Late Deals from AMA Waterways

Top European river-cruise operator AMAWaterways have just announced a series of tempting reduced fares for this year, featuring three different cruises on the Rhone, Mosel, Rhine and Danube.

Here are the highlights:

April 13, Black Sea Cruise: Sail from Budapest along the Danube through Romania, Croatia, Serbia and Bulgaria to the Bulgarian port of Rousse, including passing through the `Iron Gates’, the narrow divide between the Balkans and Carpathian mountains, to conclude the cruise with an excursion to Bucharest.

This week-long luxury cruise now costs from £1,187 per person (previously £1,654), with all meals, free wi-fi, free use of on board bicycles, daily tours and excursions and all port taxes. 

May 24, Rhone cruise: A late evening stay alongside the largely abandoned medieval town of Viviers, including an after-dinner 'ghost walk' through streets that once were home to 30,000 people, is part of this 7-night luxury river cruise from Lyons to Arles on board the luxury cruiser AmaDagio. With plenty of time in each port call, overnight stays during a week of castles, vineyards, wine tastings, fine wine and excellent cuisine include the cobbled medieval towns of Lyon and Touron, the rural riverside town of Vienne for an evening stroll past the waterside cafes, and Arles, home to Vincent van Gogh during his most productive last years, where some of his greatest works were painted. 

The week-long cruise now costs from £1,837pp, (previously £2,277), with all meals, free wi-fi, free use of on board bicycles, daily tours and excursions and all port taxes.

July 18; Cruise past Europe’s steepest vineyards in the Mosel Valley and along one of the most beautiful stretches of the Rhine through the Rhine Gorge, with its castles and medieval half-timbered villages, from Luxembourg to Nuremberg along the Mosel, Rhine, Main and Main-Danube Canal. The seven-night sailing departs from Remich (Luxembourg) and includes a late evening stay in Rudesheim, with its narrow streets lined with wine taverns, and in the lovely town of Koblenz and city of Frankfurt, allowing time to sample the relaxed evening ambience. 

This week-long voyage now costs from £1,487pp, (was £1,841), again with all meals, free wi-fi, free use of on board bicycles, daily tours and excursions and all port taxes.

For booking details, follow this link to the river cruise specialists of the Cruise Line Ltd.

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Uniworld’s Rhine Christmas Market Cruises

Uniworld's 8-Day Classic Rhine Holiday Markets itinerary travels through Switzerland, France and Germany for a true taste of Christmas, beginning in Basel and ending at Cologne, or vice-versa. It is the perfect way to combine river-cruising's most beloved pastimes – shopping, decorations and food - on one festive voyage, with the three countries (Germany, France and Switzerland) providing the perfect backdrop for this true connoisseurs' cruise.

In Germany, the signature holiday traditions of medieval towns such as Heidelberg, Mainz, Rüdersheim and Koblenz are all revealed, as well as the majestic city of Cologne, with its vast Gothic cathedral. Stock up on hand-made Christmas decorations and soak up the atmosphere as the city is adorned with festive finery, then feast on gingerbread, traditional stöllen and a mug of steaming glühwein (hot mulled wine). 

The 8-day Rhine Holiday Christmas Market Cruises start on November 30, and include: return flights and private door-to-door transfers on arrival and departure days, a 7-night cruise in a stateroom on the spectacular SS Antoinette, 7 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 7 dinners (and complimentary wine, beer and soft drinks served with dinner) including Captain’s Welcome Gala and Farewell Dinner, 6 shore excursions, fully hosted by English-speaking local guides, a signature lecture on the ‘Christmas Traditions in Germany’, an experienced Cruise Manager and attentive, all English-speaking staff. Prices start at £2,075 per person.

For more info, visit, www.uniworldrivercruises.co.uk or the river-cruise specialists of The Cruise Line Ltd.

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Sail Into The Festive Season

Escorted tours specialist Titan Travel has an extensive programme of worldwide holidays, including cruises through the waterways of Europe, Alaska, Egypt, China and Scandinavia. In the weeks leading up to Christmas they offer a selection of festive European cruise itineraries to the famous Christmas markets along the Rhine and the Danube and still have space available for passengers to join Titan MD David Wild on an exclusive Rhine Cruise departing on December 14.

The no-fly five-day cruise conveniently departs from Dover and travels by luxury coach to Cologne where the group will board the well-appointed 4-star Regina Rheni II with its elegant and cosy cabins. Highlights of the cruise include a guided tour of Cologne with its majestic cathedral, a masterpiece of the High Gothic period, and a walking tour through the ancient cobbled streets of Koblenz, located on the confluence of the Moselle and Rhine rivers. Christmas is a magical time to explore both cities with their festively decorated traditional wooden Christmas market stalls selling handmade gifts and warming drinks.

The final part of the journey cruises a 40-mile section of the upper middle Rhine through some of its most beautiful scenery with numerous castles strung out along the river valley and the chance to see the famous Lorelei Rock, with a final stop at the pretty Rhine valley town of Rudesheim. The five-day cruise costs from £825 per person and includes four nights full board accommodation in a mid-range cabin, complimentary table wine, beer and soft drinks served with lunch and dinner, return coach travel from Dover to Cologne, Eurotunnel crossing, excursions with English-speaking guides and the VIP Home Departure Service.

For more info, visit www.titantravel.co.uk or, for more European river-cruises, see the specialist cruise agents of The Cruise Line Ltd.

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Sea Cloud and River Cloud Cruises

Sea Cloud and River Cloud are renowned for their luxury sailing and River boat cruises and have spaces on the following cruises.

SEA CLOUD Cruises

October 17-25; Valletta (Malta) to Piraeus (Greece)

October 25-November 1; Piraeus (Greece) round-trip

RIVER CLOUD II cruises

October 15-22; Amsterdam (Netherlands) to Basel (Switzerland)

October 22-29; Basel (Switzerland) to Koblenz (Germany)

For more information, visit www.seacloud.com or contact the luxury cruise specialists of The Cruise Line Ltd.

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Cruise Through Your Christmas List With eWaterways

Dating back to 15th century Germany and the Alsace region of France, Christmas markets are a fantastically traditional way to prepare for the festive season and, with eWaterways, the niche and river cruise specialists, stress-free Christmas shopping combined with a spectacular winter cruise holiday is guaranteed.

The Amadeus Brilliant and the Royal Crown, two of Europe’s finest river cruise ships, will both sail the German and French waterways this November and December to offer cruisers an authentic Christmas Market experience.

The brand new luxury river ship Amadeus Brilliant, which launched this April to much acclaim, will take in Cologne, Koblenz, Strasbourg, Basel and Speyer for the 6-day 'Magic of Advent' cruise on the Rhine. Starting and finishing in Cologne, guests will be able to enjoy the best of both worlds: luxurious surroundings of the cruise ship and the delights of arriving in cities bursting with festive colour, aromas and sounds.

Stopping in Strasbourg, there will also be time to enjoy France’s eastern-most city on the border of Germany, where the Christmas market takes place on Grande Ile, a UNESCO Heritage Site and the first city centre to be granted world heritage status. Guests will be able to make the most of the ambiance and excitement of the markets, each selling a plethora of hand-made and unusual gifts, whilst sipping on a steaming mug of mulled wine. This is how Christmas should be!

The 'Magic of Advent' 6-day cruise takes place on 27 November, 2 December, 7 December and 12 December. Prices start from £465 including taxes and charges per person (cruise only) and include 5 nights on the Amadeus Brilliant on a fullboard basis, the Captain’s Gala Dinner and daily onboard musical performances.

The five-star river yacht Royal Crown will embark this November on a series of round trips to Mainz for the 4-day 'Historic Christmas Markets' cruise. A major highlight of this voyage is the breathtaking city of Rüdesheim. The Christmas market here brings a distinctly festive feel to the romantic old quarter and its popular Drosselgasse – a cobblestone lane with more than 120 stalls, which, during the festive season, showcases Christmas traditions from across the globe.

Sailing along the Middle Rhine Valley - a photographer’s dream, with numerous castles, palaces, vineyards and picturesque villages - guests can opt for an optional walking tour that includes visits to UNESCO World Heritage Sites Ehrenbreistein fortress and Stolzenfels Castle. The historical port city of Cologne, with its horse drawn carriages, sparkling lights and medieval churches, offers fabulous shopping opportunities at eight different Christmas markets all within walking distance of each other.

The 'Historic Christmas Markets' 4-day cruise takes place on 28 November, 5 December and 12 December. Prices start from £400, including taxes and charges per person (cruise only) and 3 nights on the Royal Crown on a full board basis, with welcome and farewell dinners.

For more info, visit www.ewaterways.co.uk or contact the river-cruise experts of The Cruise Line Ltd.

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eWaterways Rhine Cruise ‘Taster’

eWaterways, the niche river cruise experts, have launched a 3-day ‘taster’ cruise along the magical Rhine with five-star river yacht Royal Crown. Ideal for those new to cruising or short on free time, the cruise comprises a round trip from historic Cologne to Koblenz for a concentrated mix of German culture, sightseeing and leisure along one of the world’s most beautiful rivers.

It is the first taster cruise to be offered on Royal Crown and represents excellent value for money. At just £229 per person on a full board basis, guests will enjoy a truly luxurious cruise experience on a vessel often described as “the Orient Express on water” and renowned for its bespoke client service.

In addition, there will be no single supplements for the cruise, which takes place on July 26 and 28, with a 4-day option on July 23 that takes in wine-making town Rudesheim in addition to Cologne and Koblenz and costs £339 per person.

Starting in Cologne, the famous cathedral city crammed with museums and art galleries, guests are able to explore the sights and sounds before boarding Royal Crown in the late afternoon and setting sail for Koblenz in the evening.

This lesser known destination is a beautiful Roman town situated on the Deutsches Eck (German Corner) where the Rhine and the Mosel rivers meet. It is a tourist’s dream with numerous castles, palaces and monuments to explore. En route to Koblenz, Royal Crown will sail through the glorious Middle Rhine Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, before mooring below its ancient fortress walls.

In Koblenz, guests can enjoy the picturesque public gardens, discover the town centre, which is made up of narrow lanes and romantic squares or visit the stunning Federal Horticultural Show, an annual event in July with more than 48 hectares of flowers arrangements.

At full capacity, Royal Crown caters for just 88 guests in 44 luxuriously appointed cabins with flatscreen TVs and fully-stocked mini-bars to promise an all-inclusive and sophisticated cruise holiday. The river yacht’s design exudes 1930s glamour and the 52-strong team caters to individual needs, with every comfort onboard considered, from the choice of pillow to a favourite tipple.

The traditional ambiance and décor is propelled into the 21st century with modern facilities, including a spa, golf putting area, well-equipped fitness room and 24-hour multimedia business lounge. Those new to cruising or cruise lovers in need of a quick battery recharge can relax and enjoy a luxurious mini break inclusive of exquisite fine dining, entertainment and the Rhine’s stunning vistas.

For more info, vist www.ewaterways.co.uk or contact the river-cruise specialists of The Cruise Line Ltd.

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Gardening and Cruising for Summer 2011

This summer, gardening enthusiasts can indulge in their hobby while enjoying a luxury European river cruise that takes in one of the world’s most spectacular flower shows, the `Bundesgartenschau’ Germany’s famous Federal Horticultural Show. Award-winning AmaWaterways is offering complimentary entry to the show on seven of its luxury Rhine river cruises during summer 2011 as part of a range of complimentary shore excursions.

The Bundesgartenschau ('BUGA') is a major event in Europe’s horticultural calendar and takes place every two years in different cities in Germany. This year’s venue, Koblenz, is one of the most popular cultural centres on the Rhine, and the show runs from April 15 to October 16. The venue allows guests on seven of AmaWaterways’ luxury river cruises to spend a day wandering around hundreds of stunning landscapes and floral garden displays which take over the whole town, normally better known for its wood-timbered houses and many wine taverns.

Dazzling displays of exotic gardens will be created at the Kurfürstliches Schloss (Electoral Palace) and the Blumenhof (Flower Garden) at Deutsches Eck in Koblenz itself, but the most dramatic exhibits will be at the Ehrenbreitstein Castle, perched high on a hilltop on the opposite bank, with sweeping views down over the Rhine and Moselle. Lavish exhibitions and romantic gardens will turn the castle’s plateau into a floral paradise, with themes including nature and the environment and even wine-growing. As an added bonus, large parts of the Prussian fortress have been opened to the public for the first time.

The seven-night `Enchanting Rhine’ cruise from Amsterdam to Basel costs from £1,763pp, excluding flights.

For more info, visit www.amawaterways.co.uk or the river-cruise specialists of The Cruise Line Ltd

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AMA's Great River-Cruise Savings

AmaWaterways is offering savings of £175pp and complimentary flights and transfers up to £250 per person on selected luxury Rhine river cruises this summer, a total saving of £425 on a flight-inclusive river cruise package, with prices now from £1588 per person, based on a 7-night sailing from Remich (Luxembourg) to Nuremberg on May 6.

All of the sailings also include complimentary entry to Germany’s famous horticultural festival, The Bundesgartenschau (`BUGA’), which this year takes place in Koblenz, turning the half timbered town into a floral paradise.

Departing on June 24, AMA also has a saving of £425pp off a flight-inclusive seven-night luxury river cruise, taking in some of Europe’s most fascinating cities along the scenic Mosel and Rhine from Amsterdam through the Rhine Gorge to Mainz, before returning to Koblenz, and on to the Mosel River Valley to Cochem and Bernkastel. Now £1588 per person (was £2013), including return UK flights to the value of £250pp, and 7 nights cruising, including champagne breakfasts, lunch and gourmet dinners with wine, daily complimentary shore excursions and entry to the BUGA horticultural festival, free wi-fi and free use of bicycles.

Contact AMAWaterways at www.amawaterways.co.uk river-cruise specialists The Cruise Line Ltd.

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Three Iconic Places To Visit On A River Cruise

River cruising through Europe's waterways offers the perfect way to enjoy some of Europe's most iconic sights and events, without having to check into and out of hotels; you only unpack once and your luxurious accommodation moves with you. Here is AMA Waterways' top three selection of places and events to see within striking distance of a river cruiser.

1. See the Dutch bulb fields in bloom in spring time on a trip to the Keukenhof Gardens with millions of tulips creating a dazzling carpet of colour.

A seven-night Tulip Time cruise round-trip from Amsterdam costs from £1,376 per person, departing in March and April.

2. Germany's top horticultural show (BUGA 2011) runs from April 15 to October 16. It will take over the riverside town of Koblenz all summer long, filling the squares and streets with floral displays. Entry to the show will be included as one of a range of complimentary excursions on the many river cruise itineraries that call throughout the summer.

A seven-night Enchanting Rhine cruise from Amsterdam to Basel costs from £1,569 per person.

3. Cruise Russia's waterways in June, when the days are at their longest, enjoying balmy summer evenings sailing slowly through the Russian countryside. In St Petersburg, attend a magnificent ballet performance at the famous Hermitage.

An 11-night Russian Waterways cruise from Moscow to St Petersburg on the newly-designed AmaKatarina costs from £2,314 per person.

For more information, contact one of the river-cruise agents of The Cruise Line Ltd or visit www.amawaterways.co.uk.

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AmaWaterways, Latest River Cruise Offers

By guest blogger Steve Newman

27th December: Luxury New Year river cruise, from £999pp, saving £570

Ring in the New Year from a luxury river-cruise ship moored right in the heart of Europe. Luxury operator AmaWaterways has a 7-night river cruise, sailing from Nuremberg to Amsterdam, departing December 27 on the festively decorated AmaLyra at just £999 per person (was £1,569pp - a saving of £570).

The voyage includes champagne breakfasts, all meals with gala dinners, daily excursions and celebrations to welcome in 2011.

On December 31, the ship will be moored alongside Koblenz, in a prime location to take in the city's New Year celebrations, including a firework fiesta at midnight.

For more information, visit http://www.amawaterways.co.uk/ or call the river-cruise agents of cruise specialists The Cruise Line Ltd on 0800 008 6677.

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