Choosing the Right European River Cruise

If you’re up for a romantic getaway or perhaps a unique and wonderful vacation, you might want to consider a European river cruise. A river cruise may be exactly what you need to relax far from your busy and stressful life, away from your job and the hustle of a fast-paced city life. There is nothing more peaceful than floating down a scenic river on a lovely cruise ship.

River Ship on the Elbe River in Dresden Germany

River Ship on the Elbe River in Dresden Germany

A river cruise allows you to see more and do more than touring from a bus, a train or a car. You can see breathtaking landscapes more comfortably, whether you are in your cabin, on the open decks, the lounge or even while dining. Plus, you don’t have to worry about transportation from point to point, packing or unpacking your bags to every place you visit. You get to see a lot of places conveniently and comfortably.

You can be as active as you like on a river cruise as there is a wide range of activities on board and ashore to keep you interested and occupied.
So if you decide to treat yourself to one of the European River Cruises, of course, you will need to consider a lot of things. If you want to end your vacation with pleasant memories and go home satisfied, you have to choose the right travel date, the right ship, and the right itinerary.

Most European river cruising companies provide a high quality experience for the traveler. Here are a few things to keep in mind when choosing the best European river cruise line:

Itinerary. The first thing you should consider would be the itinerary. Which companies offer the itinerary that suits you the best? Which itinerary are you interested the most? One of the most popular European river cruise itinerary is the Danube River Cruise.

Features and Inclusions. Does the company provide entertainment for the guests, like TVs, movies, or music? Does it have a free internet access on board? Does it offer free drinks? Is the food good? Are the cabins conducive for rest and relaxation? Does it have pampering services like a spa or a massage? These are some of the things you would want to consider if you want a relaxing and hassle-free river cruise experience.

Cost. River cruise lines vary in cost, though there are differences in quality of product and services. You should check the fine print and hidden charges. And also check for surcharges on some services and amenities offered. Some companies also offer discounts if you book in advance.

Most European river cruise companies have already built their reputation in offering high quality and wonderful river cruise experiences. AmaWaterways River Cruises is known for its high quality services and extras. You can enjoy riding a bicycle and multiple choice excursions in each port, free of charge. And not only that, their crew and staffs are friendly, outstanding, efficient, and welcoming to ensure you a great experience on board.

Europeanbarging, with over 20 years experience specializing in European river cruises and luxury barging, can assist in finding the perfect cruise vessel and itinerary. Europeanbarging.com; 888-869-7907

Why You Should Go on a Short River Cruise

A Short River Cruise in Europe is a great way to check out river cruising without costing a lot of money. A 4 day Rhine River Cruise or a short Danube Cruise are great first cruise itineraries to experience.

Arosa Silva

Arosa Silva

Traveling throughout Europe is fun and exciting — it is one of those adventures that should be on everyone’s bucket list. Europe gives travelers that beautiful balance of both ancient and modern times.

If you like to have a more intimate and cozy travel experience around this timeless and beautiful continent, then you should go for a short river cruise. It will surely be an unforgettable journey as you traverse astounding waterways such as the Danube, the Main, and the Rhine and see historic cities and beautiful villages by the shore.

Here are some of the advantages of traveling on a short river cruise.
1. They’re brief.
Short river cruises in Europe usually last 3 to 7 days, depending on the cruise you choose. You will be able to enjoy the scenery and bask in European culture without having to stay too long on the ship. It is the perfect vacation for families with small children, an add-on to an existing trip, or for those who simply want a quick getaway. You will be able to experience so much in a short time.
You don’t have to spend more than a month in Europe to enjoy its luxurious culture and beautiful landscapes. For instance, you can visit Budapest, Hungary and Vienna, Austria in a three-night Danube river Cruise or view the castles along Germany’s Rhine River on a four to six day river cruise.
2. They are more personal.
Compared to ocean cruises, a short river cruise lets travelers enjoy smaller vessels, which is a more intimate setting — the best retreat for those on a romantic vacation. In most big cruise vacations, you will find yourself amidst at least 2000 travelers.
3. You don’t have to unpack multiple times.
If you want to travel around multiple locations in Europe and you are going by land, you will find that you will have to unpack and pack again multiple times. The river cruises will bring you to as many locations as you want and you have to unpack only once — it is such a convenience.
On the other hand, if you don’t mind exploring while on water but you want to sleep and rest on land, you can still enjoy a short river cruise.
4. They offer guided visits on various tourist spots.
Don’t think that you will stay on the cruise while you are traveling — there will be stops, shore excursions, and guided tours when you reach particular tourist attractions. Cruises also allow travelers to explore the towns by themselves. And since you are in fascinating Europe, some interesting stops that will highlight your trip may include outdoor museums, churches, castles, cheese factories, vineyards and even tulip gardens. Of course, you still have the option to stay on the vessel all day if you prefer.

Our international cruise line rates include the nights cruise, all meals, beverage package of non-alcoholic and alcoholic drinks as well as included Wi-Fi.  Rates start at $648 – $1068 for a 5 day cruise.

You don’t have to spend a lot of money or a lot of time to enjoy Europe. Plan short excursions such as a 4 day Rhine river cruise with your loved ones, family, and/or friends today!

Europeanbarging has been in business since 1998 and has experience in helping travelers find the perfect cruise experience. Check out our website or give us a call for short river cruises  888-869-7907   – http://www.europeanbarging.com/Group_River_Cruises/3_7_day_european_river_cruises.htm

 

 

Great Savings on Arosa Cruises Plus Kids Under 15 Cruise Free With Parents

Arosa Silva cruising the Danube River

Arosa Silva cruising the Danube River

Europeanbarging is offering special summer Arosa cruises that range from 5-15 days.  Discount range from $50 per person for 4 – 6 night river cruises, $70 per person for cruises 7 – 8 nights and $100 for cruises longer than 9 nights.  These luxurious European Cruise packages can be booked with Europeanbarging anywhere between the dates of April, 28th 2015-May, 30th 2015.

You can select from their featured cruises such as the Rhine River Cruise, Danube River Cruise, and the Rhone River Cruise.  All of the Arosa ships feature cabins with windows,  French balconies or useable balconies, sauna, whirlpool,  spa facilities and most have a swimming pool.  The Cologne and Passau cruise ports include round trip transfer between the Cologne or Passau train station and the ship.

“A  river cruise is one of the easiest ways to visit multiple cities throughout Europe, while still enjoying enough downtime to have the relaxed holiday getaway you deserve.  Our spectacular summer packages are the ideal way to travel in style and beauty.”  Jan Baumgartner, Europeanbarging

While onboard your river cruise you will enjoy a multitude of amenities including all meals a beverage package, free Wi-Fi and a half day excursion.  You will receive 30% off spa treatments, and bicycles  are available for rental.

Rates for your Rhine River Cruise, Danube River Cruise, or Rhone River Cruise start as low as $1,320 per person for a 7 night cruise when booked through Europeanbarging.    For singles, there are several departures where there is no single supplement being charged. Each ship has a few lower deck cabins with 3 beds that will hold 3 persons.  Children 15 and under CRUISE FREE with 1 or 2 adults in the cabin. To learn more about the specific cruises you can choose from and that start and end dates go to http://europeanbarging.com/Group_River_Cruises/3_7_day_european_river_cruises.htm.

Short River Cruises in Europe

For business travelers, or travelers in general going to Europe that have a few extra days, these 3 – 5 day river cruises are a great way to experience a river cruise and see some great sites. With the cruise, the rate includes the cruise, all meals and a beverage package with most drinks (alcohol and non-alcohol).

River cruise itineraries involve voyages through countries such as Italy, Czech Republic, Hungary, Netherlands, France, Belgium, Switzerland, Austria, Germany, and more without the typical inconveniences of unpacking and packing. Their ‘Floating Hotels’ cruise by gorgeous villages, cities, vineyards, and castles.

Arosa River Cruises

On the Rhine, various itineraries depart from Basel, Mainz, and Amsterdam.

On the Danube, the voyages depart from Germany (near Munich), in Passau, and cruise to the Hungarian and Austrian capitals of Budapest and Vienna.

In Italy, they provide round trip cruises out of Venice and visit intriguing cities such as Parma, Ferrara, and Verona.

France offers many short river cruise itineraries: roundtrip Bordeaux in southwest France, roundtrip Nantes in the Loire Valley, round trip and one way itineraries between Paris and Honfleur on the Seine River and round-trip on the Rhone from Lyon, France to the Beaujolais and Burgundy wine regions and Mediterranean-style cities of Arles and Avignon and one-way in between Avignon and Lyon.

Check out our 20% OFF SHORT RIVER CRUISES TILL June 30, 2015.

Europeanbarging Offers Cruises on Arosa Cruise Line on the Major Rivers of Europe

Arosa River Cruises offers cruises on the Rhine, Mosel, Danube, Seine, Rhone, and Douro Rivers of Europe. Offering cruises from 3 – 15 nights.  New for 2023, an A‑ROSA cruise (7 nights+) already includes one excursion, followed by a culinary evening experience on board. This will allow guests to take in their destination with all their senses.

Arosa Stella on the Rhone River

Arosa is a German river cruise line offering German and English language cruises You can select from their featured cruises such as the Rhine River Cruise, Danube River Cruise, Seine, and the Rhone River Cruise.  All of the Arosa ships feature cabins with windows,  French balconies or useable balconies, sauna, whirlpool, and spa facilities and several have a swimming pool.  The Cologne and Passau cruise ports include round-trip transfers between the Cologne or Passau train station and the ship.

While onboard your river cruise you will enjoy a multitude of amenities including all meals a beverage package, free Wi-Fi, and a half-day excursion.  You will receive 30% off spa treatments, and bicycles are available for rental on many of the ships.

Arosa French balcony cabinThe ships feature nice size cabins – many with French Doors (on 2nd and 3rd decks), and some offer connecting cabins.  Some of the ships offer a 3rd bed for children.  When accompanied by one full-paying adult, children between 2 and 15 years of age receive a children’s discount of 30%. When accompanied by two adults, children aged 15 and under travel for free. Triple occupancy cabins are very limited.  The cabins are well laid out, with good storage areas, nice bathrooms,

Arosa Sauna

 

The Spa Arosa includes First-class spa products, a Generous SPA area, Professional trainers, Beauty and cosmetic treatments, a Panorama sauna as well as a fitness room, whirlpool, or swimming pool on the ships.

 

There are no fixed seating or table arrangements on board.  All meals are served as a buffet.  There are chefs at all meals with an open kitchen preparing these dishes as you watch – so everything is fresh.

 

Early Breakfast is from 6 – 7 am and features coffee and croissants

Breakfast is from 7 – 9 am and features cereals, rolls, fruit, yogurt, sliced meats as well as cooked foods – such as eggs, bacon, sausages, and pancakes as well as coffee, tea, and juices.

Arosa salad bar

 

Lunch includes several entrees such as beef dishes, fish dishes, sliced meats, pasta dishes, vegetables, salad, fruit, cheese, bread, and dessert bars.

 

 

Arosa afternoon tea

 

Afternoon tea features coffee, tea and cakes, cookies, and snacks.

 

 

Arosa buffet

Dinner will feature many more meat choices such as pork, beef, salmon, lobster, 2 soups, pasta, vegetables, salad, fruit, cheese, and bread bars as well as a dessert bar including ice cream and a dessert of the night that is prepared at the dessert bar – such as crepe Suzette and apple fritters.

One night a week there is a special wine and culinary special dinner for an additional cost and includes a multi-course sit-down served dinner and regional wines.

Beverage package – Soft Drinks, as well as tea and coffee specialties, Beer, sparkling white wine, as well as open wines and daily recommendations from the wine menu (by the glass), Cocktails, and long drinks throughout the day and evening.

Arosa offers 5 and 7-night cruises round trip Paris cruises on the Seine; 5 and 7-night cruises round trip Lyon on the Rhone River; 5 and 7-night cruises round trip Passau and Vienna on the Danube River.  For the Rhine River, Arosa has many different itineraries.  Many of the cruises are roundtrip Cologne, with a few one-way routes – such as Amsterdam to Basel or reverse, and Cologne to Nuremberg or reverse.

Pricing for summer months starts at $2154 per person for a 7-night cruise and $1489 per person for a 5-night cruise.  Late spring and summer dates start at $1873 per person for a 7-night cruise and $1323 per person for a 5-night cruise.  Early spring and late fall dates start at $1655 per person for a 7-night cruise and $1158 per person for a 5-night cruise.

For additional information or to check availability, contact us at www.europeanbarging.com at 888-869-7907 or jan@europeanbarging.com