THE BEST OF THE REST
This selection of river cruise operators tend not to be the household names, but each offers something a little different to suit all tastes
TAUCK
Long established American family owned tour company with worldwide escorted tour programme and growing river cruise operation in Europe. High quality, no nonsense pricing policy, ie what you see is what you pay. Always in demand and still a bit of an unknown product in the UK market. We grade as 5star
SCENIC and EMERALD WATERWAYS
Well know Australian owned operation, featured in lots of UK newspaper and magazine advertising. Scenic operates in the luxury market, although sometimes flatters to deceive, whereas Emerald is firmly established in the 4star market and sees Viking as its direct competitor. Ship design for both brands is more or less identical, with Scenic cabins/suites being generally slightly larger and having a more inclusive product
APT LUXURY RIVER CRUISES
Australian owned with large European river programme using specific chartered ships from AmaWaterways. All inclusive product, well put together, reliable and professional. Good value when promotional offers become available. We grade as 4starPlus
TRAVELMARVEL
Sister company to APT Luxury River Cruises, offering a good, reliable 3starPlus product. Decent size cabins throughout. Mix of Australian and British guests. Wine, beer and soft drinks included at lunch and dinner. Tipping and excursions
also included. New ships will debut in 2022
AMERICAN CRUISE LINES
Well established and highly regarded US inland waterways and river operator. Features the Mississippi and Columbia/Snake rivers with a variety of durations and start/finish points. All modern fleet, the Queen of the Mississippi, the Queen of the North, American Pride and the new America. We grade as 4star
AMERICAN QUEEN STEAMBOAT COMPANY
Main competitor to American Cruise Lines and they operate the largest riverboat ever built on the Mississippi. Also feature the Columbia/Snake rivers. Lively onboard atmosphere aboard the American Queen and the American Empress.
We grade as 4star
PANDAW RIVER ADVENTURES
Long established operation in Asia with emphasis on the Irrawaddy, the Mekong and the Ganges. Beautifully restored vessels evoking an era of the colonial past, hand-on approach. Lots of river itinerary options and durations plus add-on land stays at start or end. Ideal for those that want a very local river experience. We grade as 4star
For further information and impartial advice, please call 01425 485100