River Cruise Newsletter Dated May 13, 2013
Dear Vacations To Go Customer,
In today's newsletter, I'd like to tell you about 41 spectacular,
brand-new river cruise ships that are now available for booking.
Several of them debuted this spring, and the rest will launch later this
year and in 2014. For each riverboat, I've noted the date of the
inaugural sailing and provided links to more details and
itineraries.
All ships sail European rivers except where noted. Click any link name
for ship information, departure dates and prices.
Queen Isabel
(March 2013) -- Named for one of Portugal's most beloved queens, the
Queen Isabel carries 118 passengers on cruises through Portugal and
Spain's Douro River Valley. The top deck has 18 junior suites measuring
215 square feet and two larger suites at 323 square feet, all featuring
full balconies. All staterooms have an iPhone/iPod charger and player,
bathrobes, slippers and L'Occitane en Provence bath products. Like
Uniworld's other European ships, the Queen Isabel is decorated in the
company's signature Old World style. It offers free Internet and Wi-Fi
service, a complimentary coffee and tea station and a swimming pool.
Queen Isabel sails for Uniworld Boutique River Cruises.
AmaVida
(March 2013) -- This 106-guest ship sails two new itineraries along the
Douro River in Portugal. The majority of the spacious staterooms and
suites feature balconies, and all accommodations have 42-inch
flat-screen televisions and complimentary Internet access and Wi-Fi. The
AmaVida is equipped with a sundeck, heated swimming pool, fitness room
and massage treatments.
AmaVida sails for AmaWaterways.
Viking Bragi,
Viking Skadi,
Viking Tor
(all debuted in March 2013),
Viking Var
(April 2013),
Viking Forseti
(May 2013),
Viking Rinda
(June 2013),
Viking Jarl
(July 2013),
Viking Atla
(August 2013),
Viking Baldur
(August 2013) and
Viking Magni
(September 2013) -- Called the Viking Longships, these 10 ships feature
environmentally friendly hybrid engines, solar panels and an organic
herb garden on the sundeck. The indoor/outdoor Aquavit Terrace at the
bow of each 190-guest riverboat serves as a viewing area and a spot for
casual alfresco dining. Observation lounges have floor-to-ceiling glass
windows that open. Half the staterooms boast full-size balconies, and
the two 445-square-foot Explorer Suites come with wraparound verandas
for 270-degree views. Twelve additional Viking Longships are scheduled
to debut in March, April and early May 2014: click
here
for ship information, dates and prices.
The Viking Longships sail for Viking River Cruises.
Century Paragon
(March 2013) and
Century Legend
(May 2013) -- These 398-guest ships offer cruises along the fabled
Yangtze River in China. A seven-floor atrium lobby welcomes guests, and
a state-of-the-art propulsion system reduces vibration and decreases
emissions. Meals are served in the top-deck VIP Restaurant and showcase
both Chinese and Western cuisine. Each ship is outfitted with a fitness
center and spa, movie room, game room, library, two bars and a large
indoor swimming pool -- a first on the Yangtze.
Century Paragon and Century Legend sail for Avalon Waterways and
Uniworld Boutique River Cruises.
Avalon Artistry II
(April 2013),
Avalon Expression
(May 2013),
Avalon Impression
(March 2014),
Avalon Poetry II
(March 2014) and
Avalon Illumination
(May 2014) -- Carrying 128 to 166 guests, these are the latest in
Avalon's "Suite Ships" series. Each boasts two full decks of suites. The
ships aim to maximize comfort in their 200-square-foot staterooms and
highlight passing scenery with nearly 11-foot-wide, wall-to-wall
panoramic windows that open. Travelers receive complimentary Wi-Fi, and
Royal Suite guests have access to in-room iPads. On board, you'll find a
Sky Deck whirlpool, lounges, expanded fitness room and open-air bistro
for grilled lunches.
The "Suite Ships" sail for Avalon Waterways.
Viking Hemming
(March 2014) and
Viking Torgil
(April 2014) -- Viking incorporated elements of its new Longships into
these smaller, 106-passenger ships, such as the Aquavit Terrace,
alfresco dining on deck, solar panels and an onboard herb garden. Guests
will find a putting green, observation lounge and boutique. Top-tier
Veranda Suites have a full balcony off the living room and a French
balcony in the bedroom.
Viking Hemming and Viking Torgil sail for Viking River Cruises.
AmaPrima
(April 2013),
AmaSonata
(April 2014) and
AmaReina
(November 2014) -- Most staterooms and suites on these 164-passenger
vessels have twin balconies -- a French balcony plus a full step-out
balcony. In addition to the main dining room, there are two wine bars, a
casual outdoor bistro and the intimate Chef's Table restaurant, where a
different tasting menu is prepared each evening. Travelers can enjoy a
heated pool with swim-up bar on the sundeck, a fitness room, massage and
salon services and complimentary Wi-Fi shipwide. The in-room
Infotainment system provides free Internet access, Hollywood movies and
a music library.
AmaPrima, AmaSonata and AmaReina sail for AmaWaterways.
Queen Violet
(May 2013) -- This 32-passenger boat navigates the Upper Amazon River in
Peru; a pair of skiffs is kept on board and used to explore smaller
tributaries and remote parts of the waterway. The air-conditioned cabins
have river views. Guests gather for socializing, lectures and daily
briefings in the open upper deck area, which has a bar, deck chairs and
hammocks. Meals in the aft dining room are served buffet-style and are a
mix of international cuisine and Peruvian fare. Complimentary tea,
coffee, bottled water, juice and snacks are available throughout the
day.
Queen Violet sails for G Adventures.
MS Inspire
(April 2014) and
MS Savor
(June 2014) -- Comprising Tauck's new Inspiration class of ships, these
130-guest vessels will offer 22 300-square-foot suites, each with two
French balconies, a walk-in closet with built-in drawers and marble
bathroom with his-and-hers sinks. Eight lower-deck "loft" cabins will
have a raised platform seating area and taller windows that allow more
natural light to fill the room. The main dining room is complemented by
a second, more casual venue at the stern, with a retractable wraparound
glass wall. A cocktail lounge, fitness center, spa, hair salon, Jacuzzi
and bicycles for use ashore round out amenities.
MS Inspire and MS Savor sail for Tauck.
S.S. Catherine
(March 2014) -- One of Uniworld's largest ships, the S.S. Catherine will
carry 159 guests on three decks with elegantly appointed staterooms and
public areas, such as the stylish Van Gogh Lounge, a spa and a
mosaic-tiled heated swimming pool. The main restaurant will have an
alfresco dining terrace, and there will be a bistro-style venue as well.
Staterooms will be appointed with handcrafted Savoir of England beds and
marble bathrooms.
S.S. Catherine sails for Uniworld Boutique River Cruises.
Scenic Gem
(May 2014) -- This 128-passenger ship will be custom built to sail
France's Seine River. It will be able to navigate the tidal stretch of
river between Rouen and Honfleur and sail directly into the port of
Honfleur (typically, riverboats dock upriver and passengers ride a motor
coach to Honfleur). Accommodations include balcony staterooms that can
be transformed into weatherproof "sun lounges" -- press a button and a
glass pane will rise to create an enclosed space.
Scenic Gem sails for Scenic Tours.
Here are this week's
Top 20 River and Small Ship Cruises. All
prices are per person, based on double occupancy, and subject to
availability.
1)
Rhine Holiday Markets,
8 days with
Uniworld. Travels between Basel and Cologne with
stops in Strasbourg, Heidelberg and Koblenz.
Save $300 per
couple. Starting at $2,399.
Departs December
1, 8, 15 & 22, 2013.
Book now!
2)
Islands of New England,
7 days with
Blount Small Ship Adventures. Begins and ends in
Warren with stops in Nantucket, Martha's Vineyard and Block Island.
Save $500 per couple plus receive a free one-night, post-cruise stay
at Foxwoods Resort. Starting at $2,049.
Departures from July 10 through August 28, 2013.
Book now!
3)
Thanksgiving Cruise,
8 days with
American Queen Steamboat Company. Begins and ends in
New Orleans with visits to Oak Alley Plantation, Baton Rouge and Houmas
House Plantation and Gardens.
Save $750 per couple, plus receive free
onboard credits and more.
Starting at $2,145.
Departs November 23, 2013.
Book now!
4)
7 Day Jewels of Europe River Cruise,
7 days with
Scenic Tours. Begins in Nuremberg and ends in
Amsterdam with stops in Bamberg, Wurzburg and Cologne.
Save $600 to
$1,200 per couple in certain cabin categories. Starting at $2,199.
Departs July 29 & 31, 2013.
Book now!
5)
Great Capitals & Vintages of the Danube,
8 days with
AmaWaterways. Travels between Budapest and Vilshofen
with stops in Vienna, Durnstein and Passau.
Save $500 per couple off
the cruise price, plus receive $300 per couple in onboard credit and a
free cabin upgrade. Starting at $2,349.
Departs
November 9, 11, 16 & 18, 2013.
Book now!
6)
Christmas Time Cruise,
8 days with
AmaWaterways. Travels between Budapest and Nuremberg
with stops in Vienna, Passau and Regensburg.
Save 30% to 40% off the
cruise price. Starting at $2,349.
Departures from
November 25 through December 28, 2013.
Book now!
7)
American Hootenanny,
8 days with
American Queen Steamboat Company. Begins in St. Paul
and ends in St. Louis with stops in La Crosse, Fort Madison and
Hannibal.
Save $750 per couple, plus
receive free onboard credits and more. Starting
at $2,495.
Departs October 19, 2013.
Book now!
8)
14 Day Danube River Cruise with Prague, Dresden & Berlin 2014,
14 days with
Gate 1 Travel. Begins in Budapest and ends in Berlin
with stops in Bratislava, Vienna and Regensburg.
Save $400 per
couple. Starting at $2,599.
Departures from
April 12 through November 15, 2014.
Book now!
9)
Enticing Douro,
8 days with
AmaWaterways. Begins and ends in Porto with stops in
Barca d'Alva, Salamanca and Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo.
Save $1,000
to $2,000 per cabin. Starting at $2,849.
Departs
July 9 & 30 and August 6, 2013.
Book now!
10)
Paris and French Savoir Vivre,
11 days with
Key Tours. Begins and ends in Paris with stops in
Lyon, Tournus and Avignon.
Receive free onboard credits of up to $50
per stateroom. Starting at $2,955.
Departures
from May 28 through September 24, 2013.
Book now!
11)
17 Day Danube River Cruise 2014,
17 days with
Gate 1 Travel. Begins in Warsaw and ends in Prague
with stops in Bratislava, Passau and Regensburg.
Save $600 per
couple. Starting at $3,049.
Departures from
April 7 through November 10, 2014.
Book now!
12)
A Toast to Provence & Burgundy,
8 days with
A-ROSA Cruises. Begins and ends in Lyon with stops in
Chalon-Sur-Saone, Avignon and La Voulte.
Upgrade to a French balcony
stateroom for a reduced rate. Starting at $3,099.
Departures from June 1 through August 24, 2013.
Book now!
13)
Tulips & Windmills 2014,
10 days with
Viking River Cruises. Begins and ends in Amsterdam
with visits to Antwerp, Ghent and Keukenhof Gardens.
Companion
cruises for free plus save $1,000 per couple off roundtrip airfare from
select gateways when you pay in full. Starting at
$3,749.
Departures from March 19 through May 4, 2014.
Book now!
14)
Magical China & the Yangtze River with Guilin & Hong Kong 2014,
16 days with
Avalon Waterways. Begins in Beijing and ends in Hong
Kong with visits to the Great Wall of China, the Terra Cotta Warriors of
Xian and Reed Flute Cave.
Save $300 per couple. Starting at
$3,889.
Departures from April 24 through October 9,
2014. Book now!
15)
Lewis & Clark and Route 66,
13 days with
American Queen Steamboat Company. Begins in
Pittsburgh and ends in St. Louis with stops in Cincinnati, Louisville
and Chester.
Save $750 per couple, plus
receive free onboard credits and more. Starting
at $4,295.
Departs August 10, 2013.
Book now!
16)
Timeless Wonders of Vietnam, Cambodia & the Mekong,
15 days with
Uniworld. Travels between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City
with visits to Angkor Wat, Kampong Chhnang and Phnom Penh.
Save $400
to $600 per couple. Starting at $4,499.
Departures from August 4 through December 18, 2013.
Book now!
17)
Budapest to the Black Sea 2014,
12 days with
Tauck. Travels between Budapest and Bucharest with
stops in Novi Sad, Belgrade and Constanta.
Single travelers pay no
supplement in Category 1 cabins. Starting at
$4,890.
Departures from May 9 and September 19, 2014.
Book now!
18)
Imperial Jewels of China 2014,
13 days with
Viking River Cruises. Travels between Beijing and
Shanghai with visits to the Great Wall of China, the Terra Cotta
Warriors of Xian and the Three Gorges.
Companion cruises and flies
for free from select gateways when you pay in full. Starting at
$5,249.
Departures from February 27 through November 2,
2014. Book now!
19)
Splendors of Italy,
13 days with
Uniworld. Begins in Venice and ends in Rome with
stops in Ravenna, Bologna and Florence.
Companion flies for free from
certain gateways when you pay in full. Starting
at $5,799.
Departs July 28 & August 4, 2013.
Book now!
20)
Waterways of the Czars 2014,
13 days with
Viking River Cruises. Travels between Moscow and St.
Petersburg with stops in Uglich, Yaroslavl and Mandrogi.
Companion
cruises and flies for free from select gateways when you pay in
full. Starting at $9,849.
Departures from May
5 through October 11, 2014.
Book now!
Finally, for a complete list of cruises by river, click any link
below.
Amazon River Cruises
Columbia River Cruises
European River Cruises
Mekong River Cruises
Mississippi River Cruises
Nile River Cruises
Yangtze River Cruises
Once you've found a river cruise that interests you, call us toll free
at 800-510-4002 (US and Canada) and a river cruise specialist will
attend to your needs. Customers from the UK, please call toll free
0-808-189-1346, and customers from Australia, please call toll free
1-800-686-709. All other international customers, please e-mail or call
us at +1-832-252-2494.
To search for a river cruise anywhere in the world,
click
here.
To see our worldwide listing of escorted tours, independent tour
packages, train tours and safaris,
click
here.
For hotels and resorts in the Caribbean, Mexico, Hawaii, Bermuda,
the Bahamas, Europe, Canada and the continental US,
click
here.
For savings of up to 75% on ocean-going cruises,
click
here.
Please e-mail me your comments, suggestions and questions at
alanfox@rivercruise.com and
I will respond the same day.
To send a copy of this newsletter to a friend or friends, click
here.
Sincerely,
Alan Fox
Chairman & CEO
