rhine river cruises july 2023

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Rhine River Cruises

Tauck's Rhine River cruises follow this romantic river on its winding journey through medieval towns, cathedrals, castles, and museums, with enchanting river landscapes along the way.

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Welcome to the Rhine River

Flowing through six countries, the Rhine River cuts deeply through mountains, meandering between hillside castles and age-old winelands. This is Germany's landscape at its most dramatic, with spectacular views of forested hillsides alternating with craggy cliffs... idyllic villages appearing around each bend... and half-timbered houses and Gothic churches that appear as if plucked from a fairy tale world.

Heidelberg, germany, history's all around you in heidelberg.

In Heidelberg – Germany's oldest university town – narrow cobblestoned lanes, shops and pubs housed in 17th-century structures in the Altstadt are kept lively by the cadence of 21st-century student life. On the hillside above the city, visit the romantic ruins of Heidelberg Castle, celebrated in writing by many, including the German poet Goethe and American writer Mark Twain, who both spent time here. Twain wrote about the striking red sandstone ruins of Schloss Heidelberg in "A Tramp Abroad"; they were a magnificent residence for Bavarian royalty from the 13th to 18th centuries. The castle is an imposing ensemble of buildings, from different architectural periods, surrounding a central courtyard; from its terrace and gardens, the sweeping views impress along with the feel of more than 600 years of history.

Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Canals and more in amazing amsterdam.

Amsterdam is often called the "Venice of the North" because of its elaborate network of canals winding through a romantic historic center of cobbled streets and Dutch Renaissance architecture. A canal boat cruise reveals The Netherlands's historic capital from the inside (often with a slice of Dutch apple pie), as you glide along 17th-century waterways lined with trees, gabled merchant houses and vibrant urban life. During your visit to Amsterdam, Tauck also includes a tour of the Rijksmuseum, one of the world's most respected art museums, home to masterpieces of the Dutch Golden Age including Rembrandt's "Night Watch."

Köln, Germany

Exploring köln (cologne) on the river rhine.

One of Germany's oldest cities (founded in the 1st century AD), Köln (Cologne) was once a Roman provincial capital, and later a wealthy medieval trading port; the city was almost totally destroyed during World War II, but many of its architectural treasures have been restored – including the towering Kölner Dom (Cologne Cathedral), a twin-spired masterpiece of High Gothic architecture that is the centerpiece of the city. With Tauck, you'll visit this imposing cathedral, along with the nearby Roman Germanic Museum, housing extraordinary exhibits of archaelogical finds from the Köln region.

Jungfraujoch, Switzerland

Enjoy cocktails at the "top of europe" with an exclusive tauck reception at the jungfraujoch's ice palace.

As your mountain railway train ascends into the majestic Swiss Alps, you'll arrive at Kleine Scheidegg at the foot of the Eiger, then board a cogwheel train for the scenic climb to Europe's highest railway station, at the Jungfraujoch (perched at 11,333 feet above sea level). Here, at "the top of Europe," you'll find a restaurant, observatory, research station, a gallery of ice sculpture, and breathtaking views of the glacier-clad Bernese Alps, often called Switzerland's "jewel in the crown." And you'll enjoy a Tauck Exclusive... a private cocktail reception at the Ice Palace… taking time. of course, to savor the astounding views of the lofty peaks of the Eiger, Jungfrau and Mönch surrounding you!

The Rhinegau wine country

An exclusive evening at a rheingau wine estate overlooking the rhine.

The Rheingau ("Rhine district") is one of Germany's most important wine regions, where viticulture dates back to the time of Charlemagne (if not the Romans), and where many significant winemaking innovations have been developed over the years. As you cruise through the Rhine Valley and visit the region, you'll enjoy a Tauck Exclusive evening – featuring a special reception, dinner and entertainment – at a historic Rheingau wine estate perched in the mountains overlooking the Rhine, and surrounded by vineyards that have been producing local wines for centuries.

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Experience the Rhine River with Tauck

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Inspired by the Destination

For 90+ years, the Tauck family has had a passion for sailing — aboard small ships and yachts at sea, riverboats along great inland waterways, and at home on the rivers and lakes of Connecticut and New York. When we began blending our land experience with our strong passion for cruising in our first European river cruise back in 1992, we knew that no "ordinary" river cruise experience would do for our guests. We wanted them to travel Europe's rivers in the same beyond-the-ordinary Tauck style they experienced on our land trips. With that in mind, we searched to find a company to partner with that would share our values and our commitment to "do the right thing" by our guests... and found it in another family-owned company, Scylla. Together, we crafted a river cruise experience that was ahead of its time and inspired by the destinations we explore.

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Guest Favorites on the River Rhine

Explore by land and water, the treasures along the Rhine River... discover the inside of a fairy-tale castle during a private dinner with family in Burg Satzey... diverge from the Rhine to experience the Moselle River with its rich heritage of wine production... experience how the colorful fall foliage enhances the beauty along the banks of the river creating the perfect backdrop to Bavaria's most colorful festival... and immerse yourself in picture-book villages, wooded forests, and bier halls along the way. Four riverboat experiences that will give you a wonderful taste of Europe.

The rhine and moselle, rhine enchantment, milan to amsterdam, autumn along the rhine... munich's oktoberfest, castles on the rhine: family riverboat adventure, tauck's river cruise guide, rhine river facts.

Find interesting Rhine River facts – from key cities along its banks to history, culture, cuisine and more.

First Timer's Guide

Tauck's European river cruise guide will help you find the right Danube, Rhone, Rhine, Seine or Douro river cruise for you.

Why Take A Tauck River Cruise

Tauck River Cruising means traveling in good company, exclusive access to cultural experiences, distinctively inclusive pricing and more!

Choosing The Best European River Cruise For You

Find the best European river cruise for you with top-reviewed itineraries navigating all the major waterways from Tauck.

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Family Travel Gurus

Arizona Travel Agent

Tim and Anne’s Romantic Rhine Avalon River Cruise (July 2023)

by Tim Larison , CLIA Certified Master Cruise Counselor

with comments by

Anne Larison, Family Travel Gurus Travel Consultant

Innovative ship design, quality dining, enriching shore excursions, and more are what Anne and I experienced on our July 2023 Avalon Expression Romantic Rhine river cruise. In this report we will share with words and pictures what made our Avalon cruise special.

Arranging our flights through Avalon was a breeze!  We flew from Phoenix to Zurich Switzerland on United Airlines.  We found the airfare prices that Avalon offered very competitive with what we could book on our own, and booking air through Avalon included our 90 minute bus transfers to the ship in the price. 

After our cruise we stayed in Europe for another 11 days, and Avalon also arranged our return flight from Amsterdam.  Many other cruise lines charge an “air deviation” fee if you fly home on a different day from when the cruise returns.  Not so with Avalon – there were no extra fees apart from the airfare cost.

Upon arrival in Zurich we were given detailed instructions on where to meet an Avalon representative at their welcome desk.  After a short wait we were on our way by bus to our ship in Basel, Switzerland. 

Unlike ocean cruises, we could board our Avalon Expression ship mid-morning before the previous cruise’s passengers had departed!  We waited in the ship’s lounge until our stateroom was ready.  A delicious lunch buffet was served – a lighter meal compared to lunches we would have in the Avalon Expression’s dining room on other days. 

Another view of the lounge. We would visit this lounge frequently during our 7 night voyage.

Some of the other guests had arrived into Switzerland a day or two prior to our arrival.  After a long flight with very little sleep it was a pleasure to relax, have a drink and enjoy the start of what would be an amazing week.

Our Stateroom

Wow! Upon entering we immediately saw how our Avalon Panorama Suite was different than other river cruise staterooms we have had in the past.  Our suite featured wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows. The view from our bed faced this large window space.  We enjoyed gazing out the windows from our bed upon waking up each morning.  Avalon says their 200-square-foot suite is 30% larger than the industry standard – we appreciated the extra space!

There are three levels of rooms we were on the upper level.  The room met all our needs and I found the shower to be above average in size (we’ve been on many cruises with much smaller bathrooms).  Storage space was good.  Don’t forget to bring a European travel plug adapter. 

The opening buffet in the lounge was just a small sample of the delicious food we tasted on this cruise.  We liked the ship’s main dining room, pictured above, with large windows all around.  Avalon has an open seating policy so you choose your dining companions for each meal.  This trip was part of our 34 th wedding anniversary celebration.  By arriving at the restaurant opening each night we were able to get a table for two every time.

Avalon offered a number of choices at meals as the sample dinner menu above shows.

The breakfast buffet was special, too.  The made to order omelets I had were the best I have had on any cruise thanks to the skilled preparation by the Avalon cook.

Breakfast and lunch are buffet style, but also offer a limited menu that you could order from the kitchen in place of or in addition to the buffet.  There was usually a soup each day at the buffet, a carving station or a specialty food station; also fresh salads, cheeses, a number of sides and a variety of desserts, including ice cream!

Other Ship Features

Avalon hosted a happy hour before dinner most nights where a variety of alcoholic beverages were served at no extra charge. 

The first night on the ship everyone enjoys a glass of champagne as the guests share a toast with the captain.  Every other night the happy hour was for a designated hour prior to dinner.  Wine, beer and non-alcoholic drinks are available at each lunch and dinner.  Drinks can be purchased at the bar in the lounge between meals and in the evening after dinner.

At happy hour our cruise director gave a thorough presentation on the next day’s activities.  In addition to the drinks these talks made happy hour a “must attend” activity for us each night!

Avalon offered a yoga class every morning at 7 am. 

The yoga classes were part of the ship’s fitness director program for the cruise.  She also led hikes and bike rides for those interested in more active activities. 

There was also a small fitness studio on the first deck.  Other opportunities for fun and fitness include a small whirlpool, an extra large chess/checker board and one-hole putting green all located on the top deck.  I would spend time on the top deck walking laps to work off the yummy desserts.

A smaller lounge in the ship’s aft was open 24 hours for light snacks, coffee, hot chocolate, and different types of water.  I would often visit this lounge in the early morning before the restaurant opened for breakfast.

Cruising on the Rhine

Our Rhine cruise included more sailing time on the river compared to other rivers we have sailed on in Europe.  And the views were magnificent! 

During sailing we would often relax on the top deck to watch the scenery go by as we also read our books.

Castles, castles, and more castles!  One afternoon we sailed through the Rhine River Gorge where we saw a variety of castles.  I learned that the Rhine River Gorge has 40 hilltop castles and fortresses erected over a period of around 1,000 years.  Our cruise director gave expert commentary on the ship’s loudspeakers as we sailed through this portion of the river giving details on all the castles and sights we were seeing.

We recommend taking a pair of binoculars with you (or borrowing a pair from Avalon) to enhance the magnificent views you will experience when sailing through the Rhine River Gorge.

In the above picture I’m standing in the Observation Lounge on the 3 rd deck (just outside of the Panorama Lounge.  So there is a variety of places to sit while enjoying the beautiful Rhine valley.

Shore Excursions

Except where noted our 7 night Avalon Expression cruise included more shore excursions in the price compared to other river cruises we have sailed on.  Different tour options were offered at each stop.  Below we describe the tours we took.

Basel Switzerland

For those who arrived early on the first day of the cruise, like us, Avalon offered a walking tour of Basel, Switzerland in the afternoon for an extra fee.  I always enjoy visiting new cities, especially historic European cities like Basel. I learned that Basel was a strategic town in Switzerland.  It’s on the borders of France and Germany.  In fact you could stand in these three countries at once at the city’s tri border point.

If you arrive into Europe the same day as the cruise begins, it works to take a tour the first afternoon and stay awake.  It helps to combat jetlag by staying awake and not napping the first afternoon of arrival day. 

Breisach, Germany

Here we took our longest excursion on the cruise – a 6 hour tour including a bus ride through Germany’s Black Forest and a visit to the Black Forest Open Air Museum.

The bus ride was very scenic, complete with narration by our guide for the day.

After an hour’s drive we arrived at the Open Air Museum –  historic farms showing how people lived and worked in the Black Forest up to 600 years ago.  Our guide above described the surroundings.

We were free to explore the different farm buildings which gave us a feel for the life people lived long ago in the Black Forest.

The tour also included a presentation on the dress of the time, and a demonstration of how butter was made from cow’s milk. 

Included in the tour was a delicious buffet lunch with the signature dessert of the region – black forest cake!

After lunch we attended a demonstration on how cuckcoo clocks are made.  Here we were given the opportunity to purchase a hand-made cuckoo clock and have it shipped to our home.

We really enjoyed the scenic location of the museum!  This excursion was included in our cruise fare at no extra cost – unique for such a long tour.

Strausbourg, France

We had visited Strausbourg on a past river cruise so instead of taking a walking or bike tour that Avalon offered we opted instead to take a guided optional excursion to the historic Maginot Line—the pre-WWII fortifications designed to protect the eastern border of France.  I have always had an interest in this period as my Dad served in Europe during the War.  I had read about the Maginot Line in the past but actually seeing one of the bunkers that was part of the Line surprised me – it was much bigger than I imagined.  We toured one of 94 bunkers that made up the Line.

Our young French guide was excellent as she gave us a thorough tour of the bunker.  For one hour we walked through dark tunnels learning how the bunker hosted French soldiers in preparation for War.

The bunker gave me the impression of being a battleship on land, with armaments, troop bunks, medical facilities, dining, and more.

Our guide explained how the Germans bypassed the Maginot Line in WWII, attacking France by way of Belgium and through the Black Forest instead.

Mainz, Germany

In Mainz we had an excellent guide, a professor at a local college.  He first gave us a walking tour of the city.

The highlight of the tour was a visit to the Gutenberg museum.  Our guide gave a demonstration on how Gutenberg created the Bible entirely by printing press.  The invention of the printing press was a monumental achievement as the Bible had previously only been reproduced by laborious hand copies.  We examined one of only 49 Guttenberg Bibles still in existence.  The above picture is a recreation of one of the Bible’s pages displayed in another part of the museum (no photos were allowed of the original Guttenberg Bible).

Rudesheim, Germany

Here we took a tour of the Mechanical Music Museum. I was amazed at how these machines, before electricity, could create music.  We had heard a mechanical music machine in a theme park and in Phoenix’s Musical Instrument Museum in the past.  This museum had the biggest collection of mechanical instruments we had seen and a detailed explanation of how several of the machines worked.

Afterwards instead of taking a transfer back to the ship we walked the streets of the city.  On our 20 minute walk on an uncrowded streets we experienced the atmosphere of a classic German town.

Here we took a walking tour of Cologne’s Jewish Heritage sites.  We were given the history of the Jews in the town – – especially the times of persecution during WWII.

We saw Stumbling Stones in Cologne and in other cities we visited.  “Stumbling stones” are to remember Jews who died during the Nazi regime in WWII. Later I learned: “Known as “Stolpersteine”, or “stumbling stones”, there are now more than 70,000 such memorial blocks laid in more than 1,200 cities and towns across Europe and Russia. Each commemorates a victim outside their last-known freely chosen residence.” More than 45,000 of these stones are solidly rooted across cities in Europe.  Placed in the payment in front of houses where Jewish families who died in the Holocaust once lived. 

We didn’t go into the Cologne Cathedral on this visit; we had visited Cologne on a previous cruise.  There are several other interesting sites around the city.  We ended up visiting on a Sunday, so some of the shops were not open, but there were opportunities for souvenirs in Cologne and each of the cities in our itinerary.

Our cruise concluded in Amsterdam.  Instead of disembarking after arrival we had a full day in Amsterdam included in our cruise with an overnight stay on the ship.

We took a canal cruise this day, again included as part of our Avalon package.  We especially enjoyed this tour as we were staying in Amsterdam several nights after the cruise.  The canal cruise gave us a good overview of the city.

The first lesson when you arrive in Amsterdam – watch out for the bikes!  There are bike lanes on every street because it is the number one form of transportation around the city.  As we navigated our way around the bikes, we enjoyed seeing the canals, the beautiful buildings, house boats, flowers, etc.  There are a number of museums, such as the Rembrandt House Museum, Anne Frank House, Rijksmuseum and much more. 

Our Tour Guides

Pictured above is our tour guide in Amsterdam.  She was an example of the excellent tour guides we had on all of our shore excursions.  With Avalon being a division of Globus, a renowned Global touring company, Avalon has the means to select the best guides for their shore excursions!

Disembarkation

After a marvelous 7 days on our river cruise, we were sad to leave.  Just like on arrival the departure was handled smoothly by the Avalon crew.  We had hotel reservations for later in the afternoon and Avalon allowed us to stay in the ship’s lounge and have lunch in the lounge while we waited for our hotel’s check-in time.  The Avalon front desk arranged a taxi for us to take us to our hotel.  We appreciated that service as well as all the wonderful service we received from the crew throughout our 7 days.

Fifteen years ago I sailed on my first river cruise ever – also an Avalon cruise.  That cruise got me hooked on river cruises (we’ve taken several on other lines since then) I had always wanted to sail with Avalon again – taking Anne with me this time.  With this cruise I discovered Avalon river cruises are better than ever!  I highly recommend Avalon for a first class river cruise experience!

From start to finish we enjoyed our Avalon cruise.  The ship met all our wants and needs for a wonderful vacation, the food was excellent and we added new experiences to our memories. 

If you would like to book your own Avalon river cruise contact us!  We are glad to help.

• ← Tim and Anne’s Allure of the Seas Cruise from Galveston (November 2022)
• Tim and Anne’s Holland America Norwegian Fjords Cruise (July 2023) →

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Journey along the Rhône and the Rhine, through landscapes shaped by centuries of history, viticulture and art. Taste complex red wines and crisp whites grown on terraced vineyards rooted in the Roman Empire. Explore Avignon’s grand Palace of the Popes and Cologne’s majestic cathedral, both UNESCO sites. Savor Lyon’s rich culinary traditions and the Rhineland’s hearty flavors and admire the landscapes that inspired van Gogh in the Netherlands and Provence.

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Explore the delights of the Rhine River

Sail on a voyage of discovery on board a Rhine river cruise and unveil gems such as the Black Forest and the cultural Meccah of Amsterdam. A mesmerising route through mainland Europe, the Rhine offers an abundance of unique charm to lose yourself in.

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Enlightening experiences await on your Rhine river cruise. Journey from the Netherlands and through the heart of Germany, along the eastern border of France and into the north of Switzerland, enjoying all the sights on the way.

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River-view stateroom

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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.

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Rhine Cruises in July 2024

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43 Rhine river cruises in July 2024 with 164 reviews

River Cruise Family

Classical Rhine Cruise (Amsterdam - Basel)

"It was well organized and the food was superb." Geoff, traveled in June 2022

River Cruise Historical

Rhine Castles & Swiss Alps 2024 Start Amsterdam, End Basel

"Fantastic trip. All staff amazing." Paul, traveled in August 2018

Rhine Experience Amsterdam & Rotterdam 2024

"Need more English speaking on tour excursions. meed more than 1 elevator on the cruise ship." Rungfa, traveled in March 2024

Legendary Rhine Cruise (Amsterdam-Mainz) MS Crucevita

"Can recomend the whole tour." KriHolm, traveled in June 2019

River Cruise Family Historical +1

From Amsterdam to Basel: The Treasures of the Celebrated Rhine River (port-to-port cruise)

"Food was very good and cabins were large with plenty of space." Hipolito, traveled in October 2022

The Romantic Rhine Valley and the Rock of Lorelei (port-to-port cruise)

"The food was beautifully cooked and presented but there was just too much at each meal." Jonathan, traveled in August 2019

Romantic Rhine (Southbound) 2024

"The food and service was amazing. We definitely recommend this type of travel!" ElizabethClausen, traveled in July 2019

Legendary Rhine Cruise (Mainz-Amsterdam) MS Crucevita

"The food was delicious. The rooms were spacious." AnneElizabeth, traveled in September 2023

Classical Rhine Cruise (Basel - Amsterdam)

"It's every bit of luxury without the price tag. You have your own and very comfortable sailing hotel and dining rooms." L, traveled in April 2024

Romantic Rhine (Northbound) 2024

"Fine dining filled by fine dancing." George, traveled in April 2018

What people love about Rhine River Cruises in July

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

Fantastic trip all staff amazing

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Best Time to Visit Rhine River Cruises: Overview

Best time to visit the regions, climate charts rhine river cruises.

In the following, you will find climate charts for the regions.

Furthermore, there are some charts you can use for quick comparison of climate between the regions.

Day Temperatures

Night temperatures, average temperatures, precipitation, hours of sunshine per day.

Source of Data: German Weather Service (Offenbach) and Wikipedia

Climate Tables Rhine River Cruises

Temperatures, precipitation, sunshine in cologne (rhine river cruises), temperatures, precipitation, sunshine in rotterdam (rhine river cruises), temperatures, precipitation, sunshine in strasbourg (rhine river cruises), popular activities, more attractions, current weather and forecast.

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Fourth of July fireworks and events happening around Tampa Bay

• Kelly A. Stefani Times staff

Independence Day, commonly known as the Fourth of July, commemorates the Declaration of Independence, which was ratified July 4, 1776, and established the United States of America. These days, we celebrate with barbecues, baseball and fireworks. The following is a list of many ways the Tampa Bay is marking the holiday.

Fourth of July Beach Fest : 11 days of live music, DJ dancing and beach vibes to honor our country. 21 and older only. No cover. 5-9 p.m. Thursday (June 27), 6-9 p.m. Friday (June 28), 1-9 p.m. Saturday-Sunday (June 29-30). Postcard Inn, 6300 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach. 727-367-2711.

Zephyrhills Summerfest: Fourth of July : Zephyrhills celebrates the Fourth of July early with a family festival including children’s activities, food and fireworks. Free. Noon-9 p.m. Saturday (June 29). Zephyr Park, 38116 Fifth Ave., Zephyrhills.

Fourth of Ju-Luau : Wear luau-style clothing or beach attire to celebrate America, and get a jump on Canada Day, at this party with new beer releases, Hawaiian-themed food, a taco cart, prizes for best Hawaiian/beach attire and island music. No cover. Noon-11 p.m. Saturday (June 29). Dade City Brew House, 14323 Seventh St., Dade City. 352-218-3122.

Fourth of July Hometown Extravaganza : The City of New Port Richey Centennial and Fourth of July Celebration with live music, food, bounce house and a fireworks display. Free. 4-9:30 p.m. Saturday (June 29). Sims Park, 5547 Main St., New Port Richey. 727-841-4560.

Indie*Pendence III : Celebrate your independence at this barbecue with music by The Suns of Hispaniola and DJs Nostalgia and Swankadelic. No cover. 4-11:30 p.m. Saturday (June 29). Event Venue, 2599 Central Ave., St. Petersburg.

Fourth of July Mac and Cheese Cook-Off : A cheesy showdown of one of America’s most popular dishes. No cover. 5:30 p.m. Saturday (June 29). BRU Florida Growler Bar, 8729 Gunn Highway, Odessa. 813-926-8335.

Happy Birthday America: Dance Party : Bring a dish to share and dress in red, white and blue for this potluck/dance party. $15. 7 p.m. Saturday (June 29). The Way 2 Dance Studio, 6520 U.S. 301, Riverview. 813-966-4788.

Stars and Stripes Celebration : Start celebrating Independence Day early at this community barbecue with food, fixings, DJ dancing and a cash bar. Benefits the Gulfport Senior Center Building Fund. $25-$30. 5 p.m. July 1. Historic Gulfport Casino, 5500 Shore Blvd. S., Gulfport. 727-893-1244.

Fourth of July Beach Fest : 11 days of live music, DJ dancing and beach vibes to honor our country. 21 and older only. No cover. 5-9 p.m. July 1-2, 1-9 p.m. July 3-4, 6-9 p.m. July 5, 1-9 p.m. July 6-7. Postcard Inn, 6300 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach. 727-367-2711.

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Fourth of July Concert : Celebrate America through patriotic music by the Florida Jazz Express big band. $15. 7:30-9:30 p.m. July 2. New Tampa Performing Arts Center, 8550 Hunters Village Road, Tampa. 813-829-2760.

Madeira Beach Independence Day Celebration : Enjoy live music by the Street Spirit Band at 7 p.m. before a fireworks display at 9. Blankets and chairs recommended. Free. 6-9:30 p.m. July 3. Madeira Beach Recreation Complex, 200 Rex Place, Madeira Beach. 727-392-0665.

Hometown USA : This event kicks off with the Dunedin Goes Carting patriotic golf cart parade through downtown Dunedin to TD Ballpark. The celebration continues at the ballpark with a live band, outdoor movie, games, face painting and a grand fireworks show. The band will play in the third base concourse area. Grandstand seating will be open to watch the movie and fireworks. No field access. Free. 6-9:30 p.m. July 3. TD Ballpark, 373 Douglas Ave., Dunedin. 727-812-4530.

Clearwater Threshers : The Threshers come up against the Dunedin Blue Jays. The team celebrates Independence Day Wednesday. $7-$12. 6:30 p.m. July 3. BayCare Ballpark, 601 N. Old Coachman Road, Clearwater. 727-467-4457.

Fourth of July Swing : Swing Time presents a pre-Fourth of July swing dance with live music by Ace Jackson and the Jump Kings. Dress in red, white and blue for free ice cream. Dance lesson begins at 7 p.m. with open dancing at 8 p.m. $12. 6:45 p.m. July 3. Gulfport Casino, 5500 Shore Blvd. S., Gulfport. 727-893-1070.

Independence Day Golf Cart Parade : Members of the Riviera Bay Civic Association deck out their golf carts in red, white and blue for the fourth annual Light Up the Night golf cart parade. Free. 7 p.m. July 3. Riviera Bay Community Playground, 9400-9598 Second St. N., St. Petersburg.

July Fourth Circle of Heroes/Veterans Dive : Celebrate the Fourth of July with Narcosis Scuba Center and dive The Circle of Heroes and Veteran’s Reef. Includes refreshments and snacks. Does not include tanks, gratuity and postdive adult beverage. $129, $20 Nitrox upgrade. 7 a.m. July 4. Narcosis Scuba Center, 528 E. Tarpon Ave., Tarpon Springs. 727-934-3483.

Lutz Independence Day Run : A chip timed 5K and a 1-mile family fun run. A parade follows. $15-$30. 7:30 a.m. July 4. Lutz Civic Center, 98 First Ave. NW, Lutz. 813-264-3805.

City of Gulfport Fourth of July Celebration : Gulfport starts celebrating with a kids fishing derby from 8-10:30 a.m. on the seawall outside the Michael J. Yakes Recreation Complex. The fun continues with a Red, White and Blue-themed family sand sculpting contest from 10 a.m.-noon on Gulfport Beach. There’s also a parade on Beach Boulevard at 6 p.m. and fireworks at 9 p.m. Free. 8 a.m.-9 p.m. July 4. Gulfport Casino, 5500 Shore Blvd. S., Gulfport. 727-893-1118.

Independence Day Golf Tournament : Tee off for freedom in this shotgun start four-person scramble with greens fees, cart, lunch, a drink ticket, range balls and prizes. $89, $49 full golf members. 8:30 a.m. July 4. Plantation Palms Golf Club, 23253 Plantation Palms Blvd., Land O’ Lakes. 813-996-4653.

July Fourth Zumba : Wear red, white and blue and dance for the freedom of our country. Free. 8:30-9:30 a.m. July 4. Esporta Fitness, 7635 113th St., Seminole. 727-440-8065.

Fourth of July Mingle : A mingles shuffleboard tournament with three 16-frame games. Includes choice of burger or hot dog and chips. Cash prize for best Fourth of July outfit. $15. 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m. July 4. Mirror Lake St. Petersburg Shuffleboard Club, 559 Mirror Lake Drive N., St. Petersburg. 727-822-2083.

Kenneth City Fourth of July : Join Kenneth City Mayor Megan Zemaitis for a parade starting at 66th Street and 46th Avenue N., through town to Ernst Park for a festival with food, bounce houses, live music and Kona Ice. Free. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. July 4. Old Time Pottery, 4701 66th St. N., Kenneth City.

Safety Harbor Fourth of July Parade : Wear red, white and blue and join the American Legion Auxiliary for a parade down Main Street. Stick around after the parade for a patriotic ceremony at the Gazebo at approximately 11:30 a.m. Free. 10 a.m.-noon July 4. Safety Harbor Main Street Parade Route, Main Street and Second Avenue N., Safety Harbor. 727-726-9601.

Brandon Fourth of July Parade : The parade of marching units, vehicles and floats starts at the corner of Lumsden Road and Parsons Avenue, heads north to Robertson Street, turns west and finishes at Buckingham Place. Free. 10 a.m.-noon July 4. Parade Start Point, Corner of Lumsden Road and Parsons Avenue, Brandon.

Fourth of July Picnic in the Park : The 16th annual picnic with live music by Oysterbone (10-11:45 a.m. and 12:30-1 p.m.), waterslides, food, drinks and a hot dog eating contest (16 and older only for eating contest). No cover. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. July 4. Craig Park, 100 Beekman Way, Tarpon Springs.

Independence Day Brunch : Take in a view of the beach as you indulge in a buffet featuring dishes including burgers, guava-seared pork loin, shrimp skewers, loaded baked potato salads, apple pie cream puffs, and grilled red and blue berry shortcake. $90, $40 ages 3-12, 2 and younger free. 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. July 4. Don CeSar Hotel, 3400 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach. 727-360-1881.

Fourth of July Beach Party : Beachside cocktails, food, DJ dancing and live music by The Difference (July 4), The Supply Chain (July 5), Crossfire Creek (July 6) and Chas Collins (July 7). No cover. 11 a.m.-midnight July 4-7. Shephard’s Beach Resort, 619 S. Gulfview Blvd., Clearwater. 727-442-5107.

Red, White and Bluey : Celebrate the Fourth of July at this roller skating party with indoor safe fireworks, games and meet-and-greets with Bluey the mascot. $11, $5 skate rental. Noon-4 p.m. July 4. Skateworld of Tampa, 7510 Paula Drive, Tampa. 813-884-7688.

Fourth of July Skate : Three hours of red, white and blue skating with an all-you-can-eat hot dog-a-thon for the first hour. Also taking place at Astro Skate in Tarpon Springs. $8, skate rental additional. 1-4 p.m. July 4. Astro Skate Pinellas Park, 10001 66th St. N., Pinellas Park. 727-546-0018.

Catch the Spirit and Celebrate America : The family festival features food, activities, live entertainment and a patriotic drone show (9 p.m.). Free, $10 parking. 1-10 p.m. July 4. Hillsborough County Fairgrounds, 215 Sydney Washer Road, Brandon. 813-737-3247.

Fourth of July Celebration : A family-friendly, alcohol-free festival with a scavenger hunt, outdoor water games, food, snow cones, bounce house and live music. Free. 2-5 p.m. July 4. Criminon Florida, 45 N. Fort Harrison Ave., Clearwater.

Family Fun: Fourth of July Celebration : Play family-friendly games while you listen to music by the Highway 41 Band. No cover. 2-6 p.m. July 4. Krate at the Grove, 5817 Wesley Grove Blvd., Wesley Chapel. 813-406-5819.

Fourth of July : Bring blankets and lawn chairs to the second annual Independence Day celebration with music, food by Sea Dog Cantina and fireworks. No cover, $75 VIP upgrade. 3-9 p.m. July 4. Hugh Gilbert Strickland American Legion Post 138, 5535 W. Prescott St., Tampa. 813-839-5119.

Fourth of July : A day filled with a farmers market (4-8 p.m.), live music, food trucks, family activities and a giant fireworks display. No cover. 4 p.m. July 4. Event Location, 1540 Little Road, Trinity.

Star Spangled Sparkman : Sparkman Wharf hosts the sixth annual event in collaboration with Tampa’s Boom by the Bay. This free, family-friendly event features live entertainment, game zones, face painting and roaming performers. There’s also the Blessing of the Fleet, a boat parade, a water ski show and waterfront views of the Boom by the Bay fireworks display. No cover. 4-9 p.m. July 4. Sparkman Wharf, 615 Channelside Drive, Tampa. 813-345-5881.

The Fourth: St. Pete Pier : The city of St. Petersburg’s official Fourth of July celebration at the Pier. Activities include a run, family fun zone, craft beer garden, food trucks, vendors, live music and fireworks (9 p.m.). Free. 4-9:30 p.m. July 4. Spa Beach at the Pier approach, 615 Second Ave. N, St. Petersburg. 813-464-1657.

Boom by the Bay : Boom by the Bay, powered by TECO at Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park is Tampa’s Independence Day celebration, featuring family-friendly activities, live entertainment, Apple Pie Throwdown and a fireworks display. Free. 4-10 p.m. July 4. Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park, 1001 N. Boulevard, Tampa. 813-259-1610.

The Heights District Fourth of July Celebration : Festivities include a riverfront concert, fireworks, Friends of the Riverwalk Boat Parade viewing, hot dog eating competition, kids zone and family-friendly fun. Benefits K9s for Warriors. $50-$75. 4-10 p.m. July 4. Armature Works, 1910 N. Ola Ave., Tampa. 813-250-3725.

Independence Day Celebration : Bring the whole family out for an Independence Day celebration with live entertainment, food vendors, children’s activities and fireworks (9 p.m.). Free. 5-9 p.m. July 4. Water Front Park, 110 Veterans Memorial Lane, Safety Harbor. 727-724-1555.

4th of July Celebration : Bring the family for bounce houses, food trucks, a bake-off, bike parade, community performances and fireworks (9 p.m.). No cover. 5-9 p.m. July 4. Avalon Park, 4424 Friendly Way, Wesley Chapel. 813-783-1515.

Fourth of July Bash : Nine holes of golf followed by an optional buffet and fireworks. $17-$50. 5-9 p.m. July 4. Wentworth Golf Club, 2990 Wentworth Way, Tarpon Springs. 727-942-4760.

Fourth of July Beach Party : Party in the sand as you listen to live music by Full Throttle Band starting at 5 p.m. and resuming after the fireworks. No cover. 5-10 p.m. July 4. Thunderbird Resort, 10700 Gulf Blvd, Treasure Island. 727-367-1961.

Fourth of July Celebration : A community-wide picnic featuring hamburgers, hot dogs, potato salad, coleslaw, a celebration service and fireworks. Registration required at revival.lpages.co/event . Free. 5-10 p.m. July 4. The River at Tampa Bay Church, 3738 River International Drive, Tampa. 813-971-9999.

Burn and Boom Tampa Bay : Get patriotic with fireworks, DJ dancing, food, vendors, raffles and giveaways. No cover. 5-11 p.m. July 4. Smokey Jones Smoke & Vape Shop, 4035 W. Hillsborough Ave., Tampa. 813-533-3798.

Clearwater Celebrates America : Clearwater celebrates with local vendors, food trucks, family-friendly activities, live music, buskers throughout the park and fireworks over Clearwater Harbor (9:30 p.m.). Free. 5-11 p.m. July 4. Coachman Park, 301 Drew St., Clearwater. 727-562-4800.

July Fourth Boat Parade on Craft : Celebrate the Fourth of July on the water with a memorable river dining experience aboard Craft. Craft will participate in the annual July 4 boat parade during this dinner journey. The two-hour cruise includes a three-course dinner, views of downtown Tampa’s waterways and craft cocktails available for purchase. $99.95. 5:30-7:30 p.m. July 4. Craft, 603 Channelside Drive, Tampa. 813-223-7999.

July Fourth Independence Day Fireworks & VIP Celebration : Includes live music by Heart and Soul, two hours of open bar, a barbecue buffet and up-close seating for the Safety Harbor fireworks. $89. 5:30-10:30 p.m. July 4. Safety Harbor Resort and Spa, 105 N Bayshore Drive, Safety Harbor. 727-724-7706.

Fireworks Cruise : Enjoy drinks, music and a great view of fireworks from the deck of the Pirate Ship Royal Conquest, Dolphin Quest or Shark Boat. Price varies by boat. 6 p.m. July 4. Sunshine Scenic Tours, 140 Boardwalk Place W., Madeira Beach. 727-423-7824.

Fourth of July Bash : DJ Blink provides the music for karaoke with food, drinks, games and activities. No cover (RSVP required). 6 p.m. July 4. Whiskey on Park, 6501 Park Blvd., Pinellas Park. 727-273-1459.

Glizzy Gobble Off: Fourth of July : A hot dog eating competition with cash prizes and free tea for winners. No cover. 6 p.m. July 4. Low Tide Kava Bar, 2902A Beach Blvd. S., Gulfport. 727-202-6824.

Largo Fourth of July : Celebrate Independence Day with the city of Largo with live music from the 727s Band, food from local vendors and trucks, shopping from local vendors, activities and fireworks (shortly after 9 p.m.). Free. 6-9 p.m. July 4. Largo Central Park, 101 Central Park Drive, Largo. 727-586-7415.

Freedom Fest : Board the American Victory Ship for a night of refreshments, food trucks, a kid zone, All American photos, DJ dancing and great views of the boat parade and fireworks. $11-$16, 3 and younger free. 6-9:15 p.m. July 4. SS American Victory, 705 Channelside Drive, Tampa. 813-228-8766.

St. Pete Beach Fourth of July : Nicknaming itself the Sunset Capital of Florida, St. Pete Beach celebrates with food, drinks, live ‘80s pop rock by Smokin Renegade (7-9 p.m.) and fireworks (9 p.m.). Free. 6-9:30 p.m. July 4. Horan Park, 7701 Boca Ciega Drive, St. Pete Beach. 727-363-9245.

July Fourth Boat Parade : Dress in red, white and blue and board the Pirate Water Taxi to take part in the Friends of the Riverwalk Boat Parade and Blessing of the Fleet. The 90-minute cruise includes prizes for best dressed and beer and wine available for purchase. Starting at $25. 6:15 p.m. July 4. Pirate Water Taxi, 333 S. Franklin St., Tampa. 813-390-3711.

Fourth of July with the Blue Jays : Watch the Dunedin Blue Jays take on the Clearwater Threshers with a specialty jersey auction and post game fireworks to salute our country. $4. 6:30 p.m. July 4. TD Ballpark, 373 Douglas Ave., Dunedin. 727-733-9302.

Independence Day Party : Harry’s celebrates with $4 red, white and blue Jello shots, or two for $7. No cover. 7 p.m.-3 a.m. July 4-7. Hammered Harry’s, 6807 E. Adamo Drive, Tampa. 813-620-3866.

Stars and Cars Fourth of July : Celebrate the Fourth of July at a smashing demolition derby with bounce houses, camel rides, paintball games, monster truck rides, live music, food trucks, karaoke, games and fireworks. $15-$20, $10-$12 ages 4-12, 3 and younger free (derby); Free (fireworks and activities); $10 parking. 7 p.m. July 4. Hernando County Fairgrounds, 6436 Broad St., Brooksville. 352-796-4552.

Fourth of July Fireworks Cruise : Celebrate the stars and stripes on the water. This two-hour cruise includes an open bar, buffet dinner, DJ dancing and a spectacular view of the fireworks finale. Starting at $139.95, $99.95 ages 2-12. 7:30-10 p.m. July 4. Yacht Starship Sensation Dock, 25 Causeway Blvd., Clearwater. 813-223-7999.

R&B on the Fourth of July : Women ages 25 and older and men ages 30 and older dress to impress for a nonsmoking night of R&B music. Free (registration on Eventbrite required before 11 p.m.). 10 p.m. July 4. Status Night Club, 4235 N. Armenia Ave., Tampa. 813-405-7436.

After the Fourth Cleanup : Join Keep Pinellas Beautiful to clean up the park after the Fourth of July festivities. Free. 8 a.m. July 5. Safety Harbor Waterfront Park, 110 Veterans Memorial Lane, Safety Harbor. 727-533-0402.

After the Fourth Cleanup : Join Keep Pinellas Beautiful and Treasure Island Adopt-a-Beach in cleaning up our coastline. Free. 8-10 a.m. July 5. Treasure Island Municipal Beach, 11260 Gulf Blvd, Treasure Island. 727-360-3278.

After the Fourth Cleanup : Join Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful to clean up the waterway. All supplies provided. Free. 8-11 a.m. July 5. Courtney Campbell Causeway Walking Trail, 8614 W. Courtney Campbell Causeway, Tampa. 813-221-8733.

Lealman Independence Day Celebration : A family-style celebration with free food by the Lealman Fire Department, drinks, music, bounce house, games and a water slide. No cover. 5-8 p.m. July 5. Lealman Park, 3875 54th Ave. N., St. Petersburg.

After the Fourth Cleanup : Join Keep Pinellas Beautiful and the town of Indian Shores for a cleanup to ensure the community looks beautiful after the Fourth of July celebrations. Free. 8-11 a.m. July 5. Indian Shores Municipal Center, 19305 Gulf Blvd., Indian Shores. 727-533-0402.

Independence Day Pickleball : Dress in patriotic attire for a free, friendly pickleball match. All skill levels welcome. Free. 8-11 a.m. July 6. Southwest Recreation Complex, 13120 Vonn Road, Largo. 727-518-3125.

Sixth of July Beach Party : Hennessey’s holds their Fourth of July party on the weekend after the holiday. Wear luau-themed attire to kick off summer with 32-ounce bucket cocktails, patio games, a cookout and a hot dog eating contest. No cover. Noon July 6. Hennessy’s Bar and Grill, 3980 Tampa Road, Oldsmar. 813-854-2255.

Family Backyard Barbecue : A barbecue menu all day with a patriotic bike decorating contest, concert by School of Rock House Band, mini-golf, lawn games, ice cream and beer. $5 mini-golf, $1 ice cream, $5 contest entry. 4-8 p.m. July 6. Plantation Palms Golf Club, 23253 Plantation Palms Blvd., Land O’ Lakes. 813-996-4653.

Red, White and Sing Ya Heart Out : Get dressed up to party with music by Jazzy Jeff, Dreesey Baby and DJ MT. Free-$100. 5-9:30 p.m. July 6. 7th + Grove, 1930 E. Seventh Ave., Tampa. 813-649-8422.

Fourth of July Weekend Bash : Performers expected to appear include Gucci Mane, Rob 49, Yung Miami, Plies, Ball Greezy, Tom G, Manny G and Soulja K. Acts are subject to change. $75-$225. 8 p.m. July 6. Yuengling Center, 4202 E. Fowler Ave., Tampa. 813-974-3111.

Independence Island Party : Join Wandering Adventures Kayak Tours for a guided tour to Shell Key Island. $65. 8:45 a.m. July 7. Departure Point, 2828 Pinellas Bayway S., Tierra Verde. 850-252-2481.

Red, White and Neon : Wear body paint and dance in black lights at this rave-style laser light show and dance party with CO2 blasts. Registration required on Eventbrite. Free. 5 p.m.-3 a.m. July 7. Hogg Daddy’s Beach Bar and Grill, 752 S. Gulfview Blvd., Clearwater. 727-877-3733.

Kelly A. Stefani is an editorial assistant who writes about things to do. Reach her [email protected].

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Beautiful River Cruises That Will Take Your Breath Away

Posted: January 2, 2024 | Last updated: January 2, 2024

River adventures

There are trips especially for solo travelers

Finding alone time is increasingly easy on river cruise ships, many of which are going all out to cater to solo travelers. 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 $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 theater 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’ Color 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 Color 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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