arosa cruise ship

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2024/2025 European River Collection - save up to 20%

A choice of ways to book your a-rosa river cruise.

Choose to book bespoke fly-cruise packages, escorted departures with our trusted tour operator partners or cruise only.

Rhine, Main & Moselle

Rhône /Saône

A-ROSA SENA

• River Cruises

Cabin Plans A-ROSA SENA

2-bed outside cabin, B 21 m²

Spacious and comfortable outside cabin with a balcony. Elegant design and first-class materials ensure an atmosphere of well-being. Cabin facilities: safe, air-conditioning, TV, hair dryer, bathroom with shower and toilet, sauna towel, wool blanket, telephone, bathrobe.

360° Panorama View

Deck 2&3

2-bed outside cabin, c 21 m².

2-bed outside cabin, D 21 m²

2-bed family cabin, G 28 m²

Generously sizes and comfortable family cabins with two extra beds. Elegant design and first-class materials ensure an atmosphere of well-being. Cabin facilities: safe, air-conditioning, TV, hair dryer, bathroom with shower and toilet, sauna towel, wool blanket, telephone, bathrobe.

2-bed balcony suite, F 26 m²

Generously sized Balcony Suite with balcony, sofa, bathroom with daylight and walk-in closet. Elegant design and first-class materials ensure an atmosphere of well-being. Additional services: check-in and personal welcome from 12.00 h, Suite cocktail with the hotel manager, room service, free use of the mini bar, fresh flowers and fruit, laundry and ironing service, butler service.

River Cruises on the A-ROSA SENA

€ 150 pp SUPER EARLY BOOKING DISCOUNT

Rhine City Experiences 2024

Make your way to belgian treasures, dutch lust for life and riverboats on the ruhr..

From Cologne to Rotterdam, Amsterdam and Utrecht to Cologne.

from  € 1,099  pp

Premium All-Inclusive | cabin B

€ 200 pp SUPER EARLY BOOKING DISCOUNT

Rhine New Year's City Experience 2024

Happy new year in holland & belgium.

From Cologne to Rotterdam, Antwerp, Dordrecht, Amsterdam and Cruising Day to Cologne.

from  € 2,049  pp

Rhine Experience Amsterdam & Rotterdam 2024

Spend your time on deck dreaming – but don't miss the dream-like landscape..

From Cologne to Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Antwerp and Cruising Day to Cologne.

from  € 1,599  pp

Premium All-Inclusive | cabin G

Frequently asked question

Is child care offered on board.

Family cruises with Kids Club and childcare take place on key holiday dates as well as during Christmas and New Year's Eve cruises. On A-ROSA SENA, the dedicated Kids Club room is also available outside of the family cruises and childcare is provided year-round.

Keywords: Family, Families, Children, Kids Club, Child Care

WHAT MAKES A-ROSA SENA SO SPECIAL?

Larger cabins, an excellent food concept, plenty of space for families and, last but not least, the focus on more responsible travel make a stay on board A-ROSA SENA a unique experience. The hybrid propulsion concept consisting of diesel and electric engines and a battery storage also enables our flagship to dock in port almost silently and without local emissions.

Keywords: A-ROSA SENA, E-Motion Ship, Fleet

How much do Family Cruises with A-ROSA cost?

Prices for A-ROSA family cruises vary depending on the cabin category and season. Children up to and including 15 years of age travel free of charge when accompanied by at least one (two in Cat. G) supervising adult on Deck 1. From Deck 2 children receive a 30 % discount. Furthermore, children up to 7 years of age accompanied by 2 supervising adults can use a sofa bed free of charge on the A-ROSA SENA in categories B - D. On the A-ROSA ALVA, A-ROSA ALEA & A-ROSA CLEA children accompanied by at least one supervising adult receive a 30 % discount. The children’s discount is only valid for the cruise itself. Limited availabilities on all cruises. Find more information about prices and dates here .

Keywords: Family, Families, Baby, Children, Family Cruises, Cruise with Baby

Are there family cabins available on the A-ROSA fleet?

On A-ROSA SENA and A-ROSA FLORA we have family cabins with plenty of space. On our A-ROSA SENA there are also cabins with connecting doors on Deck 3. On our ships A-ROSA AQUA, FLORA, BRAVA, SILVA and VIVA there are 2 cabins with connecting doors on each deck, which are suitable for families with children.

Keywords: Family, Families, Baby, Children, Family Cruises, Family cabins, Cruise with Baby, River Cruise with Children

Is a balcony cabin on a River Cruise more expensive than a cabin without a balcony?

All standard cabins on A-ROSA SENA have a balcony. On all other ships of the A-ROSA fleet, only the balcony suites have their own balcony. Other cabin categories come with a French balcony or a window. The prices of the cabin categories vary depending on the deck.

Keywords: Cabins, Suites, Juliette Balcony

WHEN WAS A-ROSA SENA’S MAIDEN VOYAGE?

A-ROSA SENA went on her maiden voyage from 18 June to 25 Juni 2022.

Keywords: A-ROSA SENA, E-Motion Ship, Fleet, Maiden Voyage

WHY IS A-ROSA SENA AN E-SHIP?

Our A-ROSA SENA is an E-Motion Ship. She has a hybrid propulsion system consisting of diesel and electric motors and a large battery storage. Peak shaving reduces fuel consumption as much as possible during sailing and stores excess energy in the battery. This hybrid propulsion concept enables our flagship to dock in port almost silently and without local emissions.

Keywords: A-ROSA SENA, E-Motion Ship, Electric, Fleet

WHICH RIVER DOES A-ROSA SENA SAIL?

A-ROSA SENA is sailing on the Northern Rhine . All cruises start and end in Cologne. On the 7-night itinerary, guests will visit the metropolises of Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and Antwerp. On the 5-night cruises, the ship calls at Utrecht as well as Amsterdam and Rotterdam.

Keywords: A-ROSA SENA, Itinerary Maps, Route

DO A-ROSA SHIPS HAVE A POOL?

On A-ROSA AQUA, A-ROSA VIVA and A-ROSA BRAVA there is a heated whirlpool in the spa area on Deck 3. On all other A-ROSA ships you will find a heated swimming pool on the sun deck. On A-ROSA SENA there is both a whirlpool in the SPA-ROSA and a swimming pool with its own kids’ pool on the sun deck. Bath towels are provided in your cabin.

Keywords: Sundeck, Pool, Swimming pool, Bathrobe

• CruiseMapper
• Arosa Cruises

Cruise line Arosa Cruises

• Engelhartszell (Austria)

Arosa Mia last position

Arosa Mia last location was at Europe Inland (coordinates 48.32984 N / 16.33048 E) cruising en route to ENGELHARTSZELL. The AIS position was reported 14 hours ago.

Current itinerary of Arosa Mia

Arosa Mia current cruise is 7 days, round-trip Danube . Prices start from USD 916 (double occupancy rates). The itinerary starts on 20 Apr, 2024 and ends on 27 Apr, 2024 .

Specifications of Arosa Mia

•   Itineraries
•   Review
•   Wiki

Arosa Mia Itineraries

Arosa mia review, review of arosa mia.

A-Rosa Mia ship cruises on Danube River leaving from Austria and Germany. Also offered are longer cruise tour itineraries (Danube and Black Sea cruises) departing roundtrip from Austria. The riverboat was launched on April 17, 2003. Sisterships are the fleet mates  Donna , Riva , and Bella .

Arosa Mia has a total number of 100 cabins (of which 48 French Balconies, 6 with Panoramic Windows, 46 with a non-opening window) in 4 grades. Highest category staterooms are "French Balcony" (no Suites on the Mia ship). Inside cabins, you'll find simple, but elegant furnishings, air conditioning, and television.

Shipboard facilities

Arosa Mia Restaurants, Lounges & Bars include Market Restaurant (main dining), Cafe Bar (casual, Afternoon tea), Mia Lounge & Bar (itinerary-based regional delicacies), Sun Deck (Mobile Bar & Grill, shaded relaxation area, giant chess, putting green), Mia Atrium.

A-Rosa Mia ship features a bio sauna, Finnish sauna, and resting area - plenty of space for relaxation, but also for well-being and fitness. Most popular onboard features are the distinct ship design, spa, and outdoor swimming pool. 

A-Rosa Mia cruise deals are inclusive of Wi-Fi Internet, all tours /excursions (including on bicycles), ground transfers, live onboard entertainment (performances, lectures, food, and wine tastings), 24-hour coffee/tea, alcohol (beer, wine, spirits), replenished daily bottled water.

A-Rosa Mia river cruise prices are per person and based on double occupancy. These are only indicative A-Rosa cruise rates. They might be different when you book your Arosa Mia cruise tour deals (all-inclusive), influenced by travel agency promotions, special offers, and discounts, group travel booking or last-minute deals rates.

River Cruise Itineraries

• "DANUBE CLASSICS" - 7-days river cruise from Passau to Budapest (round-trip, starting with the Vienna overnight stay). It visits Esztergom, Budapest (overnight stay), Bratislava, Krems, Melk, and Passau.
• "DANUBE HIGHLIGHTS" - 5-days round-trip cruise from Passau to Budapest, not stopping in Esztergom, Hungary. The shortest/cheapest Arosa deals are on 4-days "mini" offers on sailings from Passau to Austria alone.

The Arosa Mia itinerary program includes the following voyages leaving from Germany and Austria:

• 4-day (the Danube cruise Germany to Austria) round-trip from Passau to Melk, Vienna (overnight), Durnstein, ending in Passau
• 5-day (the Danube cruise Germany to Austria, Hungary, Slovakia) round-trip from Passau to Vienna, Budapest, Bratislava, Krems, Melk, ending in Passau
• 7-day (the Danube cruise Germany to Austria, Slovakia, Hungary) round-trip from Passau to Durnstein, Bratislava, Budapest, Vienna (overnight), Melk, Linz, ending in Passau
• 3-day (Danube River cruise in Austria) round-trip from Engelhartszell to Wachau Valley, Vienna, Krems, Wachau Valley, Melk, ending in Engelhartszell
• 4-day (Danube cruise in Austria) round-trip from Engelhartszell to Wachau Valley, Vienna (overnight), Linz, ending in Engelhartszell
• 5-day (Danube cruise Austria and Slovakia) round-trip from Engelhartszell to Melk, Wachau Valley, Vienna (2 overnights), Bratislava, ending in Engelhartszell
• 5-day (Danube cruise Austria, Hungary, Slovakia) round-trip from Engelhartszell to Vienna, Budapest, Bratislava, Krems, Wachau Valley, Melk, ending in Engelhartszell
• 7-day (Danube cruise Austria and Hungary) round-trip from Engelhartszell to Budapest, Vienna (overnight), Wachau Valley, Vienna, Durnstein, Linz, ending in Engelhartszell
• 7-day (Danube cruise Austria, Hungary, Slovakia) round-trip from Engelhartszell to Vienna (overnight), Esztergom, Budapest (overnight), Bratislava, Krems, Wachau Valley, Melk, ending in Engelhartszell
• 16-day (Danube river cruise to the Black Sea from Austria) round-trip from Engelhartszell to Vienna, Kalocsa, Mohacs, Belgrade, Rousse (overnight), Tulcea, Sulina, Giurgiu, Novi Sad, Mohacs, Budapest, Bratislava, Krems, Wachau Valley, Melk, ending in Engelhartszell

River cruise itinerary ports

Follows the list of Arosa Cruises itinerary ports of call and the visited countries by the Mia riverboat:

• Germany – Passau
• Austria – Vienna, Melk, Krems, Wachau Valley, Linz, Durnstein
• Hungary – Esztergom, Budapest, Kalocsa, Mohacs
• Slovakia – Bratislava
• Serbia - Belgrade, Novi Sad
• Bulgaria - Rousse
• Romania - Tulcea, Sulina, Giurgiu (to Bucharest)

ARosa Mia river cruise tours ashore are usually themed as "food and wine", culture and history excursions (visiting museums and architecture, old town touring and sightseeing), with optional sports and leisure activities.

Arosa Mia - user reviews and comments

Arosa mia ship related cruise news.

A-ROSA Cruises extending 2023-2024 seasons

A-ROSA River Cruises has made changes to its 2023 and 2024 programs (Rhine and Danube voyages) providing tourists with more options. Season 2023...

•   show more news

Other Arosa Cruises cruise ships

• Arosa Bella
• Arosa Brava
• Arosa Donna
• Arosa Flora
• Arosa Silva
• Arosa Stella

Arosa Mia Wiki

ARosa Mia cruises on Danube river. The vessel is in the same class with the A-Rosa cruise ships  Bella ,  Donna , and  Riva . Each of these ships is equipped each with two MTU / Maybach marine diesel engines (model "16V 2000 M60") with total power output 1600 kW / 2170 HP. The ship's electrical system consists of three MAN diesel generators (model D2842, output 380 kW each) and 1 emergency diesel generator (Deutz, power 37 kW). The ship's propulsion ("Schottel") includes 2 twin propellers (type "STP 550") and one Schottel Pump Jet (azimuth bow thruster, model "SPJ 57"). The wheelhouse/bridge and awnings can be lowered when passing under low bridges.

Because of size restrictions concerning the Main-Danube Canal (max vessel width is 11, 4 m), Arosa Mia was delivered not via the traditional route “North Sea-Baltic Canal-Wadden Sea-Rhine”, but via the Black Sea. The river ship was loaded on pontoons and towed to Constanta, Romania. In August 2014, A-Rosa Mia hit a bridge while she was passing through Jochenstein Locks along the Danube (Passau district, Germany). Her wheelhouse was sheared off and Mia became inoperable. The 192 passengers on board were required to disembark and some were transported to Passau, while others were transferred to A-Rosa Bella. The boat resumed sailings on August 25 after dock repairs in Linz, Austria. The Mia ship offers complimentary bicycles on land tours and excursions in each of the visited ports.

A-Rosa Mia was launched in 2003 on April 17. Due to its width of 14,4 m, the ship was not delivered via the usual route (North Sea-Baltic Canal-Wadden Sea-Rhine river). Because of the Main-Danube Canal's width restriction of 11, 4 m, the ship was loaded and transported on pontoons (towed via the Black Sea) to Danube Delta ( Constanta, Romania ). Then the riverboat was unloaded and moved under her own power to  Oltenita, Romania . The boat's transfer took a total of 22 days.

Note: You can see the CruiseMapper's list of all river cruise ships and riverboats in the "itinerary" section of our  River Cruises  hub. All companies and their fleets are listed there.

Danube river cruises: an ultimate guide to cruising Budapest and beyond

Why, when and how to sail along Europe’s second-longest river, which meanders through the likes of Vienna, Budapest and Bucharest

Its banks are lined with dramatic, unspoiled landscapes, postcard-perfect towns and villages, and grand, opulent cities . Take a river cruise down this majestic river and you’ll encounter some of the world’s most stunning countryside, including the UNESCO-protected Wachau Valley, along with an array of fascinating cultures.

Cruising Europe’s waterways is a great way to see more of the region in a short period of time than you might do by land, and a river cruise can be the ideal introduction to cruise holidays for first-timers.

While ships are smaller than those traversing across oceans, river cruise itineraries often feature big-name guests onboard – as is the case with our seven-night sailing along the Danube , when one of the UK's best-loved historians, Lucy Worsley (pictured below), joins guests on a private visit to Vienna’s Royal Lipizzaner Stables and Spanish Riding School.

What is the best time of year to cruise the Danube River?

The Danube is a year-round destination with the exception of January and February, when few cruise lines operate here. Summer, when the weather is hottest, is peak season and as a result Europe’s cities are particularly crowded. Because of that, we recommend taking a Danube river cruise in April, May, September and October. Good Housekeeping's seven-night itinerary sails in September, when the weather should still be balmy and dry, but the summer hordes have gone home.

Where does a Danube river cruise start and end?

The Danube either flows through or delineates part of the border of Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Romania, Bulgaria, Moldova and Ukraine. Many cruises traverse the stretch between the capital cities of Vienna, Austria and Budapest , Hungary, starting or ending at either location.

Our seven-night Danube river cruise with Lucy Worsley departs from the city of Engelhartszell in Austria before calling at Vienna (pictured below), the pretty town of Esztergom in Hungary and Budapest. You'll then loop back down the river, calling at Slovakia's capital Bratislava and the Wachau Valley in Austria before returning to Engelhartszell.

Is a Danube river cruise worth it?

Absolutely! If you love dazzling landscapes, magnificent architecture and fabulous food, a Danube river cruise is hard to beat. Exploring Europe by water requires no internal flights and train rides and eliminates schlepping around with your luggage in tow.

On a river cruise, you can discover multiple destinations – and even get to the heart of them with a guided tour, should you wish – in just one trip, all the while returning to the same luxurious stateroom and comfy bed each night.

What are the best things to do on a Danube river cruise?

One of the highlights of any Danube cruise is the Austrian capital, Vienna, with its musical heritage, imperial palaces, array of art museums, stunning Lipizzaner stallions, and delectable cuisine (a slice of Sachertorte chocolate cake is a must when in town!).

Secondly, Budapest, the capital of Hungary, boasts breath-taking architecture as well as historic thermal baths (pictured above), while Bratislava shouldn’t be overlooked with its lively 18th-century Old Town and impressive reconstructed hilltop castle from which you can look down over it.

Other hotspots along the Danube include the verdant Wachau Valley in Austria, which tumbles down to the riverbanks; and medieval Esztergom, Hungary’s former capital, which is home to the country’s largest church, Esztergom Basilica.

And that’s all without mentioning the entertainment and facilities onboard your ship. Join us on our seven-night Danube cruise and you’ll sail aboard A-ROSA FLORA, which boasts an onboard spa offering beauty and body treatments, gym, spacious sun deck, heated outdoor pool, outdoor restaurant with canopy top, bar and dancefloor, lounges and plenty of evening fun.

Which cruise lines offer Danube river cruises?

Among the companies offering cruises along the Danube are A-ROSA Cruises , with whom we have partnered to bring you our remarkable river cruise . A-ROSA has 20-plus years of experience in sailing couples, families, groups and solo travellers along some of Europe’s loveliest rivers in laidback style, giving you lots of freedom to explore port stops at your own pace.

How much does it cost to cruise the Danube?

Danube cruises can be great value, with our cruise through Austria, Hungary and Slovakia starting just over £2,000 per person for a week. All meals and drinks, including sparkling wines and cocktails, are included, as are snacks and afternoon tea. Also included is the use of the sauna, gym and top-deck heated swimming pool. You'll also get 15% off treatments in the onboard spa.

Sail the Danube and visit Vienna's famous riding school with Lucy Worsley in September 2024.

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River adventures

There are trips especially for solo travellers

Finding alone time is increasingly easy on river cruise ships, many of which are going all out to cater to solo travellers. Take Riviera Travel River Cruises – every year the line operates a number of sailings designed specifically for solos. On these cruises, all cabins are single-occupancy only and there are no single supplement charges. In 2023, Riviera’s solo-friendly cruises include sailings along the Danube, Douro, Rhine, Rhône and Seine.

Ganga Vilas offers the world’s longest river cruise

Does disembarkation day always come too soon? Consider opting for one of the growing number of longer cruises. Ganga Vilas currently offers the world’s longest river cruise – a 51-day sailing along 27 rivers in India and Bangladesh onboard the luxurious 18-suite Ganga Vilas riverboat. The downside? These cruises don’t come cheap – prices start at around £26,000 ($32,000) per person.

CroisiEurope offers paddlewheel cruises on two European rivers

Paddlewheel ships aren’t just found on US rivers. CroisiEurope is the only cruise line to run paddlewheel cruises on two European rivers – the Elbe and the Loire. Other boats are few and far between – these rivers are notoriously shallow but the latest paddlewheel technology means CroisiEurope’s boats can sail these stretches of water year-round.

A-ROSA SENA is one of Europe’s most family-friendly ships

River cruises are often seen as the preserve of couples, but change is afoot. In 2022, A-ROSA River Cruises launched A-ROSA SENA , the only river cruise ship in Europe to have a dedicated kids’ club room. AmaWaterways’ AmaMagna has a theatre area where children (and big kids) can watch movies and play games consoles, and Uniworld’s Generation Collection cruises offer kid-friendly activities and excursions.

Viking Cruises’ fleet has both ocean and river boats

If you’re a fan of cruising, what could be better than pairing a river cruise with an ocean one? For example, combine a sail along the Douro, which cuts across Spain and Portugal and finishes at the Atlantic coast, with an ocean-going cruise sailing out of Porto. Doing so is easy, especially if you sail with a line like Viking Cruises , which has a fleet including both ocean and river boats.

Viking holds the record for launching the most new ships in a single day

AmaWaterways’ Colour of Provence cruise focuses on Black heritage in Paris

Europe’s rivers are lined with ancient cities and landmarks, but several cruise lines are delving deeper in Europe’s history by tackling a more diverse range of subjects. AmaWaterways is a great example – in 2023 its Colour of Provence cruise includes a three-night visit to Paris which focuses on the city’s Black heritage, while another AmaWaterways cruise along the Rhône river includes a Black heritage tour of Marseille.

Excursions are varied, with smaller groups

Because river cruising ships are smaller, the chances of having to join tour groups the size of a Glastonbury crowd are slim, and excursions are more intimate. A case in point is European Waterways , known for their passion for slow travel. Excursions include a tour of the Château de la Motte led by the resident Baroness and visits to the Dalwhinnie whisky distillery, which you’ll travel to in an air-conditioned Mercedes-Benz minibus.

You can explore the Amazon Basin with Seabourn

More river cruise lines are heading to remote rivers. One example is Seabourn . In 2023 the line launches a 14-day Wild Guianas To The Amazon Basin cruise, which sails along Brazil’s Guajará River, a tributary of the Amazon. Excursions include a trip to meet local Indigenous groups – a reminder that Amazon river cruises are great options for getting off the beaten path.

Avalon Waterways has some of the largest windows on a river cruise

River cruise ships make excellent use of space, and we’re increasingly seeing this applied to windows. If you don’t manage to bag a balcony suite, don’t panic – it’s highly likely that you’ll have floor to ceiling windows. If you’re a stickler for a fantastic view, consider sailing with Avalon Waterways – their windows are some of the largest on a river cruise ship, and their Panorama Suites have the widest opening, wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows in river cruising.

American Queen Voyages has launched exciting new itineraries

American river cruises have become incredibly popular in recent years, and in 2023 the American Queen Voyages launches the longest itineraries offered by this historic cruise line. The 23-day itineraries (the first one departs in July) will sail along the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers and take in lesser-known destinations such as Maysville in Kentucky, Madison in Indiana, Point Pleasant in West Virginia and Marietta in Ohio.

You might meet your hero onboard an AmaWaterways ship

River cruising companies are going all out to provide deeper insights into the places their ships sail through. One example is National Geographic Expeditions, which recently announced that it will join forces with AmaWaterways and launch several National Geographic Expeditions-chartered departures in 2024. Onboard experts – all of whom will be familiar with itinerary destinations – will include photographers, authors and explorers. 

You can sail along the Hudson River with American Cruise Lines

Fancy sailing past the Empire State Building? Now you can – kind of. American Cruise Lines is the only cruise line that offers sailings along the mighty Hudson, along with several other lesser-known rivers, including the Napa and San Joaquin Rivers in California.

You can combine rail and water with Uniworld

In 2022 Uniworld launched cruises combining Danube River sailings with trips on Golden Eagle Luxury Trains. These rail and river cruise packages offer guests the chance to take a five-day train journey through central Europe before boarding the ship. Expect more cruise lines to combine these modes of transport in the coming years.

Experts will join passengers onboard Ponant ships

Uniworld’s decision to combine sailing with luxury railway trips onboard Golden Eagle’s trains is a sign of the times – we’ll see more collaborations designed to enhance guests’ experience. In 2023 Ponant is collaborating with Smithsonian Journeys to offer sailings with onboard experts, such as world-renowned climate specialist Steve Paton, who will provide further insight into areas such as the San Blas archipelago.

Riverside Luxury Cruises is the new kid on the block

River cruising might sound like a crowded market, but the launch of Riverside Luxury Cruises in April 2023 proves that there’s always room for more. This new line launched with one ship – Riverside Mozart – and offers cruises starting in Vienna, Budapest and Passau. The ship’s rooftop bar looks pretty special, although we’re equally excited about the cuisine, inspired by regions the ship sails through.

Even the busiest rivers have quiet spots

The landscape is fabulously diverse

Some river cruise companies cover lakes too

CroisiEurope is the only river cruise line operating on Lake Kariba in Southern Africa. There are two cruise ships to choose from – African Dream and Zimbabwean Dream. Both ships accommodate 16 passengers in eight cabins, and there’s a rooftop bar and restaurant from which guests can soak up the views.

Most river cruises are truly all-inclusive

We’ve all come across cruise lines which claim to be all-inclusive but are actually anything but. These days, more cruise lines are going all out to offer passengers better value for money by including everything from premium drinks to excursions. Scenic River Cruises is a great example – cruise prices include flights from the UK, transfers, premium drinks, all meals (including fine dining ones) and excursions.

You’re unlikely to feel seasick on a river cruise

River cruises will take you to the end of the world (almost)

River cruises can take you to some of the world’s most remote places, as well as waterways which simply aren’t explored very often. CroisiEurope, for example, is the only operator to offer cruises on Spain’s Guadalquivir River (pictured at Seville), while the Heritage Line’s new Upper Mekong cruise, which sets sail in August 2023, will focus on remote areas of Laos.

You can cruise the world’s longest river

The views are better

There are no interior cabins on river cruise ships – all cabins face outwards and most have floor-to-ceiling windows. Cruise lines make the most of the space in innovative ways, too. On several Uniworld vessels, for example, mirrors are actually concealed televisions. The cabins at the rear of riverboats are often the cheapest – but if you’re a light sleeper, remember that this is because the engines are located here. 

Cruise lines are investing in air-filtering technology

One example is Amadeus River Cruises . In May 2023 the line launched Amadeus Riva, which has a hi-tech air filtration system with a two-stage purification system capable of removing aerosols – including any containing microscopic virus particles – from interior spaces.

The added extras are getting better

It's easier to avoid the crowds

There are no (or at least fewer) boring transfers

On ocean cruises, the excitement about seeing the local landmark/record-breaking attraction/ancient site quickly dissipates when there’s a one-hour bus journey between you and the site in question. Not so with river cruising, simply because of the increased accessibility. A great example is the iconic arch in St Louis, Missouri (pictured) –  this feat of engineering is just a 10-minute walk from the dock used by river boats.

Now check out the world's oldest man-made structures still in use today

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