Best river cruises for next summer

WHAT TO EXPECT ON OUR NEWLY REFURBISHED SHIPS

Our three ships – TUI Isla, TUI Maya and TUI Skyla – have been treated to a multi-million pound makeover. So, you can set your expectations high when it comes to what to expect onboard. The numbers speak for themselves – it took 105 contractors 120 days to refit the ships from bow to stern, using 375 litres of paint, over 10,000m2 of flooring, and installing more than 2,000 pieces of furniture in the process. The existing restaurant on each ship was converted into a pair of eateries – Verdastro, an elegant dining spot, and Bistro, which comes complete with floor-to-ceiling river views. Two brand-new bars were also built on each ship – the Observatory and the Club Lounge, specialising in coffee and cocktails. The top deck has been completely revamped and kitted out with special zones for activities including yoga, Pilates, barbecues, and an area that’s reserved for relaxation and river views.

WHAT’S NEW FOR NEXT SUMMER?

Now, on to the news you’ve all been waiting for – next summer’s sailings. First off, the headlines. We’ve added 11 new itineraries to our summer line-up – that’s a total of 24 itineraries to choose from, ticking off more than 60 destinations, from Amsterdam to the Black Sea coast. There are some new faces in our country line-up, too – for the first time, we’re offering itineraries calling in at Bulgaria and Romania. And, we’re giving you more flexibility than ever, thanks to our new durations. Our short sailings – three, four, or five nights – mean that you can dip your toe in the river cruising waters, or fit in a sailing if you’re short on time. Or, if you’re keen to set off on a longer sailing, but don’t fancy one of our 14-night itineraries, you’ve now got a selection of nine-night cruises to pick from. Want to know more? We’ve picked out some of our favourite new sailings – or sailings where we’ve added new ports of call – below.

1. THREE GRAND CAPITALS 

The clue’s in the name with this three-night sailing. You’ll get to tick off a trio of Europe’s famous capital cities. You’ll start things off in Budapest, in Hungary. This city’s carved in two by the Danube – hilly Buda is on one side of the river, and Pest, where you’ll find the city’s famous parliament building, is on the other. Then, you’ll sail on to Slovakia’s capital city, Bratislava. The city’s hilltop castle’s the highlight here, and thanks to its lofty location, you’ll be hard-pressed to miss it. The final city on your list is Vienna, in Austria. You’ll see evidence of its culture-packed past – and present – around every corner. And, your sailing’s rounded off with an overnight stay here. So, you can take in one of Vienna’s famous operas, or simply explore the city’s streets by night.

2. A TASTE OF THE NETHERLANDS

This Rhine river itinerary spans four nights and includes an overnight stay in arty Amsterdam. So, you can rest assured that you’ll have plenty of time to get the measure of this canal-crossed city. You’ll set sail in Dusseldorf, Germany, which is one of the most modern cities you’ll find on the banks of the Rhine. Then, it’s time to sail steadily back in time, as you make your way to the Netherlands’ Arnhem – which is packed with World War Two-era history – before stopping off in Rotterdam, where you can see the likes of 600-year-old churches. Then, you’ll round off your trip with a night in Amsterdam.

3. UPPER DANUBE DISCOVERY

This nine-night sailing is full to the brim with luxury. You’ll take in a fit-for-a-king line-up palaces, basilicas and castles as you sail along the Danube, calling in at a total of seven ports. Country-wise, once you’re home, you’ll be able to cross Germany, Austria, Slovakia and Hungary off your to-visit list. As well as some big-name ports – like Budapest and Vienna – under-the-radar spots like Kremz and Esztergom are on the cards on this cruise.

4. HISTORICAL DANUBE

If you’re drawn to the Danube by the historical hotspots that it hosts, this nine-night itinerary has your name written all over it. You’ll sail through palace-packed Vienna, pastel-painted Melk, and the monastery town of Durnstein, which boasts a crumbling castle that once held Richard the Lionheart prisoner. Regensburg is another one of your historical hotspot stops – here, you can admire architecture that dates all the way back to the 11th century. All in all, you’ll visit eight pretty ports on this cruise.

5. DANUBE DELTA DISCOVERY

We’ve added six exciting new ports of call to our Danube Delta Discovery cruise. First up, there’s Giurgiu in Romania. This city’s been dubbed the Paris of the East, thanks to its treasure trove of churches and romantic parks. Plus, you’ll make a stop in Ruse in Bulgaria, which features more museums than you can shake a history guidebook at. And, its elegant architecture has earned it a nickname – the pearl of the Danube. Plus, if you’re a fan of history, you’ll have plenty to keep you busy during your stop in Constanta – Romania’s oldest city.

Set on sailing next summer? 
 

Check out our full line-up of sailings for next year. Or, if you’re after some more inspo, have a read of our highlights of a Main, Moselle, and Danube river cruise. 

 
Pssst. Head to the Discover homepage for our latest articles.  
 

Author: Hannah Stratton