Blue Water Blog

Read the latest small ship, luxury and river news and features from the experts.

Danube in the Wachau Valley
Top Tips for First-Time River Cruisers

Booking your first river cruise can feel a little like standing at the edge of a new adventure and wondering where to start. From planning and packing to life onboard and shore excursions, this guide pulls together our most helpful cruise tips for first-time river cruisers.

Tue 27 Jan 2026

Hungarian Parliament building at night - photo by Emmy at Blue Water Holidays
Christmas Markets Cruise Review

There’s something undeniably enchanting about European cities during the festive season. Follow Emmy's four day adventure on the Danube onboard TravelMarvel Vega.

Fri 05 Dec 2025

Budapest at night
The 10 Best Rivers to Cruise in Europe

European river cruising is one of the most rewarding ways to explore the continent's heartlands. We've gathered the top 10 European river cruises, rivers that consistently offer the most spectacular routes, rich culture and unforgettable experiences

Fri 05 Sep 2025

Budapest
What to Pack for a Danube River Cruise

Danube river cruises are one of Europe’s most loved travel experiences. That’s why our experts have answered the all-important question of what to pack for a Danube River cruise.

Wed 02 Apr 2025

Danube River Cruise Tips: What to Expect On Your Next Holiday
Danube River Cruise Tips: What to Expect On Your Next Holiday

In this article, we will delve into what you can expect on your next Danube River cruise trip. From packing tips to must-visit destinations and the best onshore excursions, we’ll cover all the key details so that you can make the most of your Danube River cruise holiday.

Tue 18 Mar 2025

Parliament Buidling, Budapest
The 6 Best Cities on the Danube

Read our guide to the Danube River. The Danube is the gateway to some of Europe’s most iconic cities, each with rich histories, unique cultures, spectacular architecture, and delectable cuisine.

Mon 20 Jan 2025

Bratislava Castle on the River Danube
What is the Best Month to Cruise the Danube?

In this article, we share our recommendations for the best month for a Danube River cruise, and take you through each of the seasons on the river to share what every time of year has in store for visitors.

Mon 30 Sep 2024

Regensburg
Samantha’s Danube Adventure with APT TravelMarvel on new ship Polaris

One of our cruise specialists, Samantha, recently joined an APT Danube River cruise onboard Travelmarvel Polaris. Read Samantha's blog as she explores Vienna, Durnstein, Melk and many other unique destinations on a memorable three night short break cruise

Wed 26 Jul 2023

Nuremberg
Uniworld Danube Cruise on River Princess

Sales Supervisor Rebecca and Marketing Executive Laura recently joined Uniworld's Authentic Danube river cruise. Read on to find out what to expect on a Uniworld river cruise!

Wed 21 Aug 2019

Parliament building in Budapest
Danube Delights with Emerald Waterways

Our Product and Marketing Manager, Kathryn, recently enjoyed Emerald Waterway's Danube Delights cruise from Budapest to Nuremberg. Read her exclusive review!

Wed 14 Aug 2019

Budepest Parliament Building
Romantic Danube on Viking Longship Rinda

I was most excitied to be taking my first cruise with Viking River Cruises and would be sailing from Budapest to Passau over 4 nights on part of their Romantic Danube itinerary.

Mon 19 Jan 2015

Vietnamese Farmer
Mekong River Cruise Bookings Soar

According to our latest figures, Mekong river cruises are becoming increasingly popular whilst Rhine River Cruises remain the most popular overall

Mon 09 Jun 2014

Scenic Jade
Exclusive review of Scenic Jade's inaugural cruise on the River Danube

The Danube is one of Europe's most popular rivers and it's not surprising! With its art, history, scenery and fascinating capital cities, it is a delight to explore. Read Ann's blog about her cruise from Vienna to Budapest on board the brand new Scenic Jade.

Tue 13 May 2014

 

europe (23) River (19) Danube (14) Rhine (11) River Cruises (9) France (9) Douro (8) Review (8) Mediterranean (8) Norway (7) Greece (7) Mississippi (6) India (6) USA (6) Vietnam (6) Star Clippers (5) Hurtigruten (5) Iceland (5) Greek Islands (5) Holland (5) History (4) Ganges (4) Germany (4) Bordeaux (4) Brahmaputra (4) Croatia (4) Luxury (4) Mekong (4) Seine (4) spain (4) Samantha (4) Uniworld (4) Wildlife (3) Rhone (3) Polar (3) portugal (3) Cambodia (3) Caribbean (3) Arctic (3) Aegean (3) Emmy (3) Galapagos (2) Expedition (2) Far East (2) dubrovnik (2) Golden Triangle (2) Africa (2) America (2) Amsterdam (2) Ann (2) APT (2) Asia (2) Budapest (2) New Ship (2) Laura (2) Kathryn (2) Italy (2) Jade (2) South America (2) TravelMarvel (2) Scotland (2) Seasonal (2) River Cruise (1) Scenic Cruises (1) Scenic Jasper (1) Scenic Tours (1) Reykjavik (1) rhodes (1) river po (1) Riviera Travel (1) Royal Clipper (1) UK (1) strasbourg (1) thailand (1) valencia (1) Venice (1) Vienna (1) Spitsbergen (1) St Tropez (1) seville (1) Seychelles (1) seydisfjordur (1) Sicily (1) Silversea (1) South Africa (1) Karen (1) husavik (1) indian ocean (1) Indonesia (1) isafordur (1) Islands (1) Keukenhof (1) kwai (1) Madagascar (1) maldives (1) Malta (1) man (1) Margaret (1) mauritius (1) Normandy (1) Northern Lights (1) Middle East (1) Monaco (1) Monet (1) new orleans (1) Provence (1) Rebecca (1) Regent Seven Seas (1) Polaris (1) Ponant (1) Paris (1) Buenos Aires (1) Burgundy (1) CroisiEurope (1) Cuisine (1) Canada (1) Canal (1) canary islands (1) China (1) Christmas (1) Christmas Markets (1) Cities (1) City (1) corfu (1) corsica (1) Cote d' Azur (1) crete (1) Avalon (1) bali (1) Barbados (1) Barry (1) Belgium (1) Brochure (1) adriatic (1) Adventure (1) akureyri (1) Amadeus (1) Amalfi (1) Amazon (1) Honeymoon (1) Hotel Barge (1) Giverny (1) Glaciers (1) Gardens (1) grundarfjordur (1) guadalquivir (1) Heather (1) Hebridean (1) heimaey island (1) Highlands (1) elbe (1) Emerald Waterways (1) D-Day (1) Exclusive (1) Faroe Islands (1) Fay (1) Films (1) Fitness (1) Fjords (1) Funchal (1) Yangtze (1) zagreb (1) Viking (1) Viking Ocean (1) Vineyards (1)