7 of the best river cruise itineraries for 2018
If you’re thinking of taking a river cruise, here are some iconic itineraries which lines like APT, Uniworld, Crystal River Cruises, Aqua Expeditions, Avalon and more are offering this year.
And from well-known estuaries in Europe to the exotic and far off destinations like Egypt, here is what we’ve found.
- Culinary cruise with APT and Luke Nguyen
A cruise close to home and with one of Australia’s largest cruise operators, this APT culinary itinerary through Vietnam has been running for several years. Hosted by famed Vietnamese-born chef Luke Nguyen, the cruise includes a foodie tour of old Saigon through the produce markets. Guests will cruise onboard the luxurious AmaLotus and the cruise starts from Ho Chi Minh and concludes with three nights in Siem Reap, Cambodia.
- New luxury ships on the Danube
Ultra-luxe cruise line, Crystal River Cruises has launched its full fleet of river ships this year. The latest, the Crystal Mahler has decked in the finest interiors and offers some bespoke shore excursions – you can cruise down the Danube like James Bond in a speed boat with a glass of French champagne in hand. Guests will also have private butler service as well the best food from local providores.
- Parisian food and fashion with Uniworld
On Uniworld’s new Joie de Vivre, guests can immerse themselves in luxurious traditional French interiors and food on this lovely ship. And to match the ship, the line has also rolled out a number of shore excursions which match the French theme. From behind the scenes tour at the Opera Garnier where fashionistas can get a glimpse into how the costumers are made, to guided walking tours of Paris’ Latin Quarter and more.
- African safari adventure
The newly launched African Dream made its inaugural sailing on the Chobe and Zambezi rivers at the end of last year. The nine-day cruise through southern Africa starts in Johannesburg before visiting Lake Kariba and Victoria Falls. The itinerary also includes visits to the Chobe National Park and Namibia’s Impalila Island. You’ll see the big five on this amazing cruise.
- Amazonian food adventure
Luxury cruise line Aqua Expeditions has some special foodie tours while you’re sailing down the Amazon River. Michelin-starred chef Pedro Miguel Schiaffino will be joining guests onboard the Aria Amazon. He will be using indigenous Amazonian ingredients in this dishes – think heart of palm soufflé, grilled freshwater fish or yucca gnocchi.
- Get active with Avalon Waterways
The river cruise line has recently launched a number of active cruises on its European itineraries. For guests who want to exert a little bit more energy, Avalon are offering biking and hiking adventures. Try the nine-day cruise from Linz to Budapest where you can canoe the Wachau Valley or taking a jogging tour around Vienna.
- Cycle the Black Forest
Discover the fairytale-esque surroundings of Germany’s Black Forest. Tauck has a new itinerary from Milan to Amsterdam which includes a bike tour of the Black Forest. This includes several cycling excursions and hikes, which are also now being rolled out throughout Tauck’s fleet. Each ship carries its own fleet of bikes.
