It’s 2019, and a whole new season of European river cruising is just heating up! The Rhine and Danube Rivers defend their place as the most popular river cruising options, taking travelers through all of the major cities of Eastern, Central, and Western Europe as you cruise gently up and down these ancient waterways that have connected the continent for millennia.
River cruising is the up-and-coming way to experience Europe, so make sure to book your cruises sooner than later. Unlike the oceangoing ships that tower above the water and carry thousands of passengers, river cruise boats offer a more intimate experience with around just 200 other travelers on board a long river cruising vessel. The surge in popularity of river cruises has increased the competition among the operators, meaning that the overall quality you can expect (including the comfort, the itineraries, and the service) have all improved considerably in the last few years.
What are the 2019 European river cruise highlights?
More options than ever before fill out the activities menu for 2019 European river cruises. Traditionally, these cruises have been an ideal option for retired active travelers hoping to witness scenic and historic Europe. While they are definitely still perfect for this age group, there are also an increasing number of itineraries available for younger, more adventurous travelers and even several family oriented cruises.
Activities that will be featured in the 2019 cruises may include, but aren’t limited to:
- Biking
- Hiking
- Historic city tours
- Vineyard tours
- Wine & cheese tasting
- Beer & pretzel tasting
- Chocolate sampling
- Castle & Cathedral tours
Cruises by season
Now that the frigid European winter is behind us, the upcoming seasons bring with them a diversity of exciting options for travelers:
- Spring - If you’re traveling to Europe during the spring, the best river cruises are undoubtedly the Tulip Time cruises that explore the Netherlands and Belgium. Millions of tulips in a rainbow of vibrant colors paint the fields of the Dutch countryside, waiting to be explored on biking, hiking, or walking tours.
- Summer - By far the most popular month to visit, travelers who visit during the summer will enjoy bright and sunny days that are ideal for visiting all of the attractions. You will encounter the most tourist traffic during this time, but most river cruises attempt to plan their itineraries so that this will not be much of a hindrance. This is a fantastic time for active travelers hoping to spend a lot of time outside biking and hiking, and for families enjoying their summer vacation with an AmaWaterways Adventures by Disney Cruise on the Rhine.
- Fall - The shoulder months at the end of the summer are a good alternative travel time for those hoping to avoid the heavily trafficked tourist months of summer and breathe in the crisp autumn air of Europe as it changes colors again heading into the winter months ahead.
- Winter - Late November and December, though fairly chilly as the European winter season begins, are a great time to visit the Rhine and Danube Rivers to see the fascinating (and delicious) Christmas Markets that light up the plazas in the old towns along the rivers. From traditional dances to handmade souvenirs and delectable drinks and food, every plaza has its own unique treats and customs.
Europe’s Rivers
Europe was built on the banks of its rivers, so it’s no wonder that river cruising is one of the best ways to experience the best that Europe has to offer. Here’s a breakdown of which countries you’ll see on each river:
- Danube River: Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria, Romania, Ukraine and Moldova
- Rhine River: Germany, France, Switzerland, Netherlands
- Main River: Germany
- Douro River: Portugal & Spain
- Seine River: Northern France
- Rhone & Saone River: Southeastern France
Don’t hesitate to reach out to our
Trip Planners with any questions so that you can plan your exploration of Europe on one of 2019’s best river cruises!
