best 8 day river cruise

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The 10 Best River Cruise Lines in 2022

The best river cruises blend refined onboard accommodations with exciting itineraries along some of the world’s most memorable waterways.

Note: If you’re looking for our most recent recommendations, check out the 2023 list of our favorite river cruise lines.

After pandemic-related challenges at the beginning of last year, river ships got back to what they do best: exploring inland waterways in Europe, the United States, and select other destinations around the world. Travel + Leisure readers enthusiastically returned, setting out on voyages both classic and new.

Every year for our World's Best Awards survey, T+L asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe — to share their opinions on the top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. Readers rated individual cruise ships on their cabins and facilities, food, service, itineraries and destinations, excursions and activities, and value. Those assessments were combined to generate results for the cruise lines in six categories, including river cruising.

The top three in the river cruise lines were very close in their scores. Viking, the world's largest river cruise company, moved up two spots into the lead position. Tauck, the well-known tour and river-ship operator, retained its No. 2 spot. "The itinerary was thoughtful as well as instructive," wrote one reader who traveled on the Joy . In the No. 3 spot is Uniworld Boutique River Cruises, with praise that included this rave from one voter who sailed on the Maria Theresa : "This was an exceptional cruise. The staff was excellent. I can't say enough about this cruise line and this ship."

Aqua Expeditions, with journeys on the Peruvian Amazon, ranked No. 4, thanks in part to the sophisticated onboard dining. "Its cuisine is rich in local products and designed by one of the most renowned chefs in Peru," noted one reader. Closer to home, No. 5 American Queen Voyages (formerly American Queen Steamboat Company) earned praise — especially from older adults — for its leisurely cruises on the Columbia, the Mississippi, the Ohio, and other U.S. waterways.

Top-ranked Viking does all the major riverways of Europe, with ships also on the Nile and the Mekong, and, new in 2022, on the Mississippi. Readers praised the line's value proposition and shore experiences that go beyond the norm. The "Thinking Man's vacation" is the way one reader who sailed on a Viking ship on the Rhine river put it.

Find the full list of the best river cruise lines — and more on what sets Viking apart — below.

With its fleet of more than 50 contemporary "longships" on rivers such as the Rhine, the Danube, and the Seine, plus additional ships in Europe, Egypt, and Vietnam, T+L's top-ranked river cruise line for 2022 is often praised for its steadiness. "Having traveled on seven Viking longships that are virtually indistinguishable from one another, I believe it's the consistency that makes Viking one of our favorite ways to travel," said one reader. The longships are light-filled floating boutique hotels with a Scandinavian-design aesthetic, indoor and outdoor dining, and herb gardens up on top. Viking's carefully crafted itineraries and "good value" also received praise from readers. "Met wonderful new friends. Absolutely outstanding service and terrific food," said one fan.

WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Score: 96.77

More information: viking.com

WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Score: 96.60

More information: tauck.com

3. Uniworld Boutique River Cruises

WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Score: 96.31

More information: uniworld.com

4. Aqua Expeditions

Score: 93.27

More information: aquaexpeditions.com

5. American Queen Voyages (formerly American Queen Steamboat Company and Victory Cruise Lines)

Score: 92.82

More information: aqvoyages.com

6. Grand Circle Cruise Line

Score: 90.64

More information: gct.com

7. AmaWaterways

Score: 90.12

More information: amawaterways.com

8. Avalon Waterways

Score: 89.88

More information: avalonwaterways.com

9. Vantage Deluxe World Travel

Score: 84.71

More information: vantagetravel.com

10. American Cruise Lines

Score: 81.17

More information: americancruiselines.com

These are the best river cruise lines, sorted by price from low to high.

Avalon waterways, viking river cruise, amawaterways, american queen steamboat company, crystal cruises, adventures by disney river cruise, aqua expeditions, faq: river cruises, river cruises offer a slower-paced vacation and dock in quaint towns — here are my favorite sailings around the world.

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• River cruising is an efficient way to travel — visit a variety of destinations and only unpack once.
• River cruises are available all over the world in Europe, Egypt, Peru, and South East Asia.
• These are the best river cruise lines for comfort, destinations, and irresistible perks and tours.

One of the best vacations I've ever taken was a river cruise. It was a fascinating trip down the Danube River in Europe with Disney Cruises, focused on Christmas markets. After experiencing the river cruise lifestyle, I was sold.

I've always been a fan of traditional cruise line journeys, but a river cruise is much more intimate and in many cases, luxurious. These sleek ships generally host less than 200 passengers and go where giant cruise liners cannot, such as the Danube, Rhine, Rhône, Mekong, Mississippi, and Nile Rivers. 

A river cruise is kind of like a floating hotel, except you'll visit a variety of places but only have to unpack once. They also tend to have more inclusions than a traditional cruise. In addition to food and drink — with carefully curated cuisine reflective of the areas being visited — many river cruises include land excursions, which is a huge advantage that adds tremendous value.

Book a cruise on Avalon Waterways

Most of the Avalon's cabins are Panorama Suites, which offer a wide view of the rivers on which you are traveling. Book their "Open-Air Balcony" and enjoy wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling windows that open for fresh air. The beds in the Panorama Suites are also cleverly placed against the opposite wall so guests may view the scenery from bed.

As for the bed itself, guests can choose their own mattress and pillow firmness from Avalon's Comfort Collection. The entry-level cabin is the Avalon Deluxe Stateroom. It lacks the grandeur of the suites, and is small at about 172 square feet, and has small windows peaking above the waterline.

While many cruise lines have a strict dining schedule, these ships offer several different onboard restaurants. The Panorama Dining Room serves daily four-course à la carte dinners along with complimentary wine, beer, and soft drinks, or guests can choose the more casual Panorama Bistro or Sky Grill.

Avalon offers many onboard presentations, including the celebrity-driven  Storyteller Series, which is set to include the likes of Candace Bushnell ("Sex and the City"), Gillian Flynn ("Gone Girl"), Cheryl Strayed ("Wild"), and Diana Gabaldon (Outlander"). 

Notable excursions included in the price:

• On the Rhône sailing, go spelunking in Viviers to underground caves as part of a wine tasting adventure. 
• On the Danube sailing, see the Wachau Valley from a canoe and visit a hidden beach
• Learn to paint like Van Gogh at the Ateliers Art Institute in Amsterdam. 

COVID-19 procedures are available  here .

Book a cruise on Viking River Cruise

Viking is the largest river cruise operator with over 50 Longships in their fleet. The design is sleek and minimal and there are usually five tiers of cabins.

Standard staterooms, which are the least expensive, hover at the water level, and come in at about 150 square feet. At the top end are large well-appointed suites with two full-sized rooms and great views, measuring about 445 square feet. 

Indulge in regional cuisine on Viking ships flavored with herbs grown in an on-board garden, though familiar classics are always available. The dishes are paired with a selection of wines from the area that is being explored.

Guest lectures and performers also come aboard to highlight the destination, from Viennese opera to Portuguese fado, and local craft and culinary demonstrations are sprinkled throughout voyages as well, such as lace-making and Austrian apple strudel.

• While on the Danube, take a dip in legendary thermal baths in Budapest, Hungry.
• On the Mekong, go on a guided tour of Angkor Wat in Cambodia.
• When cruising the Nile, ride a camel as you visit the pyramids in Cairo, Egypt.

All guests must have received their COVID-19 vaccine prior to sailing .  COVID-19 procedures are available  here . 

Book a cruise on AmaWaterways

AmaWaterways, with over 25 ships, is known for having a smaller amount of passengers on board. The average is about 156 guests, which is far less than most cruise lines.

Many of the staterooms have balconies that offer panoramic views and fresh air. Their twin-balcony staterooms feature both a French balcony and an outside balcony. While the suites are about 350 square feet, the standard stateroom is about 170 square feet with fixed windows at the waterline.

The cuisine served onboard AmaWaterways ships is inspired by regional dishes and made with locally sourced ingredients. Throughout the voyages, they feature special drinking and dining events for guests along with entertainment themed to the country you're visiting such as a string quartet or folk dancing.

While there are plenty of places to curl up with a book or play a game in the public spaces, a bevy of activities will lure you onshore. AmaWaterways has a diverse selection of excursions, from low key to active experiences.

In 2023, they will launch Seven River Journeys which will cover seven rivers and 14 countries over the course of 45 nights (starting at $24,999 per person, double occupancy).

• While in Germany, visit the oldest brewery in Nuremberg for a bratwurst and beer.
• Bike along the Danube River between Dürnstein and Melk in Austria's Wachau Valley.
• Sail through France and visit the picturesque Old Town in Strasbourg.

AmaWaterways requires COVID-19 vaccinations for all their guests. COVID-19 procedures are available  here . 

Book a cruise on Scenic

Scenic operates custom-made vessels and a variety of cabins types. Standard suites are sparse, small (just 160 square feet) and lack balconies. A good mid-tier option is the   Royal Balcony suite, which comes with a great view and perks like daily fruit skewers, canapes, and petit fours. All upgraded suites come with butler service, nightly turndown, and a laundry concierge.

Guests dine on four-course dinners, complemented by regional wines. There is also destination-themed entertainment; for example, while sailing through Austria a musician is likely to play musical pieces from "The Sound of Music."

Scenic offers various excursions, from visiting World Heritage Sites to a round of golf. Their National Geographic sailings are particularly of note and include a variety of educational, expert-led travel excursions and talks.

• In Portugal, visit the Burmester Cellars for a fine dining experience along with a traditional Fado musical accompaniment.     
• While in Russia, visit the Palace of Prince Vladimir for an exclusive concert and ballet performance inside the last Imperial palace to be built in St Petersburg.
• Automobile lovers have the chance to visit BMW World to see luxury German-made cars.

COVID-19 procedures are available  here . 

Book a cruise on UniWorld

Uniworld stands out immediately for its impressively designed interiors; each ship is themed to the areas that ships sail through. For example, on the S.S. BonVoyage in France, the Le Salon Champagne was inspired by Yves Saint Laurent's home, Villa Majorelle.

The cabins and public areas are also beautifully appointed with art, antiques, hand-painted murals, and luxury linens. Book a signature suite and indulge in larger marble bathrooms, a fully-stocked bar, and fresh cookies and fruit delivered daily.

In addition to traditional ships, there are also sleek black U by Uniworld boats, which offer a modern take on river cruising with a younger demographic in mind. They often feature DJs, silent discos, mixology classes, yoga, and rooftop camping (tents are supplied). These cruises offer 25% off the fare for travelers 4 to 17 years old when traveling with an adult (suites excluded).  

Like most cruises, the food served is reflective of your destination's local cuisine and there is also a light menu and options for vegetarians, vegans, and kids.

In fact, there are many kid-friend amenities, such as cooking classes, a young travelers' lounge, and a game room complete with PlayStation, games, movies, and local treats. 

• In Italy, go on an after-hours visit to St. Mark's Basilica in Venice and tour the 9th-century church without crowds. 
• On select sailings in France, visit the secret apartments in Versailles Palace.
• During the Nile adventure, take a traditional Egyptian boat ride and have afternoon tea at the Old Cataract Hotel Aswan in Aswan. 

Uniworld requires proof of COVID-19 vaccinations for all their guests, except those under the age of 12, who must have a negative test result within 72 hours of embarkation. COVID-19 procedures are available here . 

Book a cruise on American Queen Steamboat Company

As the name implies, the American Queen Steamboat Company uses old-school-style riverboats for their journey. These state-of-the-art, authentic paddle wheelers can accommodate from 150 to 400 guests, depending on the ship.

Choose from a wide variety of accommodations from well-appointed suites to small no-frills single staterooms that are a mere 80 square feet. Some sailings have Loft Suites, which are two stories with floor-to-ceiling windows and have two full bathrooms, a dining area, a lounge with a Queen sofa-bed, a balcony, and an upstairs bedroom.

As expected, the ships serve American cuisines with options for fresh lobster or USDA Prime Beef. Unique to riverboats is the two-level theater, the Grand Saloon, found on the American Queen. Although children are allowed, the line does not offer extra amenities or perks for kids. 

Notable Excursions (note, these excursions are not included and involve an extra fee):

• In Memphis, opt for The Elvis Experience with a tour of Graceland.
• For those with an interest in history, try The Life and Legacy of Abraham Lincoln tour.
• For adventure, go on a Cajun Swamp Tour.

COVID-19 vaccinations are required for all guests and crew.  COVID-19 procedures are available here . 

Book a cruise on Crystal Cruises

Crystal Cruises river cruise line features all-suite ships. The cabins are large with King-sized beds, which is a rarity in river cruising. Many also have balconies and walk-in closets, and all are above the waterline.

The entry-level cabin, the Petit Suite, is about 188 square feet is larger than most standard rooms, while the Deluxe Suite has French balconies, and opulent Explorer Suites boast large windows. All are butler-serviced river ships with a high, almost one-to-one staff-to-guest ratio. Solo travelers will appreciate that there are dedicated Solo Traveler Suites with no surcharge for a non-double occupancy booking, which is unheard of with cruising.

Dining is Michelin-inspired and farm-to-table fare. Activities include educational lectures from visiting professors, and well as local entertainment, and even Broadway-level performances. The ship's "Design Your Time" concierge service will help personalize your onboard and onshore experiences. 

• Visit Salzburg, Austria, the town featured in "The Sound of Music."
• Go to the Cathédrale Notre-Dame of Strasbourg for a private organ concert.
• In the Netherlands, explore the windmill village of Zaanse Schans with its houses from the 18th and 19th centuries.

COVID-19 vaccinations are required for all guests and crew.  COVID-19 procedures are available  here . 

Book a cruise on Tauck

Tauck recently renovated many of their ships, most of which carry just 84 or 98 guests, while a few larger boats accommodate a max of 130 guests.

The Tauck Suites are large, at over 300 square feet and have a large bed as well as a fold-out sofa. Most cabins have floor-to-ceiling windows to save space in the cabin, and the most affordable is Category 1, which is about 150 square feet and has small windows and a little bathroom with a shower.

Meals come with complimentary beverages, including house wine, beer, and premium spirits. Those are also offered all day, not just at mealtimes, which is a nice addition.

Tauck prides itself on offering off-the-beaten-track experiences in each destination, including multigenerational family tours that are curated to include itineraries for both kids and adults. There are also Christmas market sailings that include tree-trimming, caroling, and a Christmas dinner feast.

• In France, enjoy a private visit to the Musée du Louvre in Paris.
• Sign up for a private Imperial Evening at a palace in Vienna with dinner and classical performances.
• Experience the "Wild West" of France in la Camargue with farm-fresh meals, local music, and a horse show.

COVID-19 procedures are available here .

Book a cruise on Adventures by Disney River Cruise

Adventures by Disney, the guided, family vacation arm of the Walt Disney Company, offers unique journeys sprinkled with signature Disney magic. Each day, you'll receive an enamel pin reflecting the day's adventure such as Mickey dressed as Mozart or Donald cooking goulash.

There is a wide variety of cabin categories from a 350 square foot suite that sleeps four with a balcony to Category D, the most affordable cabin, which is about 170 square feet, sleeps two, and features small windows. Families will appreciate adjoining cabins, which are a rarity for a river cruise line. Adventures by Disney recommends that children be 8 and up, but they only need to be 4 and up to sail.

The Adventures by Disney river cruises are designed for families, and their itineraries, both onboard and onshore, have something for every age group. Kids love the Junior Adventurer dinners or Disney movie nights, and there is also a Just Teens program with dinners and separate tour groups at various destinations.

But if you think this a Disney river cruise would be all about the kids, you're wrong. Grownups may enjoy adult-only dinners and wine tastings, and there is actually a nice variety of adult-exclusive sailings (generally when school is in session), which offer more sophisticated offerings.

• Visit Schloss Hof in Bratislava for chocolate tasting and learn to waltz in the grand ballroom.
• Take a thrilling alpine toboggan run in Germany's Black Forest.
• Learn to make goulash and feast on it in the Hungarian countryside while listening to a live performance by Hungarian folk musicians.

COVID-19 testing and/or vaccination is required before travel. During the trip, Guests will be required to complete a self-assessment daily. COVID-19 procedures are available  here .

Book a cruise on Aqua Expeditions

Aqua Expeditions is all about luxury with a modern take. They offer a 1:1 crew-to-guest ratio, so guests relish in lavish, five-star treatment and the boats have only about 15 to 20 cabins, meaning, no more than 30 to 40 guests per sailing. In effect, it feels kind of like a chartered yacht.

The suites, which are about 300 square feet, have floor-to-ceiling windows, King-sized beds, and a lounge area with a daybed. There is a price difference between the first deck and the second deck, with the former being more affordable. Some rooms have balconies.

Since Aqua Expeditions ships are so much smaller than the average river cruise liner, they can visit more remote destinations and the excursions reflect that, from watching Amazonian pink dolphins to receiving a blessing from a Buddhist monk while traveling the Mekong.

• Visit the Amazon Rainforest with Aqua Expeditions' naturalist guides.
• Come face-to-face with the gentle manta rays of Komodo National Park in Indonesia.
• Go kayaking in the Mekong's waterways.

How does a river cruise work?

A river cruise is an all-inclusive journey where you unpack once but visit many destinations. They are smaller than traditional cruise ships and boast more tailored offerings, such as carefully curated cuisine that is reflective of the areas being visited. On all these journeys — from the Ganges to the Rhône — dining is a big part of the adventure.

River cruise ships dock near city centers, enabling visitors to explore on their own or take advantage of the array of excursions organized by the cruise line, from going on a strenuous hike to touring a castle, or sipping wine at a vineyard. There are a fair amount of UNESCO World Heritage Sites on the itineraries, which are almost always awe-inspiring.

These excursions are all included in the price of the cruise and are considered part of the river experience, although they aren't included for the sole domestic option on our list, the American Queen Steamboat Company.

Are river cruises all-inclusive?

Most river cruises are all-inclusive with all meals, beverages, and almost all excursions included in the rate.

However, Crystal Cruises has some excursions that incur an added cost, and all of the American Queen Steamboat Company excursions are additional (although they do offer hop-on hop-off bus tours).  

Are river cruise cabins small?

Yes. Due to the size of the boats, the cabins are small, ranging from 80 square feet to about 300 square feet. But since there is so much to do, odds are that the cabin will be only used for sleeping and downtime. 

When is the best time to take a river cruise?

It depends on what you are looking for in your vacation. For example, European river cruises run from   March through December. The summer months will be far warmer, while the December cruises are cold but come with the added bonus of experiencing Christmas festivities. 

Can solo travelers take a river cruise? 

Because most people travel in pairs or a family on a cruise, rates are based on double occupancy. Solo travelers are still welcome but may have to pay a   supplement fee for booking as a single-occupancy rather than a double.

What are the best river cruises for families with kids?

Adventures by Disney is the best option for families since they curate their onboard and onshore activities with kids and teens in mind. Uniworld is also a good choice with an array of added perks for kids of all ages.

Otherwise, most welcome children but don't offer extra programming for them, and Viking doesn't allow children at all.

Will I get seasick on a river cruise?

Odds are you will not get motion sickness on a river cruise since large waves or currents do not hit the ships. The water, especially on European cruises, is very calm.

• Main content

Why First-Time Cruisers Should Choose a River Voyage, According to Travel Specialists

By Jessica Puckett

All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Booking your first cruise can feel like a big step: There are dress codes and other unspoken etiquette rules to consider, plus figuring out how to travel at a different pace. It can feel overwhelming for a newbie.

That's why the smaller, slower pace of a river cruise is a great option for embarking on your first-ever voyage. “It is more intimate, great for people prone to motion sickness, and they are all inclusive,” says Judith Wolf , a travel consultant and cruise expert at Frosch. “The profile of a river cruiser is usually an upscale, sophisticated traveler. They are interested in the countries they are visiting, and their history.”

Here’s what to know about booking your first river cruise, plus practical advice on finding the perfect itinerary, choosing the right stateroom, and what to pack .

River cruise ships are smaller 

The first thing cruisers will notice stepping onto a river ship is that the atmosphere is exclusive and boutique : There are few passengers, a sense of calm, and most public areas and decks are designed to showcase the scenery drifting by on the riverbanks.

“The one drawback is that the cabins are much smaller than an ocean ship,” says Wolf. “However, you will not be spending much time in your cabin because each day on a river cruise is a day in port and the ship sails in the evening.” The majority of the time on a river cruise is spent on guided tours and excursions or simply enjoying the charming town where you’re docked for the day. 

A large stateroom is often not top priority. “I advise my clients to secure the least expensive cabin they will be comfortable in and use the money saved to spend time on either end [on a land program] since river cruise itineraries start and end in some of the most interesting cities in the world,” says Linda Allen-Speer , who operates Cruises by Linda. 

Downsizing could be a smart idea—even if it means you end up with a stateroom that doesn’t have a balcony or outdoor space to enjoy the views. “Balconies aren’t a necessity because you can always relax on the upper deck and see the beautiful scenery,” says Wolf.

European river cruises bring travelers to the heart of the region's charming villages.

River cruise ports are in prime locations 

On ocean cruises, sometimes the ports are on the outskirts of a city in order to accommodate the larger ships, which means long walks or shuttle rides to get into the heart of town. That's usually not the case for river voyages . “Many of the ports are in the center of the city, and it is easy to get off and go for a stroll,” Wolf says. Think of stepping off the ship and being in the middle of quaint towns in rural Europe, bustling cities in Vietnam, or historic villages in Egypt.  

If you'd rather wander around a destination instead of joining a planned excursion, crew on river ships provide plenty of options. “If you like to bike most ships carry bicycles that are available for all the guests,” Wolf notes. Grab one and cycle past tulip fields in Holland, to a French café overlooking the Rhône, or to Buddhist temples in Phnom Penh. 

Itineraries are just the right length

While there are river cruises that can last for several weeks or even months —by connecting through several rivers in one particular region—most river voyages usually range from eight to 15 days. That's a good duration for first timers to have an in-depth experience without feeling overwhelmed.

Most voyages also have an option to add a couple days on land to leisurely explore the first port. “They have unique itineraries with a few days in a city—not accessible by a river—before you board the ship,” says Wolf. 

Even though these land extension packages are also available after the cruise, Allen-Speer says it's best to do them before embarking on the ship—just in case of air travel complications. Snags like crew strikes, cancellations, and delays “are not as stressful if you have some wiggle room in your itinerary,” she adds. 

It's also worth noting that many river cruise lines have specialty itineraries that cater to specific interests, like history, wine, or culture. AmaWaterways, for example, has new river cruises focusing on Black history and culture in France, while Uniworld offers European river cruises that center on Jewish heritage . 

What to pack for a river cruise

Some of what you pack will depend on your destination, but travelers should keep in mind that river cruise dress codes tend to be much more casual than some of the larger ocean-going ships. “You won’t need any formal or cocktail attire,” Wolf says. “Comfortable, casual clothes with maybe a nice packable dress, blouse, and skirt or shirt and slacks with one jacket, no tie.” 

Other essentials to pack for a warm-weather river cruise include comfortable walking shoes, a bathing suit, sun hat, sunglasses, and refillable water bottle . 

Outside of the key necessities, you might want to pare back what's in your suitcase. “First-time cruisers generally pack twice what they need,” says Allen-Speer. “Once you have what you think you need, pull out anything that will not go with the comfortable shoes you will wear.” To keep your luggage light, Allen-Speer advises travelers to opt for clothing they can mix and match—and to not forget a light waterproof jacket for chillier days or rain showers.

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Europe River Cruises

Experience the magic of Europe along its majestic rivers! From the Rhine to the Douro , from the Main to the Danube , we have cruises all through Europe, ranging from 1 days up to 31 days. The most popular month for these cruises is August, which has the most tour departures. Looking outside of Europe? See all river cruises .

250+ European river cruises with 1,198 reviews

• River Cruise

Romantic Rhine (Southbound) 2024

It was a great tour. There were a few thinks that could have been better. Gentle walking was not gentle and it would have been nice to know before hand that a half hour walk was more like an hour and a half.

Romantic Rhine (Northbound) 2024

Fine dining filled by fine dancing

Danube Serenade: Romantic Journey from Vienna to Bucharest (Turnu Magurele) , MS Fidelio

Classic Rhine cruise (Amsterdam-Basel) MS Crucevita

Very friendly and helpful staff. Itinerary was well designed with lots of variety.

Grand Danube Cruise 2024

Captivating Rhine 2024 Start Amsterdam, End Basel

From the Blue Danube to the Black Sea (port-to-port cruise) (11 destinations)

Crosieurope had nice food, plenty of beer and wine, very clean boat - both inside and out. Staff were very nice and helpful, always cleaning windows, carpet, etc. The administration staff were a bit at times disorganised. Sometimes they would forget to give message in English after they delivered Message in French.

The beautiful blue Danube (port-to-port cruise)

The tour was very good, the crew were excellent, very helpful, approachable and informative and always available. The tours were great and the Danube is wonderful to cruise on. The food was of excellent quality but the fact that there was no choice on the menu was poor and we feel there should have been an earlier sitting for dinner, and lunch could have been a buffet. The accommodation was adequate but the shower was totally inadequate. We enjoyed the cruise

Danube Classics Vienna 2024 (10 destinations)

Splendours of Europe (Start Amsterdam, End Budapest)

The program in the Emerald ship was magnificently planned and discussed. The local music during the cruise was so informative. Long live the music from the Netherlands and Germany through Austria and Slovakya to Hungary! Just for the music, dances and songs I will do the cruise again!

Splendours of Europe (Start Budapest, End Amsterdam)

Danube Classics Vienna 2024 (8 destinations)

Al-Rosa did an excellent job. Food was good and lots of it, the cabin was clean and comfortable. The staff were always friendly and helpful and Sabrina did a great job of looking after everyone and made sure that we were always at the right place at the right time. The tours were great and we enjoyed our evenings in the lounge with music and quizzes by Erich. We had a great holiday!

Enchanting Danube (2024) (Budapest to Passau, 2024)

Castles along the Rhine (2024) (Basel to Amsterdam, 2024)

Very nice trip. Your were OK with a few standouts like the vinegar tasting. Wish there had been more lectures and cultures talks. The one about modern German attitudes was particularly fascinating.

Classical Rhine Cruise (Amsterdam - Basel) (10 destinations)

A good balance of excursions and relaxation and good food and wine

European River Cruises Reviews

It was a great cruise. The food was amazing, the crew was really helpful, and the tours and tour guides were great. The only thing to imporve on if the WiFi which only worked half the time.

The Wi-Fi didn’t work as expected and it caused quite an inconvenience. The excursion plan is not as clear either. Overall it’s still a good tour but I think my last Danube river with Avalon is better than this rhino river cruise.

Great company to cruise with. Ship carries 110 passengers. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner each day. Plenty of stops to sightsee. The castles along the Rhine make trip a very enjoyable cruise. All staff were great.

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• Hiking in Europe in October
• Hiking in Europe in December

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Châteaux, Rivers & Wine

• From $2,799
• 6 Guided Tours
• Dates & Pricing
• 2024 2025 2026

Châteaux, Rivers & Wine Map

Explore Bordeaux like never before

Discover the ports, vineyards, farms and forests of Aquitaine, once Europe’s richest kingdom. See Bordeaux’s fountains and cellars. Hunt for truffles in Périgord, and create your own personal blend of Cognac at the Camus distillery. Savor France’s finest oysters fresh from the bay at Arcachon. Sip Saint-Émilion, Médoc and Sauternes in their own “ terroir”  on an 8-day cruise through Bordeaux—a region synonymous with fine wine and finer living.

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Viking Inclusive Value

All you need included, with no surprises or hidden fees

To learn more about each port of call and our included as well as optional excursions, click on the individual days below.

Itinerary and shore excursions are subject to change and may vary by departure.

More features, services and excursions included

One complimentary shore excursion in every port of call

Free Wi-Fi (connection speed may vary)

Beer, wine & soft drinks with onboard lunch & dinner

24-hour specialty coffees, teas  & bottled water

Port taxes & fees

Ground transfers with Viking Air purchase

Visits to UNESCO Sites

Enrichment lectures & Destination Performances

Your Stateroom Includes:

River-view stateroom

Bottled water replenished daily

110/220 volt outlets

Queen-size Viking Explorer Bed (optional twin-bed configuration) with luxury linens & pillows

Private bathroom with shower, heated floor & anti-fog mirror

Premium Freyja® toiletries

Plush robes & slippers (upon request)

40" or 42" flat-screen Sony® TV with infotainment system featuring Movies On Demand, plus CNBC, CNN, FOX & more

Telephone, safe, refrigerator

Individual climate control

*All amenities on board Viking Longships; amenities vary on other ships.

Pre & Post Cruise Extensions

More days means more to discover, with extension packages you can add before or after your Viking cruise or cruisetour. Enjoy additional days to explore your embarkation or disembarkation city, or see a new destination altogether with a choice of exciting cities. Pre & Post Cruise Extensions vary by itinerary and are subject to change.

From $999 | 3 Nights

Pre: Paris Premium

From $1,599 | 3 Nights

Pre: Bilbao & San Sebastián

From $1,499 | 3 Nights

Post: Loire Valley

From $1,449 | 3 Nights

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Overview Captivating Rhine

7- night cruise, 7- night cruise with 2-nights amsterdam pre-cruise and 2 nights lake lucerne, 2 nights zurich post-cruise, 7-night cruise add pre- or post-cruise land program 7-night cruise with 2-nights amsterdam pre-cruise and 2 nights lake lucerne, 2 nights zurich post-cruise 7-night cruise with 2-nights amsterdam pre-cruise and 2 nights lake lucerne, 2 nights zurich post-cruise add pre- or post-cruise land program 7-night cruise, cruise from : amsterdam to basel, cruise from :, countries: france, germany, netherlands, switzerland france, germany, netherlands, switzerland, rivers: rhine, captivating rhine at a glance.

• Amsterdam to Basel
• Amsterdam to Zurich

Itinerary is subject to change. For the most up-to-date information, please refer to the itinerary schedule provided with your final documents.

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Hike and Bike Along the Picturesque Rhine on This River Journey

Travel through the netherlands, germany, france, and switzerland for local flavors, incredible history, and more along this legendary river.

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Speyer, Germany

AmaWaterways

The Rhine Valley is Germany at its fairytale-like finest. As an AmaWaterways guest on the seven-night “Captivating Rhine” river cruise, you’ll stand in awe of the medieval castles perched atop cliffs, Gothic steeples towering over half-timbered villages, and manicured vineyards clinging to verdant hillsides.

During the day, you can get up close and personal with the rich culture and history of this enchanting slice of Europe on active hiking and biking excursions. In the evening, enjoy the highest-quality locally sourced food and wine and service from a crew that goes above and beyond by remembering your name and individual preferences. Then retire to your spacious accommodations with plush bedding and view-enhancing twin balconies.

This itinerary also makes the most of the journey by adding three more countries, beginning in Amsterdam, stopping in France, and then heading southbound to Switzerland. It’s also easily combinable with other voyages on the Rhine and its tributaries like “ Rhine & Moselle Delights ” or “ Treasures of the Main & Rhine ,” and you can save 10 percent when adding a second sailing . Read on for more details about what makes this Rhine River journey so exhilarating for mind—and body.

Trip Highlight

The rhine gorge.

Trip Designer

Days 1-2: Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Day 3 Cologne, Germany

Tamal Mukhopadhyay/Unsplash

Day 4 Rhine Gorge, Germany

Heidelberg Castle

Lisa Fecker/Unsplash

Day 5 Ludwigshafen, Germany

Day 6 Strasbourg, France

Day 7 Breisach, Germany

Day 8 Basel, Switzerland

The 5 best destinations you can visit on a Viking cruise ship

Fast-growing Viking has one of the most diverse arrays of itineraries of any cruise line.

Not only does the California-based company offer ocean cruises in almost every corner of the world, it also offers river cruises on many of the world's major rivers.

That's notably different from most cruise lines. Typically, cruise lines operate either ocean cruises or river cruises but not both. That gives them a smaller range of itineraries.

For more cruise guides, tips and news, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

Viking has a particularly large footprint when it comes to European river itineraries, with a wide range of sailings on nearly every European river of any note, from the Douro in Portugal to (until recently) the Volga in Russia.

The company also operates river trips on the Nile in Egypt and the Mekong in Southeast Asia, and it just began river trips on the Mississippi River .

There are 80 river ships in Viking's fleet — an astounding number. None of its main competitors among river lines catering to North Americans, which include Avalon Waterways, Uniworld and AmaWaterways , have anywhere near that number of vessels.

Related: First look at Viking's stylish new Nile River ship

Among ocean cruise destinations, Viking has a major presence in Scandinavia and Northern Europe, which it considers its home turf. (The company was founded by a Norwegian family.) However, you'll find Viking's nine traditional ocean ships everywhere from North America to Asia and Australia.

Last year, the line began cruising to Antarctica with its first expedition ship — a type of vessel built specifically for travel to remote, hard-to-reach places. Viking now has two such vessels.

Among the line's voyages, there's everything from eight-day cruises in the Mediterranean to 138-day around-the-world voyages.

Overwhelmed with choices? Here are the five best Viking cruise destinations where the line can truly offer you a memorable vacation.

Scandinavia and Northern Europe

Some of Viking's most interesting itineraries are around Scandinavia and the Baltic Sea, with many beginning or ending in Norway — the homeland of the company's founder and chairman, Torstein Hagen.

As Hagen once told me, Scandinavia and the Baltic Sea are what the company considers "Viking country" — a region where it wants to dominate.

During summers, in particular, Viking devotes an unusually large number of its ships to itineraries around Scandinavia, the Baltic Sea and other Northern Europe destinations such as Iceland. Many, notably, use the relatively small but famously scenic Norwegian city of Bergen (population 286,000) as a gateway, something no other line is doing. That allows for unusual variations on the typical Baltic Sea or Norwegian fjords cruise.

The line's most popular route in the region, "Viking Homelands," is a two-week-long, one-way trip between Bergen and Stockholm that combines several days of exploring the fjord region of Norway's west coast with more-typical Baltic cruise destinations such as St. Petersburg, Russia, and Helsinki.

Related: The ultimate guide to Viking ships and itineraries

Note that, in the wake of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Viking has pulled the St. Petersburg stop, as well as stops in Finland and Estonia from the Viking Homelands itinerary; the trips instead feature extra stops in Norway and Denmark. It's unlikely St. Petersburg will return to the itinerary until the war in Ukraine is resolved.

Viking also offers a 14-night itinerary that includes several stops in the northernmost part of the country above the Arctic Circle. Dubbed "Into the Midnight Sun," the one-way route between Bergen and London is unique because it combines calls in far-north Honningsvag and Tromso, Norway, with visits to Scotland's remote Shetland Islands and the Orkney Islands. Though part of the United Kingdom, these archipelagos have ties to Norwegian and Viking history.

Itineraries that will take you from Bergen to Iceland or even as far away as France, Portugal and Spain also are available.

Viking's Scandinavia and Northern Europe trips range widely in length from just seven nights to a whopping 28 nights.

Among the longest sailings that Viking offers that include calls in Northern Europe are one-way, 28-night voyages between Bergen and New York City. The trips include stops in Norway, Iceland, Greenland and Canada.

In Northern Europe, Viking ships mostly sail out of Bergen, Amsterdam, Stockholm, Copenhagen and London as well as Reykjavik.

The Mediterranean

Viking has grown into a major player in Mediterranean sailings, with more than 30 distinct itineraries that include stops in the region.

The trips include voyages focused specifically on the Western Mediterranean or Eastern Mediterranean and some that include stops across both areas.

Typical of the latter is the line's 14-night "Mediterranean Antiquities" routing, a one-way trip between Athens and Barcelona that stops in Greece, Turkey, Italy, Monaco, France and Spain.

More-focused Mediterranean itineraries include the line's nine-night "Empires of the Mediterranean" voyages between Venice and Athens, which mostly concentrate on stops along the eastern side of the Adriatic Sea in Slovenia, Croatia and Montenegro.

In the Mediterranean, the line's main hubs are Barcelona; Civitavecchia (the port for Rome) and Venice, Italy; Piraeus (the port for Athens), Greece; and Istanbul.

Related: The complete guide to Viking cabins and suites

Europe riverways

Viking is, quite simply, the giant of river cruising in Europe — at least among lines that cater to English speakers. The company operates around 70 river ships on a broad swath of the continent's rivers — far more than any other river line catering to North Americans.

In all, the line accounts for about half of all river cruises taken by North Americans in the region. The next biggest player in Europe river cruises for North Americans, AmaWaterways, is less than half the size.

Among the rivers in Europe where Viking has a major presence are the Rhine, Main and Danube in Central Europe; the Seine, Rhone, Dordogne, Garonne and Gironde in France; the Douro in Portugal; and the Moselle and Elbe in Germany. Until recently, Viking also offered cruises on the Dnieper River in Ukraine. The voyages have been suspended since Russia invaded the country in early 2022.

On nearly all of the rivers, the line offers multiple itineraries with lengths ranging from seven nights to as many as 22 nights.

Among 10 different itineraries on the Rhine River alone, offerings range from a seven-night "Rhine Getaway" from Amsterdam to Basel, Switzerland, to a 22-night "European Sojourn" from Amsterdam to Bucharest, Romania. The latter adds travel on the Main and Danube rivers to days on the Rhine.

Viking offers some of the most intimate and elegant cruises on the Nile, with three ships including the recently unveiled, 82-passenger Viking Osiris — one of our favorite vessels on the river.

All three of Viking's Nile ships operate the same seven-night Nile cruise itinerary that Viking pairs with a four-night stay at a hotel in Cairo (three nights before the cruise and one night after) to create an 11-night "Pharaohs and Pyramids" tour of Egypt.

Related: The ultimate guide to Viking's loyalty program

The cruise portion of the tour includes visits to the historic temples of Luxor, Karnak, Esna, Dendera and Abu Simbel as well as a visit to the iconic Valley of the Kings. The stay in Cairo brings a visit to the pyramids of Giza, the Egyptian Museum and other sites.

Viking Osiris is the first of four sister ships that Viking plans to launch on the Nile by 2025 as it doubles its footprint in Egypt. The vessels offer a clean-lined, Scandinavian-influenced design that mimics the look of Viking's Europe-based vessels.

Notably, the ship features an entire deck of sprawling suites that rival anything else found on the Nile for luxury and comfort. Each comes with two full-size rooms — a large living room with a residential feel and an adjacent bedroom with a walk-in closet and bathroom. Each suite also has an outdoor balcony with seating for two — something you don't always see on Nile ships.

Viking is a newcomer to cruises to Antarctica, but the destination is a big growth area for the line. Viking recently added two new, 378-passenger expedition cruise vessels specifically built to travel to the White Continent.

Dubbed Viking Octantis, the first of these vessels began sailings to Antarctica in February 2022. The second ship in the series, Viking Polaris, has just joined its sister in Antarctica this year. Together, the two ships are already making waves in the market for Antarctica cruises, in part because they have several new and unusual features.

Most notable is The Hangar, an enclosed marina that allows passengers to transfer to two of each ship's exploratory vessels while still in the protected interior of the ship. A first for an expedition ship, it's something that is significantly improving the experience for passengers heading out on Antarctica exploration.

Related: The 3 types of Viking ships, explained

In another first for polar expedition cruise vessels, every cabin on both Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris has floor-to-ceiling glass walls that slide partially open from the top to create a balcony-like feel.

Viking offers several Antarctic itineraries, with the typical trip starting with a night at a hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina, before a flight to Ushuaia, Argentina, to board one of the two expedition ships for an 11-night cruise to Antarctica and back. A longer version of the trip features 13 nights on board one of the ships and extra days in Antarctica.

Viking also offers Antarctica sailings that combine a visit to the White Continent with stops in the Falkland Islands, Uruguay and Brazil.

Viking Octantis, notably, also operated Viking's first sailings around the Great Lakes this year. In 2023, both Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris will spend their summers in the Great Lakes.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• 15 ways cruisers waste money
• 15 best cruise ships for people who never want to grow up
• What to pack for your first cruise

4 reasons why a river cruise is an exceptional travel experience

T he joys of a river cruise are plenty. Whether you are dreaming of sailing down the romantic Danube, historic Seine or vineyard-laced Douro, this exceptional way to travel combines a unique blend of relaxation, culture, and exploration.

What makes Viking river cruises great is their intimate and sociable ambiance. River cruise ships are smaller than ocean ships, which means that you can connect more easily with fellow travellers and enjoy attentive service throughout your journey.

Scenic beauty is unparalleled, too, as you peacefully glide along picturesque rivers, passing through charming towns, taking in the awe-inspiring landscapes.

Plus, once onboard a Viking river cruise you get to unwind in modern, comfortable staterooms with stunning views from your room.

A river cruise journey offers a relaxed, hassle-free way to explore diverse destinations, making it an exceptional travel choice for those seeking a balance of leisure, culture, and captivating views.

Thinking of booking a river cruise? Let’s get into four key reasons why it is such an exceptional travel experience.

1. Ease of travel

One of the great joys of river cruising is that you can visit multiple countries or destinations with ease. There’s no need to navigate foreign roads, train stations or airports, no packing and unpacking and checking in and out of hotels every day. Simply unpack once and wake up in a new destination every day, refreshed and ready to explore.

“As far as ease of travel goes, river trips can’t be beaten. Not having the hassle of constantly having to pack and unpack like you do on long road trips or guided coach tours is a marvellous feeling,” confirms our Australian Women’s Weekly travel editor, Bernard O’Shea.

2. Everything is included

The all-inclusive nature of a river cruise simplifies your travel experience and makes it one of the most cost-effective ways to travel, too.

On Viking, your cruise fare includes transportation between destinations, a river view stateroom, all meals on board with wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner, unlimited Wi-Fi, a guided excursion in every port, and more.

Port excursions are led by Viking’s knowledgeable local guides who are passionate about their unique region. From the iconic to the obscure, soak up the culture, art, history and architecture of your destination while gaining an insight into the local way of life. They will often share stories and traditions passed down through their family generations, all insights that you’ll never read in a guidebook.

Food is one of the best ways to experience a destination. On board a Viking cruise, expect world-class chefs who use locally sourced ingredients to prepare meals, regional specialities and everyday classics that are bursting with fresh, local flavours.

On Viking, enjoy personalised service in The Restaurant, or dine al fresco on the Aquavit Terrace – the only outdoor á la carte restaurant on the rivers of Europe.

3. Experience a new destination every day

Sit back, relax and enjoy the ever-changing scenery on board the elegant Viking Longships as they gently carry you into a new destination every day. Because of their size, river ships can dock in the heart of some of the world’s biggest cities as well as the smallest towns, so you are just a short walk from opportunities of discovery.

River cruises prioritise cultural enrichment, providing guided excursions to historical sites and local experiences that deepen your understanding of the regions you visit.

4. Explore your own way

You can choose to do as much or as little as you like on a Viking cruise. Join a range of included and optional excursions, hike a mountain, cycle a valley, explore on your own, or enjoy an afternoon of quiet solitude, the choice is yours.

Discover more about the people, culture, history and cuisine of every destination. On a Viking river cruise you will spend longer in each place and enjoy entertaining talks, cookery demonstrations and lively performances to bring each destination to life back on board.

Laid-back, easy-going, and sociable, that’s the Viking way. There’s no butlers, formal nights or fancy dress, just a relaxed and casual ambience on board a Viking river ship, very much like the kind of guest they attract. Visit Viking to find out more about river cruises.

Europe’s best-kept secrets

7 things to expect on your first river cruise, holiday, scandi style .

The post 4 reasons why a river cruise is an exceptional travel experience appeared first on The Australian Women's Weekly .

Protect Your Trip »

The 7 best 3-day cruise itineraries for 2024.

Plan a long weekend getaway aboard a cruise for fun, scenery and entertainment.

The Best 3-Day Cruise Itineraries

Courtesy of Carnival Cruise Line

Hop aboard the Carnival Radiance for a short but fun-filled cruise weekend.

Whether you're short on vacation days or you only have a long weekend to spare, three-night cruises offer a fun and affordable way to get a change of scenery. These shorter sailings from the U.S. often amount to a weekend cruise and only depart from Florida and California for now. However, short cruises still let you dine and dance on board, enjoy world-class entertainment, and visit nearby destinations like Nassau in the Bahamas; Key West, Florida; or Ensenada, Mexico.

If you're looking for short cruises that pack a lot of good times into a weekend vacation, you should know that many cruise lines offer these trips, including Norwegian Cruise Line, MSC Cruises, Royal Caribbean International and Celebrity Cruises. Read on to find out which short cruises we recommend, where they depart from, and everything you can see and do over the span of three incredible nights.

3-Day Cruises From Florida

Norwegian sky from miami.

Courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line

Dates: Aug. 2 to 5, 2024

Departure port: Miami

Stops: Key West, Florida; Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas

Starting price: $399 per person

This three-night cruise on Norwegian Sky departs from Miami in August 2024 with stops at two iconic tropical destinations. The vessel's first stop is Key West , where cruise passengers will have the day to visit the southernmost tip of the United States, book a snorkeling or kayaking tour, or bar hop along the world-famous Duval Street. From there, the cruise stops at Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas, which is a private island paradise that's only for cruise passengers. Here, visitors can enjoy some beach time, plan a WaveRunner adventure or snorkel the clear waters to watch out for wildlife.

When not at port, passengers on Norwegian Sky can enjoy the ship's 10 dining options, onboard spa, casino at sea, and variety of pools and hot tubs. The Norwegian Cruise Line vessel even has a sushi bar and a Starbucks onboard, and it was completely renovated from top to bottom in 2019.

Book a Norwegian cruise on GoToSea , a service of U.S. News.

MSC Seashore from Port Canaveral

Conrad Schutt | Courtesy of MSC Cruises

Dates: Multiple dates in November and December 2024

Departure port: Port Canaveral, Florida (Orlando)

Stops: Nassau and Ocean Cay Marine Reserve, Bahamas

Starting price: $169 per person

This three-night cruise on MSC Seashore departs from Port Canaveral near Orlando and takes passengers to two tropical destinations in the nearby Bahamas . The first is the island of Nassau, which is known for its luxury resorts (including the exclusive Atlantis Paradise Island Bahamas), huge casinos and powder white sands. After that, guests can spend a second day at port at MSC Cruises ' private island, Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve. This island offers a perfect beach retreat for people who just want to relax, including several expansive white sand beaches with ample seating, an interior ocean lagoon for swimming, and beach bars and eateries dotted throughout.

MSC Seashore features huge pools, an onboard water park for kids, the expansive MSC Aurea Spa and 11 distinct dining venues for passengers to choose from. The ship also boasts the exclusive "ship within a ship" Yacht Club area, which offers the best of everything for discerning guests.

Find an MSC Cruises deal on GoToSea.

Celebrity Reflection from Fort Lauderdale

Courtesy of Celebrity Cruises

Dates: Ongoing in 2024

Departure port: Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Stops: Perfect Day at CocoCay and Nassau, Bahamas

Starting price: $273 per person

This three-night cruise on Celebrity Cruises ' Celebrity Reflection departs from Fort Lauderdale and leaves for two days in the sunny Bahamas. The first stop gives guests a full day to enjoy at Perfect Day at CocoCay, a cruise line private island that's typically reserved for Royal Caribbean guests. This island paradise features an exclusive beach club, idyllic white sand beaches for swimming and floating, a water park, a zip line, and plenty of places to eat and drink all day. The next stop is Nassau: Visitors can dine and shop their way through the port area or book a fun day pass to the Baha Bay water park, which is located at resort Baha Mar and features waterslides, an expansive lazy river and incredible cuisine options right at the park.

Celebrity Reflection was recently refurbished in 2022. It features an incredible array of included dining options, eight specialty and exclusive dining establishments, and bars and lounges throughout the ship. The Retreat, a VIP ship-within-a-ship concept, is also offered on board for those who want an elevated cruising experience.

Explore Celebrity Cruises on GoToSea.

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Disney Dream from Fort Lauderdale

Courtesy of Disney Cruise Line

Dates: Nov. 6 to 9, 2024

Stops: Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point and Disney Castaway Cay, Bahamas

Starting price: $1,973 per stateroom

This three-night Bahamian cruise on Disney Dream stops at two exclusive destinations in the Bahamas – Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point, then Disney Castaway Cay. The first stop offers incredible beaches with play areas and crystal-clear water for swimming, as well as the Bahamian Arts and Culture Pavilion for families who want to learn something about the local culture on vacation. At Disney Castaway Cay, families can relax the day away on white sand beaches, go biking or kayaking, ride two waterslides, and more. Both destinations even have adults-only beach areas for cruisers who are traveling kid-free.

Disney Dream holds a maximum of 4,000 passengers and has everything you would expect on an exclusive Disney Cruise Line vessel, including kids and family areas, adults-only dining options and pools, and two large theaters. The ship also has several supervised kids clubs as well as dedicated clubs for teenagers and tweens .

Read: The Top Cruises for Babies and Toddlers

Liberty of the Seas from Fort Lauderdale

Courtesy of Royal Caribbean International

Stops: Nassau and Perfect Day at CocoCay, Bahamas

Starting price: $263 per person

Royal Caribbean International also boasts a Bahamas cruise from Fort Lauderdale that stops in Nassau and at the line's private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay. In Nassau, cruisers get the chance to explore one of the most popular cruise ports throughout the Caribbean, where you can book an excursion to a local beach, plan a snorkeling adventure or play in one of the two biggest casinos throughout the region at Atlantis or Baha Mar. At Perfect Day at CocoCay, families can stay active with waterslides, book a kayaking tour or ride a hot air balloon up to 450 feet in the air.

Liberty of the Seas is also an ideal ship for families thanks to fun features like a huge onboard water park with slides, an ice skating rink with shows and the Broadway at Sea theater. The Royal Caribbean vessel also has nearly a dozen different dining venues, including Cupcake Cupboard, Johnny Rockets, a pizza kitchen and an old-world Italian eatery called Giovanni's Table.

Compare Royal Caribbean International cruises on GoToSea.

3-Day Cruises From California

Navigator of the seas from los angeles.

Dates: Throughout 2024

Departure port: Los Angeles

Stops: Ensenada, Mexico

Starting price: $282 per person

Royal Caribbean offers a three-night West Coast adventure on Navigator of the Seas that includes a fun day at sea and a full-day stop in Ensenada, Mexico. This Mexican destination is known for the many activities that can be enjoyed along its rugged shores, which can include leisurely days at nearby Estero and Mona Lisa beaches, hiking experiences, exploration of Baja California's wine region, whale watching and more.

Dates for this sailing are offered throughout 2024, and the ship itself has plenty to keep passengers enthralled while at sea. For example, Navigator of the Seas features the longest waterslide at sea, enlarged pool deck areas for relaxation, ice skating shows and shopping – not to mention Broadway-style shows with dancers, acrobats and singers. There are also 12 unique dining options onboard, including Starbucks, Jamie's Italian by Jamie Oliver and Johnny Rockets.

Carnival Radiance from Los Angeles

Dates: Jan. 26 to 29 and Sept. 24 to 27, 2024

Departure port: Long Beach (Los Angeles)

Starting price: $244 per person

Carnival Radiance also embarks on three-night journeys to Mexico from Los Angeles throughout the year, including in January and September 2024. This Carnival Cruise Line itinerary includes a fun day at sea and a stop in Ensenada, Mexico, where passengers can plan a sightseeing trip, nosh on the unique Baja cuisine the area is known for, shop for silver jewelry and other keepsakes, or spend the day relaxing on the beach.

Carnival Radiance itself serves as the perfect floating vessel for this fun weekend vacation, with onboard amenities that span the Cloud 9 Spa and WaterWorks water park with slides to a comedy club and special clubs for kids and teens. The ship also boasts an adults-only solarium and 10 different bars to choose from.

Book a Carnival cruise on GoToSea.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Holly Johnson is a professional travel writer and cruise expert who has covered family travel and cruises for more than a decade. She has cruised more than 40 times across most of the major cruise lines in destinations throughout the Caribbean, Europe and the Middle East. Johnson used her personal experience and research expertise to curate the itineraries for this article.

You might also be interested in:

• Cruise Packing List
• Beach Packing List
• Cruise Drink Packages: Your Options by Cruise Line
• First-Time Cruise Tips
• The Best Cruise Insurance Plans

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