There are several family-friendly cruises out there to choose from, giving you the options you need for a successful family vacation. From Disney Cruise Line to Carnival Cruises, the amenities you will find on a family-friendly cruise are not only for the children but can be tailored for the adults as well. That way, everybody has a memorable vacation on the seas!

Check out this breakdown of the
7 Best Cruise Lines for Families by FamilyVacationist writer Dave Parfitt down below, and be sure to book with ACT for the best deals on all mentioned cruise lines!

7 Best Cruise Lines for Families (and Their Most Kid-Friendly Ships)

When Disney Cruise Line launched in 1998, it was a game changer for family cruises. Now in its third decade of operation, Disney Cruise Line consistently tops the list of best cruise lines for families. And with a new ship launching in 2022, parents and kids alike are already buzzing with anticipation for what will undoubtably be one of the best cruise ships for kids in years.

Of course, the best family cruises aren’t limited to just Disney. Carnival Cruises, Princess, Norwegian, MSC, and a host of other cruise lines have helped usher in a new era of family vacations on cruise ships with amenities like kids clubs, waterslides, age-appropriate stage shows, dining experiences, reduced fares for young children, and—perhaps best of all—kids sail free deals.

Family Cruises: The Most Kid-Friendly Cruise Lines and Ships for Families
In short, the best cruise ships for kids are also great for adults, which means you have plenty of great options when it comes to finding the best family cruises. Here are the top cruise ships and cruise lines for families.

Disney Magic

It’s no exaggeration to say that every ship in the Disney fleet has a claim to be among the best family cruises, but the original DCL family cruise ship deserves a special mention. Disney Magic is the ship that launched Disney Cruise Line in 1998, and with DCL’s constant improvements and upkeep, the ship doesn’t feel outdated at all.

Pirates, princesses, super heroes, and a thrilling water slide with a three-story drop are just a few of the fun features that make Disney Magic a kid-favorite ship on one of the best cruise lines for families. In 2013, Disney added the AquaDunk high speed thrill slide and Marvel Avengers Academy kids club. In 2018, a Tangled dinner theater restaurant made its debut. And, as one of the smaller ships in the Disney Cruise Line fleet, it can be a less overwhelming experience for younger kids and first-time cruisers. (Disney Wonder is similarly sized.)

Disney Magic also offers European itineraries such as voyages in the Mediterranean, British Isles, and Norwegian Fjords that appeal to multigenerational cruisers.

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Disney Dream

Launched in 2011, Disney Dream is newer and quite a bit larger than Disney Magic and Disney Wonder, but even with its size this ship still includes the kinds of kid-friendly touches you find on all the best family cruises.

The daily routine of dinner and a theatrical show are very popular aboard all of the family cruises offered by Disney. On Disney Dream, the Broadway-caliber productions are headlined by a high-tech stage show of Beauty and the Beast.

Also worth noting is that the Bahamas and Caribbean sailings on Disney Dream include stops at Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay, which is often a highlight of any Disney cruise. Castaway Cay’s family beach is a great place for swimming, and you can also rent bikes, kayaks, and snorkeling gear for kids and parents to see colorful tropical fish and perhaps even a sea turtle munching on sea grass.
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Carnival Panorama

One of Carnival Cruise Line’s newest ships, the Carnival Panorama‘s many kid-friendly features have already made it one of the best cruises for families. The Panorama has supervised kids programs in three different age group categories, a massive aqua park, the popular SkyRide aerial attraction, SkyCourse ropes course, and the first SkyZone trampoline park at sea.

In addition, Carnival Cruises’ exclusive partnership with Dr. Seuss Enterprises provides Seuss at Sea experiences on family cruise vacations, such as Dr. Seuss Bookville, Green Eggs and Ham Breakfast, and the Seuss-a-palooza Parade.

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Caribbean Princess

The cruise line made famous by the classic ‘80s TV series The Love Boat now hosts more than 2 million passengers each year. Kid-friendly Caribbean Princess underwent an extensive renovation in 2017 that boosted its family offerings to include Camp Discovery Youth and Teen Center, HD Movies Under the Stars, and the Reef Family Splash Zone – Princess Cruises’ first splash zone at sea.

Other features that earn the Caribbean Princess a spot on any list of best family cruises include its partnership with Discovery Inc. for “Discovery at SEA” activities, which feature Animal Planet and Discovery Channel programming, the Stanley the Bear experience, and JrChef@Sea cooking classes.

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MSC Meraviglia

MSC Cruises might be the largest cruise line you’ve never heard. One of the leading cruise lines in Europe, South America, and other parts of the world, MSC is working hard to get a foothold in North America by offering great deals on family cruises. These include kids ages 18 and under sailing free on select departures, and young children ages two and under always sailing free.

MSC Meraviglia is the newest of its ships sailing from the U.S., launched in 2017, and it features seven different kids’ clubs for young children ages zero to 17. Teens have their own space with a cinema, game room, and live stage. And Meraviglia’s Polar Aquapark has three different waterslides, including a high-speed “champagne flute,” that easily make it one of the best cruises for families.

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MSC Divina

In addition to MSC‘s kids sail free promotions, the family-friendly cruise line partners with Chicco and LEGO for their baby and kids clubs. Featuring family-favorite Bahamas and Caribbean voyages, MSC Divina also sails to MSC Cruises’ recently opened private, Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve.

Ocean Cay features two miles of white sand beaches and a variety of family friendly activities such as snorkeling, stand up paddle boarding, kayaking, and swimming. Some family cruises dock overnight at Ocean Cay, allowing guests to watch the spectacular Lighthouse light show.

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Norwegian Joy

What makes Norwegian one of the best cruise lines for families? For one thing, you’ll never hear “I’m bored” from kids. And with its two-level go-kart track, laser tag, immersive virtual reality games, mini golf, waterpark, splash ground, and kids’ clubs, your family’s biggest problem on the Norwegian Joy might be deciding how to balance all the activities with quiet relaxation.

The Norwegian Joy debuted in 2017 and was already one of the best cruise ships for kids before it received a refurbishment just two years later to prepare it for Alaska sailings. The ship’s Observation Lounge offers panoramic 180-degree views to soak in the scenery. After playing the day away in port or on the ship, families can enjoy dinner followed by a live performance of the musical Footloose based on the cult-classic ’80s film.

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Oasis of the Seas

When it launched in 2009, Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas was the largest ship in the world, accommodating more than 5,500 passengers per voyage. After a reimagining 10 years later, Oasis of the Seas is still a popular option for family cruises with its Caribbean-inspired pool deck and Perfect Storm trio of multistory waterslides.

Tiny tots will enjoy Splashaway Bay’s three waterslides, two dump buckets, water cannons, fountains, and pools. While the kids play, adults can relax sipping Caribbean cocktails close-by. After dinner, gather everyone together to take in a show such as Broadway’s Cats, Aqua80 in the AquaTheater, the Frozen in Time ice show, or many, many more.

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Symphony of the Seas

Among the many reasons that make Royal Caribbean one of the best cruise lines for families is that its Symphony of the Seas builds upon the strengths of the line’s other Oasis Class ships.

Symphony of the Seas offers guests seven distinct neighborhoods, such as the tree-lined Central Park and shop-filled Royal Promenade. For thrill-seekers, the family cruise ship also touts the 10-story Ultimate Abyss slide, a trio of waterslides, and Splashaway Bay kids waterpark. Similar to other Oasis Class ships, Symphony of the Seas boasts entertainment offerings that span ice, water, air, and stage.

The ship’s Caribbean cruises stop at Perfect Day at CocoCay, the line’s award-winning private island. Families will find an array of activities on Perfect Day at CocoCay, such as its beaches and freshwater pool (included) to an expansive water park and zip line (available for an extra charge).

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Celebrity Equinox

An upscale cruise line, Celebrity Cruises appeals to families with older children or multigenerational groups looking for luxurious family cruises. Celebrity Equinox is not the newest ship in the line (its inaugural sailing was in 2009), but this kid-friendly cruise ship received an extensive overhaul as part of the “Celebrity Revolution” in 2019.

Celebrity’s Camp at Sea kids’ program offers a diverse and constantly changing series of activities so that it’s “never the same camp twice.” And Celebrity Equinox partners with Miami’s Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science to offer STEM programming on topics such as the importance of plankton to the Earth’s oceans.

Other kid-friendly activities on Celebrity’s family cruises include hot glass blowing classes and demonstrations, as well as lawn games such as croquet and bocce on the real grass of the Lawn Club.

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Book Your Family Cruise Now With American Cruises & Tours today!

Embarking on a themed cruise means being immersed in a world of your choosing, all with vacation and relaxation in mind. Whether you’re looking to dance the night away to 90s music or rock on the seas at an onboard concert, or even wanting to pay tribute to your Star Trek fandom, there is a themed cruise out there for you!

Read on for Cruise Mummy’s Jenni Fielding giving the rundown of the Best Themed Cruises you need to book for next year and beyond!

The 64 Best Themed Cruises for 2021, 2022 and Beyond

A themed cruise gives you the opportunity to indulge in your favourite hobby during a cruise.

Much more than just a cruise, a themed cruise is an opportunity to surround yourself with like-minded people and spend time doing what makes you the happiest, as well as enjoying all the usual cruise benefits like great food, sightseeing and time for relaxation.

There are a whole host of weird and wonderful theme cruises for adults to choose from. In fact, you’ll likely be surprised at just how many different theme cruises are available in 2021, 2022 and beyond!

This guide to the best theme cruises showcases some of the most interesting ones, as well as providing a handy list of all of the current theme cruises on offer, with links to where you can find more information about them.

The types of theme cruises

Before we begin, it’s important to recognise that not all theme cruises are equal in terms of how much of the cruise is actually themed. There are some cruises, like music cruises, where you can expect to see everyone on the ship in fancy dress, enjoying a round-the-clock schedule of events and activities.

In contrast, other cruises are more of a chance for hobbyists to meet up during what would otherwise be a ‘normal’ cruise.

Here are two important distinctions to make…

Full-ship theme cruises: The group will charter the whole ship, so everyone will be on-board for the theme cruise.

Partial-ship theme cruises: The group will book a number of cabins and take over certain areas such as a particular bar or a conference room.

 

The best themed cruises of 2021 and 2022

Without further ado, here’s a guide to the most exciting theme cruises that you should consider…

1. Chris Jericho’s Rock N Wrestling Rager at Sea – A wrestling themed cruise

Wrestling fans will take over a whole cruise ship for an epic journey with wrestling star Chris Jericho and his friends. The event will include wrestling matches in a ring set up on the pool deck, rock music performances, comedy shows, paranormal activities and live podcast recordings.

Date: 21st October 2021

Destination: Bahamas

Cruise Line: Norwegian Cruise Line

Ship: Norwegian Jewel

 

2. Electric Sunsets 90s vs 00s Cruise

Popular with British people, Marella’s Electric Sunset’s cruise is like a music festival at sea. On board you can enjoy 90s and 00s music from The Vengaboys, Atomic Kitten, Artful Dodger and DJ Sash! With drinks included, this cruise is sure to get you in the party mood.

Date: 4th May 2022

Destination: Spain

Cruise Line: Marella

Ship: Discovery 2

 

3. Meow Meow Cruise – A cruise for cat lovers

Cat-obsessed cruisers, unfortunately, cannot bring their cats on this cruise. But what they can do is meet like-minded people to chat about and share photos of their favourite furry feline friends. Activities on this cat-themed cruise include trivia, a scavenger hunt and a cocktail party.

Date: 16th October 2021

Destination: Caribbean

Cruise Line: Carnival

Ship: Mardi Gras

 

4. The High Seas Rally – A biker cruise

This motorbike-themed cruise is ‘The World’s Only Biker Rally on a Cruise Ship’. A full ship of bikers will be enjoying wild pool parties, tattoo contests, concerts, theme nights and raffles as they cruise to places that they can’t reach by riding a bike.

Date: 29th October 2022

Destination: Bahamas

Cruise Line: Royal Caribbean

Ship: Mariner of the Seas

 

5. Star Trek: The Cruise

Celebrating its fifth anniversary, The Star Trek Cruise is where you’ll find the most passionate Star Trek fans in the universe. This cruise will feature a line up of actors and personalities with Star Trek-themed shows, events, activities and parties.

Date: 26th February 2022

Destination: Caribbean

Cruise Line: Royal Caribbean

Ship: Mariner of the Seas

 

6. Scrapbook cruises

Cruise and Crop is a cruise company offering scrapbooking cruises where guests can enjoy making scrapbooks together. But the fun doesn’t stop there! On certain cruises, you can also try your hand at card making, embroidery, knitting, jewellery making and other crafts.

Date: 20 dates in 2021

Destination: Various

Cruise Line: Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line

Ship: Various

 

7. The KISS Kruise

Kiss Cruise

Fans of iconic 70s rock band Kiss can join them for an adventure at sea onboard the Kiss music themed cruise. Expect performances from Kiss and their friends as well as meet and greet sessions and activities with each of the band members.

 

Date: 29th October 2021

Destination: Caribbean

Cruise Line: Norwegian Cruise Line

Ship: Norwegian Jewel

 

Check out Cruise Mummy’s full article for more themed cruises, and be sure to book with American Cruise Tours for the best cruise deals!

If you’d prefer sailing through countries rather than taking a full sea route, then a river cruise is perfect for you! Not only will you get views of famous waterways and landscapes, but the stops you take in between sails give you a taste of the international cultures and lifestyles you won’t want to pass up on a vacation ever again!

Wanderlust has compiled a list of the World’s Best River Cruises that you have to experience! Check out their selections down below, and be sure to book with us at ACT for the best river cruise deals you’ll find!

https://www.wanderlust.co.uk/content/world-best-river-cruises/

1. Rhine: Fairytales, castles and rivers

Length: 1,320km

Timing: Year-long; December brings incredible winter markets, but berths book up fast. Summer is hot and busy, with the shoulder months (April or September) a good compromise.

The river: Since the height of the Holy Roman Empire, the Rhine has been the busiest waterway in Europe. But while dense shipping can impact on views in places, its scenery remains the most varied on the continent, ranging from battlefields and vineyards to Baroque palaces and medieval castles, as it trickles out of Switzerland and through western Germany to the Dutch coast.

The sights: Germany’s 65km stretch of Middle Rhine Valley is the fairytale river of popular imagination, studded with castles, medieval villages and hill-top palaces. Four-day cruises from Strasbourg to Koblenz are a great way to pack this in – along with the Rhineland’s vineyards – while avoiding the river’s more pragmatic parts. Plus, Strasbourg’s Cathedral is among the finest medieval buildings in Europe.

Detours: Side trips along Rhine tributary the Moselle reward with classy views, especially on the final hairpin bends between Trier, Germany’s oldest city, and Koblenz. Weeklong trips between these cities take in ‘wine capital’ Bernkastel and medieval Beilstein, overlooked by the imposing Metternich Castle.
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2. Kerala Backwaters: Drift southern India in a rice barge

Length: 900km

Timing: Winter (Nov-Feb) is cooler but can also be quite busy. In monsoon season (Jun-Oct) expect heavy rain in the afternoon.

The area: Kerala’s network of canals, lakes, rivers and tributaries offer a slow-motion take on India’s south-east, along waterways sketched liberally in mangrove forest and drifting past bird sanctuaries, plantations and vast paddies. Most cruisers amble along in kettuvallam (rice barges), dinky houseboats crafted from bamboo and coconut fibres (coir), in which time seems to stand still.

The sights: Most houseboat cruises set out from Alleppey (Alappuzha). From here, side trips overland to Munnar’s Western Ghats and Periyar NP reward with bracing walks and tiger-spotting opportunities respectively, but the main appeal lies in simply drifting. Typical trips meander via the vast lake of Vembanad to the island-clustered village of Kumarakom, all the way to Cochin (Kochi) where sail-like Chinese fishing nets and colonial facades greet your arrival.

Detours: Tired of the slow life? Try the Brahmaputra River, which flashes through India’s far western states. Eight-day trips sail from Nimati in West Bengal to Guwahati, Assam, with visits to Kaziranga NP (best Nov-Apr) to spy rare one-horned rhinos a worthy side trip.
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3. Nile: Return to Egypt

Length: 6,853km

Timing: Boats sail year-round, but Oct-April is the coolest period, with high season (Dec-Feb) not nearly as busy as it used to be.

The river: Prior to 2011, a reported 10,000 trips a year were made on the Nile. But recent times have seen that number fall to just a few hundred as troubles elsewhere in the country take effect. Yet the Nile Valley has remained largely untouched by incident, and with London-Luxor flights having since resumed, the ancient waterway should be high on agendas.

The sights: The Cairo-to-Aswan ‘long Nile’ cruise (880km) returned to itineraries in 2015 following a two-decade absence. But with the capital still making the wrong kind of headlines, its southern reaches may prove more attractive. Set sail from Luxor, in any one of a range of vessels – from a classic small cruise ship, to the Agatha Christie-inspiring Steam Ship Sudan or a dahabeya houseboat with its giant sails – before exploring vast temples (Karnak, Kom Ombo, Edfu) and ancient necropolises (Valley of the Kings) en route to Aswan. From there, a side trip to Abu Simbel, a pair of huge rock temples hewn out of a mountainside near the Sudanese border, is a must.

Detours: Some tours include two-night trips downstream from Aswan aboard a small felucca (traditional wooden sailing boat) with mattresses slung on deck for a night under the stars.
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4. Danube: Waltz across Eastern Europe

Length: 2,888km

Timing: Year-long; summer can leave water levels low, so avoid the hotter months (Jun-Jul) to skip potential cancellation disappointments.

The river: Veining nine countries (and edging another), the Danube stumbles over more borderlines than a four-year-old attempting an MC Escher colouring-in book. Nineteen nations in total share its basin and, from the Germany’s Black Forest to the Black Sea, it seeps through a spectacular array of landscapes, from the vineyards of Austria and Soviet-era architecture of Belgrade to the gorges and peaks of Romania.

The sights: Typical trips last around eight days, starting in Nuremberg, Germany, and drifting through Austria to finish in Hungarian capital Budapest. The more adventurous will likely be drawn to the river’s eastern fringes, where cruises usually depart the Baroque Austrian streets of Linz for the Little Carpathians of Slovakia and on through Serbia’s ‘Iron Gates’, the clawed gorges that mark its border with Romania. These trips tend to culminate in Tulcea, which has good links to explore the dramatic Black Sea delta.

DETOURS: For those inclined towards the epic, 24-day cruises incorporate the waterways of Amsterdam and parts of the Rhine and Main rivers before linking up with the Danube Canal in Nuremberg and pushing on to the Black Sea.
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5. Mekong: Wildlife and pagodas in South-East Asia

Length: 4,350km

Timing: Year-round; winter (Nov-Feb) is cooler but tends to be packed, while rainy season (Jun-Oct) is less busy, with heavy – if often fleeting – showers.

The river: In the heat of the Loatian summer, it’s difficult to believe that the source of the Mekong lies high up in the meltwaters of the Himalayas. Today, development along the river remains admirably restrained when compared to the rest of Asia’s rivers, a fact appreciated as you drift the lower reaches’ bamboo jungle, stilt villages, floating markets, rice fields and pagodas between Laos and the South China Sea.

The sights: Typical week-long cruises either traverse Laos from laid-back Luang Prabang biodiversity almost rivals that of the Amazon, Siem Reap in particular a popular jumping-off temple complex, while the tragic legacies of the Khmer Rouge and Vietnam War resound in the museums, POW camps and tunnels of Phnom Penh and Ho Chi Minh.

Detours: New 14-day trips along the Mekong’s upper section begin in late 2017, on what’s said to be the first cruises to take in this part of the river. From Vientiane, you’ll float over the Chinese border to Jinghong, wandering Laos’s Plain of Jars and the Dai villages of Yunnan en route.
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6. Amazon: Welcome to the jungle

Length: 6,992km

Timing: Wet season (Dec-May) means better access to the Amazon’s smaller tributaries, fewer crowds and spectacular wildlife watching.

The river: The majority of the world’s largest river runs through Brazil and Peru, with the former attracting the bulk of the traffic – and visitors. Legions of vessels prowl the broad, noisy stretches between Manaus and the Colombian border, which is why the adventurous look elsewhere…

The sights: The ‘alternative’ often means Peru, where shallow-bottomed riverboats set out from Iquitos to the Amazon’s northern tributaries (Ucayali, Marañon, Tahuayo) all the way to its headwaters. Trips (4-7 days) thread blackwater streams and islands swarming with iguanas to the Pacaya-Samiria reserve, a 20,000 sq km of flooded, wildlife-packed jungle. Pit-stop in river villages, swim with pink river dolphins and soak up one of the most biodiverse places on Earth.

Detours: The wildlife reserve and freshwater archipelago of the Anavilhanas lies around 75km upstream from Manaus, Brazil, along the Rio Negro tributary. Go in dry season (May-Nov) when its islands and channels come alive with jaguars, manatees and some spectacular birdlife.
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7. Hooghly: History and tigers in India’s West Bengal

Length: 260km

Timing: Year-round; October to April brings milder temperatures.

The river: This West Bengal tributary of the Ganges embraced river tours, after its once dried up flows were bolstered by a diversion from the main stem. Since then, shallow-draft ships have opened up the route, with week-long cruises from Farakka to Kolkata ploughed by a handful of luxury craft, pushing deep into West Bengal’s storied fringes.

The sights: India’s imperial west is the incentive here, with visits to Murshidabad and its impossible Palace of 1,000 Doors, which was the seat of the Murghal nawab (ruler), as well as the Battlefield of Plassey, where the last independent ruler of the region was defeated by the British in 1757. Stops at the ruined city of Gaur and terracotta temples of Kalna delve even further back into an era and region little explored by visitors.

Detours: Trips upstream along the Ganges from Farakka are possible in August/September, when the high waters allow you to journey to the holy city of Varanasi, spying gangetic river dolphins and pilgrimage sites en route.
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8. Yangtze: Ghosts and gorges of China

Length: 6,300km

Timing: Year-round; spring (Mar-May) and autumn (Sep-Nov) offer cooler breezes and fewer mosquitoes.

The river: The Yangtze is big! It is said more people live on its banks than in the entire US, and even the boats that cruise it (100-250 passengers) are huge, thanks to local demand and a dearth of low bridges. But it has changed. The controversial Three Gorges Dam has taken its toll, raising water levels and erasing villages along its most popular stretch, between Chongqing and Shanghai. The epic scenery, however, remains breathtaking.

The sights: Trips tend to vary between ten-day voyages from Chongqing to Shanghai and abbreviated three/four-day jaunts, usually to the towering gorges of Wuhan, which are part of a longer trip that includes flights to Beijing and Xi’an. Other Yangtze pit-stops include the ‘ghost city’ of Fengdu (pictured left), where a vast ‘ghost king’ statue cradles a mountainside of monasteries and shrines, before drifting on to the first – and most dramatic – gorge, Xiling, its steep-sided, misty canyons velveted in a lush canvas.

Detours: A side-trip to Guilin (1.5-hour flights from Chongqing) rewards with trips on the Li River, floating amid karst rises and terraced hills; meanwhile Suzhou – 30 minutes by train from Shanghai – is the gateway to the old water towns of Jiangsu province, laced with scenic canals and Qing-era gardens.
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9. Chobe: Cruise Botswana’s Big Five

Length: 731km

Timing: Botswana’s dry season (Apr-Oct) sees water sources inland become scarce, improving the chances of spotting wildlife from the river.

The river: The Chobe is the name given to the lower section of southern Africa’s Cuando River, which rises out of Angola, edges Namibia and northern Botswana before flushing into the mighty Zambezi. Plush river cruisers float its middle reaches, heading out from Kasane, Botswana, and into the wild wetlands of the Okavango Delta and the Chobe National Park.

The sights: Most tours include four days on the Chobe River as a part of a longer trip (12-14 days), usually beginning in South Africa’s Johannesburg and ending at Zimbabwe’s Victoria Falls (pictured above). In between, drift the park’s teak and mahogany-riddled banks, as giant marabou stork watch on and great egrets swoop overhead seemingly mocking gravity. River and overland safaris bring you closer to the park’s huge herds of elephants and buffalo, with plenty of opportunities to spy big game from the water.

Detours: Take advantage of a longer trip to cram in more nature. Many tours can include nights and game drives in South Africa’s Kruger NP, known for its large numbers of rare white rhinos.
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10. Irrawaddy: Myanmar (Burma) by water

Length: 2,170km

Timing: Year-round; dry season (Nov-Feb) sees cooler temperatures

The river: Like South-East Asia’s other alpha rivers, the Irrawaddy’s Himalayan source offers stark contrast to the hot plains of Burma that most cruisers experience. Here, luxurious colonial-style riverboats regularly skim the waters between Yangon and Mandalay (11-15 days), dipping in at Inle Lake and Bagan.

The sights: Two-day cruises from Mandalay to the temple complex of Bagan are a fine way to quickly soak up the region. The city is still flecked with remnants of its colonial heyday, especially around its old docks, while the golden monastery speaks of another era entirely. Both cities feature on the round-trip to Bhamo (11 days), before peaking in the stark gorges and remote villages, such as Katha, of the distant north, near the Chinese border, where fewer visitors tread.

Detours: To escape the crowds further, the Chindwin tributary branches of Burma’s Upper Irrawaddy and brushes steep-sided cliffs, lush jungle, and en route to Homalin, with potential land trips across the border to the Indian state of Nagaland – offering a different world entirely.
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11. Mississippi: Birth of a nation

Length: 3,734km

Timing: Riverboats plunge the lower reaches of the river during winter (Nov-Dec) and summer (Apr-Jun).

The river: The Mississippi occupies a powerful place in the American imagination, with a crowded history that takes in everything from the American Civil War to the creation of rock ’n’ roll as it swerves ten states, its waters still ploughed by giant paddle ships.

The sights: It’s the lower New Orleans-to- Memphis stretch of this vast river that truly feels like the Mississippi of Mark Twain and the history books. Eight-day cruises typically begin in the ‘Big Easy’, with stops narrating the birth of modern America, from the harrowing plantations of Oak Alley, which explore the antebellum homesteads that witnessed the heyday of slavery in the US, to the battlefield of Vicksburg, where the Civil War turned in favour of the Yankees. In between lie ageing river towns, wild swamps and rock ’n’ roll legends.

Detours: Longer cruises along the lower, middle (Cairo, Illinois, to St Louis, Missouri) and upper (St Louis to St Paul, Minnesota) parts of the river are a veritable three-week PhD in Americana.
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12. Volga: Russia made easy

Length: 3,530km

Timing: The bulk of the river is navigable between March and December.

The river: Stretching from the hills north of Moscow down to the Caspian Sea, the Volga is Russia: impossibly vast and wrinkled with an operatic and turbulent history narrated in the folktales, buildings and cities that line its banks.

The sights: The route between Moscow and St Petersburg (10-15 days) is a popular one, following the Volga for part of the way, fording rural villages and some of Europe’s largest lakes. But the true Volga experience is found on its lower reaches, strung between Moscow and ‘caviar capital’ Astrakhan (12 days). This covers 3,000km in a blur of onion-domed cathedrals and (bloody) Red history, pit-stopping at the UNESCO-listed city of Yaroslavl and drifting through the Republic of Tartarstan before pitching into a vast, wild delta speckled with lotus flowers and flamingos.

Detours: The Neva River makes up the final stretch of the Moscow-St Petersburg route, seeping from Lake Ladoga through the delta that St Petersburg sits on. It’s a quick way to get a taste of Russia and see some fine architecture.
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13. Rhone: The reign of terroir

Length: 812km

Timing: Cruises run from March to November, with grape harvests typically taking place between August and October.

The river: From the glaciers of Switzerland, the Rhône plunges west through France, branching into the Saône as its pushes on to the Mediterranean. This last stretch is pure gastronome country, with typical wine-themed cruises traversing Provence and Burgundy aboard small riverboats and barges, pit-stopping at vineyards and crumbling Gallic castles.

The sights: Most routes combine both regions (and rivers), usually beginning or ending in Beaune, the heart of the Burgundy region where pinot noir and Chardonnay grapes rule the roost. From there, wend vineyards, châteaux and medieval cities, stopping in gastronomic capital Lyon and finishing in Provençal Arles. Try and include a visit to Camargue, where the Rhône flows into the sea; this delta is packed with birdlife and crowds of promenading flamingos.

Detours: Alternative French wine cruises either combine the Dordogne and Garonne rivers (setting off from Bordeaux) or drift the Loire Valley, an area known for its castles, barges and Sancerres.
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14. Murray: Australia’s answer to the Mississippi

Length: 2,735km

Timing: Cruises operate year-round on the lower river, but tours further inland rely on the higher waters of spring.

The river: The ‘mighty Murray’ shaped Australian history. Back in the 19th century, the river was a major shipping route, ferrying goods across three states (Victoria, New South Wales and South Australia). Today, paddle ships now inch passengers through its lower reaches, edging wildlife reserves and red gum forests.

The sights: Luxury steamers line the lower river between Murray Bridge and the old trading posts of Mannum and Morgan (3-7 days). En route, the riverbank hums with wildlife, from wombats and kangaroos to the rich array of birdlife that flits its shores, while week-long trips typically cram in hikes, small-boat safaris, wine tastings and a visit to the Ngaut Ngaut Aboriginal Reserve.

Detours: To explore the reserves, vineyards and tributaries of upstream, swap steamers for a catamaran and overnight stays on land. Week-long cruises from Echuca, once Oz’s busiest inland port, only run in November, when the high water allows.
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15. Caledonian Canal: Barging through Scotland

Length: 100km

Timing: Cruises run between April and October.

The canal: Cutting a gash across northern Scotland from Inverness to Fort William on the west coast, the Great Glen fault carves its way through fen, forest and fell. By 1822, it would also shepherd the Caledonian Canal, a hand-dug waterway using vast lochs (Ness, Lochy, Oich), like stepping stones, to ferry trawlers inland from the North Sea. Today, it’s mostly small barges (8-12 people) ploughing its waters on week-long trips.

The sights: The canal’s setting is drama enough, especially seen atop a low-slung barge while inching through the Highlands. Soak in the raw beauty of the country’s lochs while pit-stopping at Cawdor Castle and cruise the locks of Neptune’s Staircase as you descend to the village of Corpach, overshadowed by the mighty Ben Nevis, before warming up with a wee nip at a Scottish whisky tasting.

Detours: If you prefer a ship to a barge, cruises from Inverness continue on to the isles off the west coast during summer (May-Sept), visiting Eigg, Skye and the sea loch of Inverie in the remote Knoydart peninsula. Pure isolation. 
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16. Douro: Port, parks and Portugal

Length: 897km

Timing: Year-round; go May or – for barefooted grape-stomping – September.

The river: From the medieval dockyards of coastal Porto, the Douro winds sun-dappled vineyards, plunging locks, valleys and Portuguese villages to the Spanish border. Its headwaters, however, lie further on in central Spain, with week-long cruises usually culminating amid the grandiose walls of Salamanca.

The sights: Wander the Romanesque streets of Porto before cruising into the Douro Valley for port tastings and visits to traditional Iberian villages such as Pinhão. Upriver, rocky gorges hide nesting griffon vultures, with trips to the Douro Natural Park (straddling the Spanish border) a must. But the highlight is the UNESCO-listed Salamanca, a bustling university town speckled with cathedrals and golden sandstone.

Detours: Further south, the Guadiana and Guadalquivir also offer similar under-the-radar escapes on the Portuguese border and Spain’s Andalusia region. Cruises thread between Seville and Cádiz, and even splash into the Atlantic to switch rivers as you explore vineyards, national parks and Moorish architecture along the way.
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17. Columbia: Go west in the USA

Length: 2,000km

Timing: Boats run between April and October, but bring plenty of warm clothing – even during summer. Early October sees the grape harvest.

The river: The Columbia River slips through the Canadian Rockies and over the US border into Washington to the Oregon coast. Together with its main tributary, the Snake River, this stretch is best known as the final part of Lewis and Clark’s 1804 expedition into the then-uncharted west.

The sights: Small boat and paddle wheel cruises explore the last push of the duo, from Clarkston, Washington, to Astoria on the Pacific coast – albeit in more comfort. Explore the petroglyphs of the deepest river gorge in the US, Hells Canyon, under the watchful gaze of its Bighorn sheep, then push on to the Multnomah Falls. Most cruises take in a trip to Fort Clatsop, the expedition’s furthest point in 1805, and give you time to explore the Dalles (the end of the old pioneer wagon route), hip Portland and towering Mount St Helens.

Detours: Forget pioneer hardships on a wine cruise along the Columbia between Portland and Vancouver (Washington) – a chance to savour the vineyards and seasonal grape harvesting.

 

Book your world-renown river cruise with American Cruises & Tours today!

Taking a well-earned vacation is a common necessity for retiring seniors who want to start off retirement with a bang, and what better way to celebrate the end of an era with a cruise? Europe, Asia, corners of the U.S. you haven’t ventured to yet… the world is yours when you set sail on a cruise!

Check out Travel & Leisures Top 10 Cruises for Seniors down below, and book with American Cruises & Tours for the ultimate deals for your cruise getaway!

https://www.travelandleisure.com/cruises/cruises-for-seniors

Editor’s Note: Travel might be complicated right now, but use our inspirational trip ideas to plan ahead for your next bucket list adventure. Those who choose to travel are strongly encouraged to check local government restrictions, rules, and safety measures related to COVID-19 and take personal comfort levels and health conditions into consideration before departure. Images may depict pre-pandemic travel conditions.

Cruises offer advantages for travelers of all ages, but for seniors, the conveniences may be especially important. Of course, for everyone, there are the benefits of being able to visit many destinations without packing and unpacking, arranging flights, transfers, checking in and out of hotels, finding restaurants, and booking tickets for sights. For seniors with limited mobility, those cruise features just might mean the difference between taking a wonderful trip or staying home.

We should point out here that generalizing about individuals of any age, especially seniors, just doesn’t work. Physically, many are as active and capable as 25 year-olds, while others may have limitations that prevent long walks or managing heavy luggage. Some are curious and want to see every detail on an itinerary; others are content to relax and watch the scenery go by. Many are entertained by learning new things or hearing from expert lecturers, while others enjoy music, dance, or theater. Limited budgets are not unusual among seniors with fixed incomes, while others can afford to choose more luxurious options.

There are cruises that meet every need. In fact, most large ships have so much to offer that couples or groups of friends cruising together can choose the activities they enjoy most and then join for dinner or cocktails at the end of the day. Solo travelers have opportunities to meet others during meals, excursions, or onboard activities. Many cruise companies and ships pay particular attention to amenities that make travel easier and more appealing for seniors, especially those with special needs.

That said, these are the 10 best cruises for seniors, according to our research.

 

River Cruises for Seniors

 

Increasing in popularity with new ships added each year, river cruising is ideal for seniors.

 

Ports are usually close to cities, sailing is smooth, ships are small (with usually no more than 200 passengers), and most shore excursions offer several levels of walking intensity. For those who prefer to stay onboard, comfortable lounges, outdoor seating, and stateroom balconies provide the perfect view.

European rivers are among the most traveled, especially the Rhine and Danube, with lovely towns to see and visit. Others are the Douro, Seine, and Rhone as well as the Mekong in Vietnam, the Nile in Egypt, and the Volga in Russia. Cruises range from a week to as long as three weeks when several rivers are combined. Specialty river cruises might focus on food, wine, or Christmas markets. These are the top river cruise lines for seniors.

 

River Cruise Lines

Viking River Cruises are adults-only, and on several rivers, their “Longships” offer larger suites and outdoor dining. Musical performances, lectures, cooking demonstrations, and destination insights provide plenty to do onboard.

 

AmaWaterways focuses on European cruises, but offers a few sailings through Asia, Africa, and the Middle East as well. Their newest ship, AmaMagna, sails the Danube and offers twice the width of traditional river cruise ships, allowing for more lounge space and additional dining options. A range of shore excursions ensures something for everyone’s interests and abilities at each port.

 

Avalon Waterways offers river cruises as short as 4-5 days for those who want to “test the waters” before a longer commitment. Also, their Panorama Suites with floor to ceiling windows make your cabin one of the most comfortable places to watch the view as you sail by.

 

Crystal River Cruises, which our readers ranked the World’s Best River Cruise Line in 2020, sails the rivers of Europe in luxury with 24-hour butler service and all-day in-room dining. All-inclusive pricing means no worries about gratuities onboard or ashore, and airport transfers, wine, and spirits are included.

 

American Cruise Lines sails the rivers of the United States — including the Mississippi, the Ohio, the Hudson, the Columbia and Snake Rivers, and waterways in Alaska, Florida, and the South. There’s plenty to see, and no overseas flights are required to explore the U.S.A.

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Ocean Cruises for Seniors

Ships are usually larger and trips are longer, although it depends on the destination. Megaships have capacities of around 2,000 to 6,000 passengers; mid-size ships carry about 1,000-2,500; small ships can hold around 1,200 or less. Naturally, more dining options, entertainment, pools, and public areas are available on larger vessels. For seniors who are more comfortable remaining on the ship, there are many opportunities to keep busy, and the ship is a destination in itself. Travelers with limited mobility may choose shore visits carefully or decide to enjoy the view from afar as they take advantage of the ship’s amenities and social scene.

Many oceangoing ships have accessible cabins and elevators, wheelchair-width doorways, and even special equipment to aid in boarding a smaller boat for shore excursions. Several have medical care and physicians aboard—a benefit for all passengers, not just seniors—for emergencies or illness. Most cruise companies request that they be advised of their passengers’ special needs at least 45 days before departure to ensure that proper accommodations are arranged.

 

Oceangoing Cruise Lines

Holland America Line cruises the world, including Alaska to South America, Antarctica, Canada, New England, the Caribbean, Northern Europe, the Mediterranean, Asia, Australia, and New Zealand. The line offers staterooms with mobility assistive features such as space for wheelchairs and scooters, roll-in showers, grab bars, and lift systems to make tenders (smaller ships that go ashore in some ports) wheelchair accessible. Provisions are made on most ships for deaf or hearing-impaired passengers.

 

Seabourn Cruise Line cruises the world from Australia and New Zealand, Asia, India, Africa, Antarctica, Alaska, and the Caribbean, to the Arctic, Northern Europe, and more. Staterooms specially designed for guests who require mobility assistance are available. Service animals are permitted (but not pets or therapy companions) as long as proper paperwork and vaccinations are current. Provisions are available for passengers who have limited eyesight or hearing, including large print or Braille menus and visual emergency alarms.

 

Azamara’s mid-sized ships sail to North America, South America, the Caribbean, Northern, Western, and Mediterranean Europe, Africa, Asia, Australia, New Zealand, and the South Pacific. Azamara takes an extra step even before the cruise by offering assistance getting on and off the ship for boarding and shore excursions. With advance notice, Azamara will even make arrangements for transportation from the airport to the pier.

 

Silversea’s small luxury ships range in size from 50 to 304 suites for travelers who prefer more intimate surroundings and atmosphere. In addition, smaller ships can generally anchor closer to port cities, so disembarking is more convenient, and views are more interesting for those who stay on the ship. With butler service, gourmet meals, beverages including premium spirits, gratuities, and activities all covered in the price, Silversea’s cruises are not likely to attract children, which may be a plus for some seniors (as much as they might love their grandkids!).

Princess Cruises, considered by many to be one of the best cruise lines for seniors, offers many options—various departure cities, one-way or round-trip cruises, and Cruisetours that include extended land excursions. Princess’ crown jewel is their Alaskan cruises, during which passengers can meet sled dog puppies and handlers, hear from mountain climbers, fishermen, and loggers, and learn from experts about Alaskan wildlife without even leaving the ship. Most importantly, passengers can enjoy spectacular views from the comfort of the ship and marvel at sights unique to the 49th State.

Book with American Cruises & Tours for your senior retirement cruise today!

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Traveling the world solo takes confidence and a whole lot of planning, so why not take a load off and book a cruise to enjoy solo? Enjoying a cruise on your own means meeting new people and seeing new sights, all from the comfort of a cruise ship. From river to ocean, you can take your pick on how you’d like to spend your solo vacation time!

Read on as The Points Guy writer Gene Sloan gives the rundown on The 6 Best Cruise Lines for Solo Travelers! Interested in a solo vacation? American Cruises & Tours are here for your booking needs!

 

Thinking of taking a cruise as a solo traveler? Here’s the bad news: At many lines, you could end up paying twice as much as someone traveling with a companion.

Most cruise ship cabins are designed for two, and the cruise rates you see advertised for these cabins are per person, based on double occupancy. That means the rates only are available to customers who will be sharing the cabin with a second paying passenger.

If you want to occupy one of these cabins alone, you’ll pay a premium that, in cruise-world lingo, is known as the “single supplement.” And often, that premium is 100%. In other words, even if you don’t have a second person in your cabin, you’ll be paying an extra fare as if you did.

Still, all is not lost if you’re a singleton wanting to experience life at sea. Spurred by increasing demand, a growing number of lines are adding cabins designed specifically for solo travelers (with pricing that, by definition, is based on single occupancy). Miami-based Norwegian Cruise Line, which has been at the forefront of the trend, now has hundreds of such cabins spread across half a dozen vessels.

Royal Caribbean, Cunard and Holland America are among other lines that have been adding solo cabins to ships of late.

Norwegian Cruise Line has been a leader in adding solo cabins to its ships. Here, one of the “studio” cabins for one that are now on half a dozen Norwegian vessels. (Photo courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line)

These solo cabins often are priced at a higher rate on a per-person basis than similar cabins designed for two, but below the rate that a solo traveler would pay to occupy a double-occupancy cabin, once the single supplement is added in.

Solo travelers will find that some lines routinely offer lower single supplement charges than others. Some lines also regularly reduce or waive single supplements during promotions. Luxury line Silversea, for instance, occasionally runs promotions that waive its single supplement entirely. The line currently is offering sailings with single supplements at 25% of the regular fare.

Of course, it’s not just a low price that makes for a good solo cruise. Just as important for many people traveling alone is the opportunity to meet other like-minded solo travelers. Some cruise lines cater heavily to this sort of traveler with meet-and-greet receptions for passengers traveling alone and organized group dining for solos. Some lines also assign staffers to serve as dance companions for those without partners.

There also are certain vessels and itineraries that, for a variety of reasons, may feel more welcoming to solo travelers. As someone who often cruises alone when writing about ships, I’ve found that certain cruise destinations known for romantic getaways — French Polynesia, for instance — can be a tough place for a singleton. You’ll encounter a large number of couples content on keeping to themselves.

I’ve also discovered that smaller ships often are better for solo mixing and mingling than bigger ships. On small ships, you’ll see the same people again and again — on tours, in lounges, around the pool, etc. — in a way that increases the odds you’ll strike up a conversation and soon be fast friends. On big ships with thousands of passengers, you often can go days without seeing the same person twice.

The lines that operate small ships also are more prone to offering discounts for solo travelers, which results in a higher percentage of individual cruisers on board.

Not that you should worry too much about making friends at sea. Cruisers in general are very social people. In fact, many people cruise specifically to meet other people. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been sitting alone in a corner of a cruise ship lounge, minding my own business, when another passenger (or two, or five) stopped by and struck up a conversation.

 

Here, six lines that are going the extra mile for solo travelers:

Norwegian Cruise Line

Credit Norwegian for kicking off the trend of more solo cabins on cruise ships. In 2010, the big-ship line debuted an entire zone of small “studio” cabins for one — 128 in all — on its then-new, 4,100-passenger Norwegian Epic. It was such a hit that other lines began to follow.

Just 100 square feet but superbly designed to maximize storage space, the solo rooms on Norwegian Epic are clustered around an exclusive Studio Lounge with a bar and television area where solos can mingle at daily hosted happy hour gatherings.

In addition to cabins for one, solo cruiser zones on Norwegian Cruise Line ships have lounges where solo travelers can mix and mingle.

Norwegian since has added similar solo cabin areas with exclusive lounges to five more new ships, including its just-unveiled Norwegian Encore. Norwegian Encore has an 82-cabin solo complex spread over three decks. The similarly sized Norwegian Escape and Norwegian Bliss also have 82-cabin solo complexes, while the smaller Norwegian Breakaway and Norwegian Getaway have solo areas with 59 cabins.

Norwegian also offers four solo cabins on its Hawaii-based Pride of America.

Having sailed in one of Norwegian’s solo cabins, I can confidently declare them among the coolest solo digs at sea. I particularly love the futuristic, “Jetsons”-like design, and the multicolored mood lighting. One big caveat: They’re all “inside” cabins without an ocean view, although most have a window that looks out onto a corridor. On Norwegian Bliss, the solo cabins have a “virtual porthole” that offers a live view of the outside world.

A bigger caveat, perhaps, is that these solo cabins have become so popular they often sell out far in advance, and at prices that aren’t much better than booking a cabin for two.

 

Royal Caribbean

Royal Caribbean has been taking a page from Norwegian’s playbook in recent years by adding solo cabins to both new and older ships. The line’s new Quantum Class vessels, which began debuting in 2014, offer up to 28 of these dedicated “studio” cabins that measure from 101 to 119 square feet. Unlike at Norwegian, some of these cabins even are ocean-view rooms with balconies. Others have a “virtual balcony” that, at first glance, looks like a balcony opening but is really just a screen projecting a real-time view of the outside. (Yeah, it sounds corny, but it works.)

Other Royal Caribbean ships with solo cabins include some of the line’s giant Oasis Class vessels, including the world’s biggest ship, Symphony of the Seas. Several of Royal Caribbean’s older Voyager Class and Radiance Class vessels also have solo cabins. But some of these ships have just two or three of the rooms.

 

Silversea

Unlike Norwegian and Royal Caribbean, Silversea hasn’t created a specific cabin category for solo travelers. But the luxury line is known for catering to solos with single supplements of just 10% to 25% on some sailings. Occasionally, during short-term promotions, the line even will waive the single supplement entirely.

Silversea also hosts welcome receptions for solo travelers at the start of every voyage to kick off the solo mingling process.

Operating relatively small, intimate vessels that carry just a few hundred passengers, Silversea also is known for drawing a very social crowd that likes to mix and mingle, particularly at dinnertime — a boon for people like me who don’t like to eat alone. Head to the main lounge just before dinner on a Silversea ship, and there’s a good chance you’ll be pulled into a conversation with a group of complete strangers who will extend a dinner invitation. This has happened to me so many times on Silversea ships, I almost count on it.

On Silversea’s expedition sailings, you’ll also be able to share meals with ship naturalists and expedition guides who join passengers in public dining venues. From my experience, they always are amenable to a friendly dining companion and some good conversation.

 

Crystal Cruises

Like Silversea, luxury line Crystal Cruises is known as a solo traveler-friendly line. For starters, it offers single supplements as low as 10% on some sailings. It also organizes parties for solos and staffs its ships with gentlemen hosts who serve as dance partners and dining companions.

Crystal’s two main ocean ships, Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity, are a bit bigger than Silversea ships, carrying up to 980 passengers. But they share the latter line’s intimate atmosphere, and there’s a lot of socializing between passengers.

Crystal also is known for a wide array of onboard activities such as art classes and wine tastings that offer the opportunity for meeting like-minded people. As a result, I’ve never felt out of place sailing alone on a Crystal ship.

Pro tip: The Nobu Matsuhisa-designed Umi Uma sushi bar on Crystal Cruises’ Crystal Symphony is a great place for a solo traveler to make new friends.

Just keep in mind that, as is the case with other higher-end, high-priced lines (including Silversea), Crystal’s solo crowd skews to the older side. If you’re a millennial looking to hang with people your own age, you’ll have better luck on one of the big vessels operated by Norwegian or Royal Caribbean, which cater to a broader demographic.

 

Virgin Voyages

Of course, there’s always the rebellious startup line backed by Richard Branson’s Virgin Group, which is expected to draw a lot of millennials. It’s shaping up to be a leader in the solo cruise market, judging from initial announcements about its first ship, Scarlet Lady.

While I haven’t seen the vessel yet (its debut has been repeatedly delayed), it’ll boast 46 cabins specifically designed for solo travelers. That’s a big number for a ship with just 1,330 cabins overall. Based on initial renderings of cabins released by Virgin Voyages, they might just become the coolest solo cabins around.

Cabins on Virgin Voyages’ Scarlet Lady will have a stylish look. Here, an artist’s drawing of what’ll be known as a Seriously Suite. Image courtesy of Virgin Voyages.

Cabins on Virgin Voyages’ Scarlet Lady will have a stylish look. Here, an artist’s drawing of what will be known as a Seriously Suite. (Image courtesy of Virgin Voyages)

Scarlet Lady’s solo accommodations include 40 windowless, 105-square-foot Solo Insider rooms that are sleek and stylish with full-size beds, large flat-screen televisions, curvy vanities and high-design bathrooms. There also will be six similar-looking Solo Sea View cabins that measure about 130 square feet and offer windows.

Note that the solo cabins with windows are at the very front of the ship, facing forward. While that’s a spectacular location for sightseeing, seasoned cruisers know that cabins at the very front of vessels can be a bit bumpy in rough seas. I love a little movement when I cruise (how else do you know you’re at sea!), but if you don’t, consider yourself warned.

 

Tauck and other river lines

Solo travelers looking for an upscale river cruise often can find a deal from Tauck, a high-end tour company that has a European cruise division. It markets more than half a dozen river vessels.

As it often does, Tauck this year has eliminated its single supplement completely on its least-expensive category of cabins (Category 1). The waiver applies to every departure for 2021, more than 200 in all.

Tauck also has reduced its standard single supplement charge by $1,000 for other selected cabin categories on select departures.

Other river lines that sometimes waive or significantly lower single supplement charges include Avalon Waterways and AmaWaterways. The latter currently has a promotion that drops the single supplement for balcony cabins on more than 800 Europe and Asia sailings to just 25%. The promotion also offers a very low 10% single supplement for solo travelers who book a fixed-window cabin on one of more than 200 departures.

AmaWaterways also has four ships in Europe that each have two dedicated solo cabins that carry no single supplement. They are the France-based AmaDolce, AmaLyra and AmaCello, and the AmaDante, which sails on the Rhine and Moselle rivers.

 

Book with American Cruises & Tours for the best solo traveling deals you’ll find anywhere!