RIVER CRUISES
River cruising combines relaxation, wellness and culture, writes Carol Driver
EXPLORE tucked-away towns and bustling cities, while sailing in luxury along the world’s famous waterways on a river cruise. It’s the ideal holiday for those who want to discover multiple destinations and enjoy the finer things in life – while only unpacking once.
From personalised itineraries and bike tours to on-board spas and al fresco dining, these all-inclusive breaks cater for all interests.
Here are nine of the best river cruises that will make you want to start packing your suitcase right away!
TUI
Discover lesser-known places and hop off at popular destinations – from Amsterdam and Budapest to Oberwesel and Koblenz – on these adults-only floating boutique hotels.
Leave the experts to personalise your itinerary, and enjoy learning about local culture on a guided tour or relaxing on the top deck with a drink in hand. Unwind after a day of sightseeing with yoga or Pilates, or take a dip in the whirlpool. Dine al fresco and enjoy a sumptuous meal before retiring to the Club Lounge – complete with digital fireplace – for a post-dinner drink. tui.co.uk
SCENIC
Cruising the great rivers of Europe – the Rhine or the Danube – or Asia’s Mekong and Irrawaddy, makes for the perfect laid-back holiday. As well as all-inclusive itineraries, there’s plenty to do in between destinations. Enjoy the wellness centre, which offers massages and facials, and a salt therapy lounge that focuses on treatments to boost the respiratory and immune system. Afterwards, stroll the sun deck walking track or embark on a cycling adventure with a complimentary ebike. Scenic’s Southeast Asia cruises also offer yoga, facilities and breakfast wellness shots. scenic.co.uk
A-ROSA
Cruise the Rhine, Danube, Rhone or Seine, then book a bike tour with a sightseeing guide to get to know Europe’s most beautiful cities inside out, or take you through stunning countryside and into historic towns.
A-Rosa’s ships offer a spa, relaxation rooms, sauna, gym, swimming pools and a whirlpool. So, relaxing on board is easy. There are also fitness classes and water aerobics. Next year marks the launch of a new ship designed with families in mind – it thoughtfully features a children’s pool. arosa-cruises.co.uk
AVALON WATERWAYS
Set your own pace on board an Avalon river cruise. Choose to explore by boat, bike or hike as you cruise the Galapagos, the Ganges, Mekong or Nile. If you prefer, just sit and watch the world go by from a café. Learn how to prepare local dishes, paint like the greats, or chill with a glass of wine on board, while centuries of history pass slowly by. An Avalon Adventure Host is on hand to help you organise your day – or explore each destination solo with the AvalonGO app. avalonwaterways.co.uk
AMA WATERWAYS
Guests are promised a ‘transformative journey that nourishes the mind, body and spirit’, with wellness at its heart. Choose daily fitness classes, including cardio, yoga and dance, then book hiking and biking excursions as you sail in luxury through Europe, Asia or Africa.
Spend time in the large Zen Wellness Studio that hosts spinning classes and also has a juice bar. And it doesn’t stop there. The on-board menu includes gluten-free and low-sodium choices, plus local seasonal fruits and delicious vegetable-based dishes, promoting a healthy lifestyle inside and out. amawaterways.co.uk