Wine Tasting with European Waterways

European Waterways’ fully-crewed, 12-passenger hotel barge L’Impressionniste is cruising the Canal du Bourgogne on a special route designed to meet the demand for more wine–orientated cruises in Southern Burgundy, a region whose popularity continues to grow.

Highlights of the 6-night cruise itinerary include visits to the renowned medieval chateau of Clos de Vougeot, headquarters of the esteemed Chevaliers du Tastevin, who award every year a special prized label to the finest Cote d’Or vintages. There will be visits to some prestigious winemakers such as Domaine Jafflin, home to some of France’s finest Grand and Premier Cru wines, for private tastings.

Also included on the itinerary are visits to Dijon’s Palace and market and the 12th century Abbaye de la Bussiere, where passengers enjoy gastronomic delights and sample selected local burgundies in one of the fine restaurants.

The cruise route meanders through some of the great Burgundy vineyards and towns such as Beaune, capital of the region with a history of viticulture going back over 2,000 years. The itinerary includes a visit to Maison Champy, Beaune’s oldest winery established in 1720 and with even older cellars.

L'Impressionniste is a “floating boutique hotel” that comfortably accommodates up to 12 passengers. The boat is fully-air-conditioned and elegantly appointed with all modern conveniences, including an on-deck spa pool. Passengers are looked after by a highly experienced crew that includes the Captain, master chef, hostesses and a knowledgeable tour guide.

Rates for a cruise are from £2,690pp sharing a twin/double cabin. But for July and August departures, book 2 cabins and get the 2nd one for half price! Prices include accommodation in comfortable en suite cabins, all gourmet meals, fine wines, an open bar, daily excursions and local transfers.

For more info, visit www.gobarging.com or contact the river-cruise specialists of The Cruise Line Ltd.

More Savings With Avalon Waterways

Luxury river cruise specialist Avalon Waterways has increased the number of discounted departures on a selection of its river cruises this summer and autumn with savings of up to £1,400 off per couple. Discounted cruises are now available for departures in July, August and October on itineraries on the Danube and Rhine as well as in Burgundy and Provence.

The 13-day ‘Blue Danube Discovery’ from Budapest to Prague is now priced from £1485 per person with a saving of £1400 per couple for the October 17 departure.

The 11-day ‘Burgundy & Provence’ from Paris to Cote d’Azur or vice versa is priced from £1,865 per person with a saving of £700 per couple, departing from Heathrow on July 25 and 31 and August 8 and 22.

The 14-day ‘Windmills, Vineyards & Paris’ from Paris to Amsterdam or vice versa aboard one of the newest Avalon vessels, Avalon Luminary, is now just £1,915 per person, with a saving of £1000 per couple on August 1 and 13 sailings.

Then there is the 8-day ‘Romantic Rhine’ from Zurich to Amsterdam (or vice versa), now priced from £1,115 per person, with a saving of up to £1000 per couple on July 16, 23 and 30 and October 22.

The 4-day ‘Taste of the Danube’ from Vienna to Budapest costs from £749 per person, with savings of up to £500 per couple on July 16, 23 and 30 and October 22 departures. For a longer itinerary, the 11-day 'Legendary Danube' from Prague to Budapest costs from £1,579 per person with savings of up £1,000 per couple.

All prices include return flights, full board accommodation, regional wines and beers served at dinner, a door-to-door private home pick-up service, guided sightseeing and the services of a professional Cruise Director.

Other discounted itineraries and regional departures are available at a supplement by visiting www.avaloncruises.co.uk or from the UK's specialist cruise agents, The Cruise Line Ltd.

MS AmaKatarina's Russian Debut

The newest addition to AMA Waterways’ award-winning river cruise fleet, the 212-passenger MS AmaKatarina celebrated its inaugural “Russian Waterways” itinerary from Moscow to St. Petersburg on May 10 with an 11-night sailing through the heart of Russia. The ship provides the most luxurious and spacious accommodations on Russia’s famed Volga-Baltic Waterway.

Completely redesigned and rebuilt from the hull up, AmaKatarina features outside balconies in 76 of her 106 staterooms and suites ranging up to 432sq ft in size.

The ship's modern, upscale décor is evident in her staterooms, which feature a sitting area, bathroom with separate shower, a refrigerator, hairdryer, safe and telephone (onboard communications). Spacious public areas include a beautiful Panorama Lounge; Conference Hall for onboard entertainment/lectures; Solarium and Gift Shop. An American chef with extensive experience in Russia oversees onboard dining.

AmaKatarina also features two separate dining venues, including a beautiful Main Restaurant with panoramic views of riverside scenery. Complimentary wine, beer and soft drinks are served with dinner, bottled water is replenished in staterooms daily and speciality coffees are available throughout the day. The ship also has Internet access; a fitness centre on the Sun Deck; a hair dresser and masseuse; an elevator reaching all four decks and an onboard physician.

Guests aboard the 11-night itinerary between Moscow and St Petersburg experience an unforgettable cruise into the heart of Russia, from bustling Moscow to the enchanting Golden Ring cities of Uglich and Yaroslavl to the splendours of St Petersburg.

Highlights include visits to the Kremlin, the Hermitage Museum, a day boat luncheon cruise on the Moscow River; an exclusive ballet performance at the Hermitage Theatre and a specially-arranged visit to the home of a local Russian family in Uglich. During the cruise, guests will enjoy onboard music performances and Russian language classes, as well as lectures from experts on topics such as Russia’s history, culture, art, politics and economy.

The Russian Waterways cruise costs from £2,249 per person, including 11 nights’ accommodation; all meals as detailed on the itinerary; wine with dinner; complimentary soft drinks, mineral water and speciality coffee; all shore excursions as featured on the itinerary; and port charges. Price excludes flights and transfers.

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

A Luxury Hotel Barge Cruise

A cruise through Provence with European Waterways aboard luxury 8-passenger hotel barge Enchanté is genuinely like no other. After some Spring cruises along the 300-year-old Canal du Midi, she embarks in June on a series of delightful cruises through Provence, known for its gorgeous climate and fine cuisine.

Passengers joining Enchanté for any of these 6-night cruises along the Canal du Rhône à Sete can be sure of a fascinating voyage of discovery, whichever itinerary they choose.

On the Beziers and Aigues Mortes cruise, they will visit Pezenas, home of the playwright Moliere and cruise through the Camargue National Park, with its wild horses and pink flamingoes. On the Agde to Avignon route, highlights will include a cruise across the Thau Basin, an inland seawater lagoon full of oyster beds, and a tour of the impressive Palais des Papes in Avignon itself.

And on the Avignonto Marseillan voyage, there will be an excursion to see the amazing three-tiered Pont du Gard aqueduct built by the Romans, and a private wine tasting in Chateauneuf-du-Pape. To really make it a special cruise, passengers will enjoy gourmet Provencale cuisine prepared by their onboard chef and fine local wines.

Prices for an all-inclusive 6-night cruise aboard Enchanté start from £3,300pp in an air-conditioned, en suite cabin, and from £23,500 for a full boat charter. The price includes gourmet meals, fine wines, an open bar, all excursions and local transfers.

For more info, visit http://www.gobarging.com/ or contact the luxury cruise specialists of The Cruise Line Ltd.

Gardening and Cruising for Summer 2011

This summer, gardening enthusiasts can indulge in their hobby while enjoying a luxury European river cruise that takes in one of the world’s most spectacular flower shows, the `Bundesgartenschau’ Germany’s famous Federal Horticultural Show. Award-winning AmaWaterways is offering complimentary entry to the show on seven of its luxury Rhine river cruises during summer 2011 as part of a range of complimentary shore excursions.

The Bundesgartenschau ('BUGA') is a major event in Europe’s horticultural calendar and takes place every two years in different cities in Germany. This year’s venue, Koblenz, is one of the most popular cultural centres on the Rhine, and the show runs from April 15 to October 16. The venue allows guests on seven of AmaWaterways’ luxury river cruises to spend a day wandering around hundreds of stunning landscapes and floral garden displays which take over the whole town, normally better known for its wood-timbered houses and many wine taverns.

Dazzling displays of exotic gardens will be created at the Kurfürstliches Schloss (Electoral Palace) and the Blumenhof (Flower Garden) at Deutsches Eck in Koblenz itself, but the most dramatic exhibits will be at the Ehrenbreitstein Castle, perched high on a hilltop on the opposite bank, with sweeping views down over the Rhine and Moselle. Lavish exhibitions and romantic gardens will turn the castle’s plateau into a floral paradise, with themes including nature and the environment and even wine-growing. As an added bonus, large parts of the Prussian fortress have been opened to the public for the first time.

The seven-night `Enchanting Rhine’ cruise from Amsterdam to Basel costs from £1,763pp, excluding flights.

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

Big New Savings With AmaWaterways

Here are four great summer river-cruises with AMAWaterways that all offer terrific savings on their luxury Europe voyages. Well worth booking as these kinds of discounts are not likely to be around for long this year!

May 14: A week in Provence with £590 savings per person; a 7-night cruise through Provence along the Rhone, from Arles to Lyon, visiting Trevoux, Vienne, Tournon, Viviers and Avignon, with wine tasting in beautiful wine-growing regions where famous wines like Beaujolais, Côte du Rhône and Chateauneuf-du-Pape are produced; now from £1,595pp (was £2,052), including cruise and port taxes, all meals, champagne breakfasts and wine with dinner, daily excursions, return flights and transfers.

June 24 : Vineyards of the Rhine, saving £870 per person; AMA has cut the cost of a 7-night cruise on board the luxury river cruiser AmaCello from Amsterdam to Luxembourg. Now available from £1,139pp (was £2,009), including cruise and port taxes, all meals, champagne breakfasts and wine with dinner, free Wi-Fi and free use of onboard bicycles, daily excursions and return flights from London.

July 22: Europe’s Rivers and Castles, saving up to £540pp; a 7-night luxury river cruise along the Rhine, from Luxembourg to Nuremberg visiting Trier, Bernkastel, Cochem, Rudesheim, Mainz, Frankfurt, Miltenberg, Wertheim, Wurzburg and Bamberg, sailing through the most beautiful stretch of the Rhine; now from £1,529pp (was £2,009).

June 27: Legendary Danube, with £520pp saving; a 7-night Danube River cruise from Nuremberg to Budapest, with prices from £1489 per person (was £2,009pp). The sailing cruises to Budapest through the charming towns and beautiful vistas of Hilpoltstein, Regensburg, Passau, Salzburg, Linz, Melk and Vienna.

For more info or to book, contact www.amawaterways.co.uk or specialist cruise agents The Cruise Line Ltd.

Uniworld's Fabulous New River Cruiser

Uniworld Boutique River Cruises have christened their latest vessel, SS Antoinette at the Port of Amsterdam, bringing a new class of super-ship to the world of river cruising.

In a first for the industry, the Antoinette boasts unique conservatory balconies in its top deck suites and staterooms. Each has a full open-air private balcony that, with a touch of a switch, raises the glass to create a completely enclosed conservatory, ensuring a connection with the open air and the river’s scenery, whatever the weather.

There are many other innovative features designed not only for the guests’ ultimate comfort and enjoyment, but also to ensure it is among the most environmentally friendly ships in river cruising.

The swimming pool, designed with stunning blue mosaic tile, is enclosed and provides the perfect place for a quiet nap, an invigorating swim or a place to simply watch the passing scenery as the entire area is enclosed in glass with floor-to-ceiling windows that open up. On the Sun Deck, guests can enjoy the Leopard Lounge and the elegant L'Orangerie, an indoor/outdoor dining venue. Both venues’ ceilings and windows can collapse on demand if the ship needs to pass under a low bridge. There is also a 22-seat cinema with Dolby Surround sound, the first movie theatre on any river cruise ship.

The Antoinette has just begun her inaugural season on Uniworld’s popular ‘Castles along the Rhine’ itinerary. Prices for this 8-day itinerary start from £1,850 and include accommodation in a category 5 room, shore excursions with local guides, all meals with complimentary European wines, beer and soft drinks during dinner, return flights, UK private car door-to-door transfers, and airport transfers on arrival and departure day.

For more info, see http://www.uniworldrivercruises.co.uk/ or the river-cruise specialists of cruise agents The Cruise Line Ltd.

Aqua Expeditions Launches New Ship

Aqua Expeditions announces the launch of its second vessel, M/V Aria, a custom-designed river-cruise ship which will make its maiden voyage up the Peruvian Amazon and into the remote Pacaya Samiria Reserve for the first time in April.

Designed by stellar Peruvian designer Jordi Puig, the boat has 16 luxury outward-facing suites with floor-to-ceiling windows, an on-deck Jacuzzi, an exercise room, dining room and bar, observation deck, an onboard boutique and open-air lounge. The 147ft vessel will offer the rare experience of a 5-star hotel under the stars of the Amazon.

Aqua's combination of gourmet Peruvian cuisine by top chef Pedro Miguel Schiaffino, celebrated South American wines, a team of talented and experienced Amazon River guides – some of whom grew up in the Pacaya Samiria - and incredible wildlife viewing, turn a trip to Peru into a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

The Aria will operate year-round itineraries up the Amazon River, ranging from three to seven nights. The vessel’s spacious living and sleeping areas, all with panoramic views, allow guests to spot wildlife even when below deck. Daily water-based excursions will also afford close-up encounters with the local wildlife such as the Amazon Pink River Dolphin, the Red Howler Monkey and the Greater Fishing Bat. Other unforgettable experiences include fishing for piranha, spending time with the communities that live on the banks of the river or just watching the Amazon drift by.

Aqua's commitment to protecting the Amazon and its wildlife has also been integral in the construction of the Aria. The boat uses fuel-efficient motors with low carbon emissions, has an on-board water purification facility to ensure river water is used wherever possible and a meticulous waste management system.

A three-night Amazon Discovery Cruise starts from £1,609 per person, based on two people sharing, on a full-board basis. This price includes all excursions, beverages (soft drinks, house wine and beer), transfers to and from Iquitos (if arriving on recommended flights) and entrance to the Pacaya Samiria Reserve.

For more information, visit http://www.aquaexpeditions.com/ or contact the adventure-cruise specialists of The Cruise Line Ltd.

Viking Launches 'Magnificent Mekong' For 2012

Ahead of the launch of its main 2012 brochure, Viking River Cruises has released its 'Magnificent Mekong' programme with massive savings for early bookers. Double discounts, giving savings of up to £1000 per person, are offered on any Mekong departure booked by June 30 for travel in 2012.

The early release of the programme follows huge demand for the 16-day itinerary, which combines a land tour of Vietnam and Cambodia with a seven-night cruise on the 66-passenger RV Tonle, a graceful, French colonial-style vessel hand-finished in brass and teak.

Along the journey, highlights include visits to the ancient Khmer monuments at Angkor Wat; the chance to explore the floating markets of the Mekong Delta and the old city of Hanoi in Vietnam; as well as visits to the elegant French colonial capital of Phnom Penh and the bustling metropolis of Ho Chi Minh City.

Other escorted tours include a visit to hilltop Wat Hanchey and the Twin Holy Mountains of Phnom Pros and Phnom Srey; a small boat excursion through the Kampong Chhnang wetlands; a Cyclo tour featuring the Royal Palace and National Museum in Phnom Penh with an excursion to the Killing Fields; and a visit to the market of Prek Touch.

Prices start from £2,699 per person (with £1,000 discount) and include return flights from London to Hanoi and from Ho Chi Minh City (or vice versa); a seven-night river cruise with river-view stateroom; two nights' hotel stay in Hanoi, three nights in Siem Reap and two nights in Ho Chi Minh; 14 guided tours with audio headsets; and the internal flight between Hanoi and Siem Reap. A programme of 'Cultural Highlights' featuring a traditional Vietnamese wedding ceremony and a visit to the Siem Reap arts and craft school, plus a 'Culture Curriculum' programme giving language lessons and talks are also included.

For those with more time to explore the region further, Viking also has two add-on packages, with two nights at Ha Long Bay priced from £299 per person, or three nights in Bangkok from £599 per person, with escorted tours included throughout.

Full details can by found by visiting www.vikingrivercruises.co.uk or via the river and adventure-cruise specialists of The Cruise Line Ltd.

The Uniworld Difference

The S.S. Antoinette is Uniworld's new ship in 2011. At 443ft long and 37.5ft wide (the longest in the river cruise industry), she boasts 82 staterooms, a 164-passenger capacity, European officers and crew, and offers 7-night cruises in the Netherlands and Germany along the Rhine River.

What makes Uniworld different from most other river cruise companies is the unique relationship and bond they have with sister company, the Red Carnation Hotel Collection. Their shared passion for excellence and caring sincerely about each and every guest is embodied by their philosophy "no request too large, no detail too small."

Red Carnation’s award-winning collection of family-run, world-class hotels is renowned for its expertise in operating luxury boutique hotels. Their loyal, dedicated professional team offers warm and discreetly attentive personalised service, and they take immense pride in making every effort to fulfill and exceed guests’ expectations, making guests feel truly “at home.”

Combining this same professional expertise with decades of outstanding nautical experience, Uniworld say this makes the company stand apart from its competitors.

For further information, visit www.uniworldrivercruises.co.uk/ or contact the river-cruise specialists of The Cruise Line Ltd.

AMA Waterways River Cruise Offers

The following offers from AMA Waterways are now available.

3rd April, 1st & 7th May: Vineyards of the Rhine and Moselle, saving up to £867pp

A 7-night luxury river cruise along the Rhine and Moselle, from Amsterdam to Luxembourg, visiting Cologne, with wine tasting in Rudesheim, passing half-timbered towns and villages, castles and vineyards, can now be booked from £824pp, saving £738pp (was £1562), departing on 3rd April, or on 1st May for £953pp, saving £867, and on 7th May for £925, saving £838. Prices include all meals, champagne breakfasts and wine with dinner; free Wi-Fi and free use of on board bicycles and daily excursions.

14th May: Lavender, Wine and the Rhone with £348pp saving

Departing 14th May, this 7-night Rhone River cruise from Aries to Lyon now costs from £1479 per person (was £1827pp), fully inclusive. The sailing departs from Aries and cruises to Avignon through beautiful wine-growing regions producing grapes for famous wines like Beaujolais, Côte du Rhône and Chateauneuf-du-Pape.

3rd June: Vineyards of the Rhine and Moselle with £871 saving per person

This 7-night luxury cruise along the Rhine and Moselle, from Luxembourg to Amsterdam and visiting Cologne, with wine-tasting in Rudesheim, can now be booked from £956pp, saving £871pp (was £1827).

30th July: Europe's Rivers and Castles with £839pp saving

Another 7-night Rhine cruise is now from £924 per person (was £1763pp). The cruise begins in scenic Nuremberg and meanders through Europe’s most beautiful scenery along the Mosel, Rhine, Main and Main-Danube Canal, concluding in Luxembourg. Again, the price includes all meals, champagne breakfasts and wine with dinner, free Wi-Fi, use of onboard bicycles and daily excursions.

For more details, visit the river-cruise agents of The Cruise Line or http://www.amawaterways.co.uk/

Three Iconic Places To Visit On A River Cruise

River cruising through Europe's waterways offers the perfect way to enjoy some of Europe's most iconic sights and events, without having to check into and out of hotels; you only unpack once and your luxurious accommodation moves with you. Here is AMA Waterways' top three selection of places and events to see within striking distance of a river cruiser.

1. See the Dutch bulb fields in bloom in spring time on a trip to the Keukenhof Gardens with millions of tulips creating a dazzling carpet of colour.

A seven-night Tulip Time cruise round-trip from Amsterdam costs from £1,376 per person, departing in March and April.

2. Germany's top horticultural show (BUGA 2011) runs from April 15 to October 16. It will take over the riverside town of Koblenz all summer long, filling the squares and streets with floral displays. Entry to the show will be included as one of a range of complimentary excursions on the many river cruise itineraries that call throughout the summer.

A seven-night Enchanting Rhine cruise from Amsterdam to Basel costs from £1,569 per person.

3. Cruise Russia's waterways in June, when the days are at their longest, enjoying balmy summer evenings sailing slowly through the Russian countryside. In St Petersburg, attend a magnificent ballet performance at the famous Hermitage.

An 11-night Russian Waterways cruise from Moscow to St Petersburg on the newly-designed AmaKatarina costs from £2,314 per person.

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

More Savings With AMA Waterways

AMA Waterways have some really good savings on offer for the spring and early summer. Departing on April 4, with a saving of £153pp off a 7-night cruise of the Dutch and Belgian waterways, now costs from £1,409pp (was £1,562pp), including all meals, champagne breakfasts and free-flowing wine with dinner, free wifi and free use of onboard bicycles and daily excursions. The 'Tulip Time' cruise passes carpets of colourful flowers and lush green countryside dotted with windmills, while the tours take in historic towns and cities, including the medieval cities of Antwerp and Ghent.

A 7-night luxury spring river cruise on one of Europe’s most beautiful rivers, the Rhine River, departs May 7 and can now be booked for £924pp (was £1,763), saving £839pp. The cruise departs from Amsterdam and meanders along the Rhine, through Cologne to Luxembourg, and includes all meals, excursions, etc.

Departing May 14, AMA has savings of £348pp off a 7-night Rhone River cruise from Aries to Lyon, with prices now from £1,479 per person (was £1827pp), again including all meals, wine with dinner, etc. The sailing departs from Aries and cruises to Avignon through beautiful wine-growing regions where such famous wines as Beaujolais, Côte du Rhône and Chateauneuf-du-Pape originate.

Departing on July 30, there are savings of £839 off a 7-night Rhine cruise, now £924 per person (was £1763pp). The cruise begins in scenic Luxembourg and meanders through some beautiful scenery along the Mosel, Rhine, Main and Main-Danube Canal, concluding in Nuremburg. The price again is all-inclusive of meals, champagne breakfasts, wine with dinner, wifi and use of on board bicycles and daily excursions.

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

Uniworld's Single Supplement Waiver

Solo travelers can cruise at NO additional charge this yea, as luxury river cruising specialist Uniworld waives single supplements on select 2011 departures. Book and pay the deposit at time of reservation to take advantage of these savings.

These savings apply to 12 European Itineraries including, Portugal, Spain, The Danube, Burgundy and Provence, Paris, The Rhine, Moselle, Main and Prague.

For full details of the cruises and offers, please visit:

www.uniworld.com/destinations/offers/Europe/733 or call the river-cruise specialists of The Cruise Line Ltd on 0800 008 6677.

Go Solo In Europe's Cultural Heart On A 5-Star River Cruise

According to award-winning river cruise operator, AMAWaterways, you're never alone on a European river cruise. The company maintain it's one of the easiest ways for a solo traveller to discover Europe's cultural highlights without lugging luggage, checking in and out of airports and hotels single handedly, or sitting conspicuously alone in a hotel restaurant. Daily guided excursions on-shore along the route and free seating at meal times ensure a sociable cruise atmosphere (without the sea sickness) and allow solo travellers to mingle as much or as little as they like.

AMAWaterways' river cruises along the Rhine and Danube take in Central Europe's riverside cities, vineyards and countryside, including some of the most picturesque surroundings. Departing in April 2011, there is a 7-night cruise through Holland and Belgium, passing carpets of colourful flowers and lush green countryside dotted with windmills and tours of historic towns and cities that include Antwerp and Ghent. Prices from £1439pp, saving £676 (cruise only).

Choose from these dates:

1st April, solo travellers £1439pp, saving £676
8th April, solo travellers £1499, saving £706
25th April, solo travellers £1629, saving £771

Cruise/Flight inclusive

1st April, solo travellers £1639pp, saving £676
8th April, solo travellers £1699, saving £706
25th April, solo travellers £1829, Saving £771

Cruise/Rail inclusive

1st April, solo travellers £1739pp, saving £676
8th April, solo travellers £1799, saving £706
25th April, solo travellers £1929, saving £771

Contact AMAWaterways on www.amawaterways.co.uk/ or contact one of the river-cruise specialists at UK cruise agents The Cruise Line Ltd (http://www.cruiseline.co.uk/, 0800 008 6677).

New Nile Cruising Pocket Guide

By guest blogger Steve Newman

The brand new Nile Cruising Pocket Guide (£5.99) is to be published on January 31 by Berlitz, the publishers of the annual Complete Guide to Cruising and Cruise Ships. The Nile guide provides a wealth of information on exploring the River Delta and recommends a slow and leisurely cruise on a felucca to gain a deeper understanding of Egyptian culture and of the many communities that thrive within a few metres of the riverbank.

The Pocket Guide outlines the selection of Nile River cruises available, listing sites that can be seen on each, with map references. Among the cruises are Luxor to Edfu, the quieter stretch from Edfu to Aswan - home of the Aga Khan Mausoleum - and Lake Nasser, with her barren but beautiful sandy-coloured mountains.

Suggestions are given for choosing the right cruise, along with an outline of a typical day aboard, including early starts to avoid the mid-day heat.

There are also helpful onboard hints and traveller tips, from security precautions through to learning about the fascinating Sufi spinners who accompany the musicians.

A large section of the Nile Cruising Pocket Guide is devoted to exploring Luxor, the start and end point for many of the Nile Cruises, with its myriad of famous sites from the Valley of the Kings to Karnak and the less well-known Mummification Museum. A double-page spread offers recommendations on how to spend ‘A perfect day’ in Luxor – beginning with a balloon flight, crossing over to the east bank for shopping in the souqs, taking a felucca ride along the Nile as the sun slowly sets behind the Valley of the Kings, and ending the day with a ride in a horse-drawn calèche to Karnak Temple.

There are recommendations for sports and outdoor activities including ballooning, camel and donkey trekking, as well as bowling and golf. Entertainment listings include tips on shopping – advising on the fun that can be had from haggling. There are details on eating out – what, where and how much to pay – as well as drinking, and the delights of smoking a sheesha (hubble-bubble) water pipe.

The Nile Cruising Berlitz Pocket Guide is written by Egypt specialist Chris Bradley and is available from bookshops or online at http://www.berlitzpublishing.com/, priced £5.99.

For further information on Nile Cruises, contact the river-cruise specialists of the Cruise Line Ltd on 0800 008 6677.

Save up to £1,450 per person on a cruise to Prague

To celebrate the New Year, luxury boutique river-cruise line Uniworld is offering some fantastic discounts. Save up to £1,450 per person with the ‘Manager’s Discount’ on the Treasures of Prague cruise that goes along the Rhine and Main rivers, if booked by January 31. This is a wonderful opportunity to see some of the most beautiful parts of Central Europe, as well as the fabled city of Prague, the ‘City of Spires’.

There are also other remarkable discounts available, with cruises on the Imperial Waterways of Russia, the enchanting Danube, Portugal , Spain and the Douro river, Castles along the Rhine, Paris and Normandy and Burgundy and Provence. Book by January 31 and you can look to savef up to £900 with the Manager’s Special Discount and from £150 if made before March 31.

Remember that the Uniworld ships are some of the most luxurious sailing the rivers of Europe and have the only Zagat-rated restaurants on the waterways. Other points of distinction include private car door-to-door transfer service, flights from your choice of departure airport and luxuriously appointed riverview staterooms. An added attraction for single people is that many cruises are now available without having to pay a singles supplement.

Check out http://www.uniworldrivercruises.co.uk/ or contact the river-cruise specialists at The Cruise Line Ltd.

Cruising The Nile

By guest blogger Steve Newman

Egypt has always had a fascination for the traveller. Cruising down the Nile also inspired Agatha Christie to write one her most famous novels involving Hercule Poirot.

Now, with the The Cruise Line, you can experience the kind of luxury and comfort yesteryear's travellers enjoyed.

Relax on board the MS Grand Preziosa and enjoy the exciting sights and breathtaking views from the expansive sun deck along Egypt’s landmark river. Back in the lounge bar, you can still enjoy the views – with panoramic windows looking across the Nile’s banks. Decorated in luxurious style throughout, with modern furnishings, this is one of the region's premier vessels.

Or maybe you'd prefer to try the luxurious 5-star 'Alexander the Great', a new concept on the Nile based on elegance and style. Facilities on board include the Red Fiesta restaurant situated on the third deck, with large panoramic windows overlooking the river and offering a variety of international cuisine from buffet breakfasts and lunches to a la carte dinners. The barbeque on the pool deck is also a great place to enjoy traditional oriental food and music under the stars. There is a bar and lounge located on the fourth deck, which provides another ideal meeting place. The sun deck is provided with a shaded area and loungers to relax and enjoy the views of the Nile, with a swimming pool and Jacuzzi, plus a bar offering drinks and light snacks.

For more information, visit the The Cruise Line Ltd.

Uniworld voted into "World's Top Cruise Lines"

By guest blogger Steve Newman.

Conde Nast Traveler has just announced their prestigious 2011 Gold List winners for the world's finest hotels, resorts and cruise lines and Uniworld Boutique River Cruises was included in the "World's Top Cruise Lines" category.

There is a total of 13 lines on the Gold List, with Uniworld being the only cruise line focusing 100 per cent on river cruising. The List is based on data collected from Conde Nast Traveler's annual Readers' Choice Survey by more than 25,000 of their readers.

"I am deeply honoured that Uniworld has been recognised once again in Conde Nast's prestigious Gold List. For the last several years, we have been consistently included on this list, and this reaffirms our commitment to delivering the best river cruise experience possible to our guests," said Matt Clapson, General Manager of Uniworld UK. "I am also very proud to be included in a list of well-respected cruise lines such as Crystal, Silversea, Seabourn and Regent."

Uniworld features elegant, boutique hotel-style ships designed for the experienced traveller, with an average capacity of 134 guests, expertly planned itineraries with custom-blended, included shore excursions, world-class cuisine and award-winning hospitality from an all-English speaking staff, with a ratio of one staff member to every three guests.

The company offers more than 500 departures on 35 itineraries sailing on 9 rivers in 16 countries throughout Europe, Egypt and China (above).

To find out more, visit http://www.uniworldrivercruises.co.uk/ or call UK cruise specialists The Cruise Line Ltd.

Up to £900 off per couple on 2011 River Cruises

By guest blogger Steve Newman

Luxury river cruise specialist Avalon Waterways is offering savings of up to £900 per couple on selected European river cruises during 2011.

Those wanting to enjoy the delights of the River Danube can choose from the 11-day ‘Legendary Danube’ or 13-day ‘Blue Danube Discovery,’ both offering £900 off per couple. The shorter itinerary of the 4-day ‘A Taste of the Danube’ has been discounted by £400 per couple on select dates throughout April, May and November. Even further east is the 13-day ‘Blue Danube to the Black Sea’ on March 30 and April 9 departures, saving £900 per couple.

Discounted river cruises in France include the 11-day ‘Burgundy & Provence’ river cruise or the 8-day ‘Paris to Normandy’s Landing Beaches' with £750 per couple to be saved on both on select April and May departures. Longer itineraries on Europe’s waterways include the 15-day ‘Magnificent Europe’ and 13-day ‘European Splendour,’ both offering £900 off per couple.

For more information, visit http://www.avaloncruises.co.uk/ or check with the cruise specialist agents of The Cruise Line Ltd on 0800 008 6677.