Late Deals from AMA Waterways

Top European river-cruise operator AMAWaterways have just announced a series of tempting reduced fares for this year, featuring three different cruises on the Rhone, Mosel, Rhine and Danube.

Here are the highlights:

April 13, Black Sea Cruise: Sail from Budapest along the Danube through Romania, Croatia, Serbia and Bulgaria to the Bulgarian port of Rousse, including passing through the `Iron Gates’, the narrow divide between the Balkans and Carpathian mountains, to conclude the cruise with an excursion to Bucharest.

This week-long luxury cruise now costs from £1,187 per person (previously £1,654), with all meals, free wi-fi, free use of on board bicycles, daily tours and excursions and all port taxes. 

May 24, Rhone cruise: A late evening stay alongside the largely abandoned medieval town of Viviers, including an after-dinner 'ghost walk' through streets that once were home to 30,000 people, is part of this 7-night luxury river cruise from Lyons to Arles on board the luxury cruiser AmaDagio. With plenty of time in each port call, overnight stays during a week of castles, vineyards, wine tastings, fine wine and excellent cuisine include the cobbled medieval towns of Lyon and Touron, the rural riverside town of Vienne for an evening stroll past the waterside cafes, and Arles, home to Vincent van Gogh during his most productive last years, where some of his greatest works were painted. 

The week-long cruise now costs from £1,837pp, (previously £2,277), with all meals, free wi-fi, free use of on board bicycles, daily tours and excursions and all port taxes.

July 18; Cruise past Europe’s steepest vineyards in the Mosel Valley and along one of the most beautiful stretches of the Rhine through the Rhine Gorge, with its castles and medieval half-timbered villages, from Luxembourg to Nuremberg along the Mosel, Rhine, Main and Main-Danube Canal. The seven-night sailing departs from Remich (Luxembourg) and includes a late evening stay in Rudesheim, with its narrow streets lined with wine taverns, and in the lovely town of Koblenz and city of Frankfurt, allowing time to sample the relaxed evening ambience. 

This week-long voyage now costs from £1,487pp, (was £1,841), again with all meals, free wi-fi, free use of on board bicycles, daily tours and excursions and all port taxes.

For booking details, follow this link to the river cruise specialists of the Cruise Line Ltd.

European Waterways Bring in 2012 with Panache!

European Waterways is delighted to announce a new addition to its fleet, the 12-passenger luxury vessel Panache, bringing its portfolio of luxury hotel barges on offer to 21.

The 128ft Dutch hotel barge will embark in April and May 2012 on 6-night round-trip ‘Tulip Cruises’, starting and finishing in Haarlem, visiting the spectacular Keukenhof Gardens with the largest display of flowers in the world, the world-famous Delft pottery and the cheese centre of Gouda. There will also be an optional excursion to the amazing Floriade 2012, World Horticultural Expo in Venlo (April 5 to October 7).

Panache will then reposition via Belgium, Paris and Champagne to cruise the beautiful Canal de la Marne au Rhin from Mittersheim to Strasbourg in Alsace-Lorraine between June and October. This is a region with a unique mix of French and German cultures, Baroque and Romanesque architecture.

The new vessel is a beautifully-appointed hotel barge with spacious public areas and six air-conditioned double/twin en-suite cabins, each bathroom having twin hand-basins and oversize showers with massage jets. There are large panoramic windows in the saloon for viewing the passing countryside and the barge has been fitted out in traditional yacht style with brass and mahogany fittings. A large sundeck and heated spa pool complete the picture.

The on-board crew of six comprise the Captain, Master Chef, Deck Hand, Tour Guide and Hostesses. Their extensive knowledge of the region, escorted private excursions, together with the availability of 12 bikes and even a tandem, combine to ensure passengers will have the opportunity to explore the surrounding areas in detail.

Guests can expect to enjoy regional dishes such as Sea Bass with Cucumber and Smoked Eel and Roasted Duck à l’Alsacienne, accompanied by fine wines such as Gewurztraminer Reboltz and Sylvaner Cuvée Réserve. The all-inclusive prices lead in at £2,790 per person in a twin/double suite and at £25,600 for a whole boat charter.

For booking details, be sure to check out this link with the UK's luxury river cruise specialists, The Cruise Line Ltd.

Garden Festivals and City Breaks

Keen gardeners should seize the opportunity to visit the World Horticultural Expo in the Netherlands between April 5 and October 7 on a choice of four AmaWaterways' luxury river cruise itineraries. The show, which takes place only every 10 years, covers 66 hectares of parkland and consists of five horticultural worlds and themed zones, connected by wooded areas, with 100 exhibitors from around the world.

Each day also features a cultural programme of music, dance, literature, theatre and visual art from all over the world.

AMA's seven-night Enchanting Rhine cruise, from Amsterdam to Basel, is a typical example, with departures starting on April 19 and costing from £1,459 per person, including all meals, wine with dinner, free Wi-Fi and free use of on-board bicycles, but excluding flights.

River cruising means seeing more in less time, never having to unpack or re-pack, with three of Europe’s most spectacular and historic cities - Vienna, Bratislava and Budapest - on many itineraries.

For more booking details, be sure to check out this link with the UK's luxury river cruise specialists, The Cruise Line Ltd.

Along the Mekong - AmaWaterways’ Land-Cruise

Interested in the grand way to visit Vietnam and Cambodia, with time to explore on land as well as along the magnificent waterways of this part of the world? Look no further. AmaWaterways' Riches of the Mekong 15-night land-cruise includes two nights in vibrant Hanoi followed by an overnight stay aboard a luxury junk in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ha Long Bay.

This wonderful tour then continues, via a short flight, to Siem Reap (Cambodia), the gateway to the amazing Angkor Archeological Park to experience tours of world-renowned sites such as Angkor Wat, Ta Prohm, Terrace of the Elephants, Terrace of the Leper King, the Bayon and the newly-reopened Baphuon Temple.

The journey continues with a 7-night voyage along the Mekong River from Cambodia to Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam), calling into the bustling capital of Phnom Penh and numerous points of historical and scenic interest, including Kampong Chhnang, Oudong, Tan Chau, Sa Dec, Xeo Quyt and Cai Be.

Along the way, guests visit floating markets, rainforests and Buddhist monasteries; ride an oxcart and a trishaw and participate in the delicate craft of rice-paper making.

The full 15-night land-cruise costs from £2,422 per person and includes hotel accommodation, excursions and all meals, wine, beer, local spirits and soft drinks with meals on board, while the seven-night cruise-only option costs from £1,060 per person, including excursions and drinks.

For booking details, be sure to check out this link with the UK's luxury cruise specialists, The Cruise Line Ltd.

Wine & Tulips With AMA Waterways

AmaWaterways’ 2012 season of wine-themed cruises gets off to an auspicious start with a President’s Wine Cruise from March 29, featuring the Company’s Provence and Spain itinerary and the debut of the luxury river cruiser MS AmaDagio on the Rhone. 

The itinerary takes guests through some of France’s most renowned wine regions and includes complimentary wine-themed shore excursions and winery visits, onboard lectures, wine tastings and wine pairings at meals. Highlights are the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Arles and Avignon; the beautiful villages of Viviers, Tournon, Vienne and Trévoux and excursions to the Beaujolais wine region. 

The cruise is hosted by AMA President Rudi Schreiner and Executive Vice President Kristin Karst, accompanied by Carissa Chappellet of Chappellet Winery in Napa Valley and Archie McLaren, founder of the Central Coast Wine Classic.   

The Wine Cruise takes place from March 29 to April 5 on the Rhone from Arles to Lyon, and costs from £1,645pp based on two sharing a cabin, including port taxes and all meals, excluding flights.

Or you can take in the Dutch bulb fields in bloom in spring time and include a trip to the amazing Keukenhof Gardens, where there are millions of tulips creating a dazzling carpet of colour.  

AMA's seven-night Vineyards of the Rhine and Moselle cruise from Amsterdam to Remich (Luxembourg) costs from £1,595pp per person for a French balcony cabin, departing on April 1, based on two sharing a cabin, including port taxes and all meals, excluding flights.

For booking details, be sure to check out this link with the UK's luxury river cruise specialists, The Cruise Line Ltd.

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.

Viking's Valentine Bonus

To get holidaymakers into the romantic spirit next Valentine’s Day, Viking River Cruises will send a beautiful bouquet of flowers to every customer who books a cruise with them between the 6th and 14th of February 2012. The Company offers scenic cruising along the rivers of Europe, Russia, China and Southeast Asia, sailing right into the heart of some of the world’s most beautiful and romantic destinations.

So, if you want to live out your very own fairytale romance in Heidelberg castle; walk hand in hand around Budapest; or stroll through the streets of the capital of love, Paris, Viking has the holiday for you this February.

For more info and booking details, be sure to check out this link with the UK's river-cruise specialists, The Cruise Line Ltd.

Avalon's New Mekong River Adventures

Luxury river cruise specialist Avalon Waterways has announced the delivery of a new river cruise ship, the Avalon Angkor, as it launches a dedicated Vietnam, Cambodia & China brochure with a fascinating choice of river cruises and tours in the region.

The new brochure will go on sale on November 24, including a tour of Vietnam & Cambodia with a Mekong river cruise as well as two China tours, including a Yangtze River cruise. Tour and cruise departures are from April 2012 to March 2013.

Due for delivery in 2012, Avalon Angkor (above) has been specially designed to be the first ship in the industry to cruise all the way from Ho Chi Minh City to Siem Reap, avoiding more than 7 hours travelling time by coach. Built by local craftsmen with a colonial design, the boat is the first Avalon vessel to be launched outside of Europe but will feature all the modern amenities the company is renowned for.

Accommodating just 32 guests in 16 deluxe staterooms over two decks with a Sun Deck, this small and intimate ship will feature the standard spacious 172sq ft staterooms as on all Avalon ships. The floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors provide an open-air experience without losing any space in the stateroom and are the best way to enjoy the passing scenery.

All Avalon cruises are fully packaged with flights, transfers, airport taxes, port charges and gratuities, as well as a private door-to-door transfer service (within 75 miles of your chosen international airport), local guided sightseeing and a full board cruise with complimentary wine served at dinner.

For more info and booking details, be sure to check out the UK's luxury river cruise specialists, The Cruise Line Ltd.

Gota Canal Cruises with eWaterways

The Göta Canal is one of the most remarkable waterways in the world and one of the communication links between Sweden's two largest cities, Gothenburg and Stockholm. There are also three vessels which still ply this historic Canal with cruise passengers.

The Juno, originally launched in 1874, is now the world’s oldest registered ship with overnight accommodation. Travelling down Sweden’s canals on this boat is like stepping into another world. Renovated in 2003, the 29 cabins are nostalgically luxurious and tastefully fitted with brass details and handsome textiles. The bridge deck boasts a covered aft deck offering a perfect view in both sun and rain.

Departure dates: 6, 15, and 24 June; 2, 10, 26 July; and 3, 11, 20 and 29 August. Starting price £1,058 per person including all taxes – flights not included.

For more info, look up www.ewaterways.co uk or the specialist luxury and river-cruise experts of The Cruise Line Ltd.

Uniworld's New Vietnam Venture

River-cruise specialists Uniworld are launching an exciting 14-night itinerary to Vietnam and Cambodia on the Mekong River featuring the new River Saigon cruise ship with a limited capacity of just 60 guests. The comprehensive itinerary starts at Ho Chi Minh City, where guests will stay for three days exploring the city and visiting the Cu Chi Tunnels.

From there, guests sail down the narrow canals of the Mekong River stopping off for excursions at small towns and visiting floating markets and homes. The cruise continues down to Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s capital, where guests learn about the violent Khmer Rouge regime, as well as a visit to the National Museum.

Guests continue on their cruise up the Mekong towards Siem Reap, stopping off at small towns along the way. At Siem Reap, two days are dedicated to exploring the UNESCO heritage site of Angkor Wat and then there is a short flight back to Hanoi, where guests will stay in the luxury of the Inter Continental Hotel before departing for home. UK prices for this package are still to be confirmed but will be finalised shortly.

The package will include: 7-night Mekong River Cruise in a riverview stateroom onboard the beautiful new River Saigon; 7 nights in centrally located deluxe hotels featuring luxurious accommodations, buffet breakfast, and all services charges; taxes and porterage; fully escorted excursions with English-speaking local guides made up of more than 20 people; 14 buffet breakfasts, 9 lunches and 11 dinners; complimentary wine with dinner onboard, and complimentary coffee, tea, soft drinks, local beer and local spirits throughout the day; domestic flight from Siem Reap to Hanoi or Hanoi to Siem Reap; all transfers on arrival and departure days.

For more info, see www.uniworldrivercruises.co.uk or luxury river-cruise specialists The Cruise Line Ltd.

The Nostalgic Nile with Bales Worldwide

The late 19th century aristocracy of Europe would delight in cruising along the ancient splendours of the Nile Valley in their private ‘dahabiyyas,’ beautifully crafted wooden sailing vessels that presented the might of the Pharaohs from the vantage point of elegant convenience.

And Bales Worldwide have recreated those halcyon days, travelling with a small select group to witness the ancient treasures of Egypt up close and in a manner thought lost forever by discerning travellers. Avoiding the usual crowds and boats guests have the advantage of an expert guide on hand at all times. Completing the entire journey between Luxor and Aswan (or vice versa), on any of the 4 exclusive Dahabiyyas, also provides the opportunity to truly relax, with 7 nights onboard to fully appreciate this classic journey.

The Nostalgic Nile - Luxor-Aswan from £1,595 (saving up to £600pp)

This 12-day itinerary includes scheduled flights and accommodation on The Amber, a traditional ‘dahabiyya’. Trip includes English-speaking guides on board who will also take care of tipping, private air-conditioned vehicle for transfers, a sightseeing itinerary (including entrance fees), and exclusive ‘dahabiyya’ cruise. Prices are per person based on two adults travelling and sharing on a mixed board basis. Price includes all applicable UK and overseas airport taxes and fuel surcharges which are subject to change. Prices are based on December 14 departure date.

To book, visit www.balesworldwide.com or the luxury 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.

AMA Launch Second Boat On The Mekong

Award-winning river cruise line AmaWaterways has launched its second new vessel on the Mekong River, the 124-passenger MS AmaLotus.

The 7-night maiden voyage set sail this week after a traditional Vietnamese praying ceremony at the shipyard. AmaLotus joins MS La Marguerite (2009) in providing distinctive river cruises from Siem Reap, Cambodia, to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, as part of the highly-popular “Vietnam, Cambodia and the Riches of the Mekong” programme.

Featuring ultra-spacious 624sq ft Suites; 10 Junior Suites at 290sq ft and standard staterooms at 226sq ft, AmaLotus has outside balconies on 90 per cent of her staterooms.

The décor combines Colonial elegance with regional Khmer accents, with staterooms including comfortable sitting areas, individually controlled air-conditioning, a mini-bar, safety deposit box, kimonos and slippers and luxurious bathtub (in all Suites).

Guests enjoy fine dining consisting of both Asian and Western specialties; complimentary wine and beer at lunch and dinner with complimentary house-brand spirits and soft drinks throughout the cruise. Onboard highlights include folklore dances, musical performances and culture discussion forums. The ship also features two lounges, a fitness room, spa and gift shop.

Launched in 2009, the “Vietnam, Cambodia and the Riches of the Mekong” river cruise and land programme includes two nights in vibrant Hanoi followed by an overnight aboard a luxury junk in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ha Long Bay. A short flight then transports guests to Siem Reap, Cambodia, the gateway to the magnificent Angkor Archeological Park. A two-night stay there includes tours of world-renowned sites such as Angkor Wat, Terrace of the Elephants and newly-reopened Baphuon Temple.

From Siem Reap, guests embark on their 7-night odyssey along the Mekong River from Cambodia to Ho Chi Minh City.

The 15-night land-cruise option costs from £2,422 per person and includes hotel accommodation, excursions and all meals, wine, beer and soft drinks with meals on board, and the seven night cruise-only option costs from £1,060, including excursions and drinks.

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

£1,000 off per cabin with European Waterways

In the run-up to National Cruise Week (Sept 18-24), the special offers are coming in thick and fast. Here is another river-cruise bargain from European Waterways:

On the 8-passenger Magna Carta, passengers will cruise along some of the best stretches of the River Thames, such as Cliveden Reach, Cookham and Runnymede. They will have the chance to experience the true essence of British history with guided visits to Hampton Court Palace, Windsor Castle, Dorney Court further upstream and Oxford's Christ Church College. All this with a charming riverside backdrop while being doted on by an attentive crew serving wonderful meals prepared by the onboard chef.

Or, for something truly magical, there is a cruise on Loch Ness and the Caledonian Canal aboard the 8-passenger Scottish Highlander and experience the true beauty of the Great Glen in the Highlands. Tours of ancient castles such as Eilean Donan and Urquhart are included, before returning to the warm barge for a wee dram before an excellent dinner, perhaps while listening to a local storyteller or fiddler.

Either of these all-inclusive cruises offers a truly unique Autumn holiday experience and, for September 25, October 2 & 9 departures, there is a up to £1,000 off per cabin.

Prices for a 6-night cruise are now from £1,590pp. Look up more info at www.gobarging.com or consult the cruise specialists of The Cruise Line Ltd. For more about National Cruise Week this year, see www.cruisexperts.org or click on This Link.

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.

Sea Cloud and River Cloud Cruises

Sea Cloud and River Cloud are renowned for their luxury sailing and River boat cruises and have spaces on the following cruises.

SEA CLOUD Cruises

October 17-25; Valletta (Malta) to Piraeus (Greece)

October 25-November 1; Piraeus (Greece) round-trip

RIVER CLOUD II cruises

October 15-22; Amsterdam (Netherlands) to Basel (Switzerland)

October 22-29; Basel (Switzerland) to Koblenz (Germany)

For more information, visit www.seacloud.com or contact the luxury cruise specialists of The Cruise Line Ltd.

AmaWaterways to Relocate AmaDagio to the Rhone

Award-winning river-cruise line AmaWaterways will relocate its beautiful 150-passenger MS AmaDagio to the Rhone River in Southern France at the start of the 2012 season. The ship will cruise a 7-night Lyon to Arles (and reverse) itinerary from late March through to the end of the year as part of the company’s popular “Provence” river cruise programme.

AmaWaterways President Rudi Schreiner said: “We are extremely happy our guests in France will be able to travel the Rhone on a ship that we custom-designed and built ourselves. The AmaDagio will enable us to deliver the premium onboard experience and provide the same high level of amenities and services our passengers have come to expect from a cruise on the Danube and Rhine.”

Highlights of the “Provence” cruise itinerary include excursions to the renowned Beaujolais wine region; visits to a winery, local market and olive farm; tours of Roman ruins; and overnights in the UNESCO Heritage sites of Avignon and Arles, where guests will experience the Provencal landscape that inspired poets, painters and writers for centuries.



A week’s `Best of Provence’ sailing on board AmaDagio in 2012 costs from £1,654 per person, based on two sharing, including all meals, wine with dinner, complimentary use of onboard bicycles, free Wi-Fi and infotainment centre and daily escorted tours.



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

Viking's China River Tours Go To 'The Roof of The World'

Here's an interesting press release this weekend from top river-cruise operator Viking, whose latest programme of cruise-tours through China now has three highly enticing possibilities.

Imperial Jewels of China, Shanghai to Beijing; from £2,245/12 Days

See all of China’s key highlights in just 12 days. Explore cosmopolitan Shanghai and, in Beijing, imperial treasures like the Great Wall and Forbidden City. Cruise the wildly beautiful Three Gorges region of the legendary Yangtze, and admire the engineering marvel of the Three Gorges Dam. You also visit Xian, home of the famous Terra Cotta Army.

Roof of the World, Beijing to Shanghai, plus Tibet; from £2,850/16 Days

Discover the many faces of China on this fascinating 16-day adventure. See the imperial treasures of Beijing, Xian and Shanghai and enjoy a 6-day Yangtze River cruise. Then experience the Tibetan plateau, known as the “Roof of the World”. Spend three spiritually enlightening days in Lhasa, visiting Jokhang Temple, Potala Palace and more.

China’s Cultural Delights, Beijing to Shanghai; from £2,695/17 Days

This 17-day odyssey explores China’s cradle of culture with an epic 11-day Yangtze cruise between Chongqing and Nanjing. See all the wonders of Beijing, Xian, Shanghai and the Three Gorges, plus visit the birthplace of porcelain, the elegant classical gardens of Suzhou, a sacred Buddhist mountain and much more.

For more information, visit www.vikingrivercruises.co.uk or contact the river-cruise specialists at The Cruise Line Ltd on 0800 008 6677.

Introducing MS AmaCerto

As a continuation of its investment in custom-designed, state-of-the-art, luxury river cruisers, award-winning AmaWaterways has announced the newest addition to its fleet: MS AmaCerto. The twin-hulled ship will debut in Europe in April, 2012, with exciting features that are not only new to Ama's fleet, but to river cruising generally.

This deluxe, 164-passenger ves­sel incorporates the most advanced design, offering spa­cious staterooms featuring two balconies; a heated swimming pool; and multiple fine dining venues.

Most staterooms will have an innovative ‘twin balcony’ - Ama's hallmark of French balconies, as well as a step-out balcony where guests can sit and watch the river scenery drift slowly by. The most deluxe category, the 350sq ft Suite, features a separate sitting area, large bathroom with separate bathtub, as well as two balconies.

Every stateroom aboard AmaCerto will also feature Ama's exclusive Infotainment system, which includes complimentary Internet access and first-run Hollywood movies, plus complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the vessel.

Public areas include a spacious Main Lounge and Observation Lounge at the forward section of the vessel, as well as an elevator, 24-hour speciality coffee and tea, lounge, fitness centre and sauna, and a massage, hair and beauty salon. Like the other custom-built ‘Ama’ ships, the new vessel will carry a fleet of bicycles for guests to use in port.

One of the most innovative features is the amount of deck space. There are teak loungers on the Sun Deck, as well as a giant chess board, heated pool, whirlpools and a walking track. But this ship also has a Lower Sun Deck and a teak Front Deck, each offering a different vantage point for enjoying the glorious scenery along the Rhine and Danube.

AmaCerto will also offer more dining options than any other ship in Europe. As well as the main dining room, guests can try the Erlebnis Chef’s Table Restaurant, where a private chef will prepare a special tasting menu. Light lunches will be served in the lounge as an alternative to the dining room, while the Wine Room, another unique feature, will seat up to 12 guests for a private dinner. On fine days, lunch will be served on the Sun Deck.

AmaCerto will sail on the Mosel, Rhine, Main and Danube in 2012. A seven-night cruise on 1April 12 costs from £1,591, including full board, all excursions, internet access, wine with dinner, evening entertainment, use of the ship’s fleet of bicycles in port and port charges. Flights are extra.

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

Take a Waltz With Johann Strauss in 2012

Noble Caledonia have just released their new MS Johann Strauss brochure for 2012 featuring cruises along the Dutch Waterways, Rhine, Moselle and Danube Rivers.

The vessel has just been refurbished to offer some of the most comfortable accommodation on the European waterways and the company's themed cruises continue to be extremely popular, including some of the best wines of Europe as well as a garden themed cruise.

The ‘Rivers of Music’ cruise went on sale last month and has already sold out, so there are now an additional two dates for this fascinating cruise with the London Festival Opera.

There are also some new inclusions for 2012 along with a greater range of pre and post-cruise extensions, such as Transylvania, Prague and Lucerne.

For more info, visit Noble Caledonia or contact the river-cruise specialists of The Cruise Line Ltd.