Blue Water Blog

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

Eiffel Tower in the Spring
What is the Best Time to River Cruise in Europe?

Dreaming of exploring these dreamy waterways and wondering what the best time is to river cruise in Europe? In this blog, we share the best seasons for exploring this picturesque continent by water.

Thu 05 Feb 2026

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

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

Wurzburg, Marienberg Fortress
What is the Best Month to Take a Rhine River Cruise?

The Rhine River is one of the largest rivers in Europe, second only to the Danube. The waterway takes travellers on a journey to discover a selection of the continent's most vibrant cultures, rich histories, and breathtaking landscapes.

Mon 10 Feb 2025

A town on the River Rhine
The 8 Best Towns on the Rhine River

The River Rhine flows from the Swiss Alps through Germany to Holland, past cliff-top castles and terraced vineyards. In this article, we share our recommendations for the best towns and cities on the River Rhine, all of which feature on the itineraries of our popular Rhine River cruises.

Mon 16 Sep 2024

The town of Unkel on the River Rhine
The Rhine Revisited

Samantha, one of our cruising specialists, recently enjoyed Avalon Waterway's Active and Discovery on the Rhine river cruise. Read her exclusive review!

Tue 13 Aug 2019

Strasbourg Christmas Market
AmaWaterways Rhine Christmas Markets Cruise

Our Product and Marketing Manager, Kathryn, recently enjoyed a Christmas Markets River Rhine Cruise with AmaWaterways. Read her exclusive review:

Fri 29 Dec 2017

Market stall full of Christmas baubles
Exploring the Christmas Markets along the Rhine

One of our customers recently enjoyed her first river cruise, joining the luxurious AmaPrima on a Rhine Christmas Markets itinerary. Read her exclusive review.

Wed 13 Dec 2017

Marienberg Fortress, Wurzburg
Amadeus Silver River Cruise Review

Our Marketing Executive, Laura, and Cruising Specialist, Jade, recently enjoyed a cruise along the beautiful River Rhine, courtesy of Amadeus River Cruises. Read their exclusive review.

Fri 13 Oct 2017

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

 

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