Guests must re-book by March 31, 2011.
(Read more)


Viking River Cancels Cruises

Viking River Cruises' Egypt cruises are canceled through February 28 and guests booked on an affected sailing can rebook with no penalty or choose full refunds. (Read more)



Avalon Cruises also Cancelled


Avalon Waterways has canceled its cruises through February 28. Passengers booked on those sailings have the option of rebooking on an alternative sailing or receiving full refunds. (Read more)


MSC Cruises Alters Itineraries

MSC Splendida and MSC Magnifica were expected to call at Alexandria over the next few days, but they're being diverted. Magnifica will now call at Limassol, Cyprus, and Haifa, Israel, on Sunday and Monday, respectively. Splendida will call at Izmir, Turkey, on Monday.

Norwegian Cruise Line Alters Itineraries

Norwegian Jade was due to overnight in Alexandria on Sunday. It will now call at Istanbul.

Tour Operators Monitoring Conditions

All tour operators are monitoring the situation and it's safe to assume the majority of land-based excursions in the immediate future will be cancelled.   Contact your travel provider directly for updates if your cruise or tour isn't mentioned here.