River Cruise: The New Ships of 2017

River cruising is BIG!  And it’s not just in Europe any more.  Think Asia, Africa and South America, too.  The class of 2017 newbies is diverse, to be sure.  You will find a boutique paddle wheeler and a boat designed specifically for multi-generational families.  Thanks to the December issue of Vacation Agent Magazine and Claudette Covey for putting all of these in one place so I could share them with you easily.  If you have questions about how you can enjoy one of these special ships, I’m your girl!  Here’s a quick snapshot of the special vessels that will run their maiden voyage in 2017.

AMERICAN QUEEN STEAMBOAT COMPANY–American Duchess

In June the Duchess will sail on Mississippi River itineraries, and is equipped with all suites.   There are three 550-square-foot Owner’s Suites and four loft suites of the same square footage.  I had the pleasure of sailing on the American Queen when she was new a few years back, and this company does it in a grand way.  One very cool thing about this lady:  She will offer overnight stays in destinations like New Orleans and Nashville.  Nice!  (photo from American Queen)

AMAWATERWAYS–AmaKristina

Just announced:  AMAWATERWAYS has just multiple awards from the travel community for its ships, and rightfully so.  Their beautiful vessels with floor to ceiling windows and private balconies will pamper the most discerning among you.  Kristina will sail beginning March 31 on the Rhine, and has some nice features you will love; “Multiple dining venues, a heated pool on the sundeck, complimentary Wi-Fi and a fleet of bicycles” (for my active peeps!)  Some rooms also have French balconies (giving you more space in your stateroom).  There is a fitness room, salon and massage area on the lower deck.  One cool feature (like the Viola and Stella): she has connecting staterooms, perfect for your multi-generational families or groups.

CROISIEUROPE–MS Miguel Torga, MS Symphonie II, and MS Douce France II, RV Indochine, Africa Dream

The contemporary Miguel Torga (shown) sets sail in April on six- and eight-day Douro River trips in Portugal.   Staterooms in middle and upper decks will have French balconies, and there will be a pool.

Symphonie II will sail in April, and offers both the Rhine and Danube river itineraries.  106 guests in 54 cabins on two passenger decks.

The 135 passenger MS Douce France II, sailing its maiden voyage in June, will travel the Rhine and Moselle rivers.  These ships offer an open, spacious public space, and this is expected to create a “collegial onboard atmosphere”.

An 80 passenger vessel, the Indochine debuts in august on the Mekong River, offering both Vietnam and Cambodia exploration.  All staterooms are 193 square feet, with 43 square foot balconies.

The 16 passenger Africa Dream will debut in the fall on the Chobe and Zambezi with five-night cruises.  Guests will embark on three-night safari expeditions after their cruise.  The ship has eight outside suites, a panoramic restaurant and a rooftop lounge.  Oh my gosh, the wildlife you would see!

CRYSTAL RIVER CRUISES–Bach, Mahler

This ultra-lux line also offers ocean cruises and debuted a river ship, Mozart, last year.   The ships Bach and Mahler will carry 106 guests in 56 suites, and essentially are min-versions of their ocean vessels Serenity and Symphony.  Your luxury experience includes the Bistro coffee bar and cafe, The Vintage room, and the Palm Court entertainment lounge.  Expect amazing foodie experiences: farm-to-table cuisine and dinners at Michelin-starred restaurants on land. (one per passenger per cruise).  Crystal also includes experiential shore excursions.  There is no nickel and diming on Crystal…well, if you want that $100+ bottle wine, sure, that’s extra!

Duoro Valley, Portugal  (Radiance, below)

EMERALD WATERWAYS–Destiny, Liberte, Radiance

The 182 guest Destiny will sail in April on the Rhine, Main and Danube rivers.  She features four room categories, indoor balconies with deck areas and a popular Horizon Bar & Lounge.

Liberte, also beginning in April, will carry 138 passengers on the Saone and Rhone rivers between Arles and Lyon, France.  Both ships will offer heated pools with retractable glass roofs, and can convert to movie theaters.  They will also carry bicycles for complimentary use.

Radiance, with a 112 guest capacity, debuts in May on Portugal’s Duoro River (photo shown above!).  One cool feature on this ship:  330-square-foot Riverview Suites that include panoramic drop-down windows and walk-in closets.

UNIWORLD–S.S Joie de Vivre

Joie will be the line’s first Super Ship, sailing with 128 passengers on the Seine.  The suite guests have butler service, and there are ten of them.  She will sail in March with French-inspired handcrafted furniture, antiques and art, far-to-table cuisine and will feature local wines.  That’s a beautiful thing!  (Photo from Uniworld)

 

 VIKING RIVER CRUISES–Hild, Herja

This company may be at least partly responsible for the great interest in river cruising; they spend lots of money advertising to the general public.  In fact, many of my clients are surprised when I tell them there are lots of other companies offering river cruising!  Thank you, Viking.  We in the industry are grateful.

Their new 190-passenger “Longships” will debut this spring.  Hild will sail on a new “Paris to the Swiss Alps” itinerary March 18; Herja will join her later in the spring.  Cool features include the popular indoor/outdoor Aquavit Terrace and the Explorer Suites offering incredible views.

photo courtesy of Viking River Cruises

Are you ready to dig deeper?  Consider the ease of travel with a river cruise.  You unpack once and step off in each port directly into a beautiful city, or in the case of Africa, you will be up close and personal with wildlife you have only seen in photographs or at the zoo.  Your captain “transports” you to another opportunity for exploration while you sleep.  How cool is that?

Peace, Bobbie