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We are the UK’s No.1 River Cruise Specialist

Providing impartial advice from our family-based team based in Tunbridge Wells, we are the UK’s No.1 River Cruise Specialist. From matching you to the best cruise to offering exceptional value for money, tailoring the holiday to your needs to uncovering the most unique experiences, we are here to guide and help you with every part of your river cruise, from start to finish.

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We strive to offer a 5★ service. With rave 5-star reviews, we believe that our dedication shines through. Take a read through what our customers have to say about their experience and see for yourself.

We are the top partner for leading cruise operator

As the key strategic partner with major river cruise operators, we foster and develop relationships to make sure we’re providing you with the latest, most exciting and unique river cruise packages available.

Our staff have over 1,000 years’ combined cruise expertise

Our passionate staff have over 1,000 years’ of combined travel expertise from the past 40 years. In fact, some of the founding team members still work for us. They’ve passed their passion and knowledge onto the next generation to ensure we have another 40 years of happy, satisfied customers who return from their cruise with everlasting memories.

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We have been operating as a travel agency for over 40 years and take delight in providing you with unbiased and up-to-date advice. As we open a new door as river cruise specialists, we look forward to providing you with simply unmissable packages and exclusive deals with the world’s top cruise operators in the most incredible destinations on earth.

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Blue Water Holidays

Blue water holidays is the uk’s leading specialist in small ship cruising, boating and touring holidays..

Based in the picturesque market town of Skipton in the Yorkshire Dales, our team of friendly experts has been booking the right holidays for our discerning customers for over 17 years, offering a wealth of experience and knowledge to ensure customers get the best value for money.

As the UK’s leading agents for all major river cruise lines and small ship, luxury and sailing cruises, we offer unique cruises and exclusive discounts. Visit our award-winning websites to find thousands of cruises, the latest special offers, unbiased advice, customer cruise reviews, detailed deck plans and images for thousands of river and small ships.

Our Escorted Tours website features the most comprehensive collection of guided tours from the world’s leading companies. We offer a fantastic range of tours including small groups, solo travellers, family adventures, cruise tours and rail journeys.

We also offer the best collection of self-drive boating holidays in the UK and Europe, with thousands of boating holidays available from bases all over the UK, France, Portugal, Canada, Ireland, Holland, Italy, Germany and Poland.

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ABTA and ATOL bonded for your protection, you can trust Blue Water Holidays to find and book your ideal small ship or river cruise holiday. Call us on 01756 701199 ( +44 1756 701199 from outside the UK) to embark on your cruise experience!

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Ultra-Luxury River Cruises

With Scenic, it’s more than an ultra-luxury river cruise, it’s a seamless journey from start to finish that places you at the heart of everything we do.

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Truly unforgettable experiences  await

Our river cruises take you to extraordinary regions, while immersing you in the rich history, local cultures and culinary delicacies, creating moments that will be cherished for years to come. 

Discover river cruising with Scenic, for unrivalled experiences

From the historic waterways of Europe to the mighty Mekong River in South East Asia, a Scenic 5-star river cruise is in a class of its own. Every detail has been taken care of to the Nth Degree by our world-class crew so you can enjoy the benefits of a truly all-inclusive journey.

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Luxury river cruises 

Relax on an award-winning river cruise through Europe or journey to Southeast Asia along the Mekong River. 

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Nothing beats an Emerald Cruises luxury river cruise.

Feel like a part of the family from the moment you step on board an award-winning Star-Ship. Celebrate regional cuisine with sommelier-paired wine, enjoy a focus on innovation and wellness, and relish the freedom to explore iconic cities and landmarks with local experts.

Explore the world’s rivers in luxury

The Emerald Cruises experience

A luxury river cruise should showcase the best of each extraordinary destination and provide everything you need to have the most pleasurable and relaxing time. The Emerald Cruises experience is designed to ensure your journey is as enjoyable as possible. 

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Why Uniworld is the best in the world for river cruises

The cruise line our discerning, nay f ussy, travel editor can't fault

A river cruise line you might never have heard of, especially if you’re used to sailing with the biggest players in the industry, Uniworld can't be beaten when it comes to luxury holidays on water - and we're here to tell you why.

Offering an exceptional travel experience, even beyond cruise holidays , Uniworld's offering left us in awe after we experienced the cruise line for the first time on a seven-night Venetian cruise on its stunning ship, S.S. La Venezia ( try it with TV's James Martin later this year ).

We're not the only ones to be blown away by the company, either. The boutique cruise line has dozens of awards and accolades under its belt, including the Best River Cruise Line award in the prestigious Telegraph Travel Awards and a top three spot in Travel & Leisure's World’s Best Awards .

There's simply nothing else like it, perhaps because it is a cruise line founded by a five-star boutique hotel brand, which believes 'no request is too large and no detail is too small.' Everything from the service to the food is delivered to impress and once you take to the water with Uniworld , you are unlikely to ever look back.

To give us the most authentic feel for the river cruise line, which attracts only the few in search of extraordinary holidays, we explored the ship from top to bottom (including going below deck in the most luxurious way possible) and spent a week hearing first-hand what guests from, Kent to Australia, thought of the company before we felt confident to declare Uniworld as the world's best river cruise line .

With a high returning guest rate (it's not unheard of to be sailing with guests who are on their seventh or even their 50th Uniworld cruise) and staff who are proud to say "we don't consider ourselves to have any competitors," this is the bucket list cruise line you'll want to tick off again and again.

Read on for our honest review of why Uniworld is the best river cruise line in the world…

The style and decor

Stepping onto a Uniworld ship is like entering a boutique hotel - but better. The style is as elegant and refined as it gets, with the finest details and luxury wherever you turn. Uniworld's small ships take inspiration from their destinations, complementing their surroundings while maintaining the sophistication of the brand. Modelled after sister company Red Carnation Hotels, which has the likes of Rubens at the Palace in London and The Oyster Box in South Africa among its collection, the ships are essentially luxury hotels on water.

You won't hear loud announcements and the high staff-to-guest ratio means you're not just a number - they'll remember your name. You can expect the finest decor, with bespoke fabric, original works of art and beautiful antiques. On La Venezia, which you can experience with Good Housekeeping , the fabrics are by Venetian maker Fortuny and the chandeliers and mirrors made from Murano glass.

The suites throughout Uniworld ships have marble bathrooms, and in every room or suite an incredibly comfortable Savoir bed awaits for restful nights on the water.

The destinations

While we're almost certain we could enjoy a Uniworld cruise, wherever it's heading, the river cruise specialist does its utmost to bring travellers the most gorgeous locations to explore in style. Want to visit Venice and its islands ? Uniworld will take you to discover the highlights and see the islands many tourists haven't heard of. Fancy experiencing a Nile cruise ? You can tick off the Pyramids, the Valley of the Kings and the sounds and sights of Cairo while enjoying the luxuries of Uniworld.

Or, maybe you have a far-flung cruise in mind? Uniworld's Mekong River cruise in Cambodia and Vietnam takes you to ancient temples and gives you the chance to meet local villagers, while sleeping in five-star surroundings on stunning ship, Mekong Jewel.

The cruise line's Bordeaux , Danube and Douro itineraries are other fantastic itineraries guests keep returning for.

We can't praise Uniworld's staff enough and neither can other guests. Guest Deb, from Pennsylvania, who has been on six Uniworld cruises, told us: "Every staff member makes you feel special. They really want to make your experience wonderful." Meanwhile, Joanne, from New Jersey, said: "The staff get to know you quickly and intuit what you want and need. They bring you something before even you know you want it. I don't think you get the same attention at a hotel."

With a 1 to 2.4 staff-to-guest ratio, it's clear that service is a high priority for Uniworld, but as Joanne added, "they're helpful but not in your face."

Wendy, from Warwickshire, told us how she would frequently help herself to the orange water available for guests at the bar and one time made a passing comment to the bar staff about how much she enjoyed the drink. By the end of the day, she found a carafe of orange water in her suite.

Another guest, Charlotte, from New Hampshire, described the staff like a "relative who knows you, knows your likes and your dislikes," saying that it makes the cruise "special."

The incredible excursions

While life on board the ship is a joy, stepping off a Uniworld cruise will leave you with fabulous memories you can't miss. Uniworld cruises are packed with carefully-curated included and optional excursions, which include after-hours tours of popular attractions (the perfect way to skip the queues), walking tours that provide a look at local life, and the privilege of meeting working people in their workshops.

During our cruise, we had an outstanding after-hours visit of Basilica di San Marco, one of Venice's most popular sites, where we had the cathedral to ourselves and were able to bask in the tranquility and beauty of this world-famous attraction after the crowds had left.

One solo guest, who wished to enjoy Uniworld's excursions at her own pace, told us that she had booked the same cruise twice, back-to-back, so she could spread out her days and ensure she didn't miss out on anything.

The butler service

While you'll be treated to a personalised experience regardless of the cabin you book, suite guests on Uniworld cruises have the benefit of their very own butler who will take this service to another level. Working to the motto that 'no request is too large, no detail is too small,' the suite butlers, trained to the standards required by Buckingham Palace, do everything they can to make you feel important.

Whether you would like a special dinner organised just for you and your loved one, or a private sabering ceremony (a champagne sabering ceremony by the ship's butler at the start of a sailing is a Uniworld tradition), your wish is their command.

While we didn't have any extravagant requests for butler Marko during our time on La Venezia, we knew he was at our service for anything we needed, whether it was a cup of tea brought to our room, or help unpacking our suitcase.

The behind-the-scenes dinner

If you've always wanted to see what life is like below deck, Uniworld has the most luxurious way to do it. Its Progressive Dinners (extra charge, with a maximum of 10 passengers) take you to the bridge to find out about life as a captain, from the captain himself. The dinners are usually a surprise so stop reading now if you'd prefer no spoilers...

They might take you into the kitchen to see how the ship's elaborate meals are meticulously prepared. A look inside the steaming hot engine could be part of the tour, as well as a chat with the laundry staff and a peek at the staff room. The best part is tucking into a different dish along the way, culminating with your main meal in the ship's private dining room, all while meeting the wonderful people who make the cruise holiday perfect.

The thoughtful touches

Whether its sustainability, guest safety or satisfying your hunger, Uniworld goes above and beyond. You'll find compostable slippers and a gifted water bottle for each guest to stay hydrated while caring for the environment. Breakfasts, lunches and dinners are elaborate enough, with a varied selection and locally sourced ingredients used to create delicious feasts, but if you find yourself feeling peckish in between, the Panini Bar has pastries and fruit you can help yourself to and panini that are made to order.

Another observation we made was the care and attention of the tour managers on the excursions. During our after-hours tour of Basilica di San Marco, the tour manager stood at the entrance of the crypt, with its low ceiling, and warned each and every guest to watch their head as they made their way down the stairs.

Back on the ship, the housekeeping team are nicknamed 'fairies' for being in and out of the rooms without a peep. Then there's the River Heritage Club that rewards your loyalty with complimentary laundry, cocktail parties and savings on your next trip.

It's truly all inclusive

On a Uniworld cruise, you can rest assured that everything is included. Premium drinks are part of the package at any time of day and there's an extensive programme of activities throughout the cruise without needing to put your hand in your pocket. Gratuities are included so you don't have to bring extra cash for crew and tour managers), either.

On board entertainment can be enjoyed at no extra cost and Uniworld goes the extra mile to offer an all-inclusive experience that doesn't compromise on quality. The food and drink is excellent, and when it comes to the sightseeing, each group has its own guide for a more intimate tour experience.

Of course, there are ways to upgrade your experience if you wish, with dinners, premium excursions and pre- or post-cruise land extensions available.

You can combine your sailing with amazing land stays

As experts in luxurious holidays, Uniworld knows exactly how to make your cruise extra-special and has some amazing river cruises with five-star land or rail options. For example, in India you could enjoy seven nights on the Ganges Voyager II, as well as nights in the Golden Triangle staying in Oberoi Hotels.

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Or you could sail the Mekong River for seven nights, before exploring the cities of Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi and Siem Reap while staying in top hotels.

Or you can pair a Venice sailing with a luxury Golden Eagle Danube Express journey through the Alps or a two-night hotel stay in Milan with private access to Da Vinci's Last Supper. There are various ways to extend your trip and experience a cruise and land holiday.

You really can't fault it

After many conversations with other guests, we failed to find a reason not to love Uniworld. Not only do the staff think of everything a guest could possibly need before they've thought of it themselves, but they continue to look for ways to improve.

We received a feedback form on day two of the cruise (naturally, we struggled to provide anything negative) but one of our new friends told us that she mentioned that she would have liked some Greek yoghurt and additional healthy options at the breakfast buffet. The next morning and every morning for the rest of the cruise, there was Greek yoghurt and a large selection of fruit at the table.

Good Housekeeping has partnered with Uniworld to bring you a selection of cruises exclusive to our readers, including the Ganges and India's Golden Triangle , and Venice with after-hours sightseeing .

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British Isles Cruises

Explore castles and countrysides on a uk and ireland cruise.

On a British Isles cruise, fairytales come to life as you explore storybook castles and enchanting countrysides. Admire the stained-glass windows of Glasgow Cathedral. Uncover the mysteries of Stonehenge in England, and ascend the Eiffel Tower in Paris. Legend has it, you'll get the gift of gab after visiting the Blarney Stone at Ireland's iconic castle. With Princess®, feel like royalty amidst noble landscapes.

British Isles Cruise & Cruisetour Options

To legendary lands and beyond

Your British Isles cruise will take you to England, Ireland, Northern Ireland, France, Scotland and fabled lands beyond. Encounter age-old traditions during a performance from the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.

Mosey down cobbled pathways in Dublin that tell tales of civilizations past. Or walk along Scotland’s famous Loch Ness, and keep your eyes peeled for mythical creatures that call these waters home.

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10-day british isles (ireland & scotland), 10-day british isles (ireland, scotland & wales), 11-day british isles with france & belfast, 12-day british isles (ireland, france & scotland), 12-day british isles (scotland, ireland & france), scotland, ireland & uk cruise ports of call.

Discover some of the world-renowned destinations that await you on a British Isles cruise with Princess.

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• Portland for Stonehenge

Teeming with rural villages and vast countryside, Belfast is an explorer’s playground. Cruise to the British Isles and walk through the basalt formations of Giant’s Causeway. Stroll through the Botanic Gardens and observe the park’s Victorian heritage. Or experience true country living in the cottage of a breadmaker, where you can make fresh-baked goods to accompany your afternoon cup of tea.

In a land where fable and fact blend to become folklore, Cork is a beacon of romance among Ireland’s iconic cities. On a British Isles cruise, see the city’s emerald terrains reflected in the lakes of Killarney National Park. Savor an Irish coffee in the 18th-century village of Blarney. Or enjoy a lunch on the hills of Cashel, with the Romanesque architecture of St. Patrick’s Rock as your backdrop.

Experience the best of Irish hospitality on a British Isles cruise to Dublin. Stop by a pub and hear stories of the city from the people who call it home. Tour Trinity College, one of the world’s most famous universities. Or discover the secrets to brewing a stout at the Guinness Storehouse, and sip on a complimentary glass just a few hundred yards from where it’s made.

With centuries of cultural change, Edinburgh is home to a diverse landscape of design. Cruise the British Isles and follow the Royal Mile to the top of Castle Rock, where Edinburgh Castle sits overlooking the city below. Marvel at the expansive collection of artwork in the Royal Yacht Britannia, or shop for souvenirs on Princes Street while admiring the Georgian architecture of New Town.

Once an industrial giant, Glasgow is brimming with treasure. When you cruise the British Isles, wander the halls of Inveraray Castle to see a collection of royal portraits. Watch a kaleidoscopic display in Glasgow Cathedral as the sun pours through the stained-glass windows. Or spend the day admiring armor, weaponry and global gems in the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum.

Orkney is home to some of the oldest Neolithic sites in Europe. On a British Isles cruise, history buffs can hear World War II stories at the Italian Chapel. Or travel along Scapa Flow for an even deeper look into the region’s history of naval travel and trade. For those seeking mysteries, uncover secrets of the Ring of Brodgar, part of the Heart of Neolithic Orkney, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

In a land that inspires love stories, reconnect with loved ones on a British Isles cruise to France. Dock in Le Havre and enjoy a breakfast crepe at a sidewalk cafe. Or embark on a day-long adventure in one of two directions. Visit Paris, where famous artwork awaits, or head to Normandy and see the D-Day beaches or the tidal island of Mont Saint Michel. From the painted portraits to the real-life scenery, revel in it all with Princess.

Used to build Buckingham Palace and St. Paul’s Cathedral, the stone extracted from Portland’s quarries has changed history. But there’s more to the city than it’s commodities. Cruise the British Isles to investigate the mysteries of Stonehenge, and learn about the grape-to-glass process at Langham Wine Estate. Or see hundreds of baby swans parading through the grounds of the 600-year-old Abbotsbury Swannery.

Why Cruise the British Isles

The British pubs, Parisian artwork and Irish castles invite you to live like royalty.

Storied and splendid

Castles are the emblem of these regions. Between the chandeliers and tapestries, step into luxury when you visit the British Isles. Cruise to Dublin and parade through the 13th-century halls of the city’s fortress. Experience the grandeur of Urquhart Castle, and search for legendary ghosts in Glamis Castle. Or visit Edinburgh Castle, where kings, queens and nobles once lived and medieval secrets continue to linger.

Melodies of memories past

As the birthplace of many music icons, the British Isles invite you to sing, dance and raise a glass to songs played around the globe. Visit Liverpool to walk in the footsteps of a beloved boyband, and head to a local pub to hear the boys at their best. Cruise the British Isles for an evening of Irish song and dance in Dublin, or watch the Edinburgh Military Tattoo assemble bands, bagpipes and drums for a soul-stirring show.

Globally recognized, historically prominent

The British Isles are a mecca of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Cruise from Southampton to Liverpool, and walk along the Royal Albert Dock, the first structure in Britain to be constructed without wood. Shop along Princes Street in Edinburgh’s New Town. Or travel to Brú na Bóinne in Dublin and get up close to Europe’s largest collection of prehistoric megalithic art.

Raise a glass to adventure

In lands famous for their stouts and ales, pubs are the cornerstone of tradition. Cruise the British Isles and step into age-old establishments that are bustling with spirit. In Dublin, get a taste of true pub “craic” — an Irish term that equates to an atmosphere of fun, entertainment and good company. With festive music playing in the background, sip on world-famous beers that originated nearby while sharing a laugh with locals.

Natural Phenomena

Unexplainable yet undeniable

Discern fact versus fiction on a British Isles cruise, where mysteries and mythologies abound. In Portland, learn about the 5,000-year-old stone circle that displays an advanced understanding of arithmetic and astrology. On itineraries that sail to Cork, search the sea for the Bioluminescence beams created by the region’s gleaming plankton. Or hunt for Invergordon’s legendary monster in the waters of Loch Ness.

Museums & Art Galleries

Ancient artifacts and acclaimed artwork

No cruise to the British Isles is complete without a visit to Paris. See “Venus de Milo” and da Vinci’s “Mona Lisa,” or tour Notre Dame, a work of art in and of itself. Visit the Irish Emigration Museum in Dublin, where interactive galleries invite you to explore. Those departing from London can also stop by the Victoria and Albert Museum which houses over two million artifacts.

British Isles excursions

Our award-winning shore excursions bring you up close to beautiful coasts, monuments and historical wonderlands. On a British Isles cruise, snap photos of Dublin’s iconic sites — like St. Stephen’s Green and Christ Church Cathedral — and taste a world-famous stout at the Guinness Storehouse. Or ride through quaint villages in Belfast on your way to Giant’s Causeway, and revel in the natural structures that surround you.

Local connections

When you cruise the British Isles, meet the diverse personalities that call these lands home. In Dublin, head to a countryside bed and breakfast where a local chef invites you to savor homemade scones and jam. Or set out on a day-long tour in Cork with your loved ones and visit the city’s most iconic sites. Stop by the 18th-century village of Kinsale, and then continue to Blarney Castle, where legends and landmarks await.

More ashore

Enjoy even more history and culture during your British Isles cruise with More Ashore late-night departures and overnight stays. Visit several pubs during an evening tour, and hear stories from locals over a pint of local brew. Savor a traditional Scottish dinner in Edinburgh, and see the Royal Mile illuminated by street lamps and the evening light. Or explore Dublin by night, and indulge in Irish entertainment.

Ships sailing British Isles cruises

Our Princess fleet includes ships that range from small to large vessels. From a balcony stateroom, marvel at breathtaking shorelines passing by before enjoying international cuisine in one of our many eateries during your British Isles cruise.

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Remove the hassle from air travel and give yourself the gift of flexibility, time and a thicker wallet with Princess EZair® flights. We negotiate lower rates with the airlines, allow you to modify your flight up to 45 days prior with no penalty and protect you if your flight is late or canceled.

Princess EZair flight quotes are available on our cruise search result details pages.

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Let Princess pick you up from the airport and take you directly to your ship or hotel when you arrive, even if you didn't book your airfare through us. A uniformed Princess representative meets you at the airport after you've retrieved your luggage and transports you directly to your ship or hotel without you having to worry about the logistics of navigating a new city.

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Extend your cruise vacation and simplify your travel plans with a hotel stay at the beginning or end of your cruise. With a Cruise Plus Hotel Package, a Princess representative meets you at the airport and pier, transporting you to and from your hotel. The package includes the cost of your hotel stay, transportation, luggage handling and the representative’s services.

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TUI River Cruises launches second ship on the Nile

Author: Lucy Abbott

Published on: 19 September 2024

Updated on: 19 September 2024

TUI River Cruises has launched TUI Bahareya, the line's second ship on the Nile

The launch of TUI Bahareya comes after the successful sales of TUI Al Horeya , TUI River Cruises first ship on the Nile.

The ship will sail down the River Nile in winter 2025.

Like it's predecessor, TUI Bahareya will be a newly refurbished five-star ship – with Bahareya meaning 'belongs to the river' in Arabic.

The ship will accommodate 136 passengers and 68 cabins, sailing two itineraries in Egypt. There will be two direct, non-stop flights a week operating from London Gatwick and Manchester to Luxor.

Licensed Egyptologists will be onboard every itinerary, with two excursions included within the price – the Temple of Horus in Edfu and the Kom Ombo temple.

TUI River Cruises' newest ship

TUI Bahareya will be the sixth ship to join the fleet.

Head of TUI River Cruises Katy Berzins said: “This ship signifies our continued growth as a relatively new River cruise brand, and we are confident that given sales for our first Nile cruise, the launch of TUI Bahareya will go down really well with current and prospective customers.

TUI Bahareya will offer a different culturally immersive experience onboard and will allow customers to get a taste of Egypt through its modern Arabic inspired décor, cuisine, activities and entertainment onboard.”

Onboard, the ship will feature a top-deck swimming pool, a massage tent, an entertainment area, restaurant, al-fresco dining and a boutique shop.

The new 'Ancient Gods and famous Pharaohs' itinerary will set sail on November 4, 2025. The second itinerary 'Legends of the Nile' will set sail on December 2, 2025.

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Lucy is a cruise journalist who has sailed on a variety of ships, from expedition to river – with her favourite being expedition cruising.

Lucy is interested in new sustainable ways to cruise as well as how cruising is becoming accessible for all.

She works together with Kaye Holland to keep the World of Cruising website up to date with all the latest cruise news.

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Flooding across Europe forces river lines to change itineraries

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River cruise lines were forced to amend itineraries in Europe this week as operators and agents continued to monitor the impact of flooding caused by Storm Boris.

River lines including Scenic Group and Avalon Waterways confirmed they had made changes to sailings due to adverse weather, which had caused the deaths of 21 people.

Agents reported minimal concern about disruption from clients, but said they were continuing to monitor the situation.

Scenic said it was looking to amend affected itineraries but was “restricted” by high water levels.

“Where possible we will reschedule our fleet of Scenic Space Ships and Emerald Cruises Star Ships to allow us to enact ship swaps,” said a statement on its website, which added: “However, we are restricted with the current rising water levels, specifically around the Upper Danube River areas of Vienna and Budapest.”

Avalon Waterways said it was contacting customers and agents about amendments, with a number of sailings affected.

“Due to this record rainfall in a short period of time, there are some current and upcoming Avalon cruises in the area that are affected with itinerary changes and cancellations,” said a spokesperson.

“We are in the process of communicating changes, plans, options and refunds with guests – and travel advisors – directly.”

Uniworld, A-Rosa, Viva Cruises, AmaWaterways and others have published travel advisories on their websites about disruption to sailings.

Uniworld stated it had to adjust its programmes on River Duchess, River Princess, Maria Theresa and Beatrice and had teams on board and on shore “monitoring the situation closely”.

A-Rosa said itineraries and ports of embarkation and disembarkation “may have to be adjusted”.

AmaWaterways said the high water level was affecting docking locations on the Upper Danube River in particular, between Budapest in Hungary and Vilshofen in Germany.

It has been forced to adjust itineraries, use alternative docking facilities and arrange “convenient ship swaps” for planned excursions.

A Clia spokesperson said: “The safety of guests and crew is central to any decisions relating to itineraries. Where any changes are planned, operators are working hard to minimise any disruption and are expressly committed to transparent and open communication with guests.”

Phil Nuttall, chief executive of the Travel Village Group, said the agency would “deal with [the situation] in the best way we can”.

“We have got it on our radar and are keeping in touch with cruise line partners,” he said, adding: “We don’t have any customers ringing about it at the moment.”

Nuttall said the industry “is geared up to deal with these things” having overcome similar challenges in the past, adding: “You will get some impact on the experience if ships are restricted but I hope it will settle down soon.”

City-break specialists including Newmarket Holidays and Regent Holidays said they had not received many calls from concerned customers with bookings to affected destinations, but would continue to monitor the situation.

Abta said its Destinations team had issued two operational bulletins to its members last weekend as Storm Boris wreaked havoc across central and eastern Europe. The storm was reaching Italy on Tuesday, with warnings for heavy rain, strong winds and floods issued for much of the country.

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Passengers stranded on board Swiss river cruise ship in Vienna due to Danube floods

‘thurgau prestige’ is currently moored in the austrian capital with 102 passengers and 40 crew on board, article bookmarked.

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Passengers aboard a river cruise ship in Vienna are currently unable to disembark due to flooding .

Thurgau Prestige embarked on a 8-day trip between Linz and Budapest on Friday 13 September 2024 and was due to reach the Hungarian capital on Monday 16 September.

The vessel has been moored in Vienna, Austria since Saturday 14 September, however, due to high water levels caused by Storm Boris .

102 passengers – 99 of whom are Swiss – and 40 crew members are believed to currently be aboard Thurgau Travel’s Thurgau Prestige .

In a statement made on 16 September, a spokesperson for Thurgau Travel described how at the time of press, Thurgau Prestige was safely moored in Vienna.

The passengers and crew were reported to be fine and well, and decisions as to when the ship could continue sailing, or when the passengers would be able to disembark, would be made by Austrian authorities.

According to the statement, Danube water levels had risen so much that shipping in the Vienna area had to be stopped. It also notes that experts had not expected this to happen, and that there were a number of other river vessels waiting in Vienna to continue their journeys.

When contacted by The Independent 17 September, a spokesperson for Thurgau Prestige indicated there had been “a significant change” with regards MS Thurgau Prestige, but did not elaborate further. The current status of the vessel is unknown.

The news comes as Storm Boris wreaks havoc across central and eastern Europe, causing record rainfall and flash flooding . At least 19 people are known to have died in the floods, with the death toll rising .

On Monday 16 September, the mayor of Polish city Nysa, Kordian Kolbiarz, issued an evacuation order , urging all 44,000 residents to seek higher ground due to the risk of a nearby embankment breaching.

Storm Boris, which unleashed a month’s worth of rainfall in just 24 hours, has caused severe flooding in Poland, Austria , Romania, and the Czech Republic , with rivers overflowing and embankments threatening to break under the strain of the floodwaters.

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