See The World Horticultural Expo With Uniworld

Uniworld have announced the first details of their Gems of Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands Cruise that includes the magnificent Floriade exhibition. 

Floriade, the World Horticultural Expo, is held every 10 years in Venlo, Holland, and runs from April 5 to October 7, with visitors having the opportunity to enjoy the world’s most exquisite and exceptional flowers, plants, trees, fruit and vegetables, with many exciting, innovative and educational attractions and activities.

As part of the cruise, Uniworld's itinerary also visits Cologne, where guests can enjoy a guided tour of the Old Town area with its Romanesque churches, Renaissance City Hall, Medieval houses and UNESCO-designated Cathedral (one of the tallest Gothic buildings in the world). Afterwards, there is a visit to a typical tavern and exclusive tasting of Kölsch, the popular local brew served in test tube-like glasses. 

The voyage then stops off at the quaint village of Königswinter, which lies at the foot of the Siebengebirge. Guests will experience an exclusive visit to Castle Drachenfels, which boasts a stunning panoramic view of the Rhine Valley. 

Brussels highlights include a local expert city tour, exclusive chocolate demonstration and tasting at Planet Chocolate Factory while, in Antwerp, it's possible to enjoy a local tour, followed by an afternoon at leisure to allow guests explore the city’s fine shopping and museum collections. Next, there is a walking tour of Maastrict followed by a full day at Venlo for Floriade.

For booking details, be sure to check with the river-cruise experts of The Cruise Line Ltd.

AMA Go Christmas Market Cruising

During November and December, AmaWaterways is offering the opportunity to cruise Europe’s finest Christmas markets from the comfort of a festive luxury river cruiser. As well as being able to shop for traditional crafts, gifts and decorations, guests on board this winter’s Christmas market cruises will enjoy a festive atmosphere as the ships are decorated with trees, garlands, swags and lights, and festive fun includes carolling performances, hot spiced mulled wine and seasonal entertainment.

Here are two prime examples:

Danube Christmas Market Cruise: This seven-night voyage sails between Nuremberg and Budapest, allowing guests time to browse the markets at Nuremberg, Regensberg, the numerous different markets in Vienna and finally in Budapest, where the ship cruises past the city’s dazzling Christmas illuminations. AmaWaterways has nine departures for this itinerary, which operates in both directions, on November 27 and December 2, 4, 5, 9, 11, 12, 16, 18 and 19. It costs from £995 (saving £381) per person, including breakfast, lunch, dinner with wine, soft drinks and beer, free wi-fi and use of on board bicycles.

Rhine Christmas Market Cruise: These voyages from Basel and Amsterdam (and vice versa) include the many and varied markets in Freiburg, Strasbourg, Worms, Rudesheim and Cologne, from the medieval themes of French Strasbourg to the pretty market in Rudesheim and the impressive display in Cologne, with more than 160 wooden stalls in the shadow of the magnificent Cathedral. AMA has five Rhine departures, every Saturday from November 26 to December 17 with prices from £1,285 (saving £91).

For more booking details, be sure to contact the river-cruise specialists of The Cruise Line Ltd on this link.

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.

Cruise & Shop on a Christmas Market Voyage

Why visit one Christmas Market, when you can take in several? This November and December luxury river cruise operator AmaWaterways is offering the opportunity to cruise Europe’s finest Christmas markets from the comfort of a festive five-star river cruiser.

As well as being able to shop for traditional crafts, gifts and Christmas decorations guests on board this winter’s Christmas market cruises will enjoy a festive atmosphere as the ships are decorated with Christmas trees, garlands, swags and lights, and festive fun includes carolling performances, hot spiced mulled wine and seasonal entertainment.

DANUBE CHRISTMAS MARKET CRUISES: AmaWaterways’ seven-night 'Christmas Time Cruise' sails between Nuremberg and Budapest allowing guests time to browse the markets at Nuremberg, Regensberg, the numerous different Christmas markets in Vienna and finally in Budapest, where the ship cruises past the city’s dazzling Christmas illuminations.

There are nine departures: November 27 and December 2, 4, 5, 9, 11, 12, 16, 18 and 19. The itinerary operates in both directions, Nuremberg-Budapest and Budapest-Nuremberg and costs from £995 (saving £381) per person, including breakfast, lunch, dinner with wine, soft drinks and beer, free wi-fi and free use of onboard bicycles.

RHINE CHRISTMAS MARKET CRUISES: AMA's 'Rhine Winter Voyages' from Basel and Amsterdam (and vice versa) include the many and varied Christmas markets in Freiburg, Strasbourg, Wurms, Rudesheim and Cologne, from the medieval themes of French Strasbourg to the pretty market in Rudesheim and the impressive display in Cologne, in the shadow of the magnificent cathedral with over 160 wooden stalls.

There are 5 departures weekly, every Saturday from November 26 until December 17, with prices from £1,145 (saving £231) including including breakfast, lunch, dinner with wine, soft drinks and beer, free wi-fi and free use of onboard bicycles.

See more at www.amawaterways.co.uk or the river-cruise specialists of The Cruise Line Ltd.

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.

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.

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.

AMA Waterways New Offers

Once again river cruise specialists AMA waterways are offering huge savings. Take a look at this latest selection from the boutique river-cruisers:

25th April : Tulip Time Cruise, saving £427 per person

A 7-night cruise on board AmaCello through Holland's spectacular bulb-fields, now from £1,329pp (was £1,756), with accommodation in a spacious cabin with French balcony. The spring flowers are at their best from mid-March through to mid-May and this is the perfect time to discover the beauty and history of the Dutch and Belgian waterways. As with all AMA cruises, prices include all meals, champagne breakfasts and wine with dinner; free Wi-Fi and free use of onboard bicycles and daily excursions.

8th May: Enchanting Rhine, saving up to £460pp

A 7-night luxury cruise along the Rhine, from Amsterdam to Basel visiting Cologne, Kloblenz, Rudesheim, Worms, Heidelber, Strasbourg, Breisach and Basel, sailing through majestic historic cities and towns, can now be booked from £1,425pp (was £1,885).

14th May : Legendary Danube with £457pp saving

A 7-night Danube River cruise from Nuremberg to Budapest, with prices from £1,595 per person (was £2,052pp), this sailing cruises through the charming towns and beautiful vistas of Hilpoltstein, Regensburg, Passau, Salzburg, Linz, Melk and Vienna.

14th May: Rhone and the Provence with £457 saving per person

A 7-night luxury river cruise along the Rhone, from Lyon to Arles, visiting Trevoux, Vienne, Tournon, Viviers and Avignon, with wine-tasting in beautiful wine growing regions where such famous wines as Beaujolais, Côte du Rhône and Chateauneuf-du-Pape are produced, can now be booked from £1,595pp (was £2,052).

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

AMA Waterways Offers - Save Up To £867pp

AmaWaterways have cut the cost of a 7-night luxury river cruise through Holland's spectacular bulb-fields, departing on April 1, to £1,299pp, saving £624pp (was £1,923). The spring flowers are at their best from mid-March through to mid-May, and this is the perfect time to discover the beauty and history of the Dutch and Belgian waterways. Prices include all meals, champagne breakfasts and wine with dinner; free Wi-Fi and free use of onboard bicycles and daily excursions.

A 7-night cruise on May 1 and 7 along the Rhine and Moselle, from Amsterdam to Luxembourg visiting Cologne, enjoying wine-tasting in Rudesheim, passing half timbered towns and villages, castles andvineyards, can now be booked from £953pp, saving £867pp (again including all meals, wine with dinner, free Wi-Fi, use of on board bicycles and daily excursions).

Departing May 14, there are savings of £348 off a 7-night Rhone River cruise from Arles to Lyon, with prices from £1479 per person (was £1827). The sailing cruises to Avignon through beautiful wine-growing regions producing grapes for famous wines as Beaujolais, Côte du Rhône and Chateauneuf-du-Pape.

Or try a June 3 river cruise along the Rhine and Moselle, again on the Luxembourg-Amsterdam route, from £956pp, saving £871pp (was £1827).

For more information, contact http://www.amawaterways.co.uk/ or the river-cruise specialists of The Cruise Line Ltd.

Treasures of Prague, The Rhine and Main

By guest blogger Steve Newman.

We seem to be writing a lot about River Cruising lately and it certainly is becoming more popular. After all, discovering the opulence and majesty of a bygone era in total relaxation just has to be an attractive proposition.

Now you can journey for eight days from the heartland of Germany along the Rhine and Main rivers to Prague, the "City of a Hundred Spires", on Uniworld’s new 'Treasures of Prague, the Rhine and Main' itinerary starting in April 2011.

Sail from Cologne to Nuremberg onboard the completely remodelled beautiful boutique cruise ship, River Ambassador. Then be whisked away to Prague, where you’ll spend three days in one of the world’s most captivating cities with its eclectic mixture of Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architecture, all standing seamlessly side by side, and its UNESCO World Heritage city centre.

This cruise offers an up-close look at the magnificent castles and gardens of European royalty - reminders of life lived on a grand scale. And, for those who’d like to share the gift of Europe with the special young people in their lives, Uniworld offers select family-friendly sailings during the summer. Visit the Wurzurg Residenz with the largest fresco ceiling in the world and cap the tour off with a private wine tasting of fabulous Franconian wines in the historic Residenz cellars

The cruise includes door-to-door UK airport transfers; return scheduled flights; a 7-night cruise in a riverview stateroom; 2 nights in Prague at the superior first class Art Deco Imperial Hotel, with breakfast daily; all meals onboard with complimentary fine European wines, choice of beer and soft drinks during dinner; seven shore excursions, fully hosted by English-speaking local guides; an exclusive Epicurean Adventurer Programme and all transfers on arrival and departure days.

Prices begin at £2,275 per person and, if paid in full by October 31 2010, guests can save up to £900 per couple. For more info, see http://www.uniworldrivercruises.co.uk/

River Discount

By guest blogger Steve Newman

To experience any country only by car is to miss out large amounts of its history, culture and heritage. Gently following the course of the world's major rivers has always been a pleasant way to while away the day and is one of the most popular forms of cruising and one of the most educational.

Passing and visiting castles, vineyards and cities such as Cologne without the worry and stress of being behind the wheel is simply just the perfect way to do it. Combine that with fine wines, excellent cuisine and all-round luxury (plus a major discount in this case), and you have a wining formula on your hands.

The elegant, high-end boutique hotel like ships of Uniworld River Cruises such as The River Princess (above) now have just such an incentive. Pay in full before October 31 and you can get a massive £1,200 discount for a couple travelling in their Category One staterooms and suites.

With an average capacity of 130 guests and crew ratio of one to each three guests, plus locally sourced gourmet foods and quality wines, you can see why Uniworld have a reputation for style.

And, with more than 500 departures on 35 itineraries, their ships can be found on 9 rivers in 16 countries in Europe and Egypt. Many of them have full open-air private balconies that, with a touch of a switch, will raise the glass to create a private conservatory in cooler weather.

Beats the car any day of the week!