Enchanting European River Cruises

Travel to Europe might be trending right now, but the sights and experiences the continent has to offer are timeless. And, with the ability to cover more ground for what’s often a great value, river cruising proves to be one of the best ways to see this classic destination. After all, many of the region’s most glorious cities, like Paris, Amsterdam, Cologne, Vienna and Budapest (just to name a few), are situated parallel to Europe’s essential waterways, and each year, millions of travelers experience these destinations from the comfort of a ship.

To learn more about this archetypal experience and gain tips for exploring some of the region's most beloved bodies of water, we chatted with three river cruise line brands.

The Rhine With AmaWaterways

Home to dreamy castles, impenetrable fortresses and historic cities, Europe’s impressive Rhine River — which begins in the Swiss Alps and flows 760 miles before emptying into the North Sea — is exactly what comes to mind when one thinks of river cruising. Touching six sought-after destinations (Switzerland, Austria, Germany, France, the Netherlands and Liechtenstein), the mighty waterway has earned itself an appearance on nearly every river cruise line’s roster, including AmaWaterways, which offers over 10 itineraries on the Rhine’s main tributaries: the Main and Moselle.

Of the brand’s many offerings, AmaWaterways shared that its 7-night Rhine River itineraries — which visit Switzerland, France, Germany and the Netherlands — are its most popular. And, with its ability to allow travelers to take in the majestic beauty of the region’s iconic sights like the picturesque Rhine Gorge, vineyard-dotted hills and recognizable city skylines from the solace of one of the brand’s Rhine River ships, it’s no surprise these swoon-worthy sailings are fan favorites.

By land, the fun continues with exciting shore excursions tailored to suit travelers’ needs and activity levels. “A highlight for active travelers on our 7-night Enchanting Rhine itinerary is our Strasbourg bike tour which takes guests through the romantic Parc de l’Orangerie and the stunning Alsatian city, pedaling among charming pastel-colored shops and along the cobblestone to the awe-inspiring rose façade of the towering Strasbourg Cathedral,” said AmaWaterways. Another highlight is in Rüdesheim, Germany, where travelers on select sailings can embark on a scenic gondola ride, soaring above award-winning vineyards before enjoying a taste of the same famous Rieslings upon reaching the top.

As they sail past 40 (yes, 40) hilltop castles and fortresses, travelers might find themselves yearning for the chance to go inside. Luckily, like a fairy godmother, AmaWaterways delivers. “We also offer an exclusive visit to Burg Lahneck, a private 13^th-century medieval fortress located in Lahnstein, Germany, where guests enjoy a special tour,” said AmaWaterways. “Their guide will regale them with a treasure trove of legends, including those inspired by the Archbishop of Mainz and the twelve Knights Templar. When offered in the evening hours, the castle is illuminated only by candlelight, adding a mysterious ambiance in the shadows.”

How Advisors Can Learn More

“AmaWaterways works primarily with travel advisors as the majority of our business is thanks to the hard work of these dedicated travel experts,” said AmaWaterways. To learn more about the brand’s Rhine River offerings, AmaWaterways encourages advisors to log into its Travel Advisor Portal, where they’ll find a curated Rhine Toolkit that includes sales tips, marketing collateral and more to help them sell these itineraries to their clients. Additionally, the portal features an interactive “AmaAcademy” course on the Rhine, Main and Moselle Rivers to help advisors stay current with the latest information and promotions. 

The Danube With Riviera River Cruises

The second-longest river in all of Europe, the mighty Danube begins in Germany’s legendary Black Forest and traverses 10 countries — Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Romania, Bulgaria, Moldova and Ukraine — before emptying into the Black Sea. For millennia, the fast-flowing waterway has played an essential role in the formation of the continent as we know it today, its banks acting as natural borders and its waters serving as a liquid highway for trade and transportation. For the great cities built along the river’s shores, the Danube is worthy of celebration, inspiring musical masterpieces like Johann Stauss II’s The Blue Danube and acting as a source of innovation for new resources like hydroelectric power.

The Danube is special, and each year, millions of people feel the call to experience it. Luckily, river cruise lines are here to deliver, including Riviera River Cruises, which offers a variety of itineraries for travelers to choose from. “The Danube is one of our most popular rivers,” said Marilyn G. Conroy, executive vice president of sales and marketing North America for Riviera River Cruises. “Riviera differentiates itself in this marketplace by starting our cruises in Budapest which is just a 20-minute ride from the airport versus Passau, which is two and a half hours by coach.” As eager travelers know, every minute counts when exploring a new destination, and with this kickstart to their adventure, cruise-goers can dedicate even more time to exploring the Paris of the East.

Upon sailing west toward Vienna, travelers will look on in awe as sprawling landscapes and twinkling city lights dance on the horizon, a view perhaps best appreciated from boats like Riviera River Cruises’ MS William Wordsworth and MS Thomas Hardy. Of course, cruise-goers will have the opportunity to roam this foreign terrain too, with a variety of shore excursions offered by the brand. And, while their options will vary depending on itinerary length, there are some experiences and attractions Conroy says travelers won’t want to miss.

The first of said experiences is a full-day tour of Salzburg, an Austrian city best known for its ties to the 1965 hit film The Sound of Music. Here, travelers can imagine themselves as members of the Trapp Family as they tour the iconic city in the company of an expert local guide. They’ll learn about Mozart, the Hohensalzburg fortress and the Hellbrunn Palace, all with the snowcapped peaks of the Eastern Alps and charming storefronts selling Mozartkugel — a delectable treat donning the famous composer’s face — in view.

Another prominent destination along the Danube is Vienna, Austria’s capital city known for its famous former residents including Mozart, Beethoven and Sigmund Freud. The region’s penchant for raising some of the world’s most talented minds has earned it the nickname “The City of Music,” and music, and the arts in general, are indeed a large source of entertainment. While in Vienna, travelers can visit the Vienna State Opera, marvel at impressive works of art at local museums and be wowed by incredible architecture at places like St. Stephen’s Cathedral and Schönbrunn Palace.

How Advisors Can Learn More

“We only work with travel advisors, and we support them 100%,” said Conroy. “If we get a direct client, we take the booking and turn them over to a travel partner with whom we are working proactively and give them full commission.” To learn more about Riviera River Cruises’ Danube sailings, advisors can access the Riviera River Cruises Agent Portal, where they’ll find informative fliers, brochures, videos and more. Additionally, Conroy recommends visiting the brand’s website for special offers and promotions.

The Rhône With Viking

As the only major river flowing directly to the Mediterranean Sea, the Rhône has played a significant role in trade, commerce and relaxation since the time of the ancient Greeks and Romans. The famed waterway lives up to its Alpine name, beginning at Switzerland’s Rhône Glacier and enduring a rugged course through gorges, basins, valleys and lakes before joining the Saône in France. From here, a calmer journey begins as it meanders through the French countryside, passing notable cities like Lyon, Arles, Avignon and Vienne, which made a cozy home of its banks.

Today, the Rhône and its surrounding cities are incredibly popular among travelers who spend their days sampling the region’s seemingly endless variety of cuisine and first-rate vino, most notably reds. Pair this with the Rhône’s historical treasures like Palais Idéal, Palais des Papes and more, and it’s no surprise the desire to visit this outstanding waterway is on the rise — especially among cruise-goers. To learn more about sailing on the Rhône, we chatted with a spokesperson from Viking who told us all about the brand’s most popular itineraries. 

“France continues to be among the most popular destinations for our guests, who are curious travelers interested in its history, culture and cuisine,” said a Viking Spokesperson. “Our award-winning fleet of Viking Longships sail the Rhône River on itineraries including the 8-day Lyon & Provence voyage between Avignon and Lyon, the capital of French gastronomy. During this itinerary, guests can enjoy a wine tasting in Châteauneuf-du-Pape from one of the centuries-old vineyards, traverse one of France’s most picturesque corners during a steam train ride in Tournon or visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Avignon and its renowned Palace of the Popes for a guided tour.”

For those who feel eight days in paradise just isn’t enough, Viking also offers a longer, two-week journey to help travelers take in more of France’s most coveted sights. “Our 15-day journey, France’s Finest, is also very popular and combines our Lyon & Provence and Paris & the Heart of Normandy cruises into one tour,” said a Viking Spokesperson. “During these voyages, our guests sail both the Rhône and Seine rivers, experiencing the culture and historic sights of Paris, and visit Giverny where Monet drew inspiration for his impressionist paintings before sailing to Normandy to pay their respects at Normandy’s World War II beaches.”

How Advisors Can Learn More

“We have a longstanding partnership with travel advisors who help us share the world of Viking,” said a Viking Spokesperson. “The Viking Travel Advisor Academy is our training program designed to provide travel advisors with the tools to promote Viking and the opportunity to earn exclusive benefits. The four-module academy allows advisors to become a Viking Certified Expert and learn the sales and marketing tips that have proven successful to sell Viking’s river voyages, like those on the Rhône, as well as the ocean and expedition voyages.”

Originally appeared in the Spring 2024 issue of The Compass magazine.