Over the years, river cruising has been increasingly popular among Australians who desire to explore the storied waterways of Europe.
With majestic rivers like the Danube, Rhine, Seine, Moselle, and Rhone winding through some of the region’s amazingly picturesque territories, a river cruise definitely highlights a memorable and immersive travel experience.
Moreover, major lines are now considering Australia as a growing market for river cruising and are now offering best-value deals to make Aussies’ dream river cruise experience more accessible. As a matter of fact, top luxury lines such as Avalon Waterways, AmaWaterways, Tauck, and Uniworld are pulling out all the stops with special offers, discounted fares, and value-added amenities.
Here are four enticing river cruise deals for Australians looking to explore Europe or Asia by water, featuring AmaWaterways, Avalon Waterways, Tauck and Uniworld:
1. The Danube River Cruise: Nuremberg to Budapest with AmaWaterways
Itinerary
Immerse yourself in the cultural and historical wonders of Central Europe on this AmaWaterways cruise along the Danube River from Nuremberg to Budapest. This Danube River Cruise gets you to explore Vienna including the majestic Opera House as well as the former Imperial Palace of the Habsburgs and the breathtaking gems of Budapest.
Deal
AmaWaterways frequently offers enticing river cruise deals for Australian guests. Currently, they have a 7-night Legendary Danube cruise offering where you can save up to AU$1500 per person on select 2025 river cruise dates. This offer may also include bonus onboard credit or pre-paid gratuities. Be sure to check their website for the latest deals.
2. The Romantic Rhine Cruise: Amsterdam to Basel with Avalon Waterways
Itinerary
Embark on a journey through the heart of Europe on this Avalon Waterways cruise along the Rhine River, from Amsterdam to Basel. You’ll see medieval castles, charming vineyards, and historic towns nestled along the riverbanks. You’ll enjoy a guided walk in Heidelberg to visit the famed Heidelberg Castle and the iconic Great Vat, the “World’s Largest Wine Barrel.” This -8-day river sailing highlights activities that include wine tasting in Breisach and a visit to Vogtsbauernohf open-air-museum.
Deal
Avalon Waterways currently has a “Europe River Cruise Sale” featuring an 8-day Romantic Rhine cruise with savings of up to AU$1,750 per person. This river cruise deal is offered at AU$3924 from AU$5674 per person. This Amsterdam-embarked cruise is scheduled on November 9, 2024.
3. The French Waterways Cruise: Paris to Normandy with Tauck
Itinerary
Immerse yourself in the elegance and history of France on this Tauck river cruise. This captivating journey along the Seine River takes you from the City of Lights, Paris, to the charming Normandy region, known for its D-Day beaches and medieval tapestry.
Deal
Tauck highlights several river cruise deals via the Seine River. One of the featured itineraries is the line’s 12-day Cruising the Seine, plus Paris & London. This all inclusive voyage is offered at AU$14,968 (US$9,990) per person. Tauck is renowned for its all-inclusive river cruises featuring gratuities, shore excursions, meals, drinks, and even international airfare. Moreover, they may also offer occasional promotions for specific itineraries or for bookings made well in advance. Be sure to check their website and contact a Tauck specialist for the latest deals.
For those who plan to explore the French Waterway via Tauck, there are only limited slots scheduled on June 6 and August 28, 2024.
4. The Grand France experience: Arles to Paris with Uniworld
Itinerary
Discover France from north to south while journeying through three rivers on this Uniworld journey. This river cruise deal allows you to experience Monet’s beloved Giverny, the ever-charming Viviers, and Lyon’s iconic passageways, the Traboules. Moreover, this France-focused itinerary also offers guests to explore and enjoy the breathtaking beaches of Normandy and the vistas of Burgundy and Provence.
Deal
As the world’s best and most awarded luxury river cruise line, Uniworld keeps its promise of offering bucket-listed itineraries across Europe, South America, and Asia. This year, the line highlights an array of river cruises that explore France’s stunning wonders. One of the best value offerings is the 15-day Grand France river cruise from Arles to Paris. This voyage is now offered for as low as AU$10,499 per person.
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Tips for Finding the Best River Cruise Deals:
- Book Early: Many river cruise companies offer “Early Bird” discounts for bookings made well in advance.
- Consider Shoulder Seasons: Traveling during the shoulder seasons (spring and fall) can lead to better deals compared to peak travel times.
- Look for Package Deals: Some companies offer packages that include flights, shore excursions, and onboard credit, which can provide overall savings.
- Compare Prices: Utilize cruise comparison websites or travel agents to compare prices across different companies and itineraries.
