The best Rhine River cruise deals

The best Rhine River cruises will include seeing fascinating landscapes encompassing rolling hills with medieval castles and fortresses, historic villages, rock formations, and monuments. No other river in Europe has so many famous historic cities along its banks. Below is a list of scenic spots you may pass:

• Drachenburg Castle: In Konigswinter, Germany, the castle overlooks the Rhine River and includes pompously decorated rooms, vast gardens and stunning views plus an annual Christmas market.
• Stolzenfels Castle: Just outside of Koblenz, Germany, the fortress castle has a romantic atmosphere and is a prime example of 13^th-century Rhine Romanticism.
• Marksburg Castle: High on a hill in Braubach, Germany, the castle is preserved with all of its medieval charm. A tour takes you around the kitchen, chapel, armoury chamber, wine cellar and more.
• Lorelei rock formation: Near Sank Goarshausen, Germany, the rock formation is surrounded by myths regarding a beautiful maiden who sat atop the cliff and serenaded sailors with her voice.
• Niederwald monument: Up the stream towards Rudesheim, Germany, a huge monument appears on a hill in commemoration of the 1871 unification of Germany after the Franco-Prussian War.
  

So, what is the best Rhine River cruise line? Luckily there are multiple options for a cruise along the Rhine River, from a quick two night Rhine River cruise to luxurious, all-inclusive river cruises. A list of Rhine River cruise lines is below:

Viking River Cruises - best known for its comfortable river cruises, Viking offers culturally rich experiences and picturesque itineraries.

Avalon Waterways - offers extraordinary experiences, best for seasoned travelers who are destination oriented and who want a cruise that focuses on history and culture.

Emerald – offers good value and friendly service, appealing to young cruisers and travelers looking for moderately priced, all-inclusive journeys.

A-ROSA – offers more affordable cruises with a relaxed atmosphere and fantastic facilities.

AmaWaterways – offers high-rated ships and luxurious river cruises with top ratings and reviews for their most popular European itineraries.

Now, what do you wear on a Rhine River cruise? When packing for European river cruises, much of the focus is on excursions and cultural experiences, so you’ll want to bring casual clothes that are comfortable. The dress code on a river cruise is much more relaxed, though it can be a little smarter in the evening, so do check with your cruise line. When choosing a holiday wardrobe, many cruise guests choose to wear jeans, skirts or shorts while on a tour around a medieval village or historic city during the day. You’ll want to bring layers to deal with changeable weather, a jumper if there’s a breeze, and a water-resistant jacket if it rains. Make sure to pack sunglasses and a hat, as you may experience some rather sunny days. Lastly, it’s best to be prepared for several excursions with a pair of comfortable shoes.

With a choice of durations, there’s a cruise to suit everyone. Short sailings last around three, four or five nights. Short cruises to the Rhine are popular in November and December as many enjoy the experience of the region’s festive Christmas markets. Seven to 14 night cruises typically run from Amsterdam, taking in more sights along the river. Longer cruises along the Rhine are popular during the spring as they are extremely picturesque with carpets of colourful tulips covering many of the riverbanks