Maximize Your Vacation Time via River Cruising

If you’ve toured Europe, you probably have fond memories of the destination, but care to forget traveling from one town to the next. Days spent on a bus can eat into your precious vacation time, leaving you with less time to enjoy the sites.
The best way to maximize your time and get the most of a destination is via river cruising. River cruising allows you to see the most beautiful parts of the countryside while traveling from place to place. With different river cruise operators offering different perks and pricing options, there’s a river cruise option for every budget and destination.
Destinations: Europe
Germany

Looking to move forward from a complex past, this nation’s beauty is only surpassed by its cultural gems. Several rivers pass through the country and give you incredible views of medieval castles, fertile vineyards, and idyllic landscapes. Rivers include the Rhine, Danube, Moselle, and Main.
Recommended partners: Avalon Waterways, AmaWaterways, Scenic, Emerald

 

France
Say oui to the destination for art and wine-lovers alike. From Monet’s home and natural inspirations in Giverny, to the wine-making region and the architectural delights of Paris, France has it all. Rivers include the Seine, Moselle, Saone, Rhone, and Rhine.
Recommended partners: Avalon Waterways, AmaWaterways, Scenic, Emerald

 

Portugal
Portugal has become one of the hottest travel destinations in Europe. The Douro winds past romantic castles, past vineyards known for traditional Port wine and past valleys alive with color.
Recommended partners: AmaWaterways, Scenic, Emerald

 

Destinations: Asia
Russia
Retrace the steps of tsars in the heart of the former Soviet Union. From Moscow to St. Petersburg with traditional Russian towns along the way, a cruise down the Volga will unwrap the mysterious beauty of Russia.
Recommended brand: Scenic

 

Vietnam and Cambodia
The Mekong River opens up to treasures from Siem Reap to Ho Chi Minh City. Traditional Asian marketplaces and rural villages line the river giving you access to the vibrant shores of the river.
Recommended brand: AmaWaterways, Avalon Waterways

 

India
The Ganges River brings you closer to the spiritual destinations and traditions of India. From the Taj Mahal to temples in Mayapur, Mother Teresa’s rescue in Calcutta to Dehli, the colors of India shine.
Recommended brand: Avalon Waterways

 

Destinations: Africa
South Africa
A cruise and land tour takes you closer to the beauty of southern Africa. With a variety of tours including time in Cape Town, a safari in Chobe National Park, experiences within Johannesburg, and a journey to Victoria Falls, you will have endless options to explore beyond the Chobe River.
Recommended brand: AmaWaterways

 

Egypt
Cruise the Nile and explore the most sacred destinations of the ancient world. Cruise tours in Egypt can include time in Giza to see the Great Pyramids, temples in Luxor and treasures in the capital city of Cairo.
Recommended brand: Scenic, Emerald, Avalon Waterways. AmaWaterways sailing in 2021.

 

Special Interest Cruises
For the Wine Lover
There’s no better destination for a self-made sommelier than the vineyards of Europe. Experience wine and champagne tastings in historic cellars by winemakers generations in the making. Exclusive wine tours are available on select departure dates.
For the Active Adventurer
Several river cruise lines offer bikes for clients to use and explore all the stops along the way. Whether you want to kayak, hike or bike to see a new destination, options abound on river cruises.
For the Historian
The 20th century was a volatile one for western Europe. From the shores of Normandy to the trials of Nuremburg, the past 100 years are just the beginning of historical wonders that await in Europe.
For the Outlander Fan
Diane Gabaldon, creator of Outlander, brings the characters to life on the river. While visiting popular destinations, hear about her inspiration for the wildly popular series. Exclusively on Avalon Waterways.

What River Cruise is Best for You?

After selecting your destination and travel-type, you’ll be ready to choose the river cruise line that’s best for you.

• AmaWaterways – an annual recipient of the best river cruise line award, AMA represents luxurious accommodations sailing to the most beautiful places on earth. Total ships in the fleet: 23. Cost: $$$

• Avalon Waterways – known for a room with a view, Avalon ships were the first to bring guests closer to the water with open air balconies. Total ships in the fleet: 26. Cost: $$

• Emerald – a newcomer to river cruising, Emerald offers younger ships with a younger average age cruiser. Total ships in the fleet: 8. Cost: $$

• Scenic – luxurious 5-star accommodations mean everything’s included for an amazing and memorable cruise. Total ships in the fleet:  15. Cost: $$$

AmaWaterways
Avalon Waterways
Emerald
Scenic
The beauty of Europe and other spectacular destinations around the world await you when you book one of our amazing river cruise itineraries. Our Travel Specialists can help you choose a destination and sailing that fits your vacation goals. Visit one of our Boscov’s Travel locations today to start planning your trip.

Which Cruise Line is Right for You?

If you are new to cruising or looking to explore a new destination on a cruise, it can become confusing to decide what’s the best cruise line for you. Whether you’re traveling on a budget with family or looking for a one-of-a-kind luxury cruise experience, we can help!

Our travel specialists brought together their top recommended cruise lines based on service, value and overall cruise experience and made a handy quiz to help you to see which cruise line is the best fit for you!

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Click here to view infographic in full screen.

Now that you’ve chosen your cruise line, take advantage of savings and perks during Boscov’s Travel July Customer Appreciation Month! All month long, enjoy discounts, perks and bonus offers on every cruise line featured here. Learn more about our July events here.

If you’re ready to book your cruise adventure, email [email protected], call 800-755-8020 or direct message us.

Visit Boscov’s Travel located within select Boscov’s including Pennsylvania (Camp Hill, Colonial Park/Harrisburg, Easton, Lancaster, Lebanon, Neshaminy/Bensalem, Wyomissing, Reading, Pottstown, Pottsville, Scranton, Selinsgrove, Wilkes-Barre), New York (Binghamton), New Jersey (Atlantic City and Moorestown), Delaware (Wilmington), and Maryland (Salisbury).  View our locations here. If you live a little further away, book over the phone by calling us at 800-755-8020. Learn more at boscovstravel.com.

 

River Cruising on Avalon Waterways

From bus trips, to guided tours, city excursions or DIY travel, there are many options for touring Europe. One of the most scenic options for European touring is the river cruise. For a few days to more than three weeks, river cruises give cruisers a unique experience along the European countryside while sailing from town to town along the most famous rivers in Europe.

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One of the most awarded river cruise lines is Avalon Waterways, part of the Globus family of brands. Founded in 2003, Avalon Waterways prides themselves on giving their guests a unique point of view. Avalon rooms feature beds that face the window and their Panoramic Suites offer the Open-Air Balcony, a first of its kind wall-to-wall 11 foot panoramic window that’s 50% wider than the industry standard. This gives cruisers a more spacious, open-feeling cabin with wider views of Europe. 80% of staterooms on Avalon suite ships feature this panoramic view. View the video below to experience the difference this makes.

[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R80GgIJi8fg]

In addition to the differences in room suites, Avalon Waterways attention to detail set them apart. When clients receive their cruise documents, they receive the cruise director’s (senior management on board the ship) personal cell phone number for any issues that may arise before departure or during the journey allowing for peace of mind throughout travel.

Avalon Waterways’s fleet consists of 16 ships with the oldest being only 7 years in age. Built on a tradition of the Swiss mentality, precision and functionality is forefront when it comes to building the ships. Avalon Waterways does not refurbish ships, and builds each ship 37 feet in width to navigate through the 37.5 foot locks throughout Europe. Each ship is built to accommodate up to 166 guests.

Rhine_Cologne_Sunset_Twilight_014

The fare on the ship accommodates to almost any type of dietary need imaginable (with the exception of kosher) with new vegetarian menus coming soon. There is no assigned seating at meals, and beer and 4 varieties of European wine are served with dinner, and will be served with lunch in 2017. Meals change daily as chefs shop at the local markets to get the freshest regional fare available to guests.

During the day, the ship docks at destinations along the river and local guides give inside access to the historical significance and everyday modern life within the town. Stops range from well-known tourist cities to small villages to give cruisers a one-of-a-kind experience. Bikes are available for guests to journey throughout the towns.

European tour options include a varying lengths of time along the great rivers of Europe, and Avalon Waterways offers special interest cruises catering to a variety of passions and interests. Select cruises focus on wine appreciation, beer tasting, culinary adventures, jazz, art, WWII History, and Jewish Heritage to name a few.

Going on now through June 21, 2016, receive free or reduced air from select cities when sailing on 2017 Europe River Cruises. Or save up to $3,000 per couple on select 2016 Europe River Cruises for a limited time. With the strong US dollar, there’s no better time to book your European adventure. If you’re ready to book your Avalon Waterways experience, email [email protected], call 800-755-8020 or direct message us.

Visit Boscov’s Travel located within select Boscov’s including Pennsylvania (Camp Hill, Colonial Park/Harrisburg, Easton, Lancaster, Lebanon, Neshaminy/Bensalem, Wyomissing, Reading, Pottstown, Pottsville, Scranton, Selinsgrove, Wilkes-Barre), New York (Binghamton), New Jersey (Atlantic City and Moorestown), Delaware (Wilmington), and Maryland (Salisbury). View our locations here. If you live a little further away, book over the phone by calling us at 800-755-8020. Learn more at boscovstravel.com.