Aqua Expeditions (
www.aquaexpeditions.com): this specialist river operation on the Upper Amazon in Peru (and on the Mekong in Vietnam/Cambodia in 2014) features two superbly comfortable riverboats operating 7-day round-trips out of Iquitos. Taking just 24 guests at a time, it offers a wonderful and personal close-up deep into the heart of the rainforest, opening up a whole new world of rarely-seen scenery (like the amazing Pacaya Samiria Reserve) and native cultures. Expert guides, great food, friendly service and a unique cruise environment complete the picture for those who like to get off the beaten cruise track yet still enjoy a relaxed, casual five-star style. The new Mekong River operation promises similar style and quality with a 40-passenger luxury vessel when the Aqua Mekong starts operations in early 2014. More info: in the UK, call the Adventure Cruise Collection of the Cruise Line Ltd on 0800 008 6677.
Avalon Cruises (
www.avaloncruises.co.uk): this UK river-cruise line features a high-quality fleet of 12 superbly spacious European riverboats – the majority less than 5 years old – on the Danube, Rhine, Rhone, Main, Seine and Moselle. European voyages also come with a series of themed cruises, notably Jazz (Vienna), Classical Music (Salzburg), Wine (Paris) and Flowers (Amsterdam), plus Christmas voyages to the great festive markets in Germany, Austria and the Czech Republic. They also feature river voyages in Egypt and China, as well as a new riverboat on the Mekong in Vietnam and Cambodia. More info: call 0800 668 1802.
European Waterways (
www.gobarging.com): own and operate barges on European rivers and canals through seven countries, including Britain and Ireland. Most carry from 6-15 people and are ideal for a family or house party holiday. Most of the 21 vessels are first class or superior first class rated. They operate in 15 different regions throughout Scotland, Ireland, France, Holland, Belgium, Luxembourg and Germany, plus the Venetian Lagoon in Italy. More info: call 01753 598 555 or (in the US) 1877 879 8808.
Halong Heritage Cruises (
www.heritagecruise.net): A truly unique coastal-cruise operator in Vietnam, specialising in Halong Bay in a luxury modern interpretation of a traditional Junk boat. Activities include kayaking, scuba-diving and swimming in the tranquil waters of this UNESCO World Heritage site, accompanied by expert guides and instructors. Sumptuous cabins and service are accompanied by wonderful local and international cuisine, with cruises of 1, 2 or 3 days.
InnerSea Discoveries (
www.innerseadiscoveries.com): the small- scale, adventuring arm of American Safari Cruises, they label themselves the “un-cruise” experience, with three ships carrying from just 60-76 passengers. Sailing purely around Alaska and Hawaiian coastal waters where the big ships don’t go, they have been refurbished with interior spaces to complement the wilderness outside and main lounges that evoke the feeling of a National Park lodge or neighbourhood pub, plus underwater bow cameras, hot tubs, saunas, fitness equipments; and a kayak launch platform for their many water-borne activities. Other facilities are high-quality cuisines derived from local sources and top-class lecture and activity programmes. More info: call (in the US) 1877 901 1009.
Noble Caledonia (
www.noble-caledonia.co.uk): this British-based tour operator features various excursions by land, sea and river cruise, with a huge variety of chartered expedition-style vessels, from ice-hardened adventurers (Ocean Nova and Quest) to small boutique ships (Caledonian Sky and Island Sky). They feature some of the most adventurous programmes to far-flung corners of the world – including both ice-caps – as well as luxury cruise-tours. More info: 020 7752 0000.
North Star (
www.northstarcruises.com.au): an Australian operator, they specialise in high-quality adventure cruises for the discerning traveller along the magnificent Kimberley coast, across to Darwin, Sydney and Papua New Guinea. The 36-passenger True North operates with a luxurious touch, featuring fine dining (from freshly- caught barramundi to exquisite lamb) and personal service while offering true adventuring style, with its own onboard naturalist, expedition boats and even a helicopter. More info: call (in Australia) 61 8 91921 829.
Pandaw Cruises (
www.pandaw.com): sail the rivers of South-East Asia with this specialist operator in Burma, Vietnam and Cambodia. With 10 new, deluxe ships – all replica colonial steamers – taking from 48-66 guests, they offer excellent accommodations, service and dining while travelling some of the most exotic waters in the world. The adventure aspect of their voyages is guaranteed, too, with local guides to provide first-hand insights at every stop. More info: in the UK, call the Cruise Line Ltd on 0800 008 6677.
Scenic Tours (
www.scenictours.com): European river cruising in style (plus tours of Australia and New Zealand) is the guarantee of this Aussie operator, based in Vancouver. Their fleet of 8 new ships are more spacious than the norm and feature private balcony suites and an all-new interior design with larger public rooms, including an open-air teak deck adjoining the observation lounge. Operating along the Rhine, Main, Saone, Rhone, Moselle and Danube, and in Russia, inclusive of gratuities and shore excursions. Their escorted land tours include an amazing range of landscapes and cities, from New Zealand and South America to Europe and Africa. More info: call (in the US) 1866 689 8611.
Tauck (
www.tauck.com): arguably some of the finest European river-cruise options are offered by this American operator, who also specialise in deluxe escorted tours worldwide. Voyages on the Rhine, Moselle, Danube, Rhone and Saone all feature the latest and most refined boats, impeccable service, top-class cuisine and superb escorted excursions – including exclusive events and tours for Tauck guests only – with the benefit of extra-large cabins and special meals ashore to provide a true taste of the regions travelled. Everything is included, from gratuities to wine with dinner. More info: call (in the US) 1800 788 7885.
Uniworld (
www.uniworldrivercruises.co.uk and
www.uniworld.com): a hugely expansive river-cruise programme is their stock in trade, featuring much of Europe, China, the Nile and the Black Sea in great style. With 13 high-quality riverboats on the Danube, Rhine, Main, Moselle, Rhine, Saone, and Douro (Portugal and Spain); another 5 in China; 2 on the Nile in Egypt; one on the Russian waterways and an all-new operation to Vietnam and Cambodia on the Mekong River, this is a luxury all-inclusive option, like being in a gracious boutique European hotel, with all shore excursions and complimentary wine, beer and soft drinks at dinner, plus sumptuously-furnished staterooms. More info: call travel partners Titan Travel in the UK on 0800 988 5867 or, in the US, 1800 733 7820.
Variety Cruises (
www.varietycruises.com): superb ultra-deluxe way to tour the Greek isles, Adriatic, Italy, South France and Malta, plus Cuba and the Seychelles, with 11 modern sailing ships and super-yachts accommodating from 10 to 72 on an individual booking or whole-boat charter basis. Excellent food and low-key entertainments/activities, focusing on small ports of call where the big ships seldom venture. Ideal for honeymooners and more active couples, with that pampered millionaire feeling.
Viking River Cruises (
www.vikingrivercruises.co.uk/com): this joint tour operator/river cruise operation is the biggest in Europe, with a huge fleet, most of which are superior first-class rated, notably their superb new ‘Longships.’ They feature a huge programme across Europe and even to Russia and China. They operate on: Rhine, Main, Danube, Mosel, Elbe, Seine, Rhone, Saone, Dnieper (Russia and Ukraine) and Yangtze (China), plus a 15-day Mekong River voyage through Vietnam and Cambodia. Christmas cruises are another speciality, along with itineraries rich in culture and history. More info: call in the UK on 0808 159 7386, or in the US on 1800 706 1843.
WWinter 2012-13 inter 2012-13 I WORLD OF CRUISING 93
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