If I had to pick one river to recommend to a first-time cruiser it would have to be the Rhine. It runs through Switzerland, France, Germany and the Netherlands, and there’s so much to see and do. Make sure you’re out on deck when you sail through the Unesco-listed Upper Middle Rhine Valley, which spans 40 miles between Bingen and Koblenz in Germany and is arguably the prettiest stretch. My favourite quirky attraction is Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Cabinet Museum in Germany’s Rudesheim, which has exhibits ranging from thundering fairground organs and self-playing violins to a musical box topped by a tiny singing bird. Here are 11 of the best Rhine river cruises, with great options for solo travellers too.
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1. Uniworld Boutique River Cruises
Roll down the Rhine in the lap of luxury on the latest addition to the Uniworld fleet. The SS Victoria is one of the line’s so-called Super Ships and carries just 110 guests; far fewer than most river ships of a similar size. It’s also unusual as cabins are only on the middle and upper decks, meaning no low-level rooms at water level. SS Victoria offers all-inclusive cruises with butlers looking after suite passengers. Itineraries include week-long sailings between Basel and Amsterdam — the classic Rhine cruise — and a nine-night round-trip Frankfurt cruise that also takes in the Moselle.
2. Riviera Travel
Travelling solo? You won’t be alone on Riviera, which offers dedicated single traveller cruises on the Rhine with no supplements on any cabin. Rooms are also set aside for singles on all of the regular sailings. Included excursions take in lesser-visited towns such as medieval Colmar in Alsace, where former merchants’ houses line the canals, as well as notable sights such as Heidelberg Castle, one of Germany’s most impressive landmarks perched on a rocky hilltop.
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3. AmaWaterways
Sip, savour and enjoy the Rhine in more ways than one. AmaWaterways is the only river cruise line that’s a member of the international culinary organisation La Chaine des Rotisseurs, and menus feature locally inspired cuisine. Expect dishes such as salmon trout with pumpkin mash, Swiss chard and Riesling wine sauce followed by griesflammerie, a German rice pudding served with black cherries. There’s also the Chef’s Table — a small specialty restaurant at no extra cost — where you can watch the chef prepare the evening’s dishes. Wine-lovers can book special themed cruises accompanied by a wine expert who leads onboard tastings and discussions, and escorts tours to family-owned vineyards lining the banks of Germany’s best-known wine region.
4. Avalon Waterways
See the active side of this river with Avalon Waterways. As well as regular cruises, this line pioneered its “Active & Discovery” itineraries for keep-fit enthusiasts. You can embark on guided e-bike tours along the historic streets of Dusseldorf and through vineyards lining the river, take a contemplative hike along the tranquil Philosopher’s Way near Heidelberg or kayak along the Amsterdam canals. Avalon also offers an unusual itinerary pairing a Rhine sailing with a two-day stay in the beautiful Swiss lakeside city of Lucerne, with an included cable car excursion to the top of Mount Pilatus, which stands at 2,130m (6,988ft).
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5. Riverside Luxury Cruises
The stylish ships operated by former line Crystal Cruises are back on the water as Riverside Ravel and Riverside Debussy, now operated by Riverside Luxury Cruises. The ships have retained all their elegant features, including the sophisticated Palm Court lounge, and sail on a variety of Rhine itineraries, such as week-long sailings between Cologne and Basel. Longer voyages include a 10-night cruise from Frankfurt to Amsterdam visiting Trier, Germany’s oldest city, which has nine Unesco-listed sites.
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6. A-ROSA River Cruises
A-ROSA made a splash in more ways than one when it added A-ROSA SENA to the Rhine fleet. It’s Europe’s first dedicated family river cruise ship and the only one offering swimming lessons for children, with separate pools for adults and youngsters. With four decks, instead of the usual three, it carries 280 passengers and has room for a kids’ club and family cabins sleeping up to five. Cruises include sailings through Belgium and the Netherlands, with an overnight in Antwerp, allowing lots of time to explore the diamond and fashion districts and have time for a few Belgian beers.
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7. Scenic
Scenic’s “Space Ships” are stylish and contemporary. Every cabin comes with butler service, but the onboard atmosphere is not at all stuffy and the line attracts a younger clientele than others. There are no nasty surprises at the end of the cruise as everything’s included, from excursions to an open bar, 24-hour room service (unusual for river ships) to tips. Scenic’s Rhine Highlights sailing is, as it sounds, a perfect introduction to the river. Longer cruises venture up the winding Moselle to visit the pretty half-timbered town of Cochem, which is topped by a lofty castle.
8. Viking
As the world’s largest river cruise line, Viking has a huge choice of sailings on the Rhine and the surrounding rivers and waterways with holidays spanning seven to 22 nights. One option is the ten-night Rhine and Main Explorer itinerary between Nuremberg and Basel. While Germany has no shortage of beer, this cruise will particularly appeal to aficionados as stops include Bamberg, which is renowned for its smoked rauchbier (something of an acquired taste). While in Nuremberg there’s the chance to supp rotbier, the city’s distinctive red-coloured beer that’s been brewed since the Middle Ages.
9. Leger Holidays
If you don’t fancy flying, take a look at Leger’s escorted tours. You can travel by coach from convenient joining points across the UK or take the train to join your ship. Leger is also a great choice if you fancy an affordable Christmas market break, which is a particularly lovely time of year to sail on the Rhine. German Christmas markets are steeped in tradition and held in historic locations, such as the square in front of Cologne Cathedral. On a four-night cruise you’ll also visit markets in the wine-growing towns of Rudesheim and Koblenz before heading back to Cologne.
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10. Indus Travels
Explore Cologne at your own pace with tour operator Indus Travels, which charters ships from established river cruise line Nicko. As well as setting off from one of Germany’s oldest cities, you’ll return to Cologne later in the week and can book an optional guided tour or stroll around independently, which is easy to do as the ship moors in the heart of town. There’s more history in Nijmegen, the oldest city in the Netherlands sandwiched between the Rhine, Meuse and Waal rivers. Themed springtime cruises coincide with the tulip season and include a visit to Keukenhof, the world’s largest flower garden.
11. Emerald Cruises
This is another line that’s a good choice for active passengers. On every sailing there are energetic shore excursions alongside classic walking and coach tours. Rhine options include a bike tour in Freiburg, known as the capital of the Black Forest, where you’ll work up an appetite to taste the region’s eponymous cherry and chocolate gateau. Back on the ship there are exercise classes, including aqua aerobics in the pool. When it’s time to relax, the pool area is covered up each night and it cleverly morphs into a cinema — complete with popcorn for the audience.
emeraldcruises.co.uk
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