RIVER CRUISING

The River cruising industry in Europe was revolutionized in 1992 with the connection of the Rhine, Main and Danube rivers by the Main-Danube Canal. A series of locks now allow for river travel from Amsterdam in the Baltic to Bucharest at the Black Sea:

• Amsterdam to Basel (Rhine): 14 locks 
• Koblenz to Remich (Moselle): 12 locks 
• Frankfurt to Bamberg (Main River): 34 locks 
• Bamberg to Kelheim (Main-Danube Canal): 16 locks 
• Kelheim to Budapest (Danube): 17 locks 

 The Rhine, Danube, Main, Rhône, Saône, Seine and Moselle Rivers allow river cruisers to experience the culture and history of Europe.

Advantages of River Cruising

• A More Intimate Experience - just over 100 passengers on average, as compared to over 4,000 on some ocean cruise ships
• Direct Access to the Culture and History of Europe by cities and towns along the rivers
• 100 % outside facing staterooms
• Shore Excursions included in the price
• New Scenery - All Day, Every Day
• Travel Your Way - join the excursions or plan your own activities.

Viking River Cruises, Passau

Points of Distinction:

• AmaWaterways - 30 complimentary bicycles carried on each ship
• Avalon Waterways - floor to celing windows
• Uniworld - high ratings for their ships at Conde Nast Traveler
• Viking - 36% of the market share, 12 new ships under construction with lots of balconies, rated Best River Cruise line by Cruise Critic for 2011

Rhine-Main-Danube  Amsterdam to Bucharest

Towns along the rivers:

Main-Danube Canal
The Main-Danube Canal was opened for traffic in 1992. It covers106 miles from Bamberg to Regensburg and joins the Main River to the Danube. As a result, river cruises of 2,200 miles from Rotterdam, Holland to the Danube Delta at the Black Sea.

Moselle River
The Moselle River is situated in the picturesque Moselle Valley, famous for its beautiful scenery and excellent Moselle wines. Rising in northeastern France, the Moselle forms part of the border between Germany and Luxembourg, then flows northeast into Koblenz, Germany, where it joins up as the left tributary to the Rhine River.  A Moselle River cruise is ideal for wine lovers. Riesling, Elbling, Müller-Thurgau, and Kerner wines are all produced in this area.