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hstrybuf
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| Joined: | Sat Jun 17th, 2006 |
| Location: | Kansas |
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Posted: Sun Jun 1st, 2008 09:58 pm | 1st Post |
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River cruising is experiencing a surge of interest on storied waterways
Updated 12:48 p.m. CT, Fri., May 30, 2008
Travelers looking to truly know the soul of a city or region oftentimes needn't look further than its lifeline — the flowing waters of its river, from which nourishment, trade, transport, recreation, and more nods to cultured civilization have all sprung forth. River cruising, long popular with Europeans, is today experiencing a surge of interest on storied waterways around the globe, thanks to the intimate and enriching destination approach it provides on routes simply impossible to replicate by any other means. Leave the over-the-top Las Vegas megaships out at sea, and parking and traffic headaches back on land, and instead opt to cruise the meandering waterways of a region’s heartland aboard small ships ranging from luxury riverboats to vintage paddle-wheelers, with every river bend revealing a destination’s new face courtesy of a constantly shuffled deck of quaint riverside towns, historic monuments, and pristine countryside.
1. Amazon
Sections of the wild waters of the Peruvian Amazon (like the portion that courses through the five-million-acre Pacaya Samiria Reserve) are so remote that they can only be reached by plane or by ship, but the pristine region's ecological riches (think mammoth Victoria Regia water lilies, pink dolphins, sloths, and capuchin monkeys) have long lured veteran travelers. Getting there is no longer a tedious task thanks to Aqua Expeditions' new luxury cruiser, the M/V Aqua. Conceived by Peruvian architect Jordi Puig, the über-modern, 12-suite vessel is designed for maximum comfort on 3-to 7-night jungle expeditions, which embark via Iquitos (airport transfers to the port are provided). Guests appreciate perks like the onboard master chef and plush, 230-plus-square-foot suites all the more after a full day of fishing for piranha, trekking through the jungle, and paddling through creeks. Ships sail between February and December.
2. Danube
Set sail on the well traveled “Blue Danube” whose beauty inspired one of Johann Strauss’ Viennese waltzes. Used for centuries as a route between eastern and central Europe, the river stretches from the Black Forest to the Black Sea. The M/V ‘River Cloud II,’ operated by Abercrombie and Kent, offers the opportunity to voyage a portion of the river on seven-night cruises. As one of the maximum of 88 passengers aboard this luxury vessel, keep your eyes on the banks, where a montage of castles, vineyards, and modern cities compose the changing river scenery. While there is plenty to see from the deck, the charm of the ship will not go unnoticed, from its lounge centered on a Steinway grand piano to its Northern European and Mediterranean-inspired restaurant. The M/V ‘River Cloud II,’ boasts several different itineraries, the most popular of which runs between Budapest, Hungary and Vilshofen, Germany while passing through Vienna, Austria (from June to September).
Full story here:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/24782263/
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Deb - Research, research, research!
My pics: http://community.webshots.com/user/hstrycrsr
Liberty 10/07; Miracle 10/06; Navigator OTS 10/04; Legend 04/04; Grand Princess 09/03; Dawn Princess 01/03; Enchantment OTS 10/02; Destiny 01/02; Sensation 10/99
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