Rhine River Cruises

CRUISE SPECIAL - IN CELEBRATION OF WINE CRUISE 2012 NOV 8 AND NOV 11 DEPARTURE
BOOK BY MAY 31 2012 AND SAVE $500 PER STATEROOM AND RECEIVE A $300 SHIPBOARD CREDIT PER STATEROOM
(limited cabin stock and subject to availability)

CRUISE SPECIAL 2 - 10% DISCOUNT FOR ALL 2013 DEPARTURES
(Discount is valid in each cabin category on a limited cabin stock and subject to availability)

ITINERARY - 2013 - Enchanting Rhine - (scroll down for 2012 itinerary)

Day 1 ARRIVE IN AMSTERDAM, HOLLAND - EMBARKATION
Arrive in charming Amsterdam and embark your luxurious river cruise ship. Meet your fellow travelers tonight at the Welcome Dinner. (D)
Day 2 AMSTERDAM
After breakfast, your tour of Amsterdam begins with a scenic canal cruise through the city known as the “Venice of the North.” See the beautiful homes that line the water, the fabled Skinny Bridge, and the famous Anne Frank House. Then, enjoy a panoramic city tour, where you will see the great landmarks of Amsterdam including a photo stop at a Windmill. Afterwards, enjoy some free time to explore Amsterdam before returning to the ship. (B,L,D)
Day 3 COLOGNE, GERMANY
Arrive in Colognefor a guided walking tour through the old part of the city and a visit to the fabled 13th-century gothic cathedral. As an alternative to a walking tour, take a guided bike tour (capacity controlled). Late tonight, the ship sails to Rüdesheim. (B,L,D)
Day 4 RÜDESHEIM
This morning, sail through the fascinating Rhine Gorge, passing castle after castle and the infamous Lorelei Rock. This afternoon, arrive in Rüdesheim, where you will enjoy an afternoon wine tasting with a local vintner. Explore the Drosselgasse, a narrow alley lined with wine taverns and restaurants during your free time. This evening, visit the historic Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum, housing a remarkable collection of robotic and self-playing musical instruments from the 18th to 20th centuries. (B,L,D)
Day 5 SPEYER - HEIDELBERG
This afternoon, arrive in Speyer, one of Germany’s oldest cities, known for the Speyer Cathedral, many churches and the Altpörtel (old gate) with a 13th-century gate tower. Choose either a city tour of medieval Speyer or half day excursion to Heidelberg, where you will visit the red-walled Castle, with its Great Vat, a 49,000-gallon 18th-century wine cask, and beautiful views of the Neckar Valley and Heidelberg below. As an alternative, a guided bike tour is also available in Speyer (capacity controlled). Late this afternoon, the ship sails to Strasbourg, France. (B,L,D)
Day 6 STRASBOURG, FRANCE
Capital and principal city of the Alsace region in northeastern France, Strasbourg is situated on the Ill River, where it flows into the Rhine on the border with Germany. Enjoy a canal cruise of this picturesque town, known for its black and white timber-framed buildings, covered bridges and medieval watchtowers. Then take a walking tour through this charming town lined with narrow cobbled streets. See the European Parliament and visit the “La Petite France” district, where you will see the sandstone gothic cathedral with its famous astronomical clock. The remainder of the day is at your leisure. In the afternoon, a guided bicycle tour (capacity controlled) will take you past the Orangery, the town’s oldest park, the European Parliament, and Place de la Republique. The ship moors overnight. (B,L,D)
Day 7 BREISACH - COLMAR, FRANCE
Today, choose between a city tour of Colmar or a tour through the famous Black Forest region of Germany. On the Black Forest tour, enjoy your drive through a scenic forested area where you will encounter a number of lakes as well as charming examples of rural architecture. Your tour will include a stop at a cuckoo clock factory. As an alternative, choose to travel to medieval Colmar, situated along the Alsatian Wine Route and the self-proclaimed “Capital of Alsatian Wine.” During your city tour, you will see remarkable half-timbered framed houses; the German influenced old quarter filled with streets of unexpected twists and turns; canals and the Launch River. You will also enjoy a wine cellar visit and wine tasting, where you will enjoy several different wines, presented along with bread, knowledgeable hosts, and plenty of laughter. Late tonight, the ship set sails for Basel, Switzerland. (B,L,D)
Day 8 BASEL, SWITZERLAND - DISEMBARKATION - LUCERNE
Disembark after breakfast for a city tour of cosmopolitan Basel. Long an important university, banking and trade center, Basel’s glorious past is still evident in its medieval Town Hall and exquisite 18th-century patrician homes. After free time for lunch on your own, depart for Lucerne. You will visit the Lion Monument en route and arrive mid-afternoon to check in to the hotel. (B)
Day 9 LUCERNE
Situated on Lake Lucerne, the city is a medieval gem. After breakfast, enjoy a walking tour that will explore some of the city’s famous cobblestone streets, monuments, fountain-embellished public squares, covered bridges and colorful frescoed buildings. The afternoon offers free time to shop for watches, knives and world-famous chocolates. Or, you can join the optional tour and cable car ride (seasonal) to the top of Mount Pilatus, the mountain which dominates the city. Then return trip from the mountain on the engineering marvel, the world’s steepest cogwheel railway. (B)
Day 10 LUCERNE - ZURICH
Enjoy a free morning in Lucerne before checking out of your hotel. Afterwards, you will cruise across the tranquil waters of Lake Lucerne to Vitznau. Upon arrival in Vitznau, you will board a motor coach for a scenic drive to Zurich, where you will check into the hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure. (B)
Day 11 ZURICH
Your morning walking tour of picturesque Zurich will include Grossmünster, St.Peter, with the largest church clock face in the world, Old Town, Town Hall and Fraumünster, which was fully renovated in 2004 and now offers an exceptional 360° panoramic view of Zurich. The afternoon and evening are free for you to explore the town on your own. (B)
Day 12 DEPART ZURICH
After breakfast, optional transfer to the airport for your return flight home. (B)

2013 Itinerary overview:

2012 ITINERARY (Enchanting Rhine)

DAY 1, ARRIVE IN AMSTERDAM, HOLLAND – EMBARKATION
Arrive in charming Amsterdam and embark your luxurious river cruise ship. Meet your fellow travelers tonight at the Welcome Dinner. (D)

DAY 2, AMSTERDAM
After breakfast, your tour of Amsterdam begins with a scenic canal cruise through the city known as the “Venice of the North.” See the beautiful homes that line the water, the fabled Skinny Bridge, and the famous Anne Frank House. Then, enjoy a panoramic city tour, where you will see the great landmarks of Amsterdam including a photo stop at a Windmill. Afterwards, enjoy some free time to explore Amsterdam before returning to the ship. (B,L,D)

DAY 3, DÜSSELDORF – COLOGNE, GERMANY
Arrive in Düsseldorf this morning and take a motor coach to Venlo, where you will have the unique opportunity to visit the Floriade World Horticultural Expo. Bringing together more than 100 exhibitors from dozens of countries, the Floriade Expo grounds will feature five themed zones connected by wooded areas. Each of the zones contains its own horticultural exhibits, cultural attractions, activities, restaurants, music, dance and theatrical performances. Rejoin the ship for lunch, which is now docked in Cologne. Enjoy a guided walking tour through the old part of the city and a visit to the fabled 13th-century gothic cathedral. As an alternative to a walking tour, take a guided bike tour (capacity controlled). Late tonight, the ship sails to Rüdesheim. (B,L,D)

DAY 4, RÜDESHEIM
This morning, sail through the fascinating Rhine Gorge, passing castle after castle and the infamous Lorelei Rock. This afternoon, arrive in Rüdesheim, where you will enjoy an afternoon wine tasting with a local vintner. Explore the Drosselgasse, a narrow alley lined with wine taverns and restaurants during your free time. This evening, visit the historic Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum, housing a remarkable collection of robotic and self-playing musical instruments from the 18th to 20th centuries. (B,L,D)

DAY 5, SPEYER – HEIDELBERG
This afternoon, arrive in Speyer, one of Germany’s oldest cities, known for the Speyer Cathedral, many churches and the Altpörtel (old gate) with a 13th-century gate tower. Choose either a city tour of medieval Speyer or half day excursion to Heidelberg, where you will visit the red-walled Castle, with its Great Vat, a 49,000-gallon 18th-century wine cask, and beautiful views of the Neckar Valley and Heidelberg below. As an alternative, a guided bike tour is also available in Speyer (capacity controlled). Late this afternoon, the ship sails to Strasbourg, France. (B,L,D)

DAY 6, STRASBOURG, FRANCE
Capital and principal city of the Alsace region in northeastern France, Strasbourg is situated on the Ill River, where it flows into the Rhine on the border with Germany. Enjoy a canal cruise of this picturesque town, known for its black and white timber-framed buildings, covered bridges and medieval watchtowers. Then take a walking tour through this charming town lined with narrow cobbled streets. See the European Parliament and visit the “La Petite France” district, where you will see the sandstone gothic cathedral with its famous astronomical clock. The remainder of the day is at your leisure. In the afternoon, a guided bicycle tour (capacity controlled) will take you past the Orangery, the town’s oldest park, the European Parliament, and Place de la Republique. The ship moors overnight. (B,L,D)

DAY 7, BREISACH – COLMAR, FRANCE
Today, choose between a city tour of Colmar or a tour through the famous Black Forest region of Germany. On the Black Forest tour, enjoy your drive through a scenic forested area where you will encounter a number of lakes as well as charming examples of rural architecture. Your tour will include a stop at a cuckoo clock factory. As an alternative, choose to travel to medieval Colmar, situated along the Alsatian Wine Route and the self-proclaimed “Capital of Alsatian Wine.” During your city tour, you will see remarkable half-timbered framed houses; the German influenced old quarter filled with streets of unexpected twists and turns; canals and the Launch River. You will also enjoy a wine cellar visit and wine tasting, where you will enjoy several different wines, presented along with bread, knowledgeable hosts, and plenty of laughter. Late tonight, the ship set sails for Basel, Switzerland. (B,L,D)

DAY 8, BASEL, SWITZERLAND – DISEMBARK – LUCERNE
Disembark after breakfast for a city tour of cosmopolitan Basel. Long an important university, banking and trade center, Basel’s glorious past is still evident in its medieval Town Hall and exquisite 18th-century patrician homes. After free time for lunch on your own, depart for Lucerne. You will visit the Lion Monument en route and arrive mid-afternoon to check in to the hotel. (B)

DAY 9, LUCERNE
Situated on Lake Lucerne, the city is a medieval gem. After breakfast, enjoy a walking tour that will explore some of the city’s famous cobblestone streets, monuments, fountain-embellished public squares, covered bridges and colorful frescoed buildings. The afternoon offers free time to shop for watches, knives and world-famous chocolates. Or, you can join the optional tour and cable car ride (seasonal) to the top of Mount Pilatus, the mountain which dominates the city. Then return trip from the mountain on the engineering marvel, the world’s steepest cogwheel railway. (B)

DAY 10, LUCERNE – ZURICH
Enjoy a free morning in Lucerne before checking out of your hotel. Afterwards, you will cruise across the tranquil waters of Lake Lucerne to Vitznau. Upon arrival in Vitznau, you will board a motor coach for a scenic drive to Zurich, where you will check into the hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure. (B)

DAY 11, ZURICH
Your morning walking tour of picturesque Zurich will include Grossmünster, St.Peter, with the largest church clock face in the world, Old Town, Town Hall and Fraumünster, which was fully renovated in 2004 and now offers an exceptional 360° panoramic view of Zurich. The afternoon and evening are free for you to explore the town on your own. (B)

DAY 12, DEPART ZURICH
After breakfast, optional  transfer to the airport for your return flight home. (B)

REVERSE ITINERARY 2012

DAY 1, ARRIVE IN ZURICH, SWITZERLAND
Arrive in Zurich and optional transfer to your hotel. Spend your day exploring this beautiful town. (B)

DAY 2, ZURICH
Your morning walking tour of picturesque Zurich will include Grossmünster, St.Peter, with the largest church clock face in the world, Old Town, Town Hall and Fraumünster, which was fully renovated in 2004 and now offers an exceptional 360° panoramic view of Zurich. The afternoon and evening are free for you to explore the town on your own. (B)

DAY 3, ZURICH – LUCERNE
After a free morning in Zurich, check out of the hotel. Depart for a scenic drive around the Lakes before reaching Lucerne. Upon arrival, enjoy a cruise across the tranquil waters of Lake Lucerne, surrounded by spectacular mountain scenery. The remainder of the day is yours to enjoy as you wish. (B)

DAY 4, LUCERNE
Situated on Lake Lucerne, the city is a medieval gem. After breakfast, enjoy a walking tour that will explore some of the city’s famous cobblestone streets, monuments, fountain-embellished public squares, covered bridges and colorful frescoed buildings. The afternoon offers free time to shop for watches, knives and world-famous chocolates. Or, you can join the optional tour and cable car ride (seasonal) to the top of Mount Pilatus, the mountain which dominates the city. Then return trip from the mountain on the engineering marvel, the world’s steepest cogwheel railway. (B)

DAY 5, LUCERNE – BASEL – EMBARKATION
This morning, depart from Lucerne, visiting the Lion Monument en route to Basel. Arrive in Basel for a city tour before embarking your luxurious river cruise ship. Switzerland’s second largest city is ideally located at the crossroads of Switzerland, France and Germany. Long an important university, banking and trade center, Basel’s glorious past is still evident in its medieval Town Hall and exquisite 18th- century patrician homes. Tonight, gather on board for a Welcome Dinner. (B,D)

DAY 6, BREISACH – COLMAR, FRANCE
Today, choose between a city tour of Colmar or a tour through the famous Black Forest region of Germany. On the Black Forest tour, enjoy your drive through a scenic forested area where you will encounter a number of lakes as well as charming examples of rural architecture. Your tour will include a stop at a cuckoo clock factory. As an alternative, choose to travel to medieval Colmar, situated along the Alsatian Wine Route and the self-proclaimed “Capital of Alsatian Wine.” During your city tour, you will see remarkable half-timbered framed houses; the German influenced old quarter filled with streets of unexpected twists and turns; canals and the Launch River. You will also enjoy a wine cellar visit and wine tasting, where you will enjoy several different wines, presented along with bread, knowledgeable hosts, and plenty of laughter. (B,L,D)

DAY 7, STRASBOURG, FRANCE – SPEYER, GERMANY
Capital and principal city of the Alsace region in northeastern France, Strasbourg is situated on the Ill River, where it flows into the Rhine on the border with Germany. Enjoy a canal cruise of this picturesque town, known for its black and white timber-framed buildings, covered bridges and medieval watchtowers. Then take a walking tour through this charming town lined with narrow cobbled streets. See the European Parliament and visit the “La Petite France” district, where you will see the sandstone Gothic Cathedral with its famous astronomical clock. The remainder of the day is at your leisure. In the afternoon, a guided bicycle tour (capacity controlled) will take you past the Orangery, the town’s oldest park, the European Parliament, and Place de la Republique. (B,L,D)

DAY 8, SPEYER– HEIDELBERG, GERMANY
This afternoon, arrive in Speyer, one of Germany’s oldest cities, known for the Speyer Cathedral, many churches and the Altpörtel (old gate) with a 13th-century gate tower. Choose either a city tour of medieval Speyer or half day excursion to Heidelberg, where you will visit the red-walled Castle, with its Great Vat, a 49,000-gallon 18th-century wine cask, and beautiful views of the Neckar Valley and Heidelberg below. As an alternative, a guided bike tour is also available in Speyer (capacity controlled). (B,L,D)

DAY 9, RÜDESHEIM – KOBLENZ
After breakfast, arrive in Rüdesheim and visit Siegfried's Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum. This historic museum houses one of the greatest collections of robotic and self-playing musical instruments from the 18th to 20th centuries. Afterwards, enjoy a wine tasting at a local winery. Explore the Drosselgasse, a narrow alley lined with wine taverns and restaurants during your free time. This afternoon, you will cruise to 2,000-year-old Koblenz, located on the confluence of the Rhine and Mosel rivers. After dinner, your Cruise Manager will lead a walk through this charming town. (B,L,D)

DAY 10, COLOGNE – KREFELD
Arrive in Cologne this morning, where you will enjoy a walking tour of Old Town and Cathedral Square. You will visit the spectacular 13th-century Gothic cathedral whose twin spires are amongst the tallest in Europe. Afterwards, you will have free time to linger in the cathedral, browse the many nearby shops or perhaps enjoy a glass of Kölsch, Cologne’s famous beer. Return to the ship for lunch. Late this afternoon, take a motor coach to Venlo, where you will have the unique opportunity to visit the Floriade World Horticultural Expo. Bringing together more than 100 exhibitors from dozens of countries, the Floriade Expo grounds will feature five themed zones connected by wooded areas. Each of the zones contains its own horticultural exhibits, cultural attractions, activities, restaurant, music, dance and theatrical performances. Return to the ship this evening, now docked in Krefeld. (B,L,D)

DAY 11, AMSTERDAM, HOLLAND
After breakfast, your tour of Amsterdam begins with a scenic canal cruise through the city known as the “Venice of the North.” See the beautiful homes that line the water, the fabled Skinny Bridge, and the famous Anne Frank House. Then, enjoy a panoramic city tour, where you will see the great landmarks of Amsterdam including a photo stop at a windmill. Afterwards, enjoy some free time to explore Amsterdam before returning to the ship. (B,L,D)

DAY 12, AMSTERDAM – USA
Bid Farewell to Amsterdam and optional transfer to the airport for your homeward flight. (B)
 

2012 Itinerary overview:

Included features 2012 & 2013 :

• 7 Nights Deluxe Cruise Accommodation in an Outside Stateroom - 82% of the Staterooms with large French Balconies
• Daily Sightseeing Program as outlined in the Itinerary
• Infotainment System in all Staterooms with Free Internet, Hit Movies, Music Library and English Language TV Stations
• Terry Bathrobes and White-on-white plush Bedding in all Staterooms
• Superb Dining with all Meals included during your Cruise
• Free-flowing Red & White Wines from Europe's great Wine Regions, beer and soft drinks with every Dinner on board the Ship
• Bottled Water in every stateroom replenished daily
• Cocktail Reception, Welcome Dinner & Captain's Gala Dinner
• Transfer from the Ship in Basel to Hotel in Lucerne
• 2 Nights Hotel Accommodation in Lucerne including daily Buffet Breakfast
• 2 Nights Hotel Accommodation in Zürich including daily Buffet Breakfast
• Special Highlights including Lectures, Theme Dinners, Cooking Demonstration, onboard Music Performances and afternoon & evening Piano Music
• Use of Bicycles to explore on your own
• Services of Professional Cruise Manager
• All English Language on board in a non-smoking Environment (smoking permitted only on the Sun Deck)
• All local Taxes

2012 & 2013 Departure dates and prices (US$)

† Itinerary slightly modified 2012 - Itinerary slightly modified Celebration of Wine cruise
Celebration of Wine cruise - includes extras: Wine lecture and tasting on board, plus excursion with winery visit and tasting, Kolsch Beer  tasting and also one special  German themed dinner with wine pairing, Alsace excursion, Black Forest, and Freiburg excursion

Port Charges: $147 per person

Single Supplement for Cruise: 50% of twin price; Jr. Suites 100% of twin price.

Single supplement for Land: $520 per person.

 Prices are per person in Category E in a deluxe outside stateroom with window.
To upgrade to a higher Category, add the following amount per person:
 

NOTE: Children are not accepted.

Please select bedding configuration at the time of booking.

The choices are:
Choice A: Two twin beds
Choice B: One large bed (larger than queen size)