River cruising has returned with a vengeance, with new fleets from some of our favourite lines, reports Teresa Ooi.

 Viking River Cruises

After a 16-month hiatus, Viking Cruises returned to French rivers in July with the launch of four new longships – Viking Fjorgyn, Viking Kari, Viking Radgrid and Viking Skaga. The line offers various itineraries on the Seine, Rhône and Garonne rivers, as well as the Rhine and Douro rivers.

With al fresco Aquavit Terrace casual dining aboard every ship, Viking longships are designed with understated elegance and comfort with spacious staterooms. Each ship has 84 cabins accommodating up to 168 passengers.

The ships, which dock at a scenic location near the Eiffel Tower, are now famous as a perfect getaway for people longing for a romantic French escape.

“France is at the top of our guest’s travel list, so we are delighted that our river vessels are once again sailing in this beloved destination,” says Viking chairman Torstein Hagen.

Avalon Waterways

Avalon Waterways has been sailing safely and successfully since July and its fleet has resumed sailing on the major European rivers through the 2021 season and beyond. But because of the pandemic and heightened travel restrictions across Australia, New Zealand and Asia, Avalon has temporarily paused operations for travellers from the Asia-Pacific region through to December 31, 2021.

The line’s latest ship, Avalon View, features two decks of Panorama Suites featuring wall-to-wall and floor-to-ceiling windows that transform the living space into a unique open-air balcony. Avalon View offers exceptional cuisine and premium coffee and spirits at the casual Panorama Bistro, al fresco Sky Grill or the elegant glass-walled Dining Room.

The ship’s Club Lounge is particularly popular with passengers, with 24-hour self-serve beverage stations with coffee, tea, hot chocolate and treats on the house. It has 67 suites and 16 staterooms and can accommodate up to 164 passengers.

Avalon View will sail various itineraries on the Rhine from Frankfurt, with visits to Koblenz and Cologne.

Uniworld

Uniworld’s SS Le Venezia was the first river ship to launch during the European season. She set sail from Venice in June this year.

Once known as the River Countess, the ship has been reimagined as one of Uniworld’s Super Ships that now sail northern Italy. Famed Italian artist and fabric designer Mariano Fortuny inspired the redesign of the reborn vessel.

“For our guests, this means a setting and style of service that is wholly immersive in the enduring fascination and magic that is Venice; and is born from more than 100 years of experience,” said Uniworld CEO and president Ellen Bettridge at the unveiling of the new ship last year.

The ship can accommodate up to 126 guests and has five classes of staterooms, all capturing the design elements of Venice. Rialto, the main restaurant, serves traditional Venetian cuisines, while Hari’s Bar and Lounge, La Cantinetta and Cielo’s offer more casual dining options.

AmaWaterways

The line launched the elegant 156-passenger AmaLucia this year with comfortable and contemporary twin-balcony staterooms, a sundeck walking track and a pool with swim-up bar. There’s tempting tapas served all day, free high-speed WiFi and a complimentary fleet of bicycles. You can explore European cities on guided bike tours or take a bike and go exploring on your own.

Whether it’s traditional Bavarian music, modern piano favourites or a local quartet, there’s always an eclectic schedule of entertainment on board. Itineraries include a seven-night legendary Danube sailing from Nuremberg to Budapest, and an enchanting seven-night journey from Basel to Amsterdam.

Riviera Travel

The line’s newest ship, the 176-passenger Geoffrey Chaucer, debuted last year, sailing the Danube, Rhine and Main rivers. With two dining venues, a small fitness centre, spa, small pool, putting green and ample deck space, the ship offers a comfortable ‘home base’ to explore Europe.

European itineraries include eight nights from Bruges through medieval Flanders and Amsterdam, and the classic eight-night Blue Danube river cruise, a round trip from Budapest.