Still longing to see Europe even though the dollar has slumped further against the Euro? Well, river cruising might be the answer. The cost savings on a Europe river cruise is substantial for Americans. You pay with the dollar before you go and there are few out-of-pocket expenses when you are there.

There are cruises for most budgets and there are a myriad of destinations including some wonderfully new, popular destinations in Eastern Europe and Russia.

A river cruise experience is quite different from that of ocean cruising.
Lets Compare:

• In the first place, there are generally no more than about 200 passengers on a river cruise as compared to thousands on an ocean cruise. You can forget about swarms of people leaving and boarding the ship.
• Second, river cruises dock in the heart of the city, not miles away. When you get off the boat, you are right there in the center of the town or city you are visiting… how refreshing!
• The scenery along the river is lovely and interesting unlike the miles of blue outside your ocean portal.
• Although rivers have a current, there is no comparison to the ocean’s choppiness and swells. You won’t need dramamine on a river cruise.
• And unlike ocean cruises, most river cruises don’t nickel and dime you to death. Most river cruises include wine with dinner and shore excursions, some even include bikes so you can bike alongside your boat for a little exercise!
• River cruises are intimate and relaxing. There are usually no Broadway-type shows, no casinos, no over-the-top glitz. Just an opportunity to really see Europe at its best.

Here is a run-down on some of the more popular river cruise lines. Remember that you can book directly with the cruise line, but you will pay no more to book with a travel agent.Your agent will offer his or her experience and be there for you throughout the planning process.

AMA Waterways

 The AMA Cruise is all inclusive; shore trips and all on-board services and activities. Special highlights include folklore performances, lectures, theme dinners, and local activities. Smoking is not allowed except on the sun deck. While most staff and crew are multi-lingual, English is the only language for annoucements and general communication. Amadeus has itineraries throughout Eastern and Western Europe.

Viking River Cruises
Viking is the world’s largest river cruise company. With a fleet of 18 deluxe ships and 35 unique itineraries, Viking offers more destinations than any other river cruise line. This cruise company provides all meals, but not beverages in the booking fee. All Viking crew speak English and a total non-smoking environment is provided.

Tauck Cruises
Striving for perfection, Tauck is one of the finest tour companies in the world. All riverboats used by Tauck are limited to a maximum of 118 guests, making for an intimate voyage. All shore excursions are included, with a choice of sightseeing opportunities in many cities. On-board meals include wine with dinner, and all gratuities to ship staff are included in the booking fee..

Avalon Waterways 
Avalon Waterways is part of the Globus family of travel brands and is a newer entry in the Europe river cruise business. Wine is included with all onboard dinners and there is a non-alcoholic alternative available. Smoking is only permitted on the Sky Deck and much of the sightseeing is included in the booking fee.

Uniworld

Uniworld owns and operates eight Grand River cruise ships, offering cruising across Europe.  All cruises provide complimentary wine with dinner, shore excursions at no additional charge, English speaking staff, and transfers on arrival day and departure day.

Now is the time to book your Europe river cruise !