vaal river cruises

• River Cruises
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• Birding on the Vaal
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Stonehaven’s forte is the great attention to detail, so all of the river cruise prices  include  personalized printed full coloured menus and welcome sign’s, charming table settings with your choice of colour scheme and table centre-pieces. Unique Wedding Ceremonies & Receptions and Conferences can be hosted on board besides Private and Corporate Marine Dining.

BOAT CRUISES FROM STONEHAVEN HARBOUR 

Stonehaven runs a fleet of Vaal Boat River Cruises from the Stonehaven Harbour and proudly boasts SAMSA (South African Maritime Safety Association) Certificates for all of their Vessels. Before you book a cruise on any inland waters in South Africa, make sure the Operator is able to show you SAMSA certificates. It is now compulsory for all Commercial Cruiser operators to have these safety certificates – if they do not, the safety of the vessel you are using is not assured and there will be no public liability cover on these vessels either. Let us know if you would like us to forward a copy of Stonehaven’s cruiser certificates to you.

“The Spirit of Jen” is the most luxurious Vaal Cruiser in Gauteng that a takes a minimum of 40 passengers and a maximum of 150 passengers seated or 200 passengers with a Cocktail setup (subject to COVID-19 social distancing regulations and crowd gathering restrictions).

It is the largest, fastest and most extravagant Cruiser on the Vaal River. It has an enclosed bottom deck with large sliding windows, a fitted bar, 6 ladies/gents, Bose music/PA System, conference facilities and an open top deck with sun loungers and a Jacuzzi. The Captain will invite your VIP’s up to his private bar in the Captain’s Bridge for a complimentary sherry and relaxation on the antique leather lounge suite.

This Cruiser is able to travel to the Barrage and back in only 3 hours, so you are able to view and experience all of the best magnificent homes down Millionaire’s Mile. It is a very interesting luxury River Cruise, as apposed to just river cruising past barren land.

“The Royal Stonehaven” is an upmarket, classic Cruiser that takes a minimum of 15 passengers and up to 45 passengers seated (subject to COVID-19 social distancing regulations and crowd gathering restrictions). The enclosed bottom deck has large sliding windows, music/PA system, conference facilities, 3 ladies/gents, alongside mooring facilities, open top deck with sun loungers and a Jacuzzi.It is priced on a perperson rate.

The three well-presented ladies and gents toilets. These are normal flush toilets (not chemical). They flush into a contained area in the hull. The contents there in are then pumped out on land into a normal waste system.

The top deck is open to maximize the birding and sunbathing features. There is a 6-person Jacuzzi and sun loungers on this deck. The Royal Stonehaven has alongside mooring facilities for speedboats & jet skis should you wish to ski or Jet Ski during your River Cruise.

The Vaal Cruise and cuisine offered is perfectly designed to impress overseas visiting business people, tourist and VIP’s. Unique Wedding Ceremonies & Receptions are also a feature on board. Conferences are offered too, with full audiovisual facilities including a proxima. Corporate Marine Dining and personal celebrations are perfect to celebrate on The Royal Stonehaven. Birding on the Vaal River is a treat with over 200 species of birds. The Royal Stonehaven’s top deck provides a perfect elevated vantage point to do some serious birding.

This fun open top Speed Boat seats a maximum of 10 passengers (no minimum applies) and can be taken with a fun picnic on the banks of the Vaal River at an additional cost. Ask us for pricing and info on our Picnic packages.

Aqua Lounge Cruises

Welcome to Aqua Lounge Cruises. We specialize in providing guests with a unique and fun cruise experience on the scenic Vaal River. Situated at the Riviera on Vaal Resort, we offer a wide variety of cruises, including 1-Hour Leisure Cruises and Lunch Cruises, as well as Private Cruises for those seeking a more exclusive atmosphere. We currently have two vessels available: Aqua Lounge Classic (Maximum capacity of 50 guests), Aqua Lounge Premium (Maximum capacity of 110 guests). All vessels are SAMSA approved.

Enjoy the scenery of the Vaal River from the comfort of our on-board lounge with relaxing music. Bring your friends and family to enjoy a fun outing, birthday celebration or corporate event. Our dedicated team will ensure that your event is an unforgettable experience. For more information on what we offer, please follow the links below or download our Marketing Brochure.

What We Offer:

On the day of the cruise, report to the Aqua Lounge Ticket Office at least 15 minutes prior to departure. Relax and Enjoy the Cruise. Terms & Conditions

1 Hour Leisure Cruises

Enjoy the scenery of the Vaal River from the comfort of our on-board lounge with relaxing music. 

Lunch Cruises

Enjoy a relaxing 2-hour cruise with a delicious Lunch buffet style setup served on the boat. 

Private Cruises

Make your event an unforgettable experience that offers a unique and exclusive atmosphere for guests.

Aqua Lounge Cruises (Pty) Ltd

The view on vaal resort.

We offer a wide variety of crusies.

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• Description

Embark on an unforgettable adventure with Aqua Lounge Cruises! Immerse yourself in the beauty of the Vaal River on a 1-hour boat cruise, right from the heart of Riviera on Vaal Resort.

Whether you're a corporate explorer, a family seeking leisure, or a traveller in search of scenic wonders, Aqua Lounge is your ultimate destination. Relax in the on-board lounge, soak in the breathtaking views, and let the tranquillity of nature be your guide. Sail into serenity along the largest tributary of the Orange River!

What you Get

• 1-Hour boat cruise for 2 or 4 people (depending on the option bought)

How to Redeem

• Look over the fine print for information on how you can redeem your voucher

Facilities:

• Braai facilities 
• Swimming pools.

Children Policy:

Children under the age of 3 years old can cruise for free. A maximum of 2 children per voucher are allowed. Please inform Aqua Lounge Cruises if you intend on bringing any children.

Indemnity Waiver Agreement:

Aqua Lounge Cruises and its employees will not be held liable for any accident, loss, damage or injury encountered by passengers during the duration of the cruise, whether such occur during boarding, being afloat and /or disembarking. Passengers are to fully cooperate with the crew and comply with all safety procedures. Command of the vessel rests solely on the Skipper. In the event of bad weather, mechanical failure or force majeure, the skipper has the right to cancel / shorten / lengthen the cruise at his own discretion.

Passenger Policy:

Passengers participate in cruises solely at their own risk and indemnify Aqua Lounge Cruises and its employees in respect of any claims. Aqua Lounge Cruises reserves the right of admission, which includes disembarking passengers who are guilty of unruly behaviour. Life jackets are stored on the boat and will be made available on request.

Late Arrival & No-Show Policy:

Aqua Lounge Cruises aims to depart on time, every time. We kindly request all customers to report to the boat at least 15 minutes before the scheduled departure time to avoid missing the cruise. If a person / group misses the cruise due to late arrival or no-show, any payment made / tickets purchased will be forfeited. Tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable.

Weather Policy:

Aqua Lounge Cruises provides all weather cruises. Wind and rain does not warrant cancellation unless deemed unsafe by the Skipper.

1-Hour Boat Cruise with Aqua Lounge Cruises on the Vaal River

1-Hour Boat Cruise with Aqua Lounge Cruises on the Vaal River - 1-Hour boat cruise for two is backordered and will ship as soon as it is back in stock.

The voucher is valid for 3 months from the date of purchase. The View On Vaal Resort@ Abrahamsrust, Minnaar Street, Vaalpark, Sasolburg, 1911. http://www.theviewonvaalresort.co.za/

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Vaal Dam Cruises

Safety first-samsa approved.

– Lesley “Best experience ever.”

– Audrey M. “Had loads of fun.”

Everything You Need For a Party

Rocking sound system, braai on board, bathrooms on board, safety first.

SAMSA Certified

The Cruise Is Custom Tailored to You

What You Can Expect On Our Cruise

• A nice breeze
• A stable, easygoing ride
• Amazing views of the Dam
• A historical tour of the Vaal
• Great pictures with your friends
• You will NOT  get wet (unless you jump in the water)

See other Vaal Dam Activities

Our Memories

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River Cruises

Below you can find some information on the River Cruises that we recommend on the Vaal River for some of the best lunch or sundowner/dinner cruises on the river that the area has to offer.

Stonehaven on Vaal Vanderbijlpark

Stonehaven runs a fleet of Vaal Boat River Cruises from the Stonehaven Harbour and proudly boasts SAMSA (South African Maritime Safety Association) Certificates for all of their Vessels.

The ‘Royal Stonehaven’ is an upmarket, classic Cruiser that takes up to 45 passengers for a 1 hour | 2 hour | 3 hour cruise. The enclosed bottom deck has large sliding windows, music/PA system, conference facilities, 3 ladies/gents, alongside mooring facilities, open top deck with sun loungers and a Jacuzzi.

The top deck is open to maximize the birding and sunbathing features. There is a 6-person Jacuzzi and sun loungers on this deck.

The Vaal Cruise and cuisine offered is perfectly designed to impress overseas visiting business people, tourists and top VIP’s.

www.stonehaven.co.za

Liquid Lounge Vaal River Cruise Vanderbijlpark

The Liquid Lounge makes its presence known along the lush shores of the Vaal River. This 56km section of navigable water boasts a contrast of serene nature and some of the finest real estate in the country, aptly named Millionaires Bend. Enjoy a two hour Sunday buffet lunch and wine tasting cruise aboard the Liquid Lounge with your family or friends.

www.liquidlounge.co.za

Aqua Lounge Vaal River Cruises Vereeniging

Aqua Lounge specialises in providing guests with a unique and fun cruise experience on the Vaal River. Situated at the Riviera on Vaal Resort, they offer a wide variety of cruises, including 1 hour Leisure Cruises, Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Cruises, as well as Private Cruises for those seeking a more exclusive atmosphere.

www.aqualoungecruises.co.za

Liquid Lounge River Cruise Boat

Things to do.

Liquid Lounge River Cruise Boat – Vaal Triangle. Liquid Lounge is a luxurious river cruise boat. Book your next family outing aboard the Liquid Lounge – join us for a Sunday lunch buffet in the Vaal Triangle, or make use of our unique venue for your next function / event.

Liquid Lounge operates from two of the finest resorts in the Vaal area. Guests have the option of booking accommodation at either the Emerald Resort & Casino or the Riverside Sun.

Liquid Lounge River Cruise Boat for:

• Vaal River Cruises
• Party Boat River Cruiser – Party Venue
• Public Cruises – Sunday Lunch Cruises
• Corporate Functions and Events
• Vaal River Wedding Venue
• Liquid Living – Luxurious Houseboat Accommodation

A Sunday Lunch Cruise down the Vaal River:

The ideal family outing in the Vaal Triangle aboard the Liquid Lounge for a Sunday Lunch Cruise. Book and enjoy a delicious lunch buffet with friends and family over the weekend, with spectacular river views and excellent meals. What to Expect: The River Cruise: A two hour long river cruise is included in your Sunday Lunch aboard the Liquid Lounge, during which you will cruise down the Vaal River. Our vessel departs from the Emerald Resort and Casino, where you can also spend the day enjoying a number of activities in the resort. Buffet Meal: A delicious meal to complement your river cruise. Live Entertainment: live entertainment will set the perfect mood to unwind with your closest friends and family, while cruising down the Vaal River. Wine Tasting Events: Some public cruises include a wine tasting event, ideal for everyone who enjoys a glass of wine.

For more information about our Sunday Lunch Cruise, or to book a table for your family and friends, contact the Liquid Lounge today.

Contact Details for Liquid Lounge River Cruise Boat:

Website: www.liquidlounge.co.za

Contact Person: Bookings

Email: [email protected]

Address: 777 Frikkie Meyer Boulevard Vanderbijlpark

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10 hot river cruises to book this year

There are classic river itineraries — the Danube, the Rhine, the Rhone and the Nile — that anyone who appreciates the ease and camaraderie of river cruising can book with most of the top cruise lines. But those aren't your only options.

The most exciting river cruises to book this year are the new offerings that go off the beaten path, explore an unsung river or combine a standard seven-night sailing with a novel land tour.

For cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

Here are 10 new itineraries for 2024 and 2025 that are taking river cruising beyond the familiar, including several on recently launched or soon-to-debut river ships.

AmaWaterways' 7-night Wonders of Colombia and Magic of Colombia

Love South America but have already cruised the Amazon? Consider AmaWaterways ' newest ship, AmaMagdalena. Debuting in January 2025, the 60-passenger ship will sail two alternating seven-night itineraries year-round on Colombia's Magdalena River, traveling from Cartagena to Barranquilla and vice versa.

With the Wonders of Colombia itinerary , you'll board AmaMagdalena in coastal Cartagena, a popular Caribbean port on Panama Canal transits that you can now also enjoy on a river cruise. Arrive a day early or book a two-night precruise add-on to see sights such as the historic Walled City, San Felipe de Barajas Castle and the Gold Museum.

Following a sunset sail away, immerse yourself in the sights, sounds and tastes of Colombia via a local music experience in Palenque, the first "free town" in the Americas after a 1713 decree from the Spanish crown freed residents from slavery. You can also check out 19th-century Calamar on a paola (a two-person bicycle taxi) and the jazz music and local handicrafts available in Santa Barbara de Pinto and Mompox.

El Banco and Magangue round out the list of port calls before the cruise ends with a tour of the floating village of Nueva Venecia and an evening Carnival celebration in the seaside port of Barranquilla.

Choose the Magic of Colombia itinerary , from Barranquilla to Cartagena, and you'll visit the same ports, just in a different order. Rather than end your cruise with the Carnival celebration, you'll experience it on your first day. You can also book several precruise and postcruise land tours, including three nights precruise in Medellin, three nights postcruise in Panama or both.

AmaMagdalena will be joined in June 2025 by 64-passenger AmaMelodia. Both vessels will offer spacious (237- to 516-square-foot) staterooms and suites, as well as a heated pool on the sun deck and two dining options: the main restaurant, serving Latin American cuisine and Western favorites, and an intimate alfresco dining experience.

Related: Best river cruise lines around the world

American Cruise Lines' 15-night National Parks & Legendary Rivers

American Cruise Lines ' itineraries on the Columbia and Snake rivers in Oregon and Washington already attract travelers who appreciate the stunning landscapes of the Pacific Northwest, but now the cruise line has a 15-night National Parks & Legendary Rivers itinerary that takes scenic appreciation to another level.

The trip combines an eight-night cruise on the Columbia and Snake rivers with a seven-night land tour to three national parks: Glacier, Yellowstone and Grand Teton. The itinerary visits five states and begins or ends in either Portland, Oregon, or Jackson, Wyoming, depending on whether you do the land or cruise portion first.

What will you see on this cruise? If you start in Portland, you'll overnight before boarding one of the company's modern, 180-passenger river ships: American Jazz, American Harmony or American Song. Your first day will be spent enjoying scenic cruising along the Columbia River, with Mount Hood and Mount St. Helens as a backdrop, as you head to Astoria, Oregon. The historic seaside city is known for its beautiful Victorian houses and red trolleys.

Geology enthusiasts and anyone who remembers the devastating May 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens will be fascinated by the port call in Kalama, Washington, where you can take an included guided excursion to the National Volcanic Monument. The following day will be spent cruising the Columbia River Gorge before you arrive in Stevenson, Washington, where a visit to 620-foot Multnomah Falls is a highlight. The final two days feature views of the dramatic landscapes of the Snake River in eastern Washington as you call on Richland before disembarking in Clarkston.

The guided national parks tour begins with a drive to Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, for a lake cruise followed by an overnight in Kalispell, Montana. Once in Glacier National Park, you'll navigate Going-to-the-Sun Road and dine at the historic Lake McDonald Lodge.

The tour continues on to Yellowstone National Park, where your adventure guides will offer insight as you explore Mammoth Hot Springs, Norris Geyser Basin, Tower Fall and Old Faithful, among other highlights. A visit to Grand Teton National Park and its Jackson Lake Lodge follows, with your final day spent admiring the park's incredible mountain vistas and abundant wildlife.

Related: The best US river cruises

American Cruise Lines' 50-night The Great United States

If 15 nights aren't enough to satisfy your wanderlust, American Cruise Lines offers a 50-night version of The Great United States program for 2025.

The 2025 sailing encompasses three cruises. It takes the 15-night National Parks & Legendary Rivers itinerary described above and adds a 21-night Mississippi River cruise from New Orleans to St. Paul, Minnesota, aboard 180-passenger American Serenade, which will call on 21 ports in six states. Along the Mississippi, you'll have a chance to visit Civil War battlefields in Vicksburg, Mississippi; Mark Twain's boyhood home in Hannibal, Missouri; and the landmark Gateway Arch in St. Louis. You can also enjoy legendary blues music on Beale Street in Memphis.

That segment will be followed by a 14-night, 14-port cruise along the coast of New England on 125-passenger American Pioneer (debuting in 2025). The ship will sail round-trip from Boston and visit scenic coastal ports in Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Massachusetts, including the quintessential New England islands of Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket.

Tour options will include visits to the Maine Botanical Garden in Boothbay Harbor and Acadia National Park in Bar Harbor, an SUV adventure along the dunes of Provincetown on Cape Cod and a tour of the gilded mansions of Newport in Rhode Island.

In total, you'll check off 15 states from your must-visit list during this river cruise. That's an impressive number of destinations to visit in a single trip.

Avalon Waterways' 7-night Vida Portugal: Vineyards & Villages Along the Douro

Portugal's Douro River Valley is beloved by oenophiles. Over the past few decades, it has also attracted river cruisers seeking a relaxing itinerary punctuated by sleepy small towns and the daily enjoyment of local food and wine.

In March 2024, Avalon Waterways added the Douro River to its offerings when it debuted 102-passenger Avalon Alegria sailing an itinerary called Vida Portugal: Vineyards & Villages Along the Douro . The seven-night cruise is round trip from Porto, where there's time at the start and end of your cruise to explore this colorful city's historic port-wine cellars, churches and bridges (including the Ponte de Dona Maria Pia, designed in 1877 by Gustave Eiffel).

Noteworthy stops range from an afternoon call on Porto Antigo, with included excursions to monasteries and churches in Braga and Guimaraes, to a call at Peso de Regua, where sightseeing and wine tasting go hand in hand. You'll even have an opportunity to add an optional excursion from Pinhao to the elaborate 18th-century Baroque palace Casa de Mateus (of rose wine fame).

Save time for the onboard activities, too. After a full-day excursion from Barca d'Alva to Salamanca, Spain — a city known for its mix of Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque architectural styles — you can learn how to paint azulejos (Portugal's famous blue-hued handmade tiles) or enjoy a pastry-making demonstration on the ship the next morning.

Related: The best river cruises in Europe

CroisiEurope's 7-night A Cruise Through Four Exquisite European Valleys

Germany is known for its scenic river valleys, and a new itinerary from French river cruise line CroisiEurope doesn't skimp on beautiful vistas. Called A Cruise Through Four Exquisite European Valleys , the seven-night, round-trip sailing departs from Strasbourg, France, and visits the Rhine, Neckar, Moselle and Saar river valleys.

The ship for this itinerary, 81-passenger Elbe Princesse II, is one of CroisiEurope's three paddle river boats. It normally navigates the Elbe River between Berlin and Prague. However, from July to October 2025, the ship will be cruising the Rhine and its tributaries.

This river cruise kicks off on the Saar River, famous for the Great Bend at Mettlach (the river equivalent of a hairpin turn), and overnights in the town of Saarburg, Germany. After a morning scenic cruise onto the Moselle River, you'll visit Trier, Germany, known for its ancient Roman structures and its photogenic medieval buildings, before continuing on to Cochem, Germany, where you can enjoy an afternoon visit to the hilltop Reichsburg Castle.

Larger cities like Koblenz, Germany, located at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle rivers and home to Ehrenbreitstein Fortress, are also on the itinerary. The trip features a stop in wine-centric Rudesheim, Germany, as well, so you can sample some vino and enjoy a ride on a scenic train while in the Rhine Valley.

The final day calls on a trio of German ports on the Neckar River. In the morning, you'll visit Mannheim and disembark for a coach transfer to Heidelberg, home to pink-hued Heidelberg Castle, historic churches and atmospheric beer halls. You'll then reboard Elbe Princesse II in Heidelberg and sail to Eberbach, a medieval city with an abundance of half-timbered homes and ancient fountains. The ship will overnight as you enjoy a final gala dinner before disembarking in Strasbourg the next morning.

Riverside Luxury Cruises' 11-night Danube and Main River Discovery

With the March 2024 debut of 110-passenger Riverside Debussy, Europe-based newcomer Riverside Luxury Cruises has added more than a half-dozen new three- to 21-night itineraries, with options on the Rhine, Main, Moselle and Danube rivers. In October 2024, the ship will sail an 11-night Danube and Main River Discovery itinerary from Budapest to Frankfurt that combines the highlights of two rivers and visits four countries: Hungary, Slovakia, Austria and Germany.

You'll embark Riverside Debussy in Hungary's capital before cruising past the illuminated Hungarian Parliament Building on your way to Bratislava. The capital of Slovakia is home to a hilltop castle, a walkable pedestrian zone and pubs serving local beer.

The next day, discover the history and artistry of Vienna with visits to its Hapsburg-era palaces, 16th-century St. Stephen's Cathedral and numerous museums. Charming Durnstein, Austria, is known for its medieval castle and a riverfront abbey with a pretty blue-and-white spire, while the golden-hued abbey in nearby Melk, Austria, celebrates the flavor of apricots in preserves and liquors.

As you reach Passau, Germany, which sits on the confluence of three rivers, you'll enter Bavaria and discover a walkable city with a domed 17th-century Baroque cathedral. The next day on the Main River (a Rhine tributary), you'll tour Regensburg, Germany, including its UNESCO World Heritage-listed city center, before spending two days exploring Nuremberg, Germany, which has a notably complex history.

Rounding out the cruise are calls on Bamberg, Wurzburg and Wertheim, Germany, with bustling Frankfurt — where historic remnants of the Middle Ages meet modern skyscrapers — serving as the departure port.

Related: River cruise packing list: What to pack when traveling by riverboat

Scenic's 66-night Scenic Cruising Through Europe

If you have two months to spare, a fascination with history, a love of fine wines and a generous budget, you can explore the rivers of Europe in one epic trip with Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours. The new 66-night Scenic Cruising Through Europe journey — available on two dates in 2025 ( May 4-July 9 and Aug. 16-Oct. 21 ) — explores more than a half dozen major rivers and waterways and calls on almost 60 ports in 13 countries.

The first part of the journey begins in Bucharest, Romania, with an overnight in a luxury hotel before you set sail on one of Scenic's 163-guest Space-Ships from Giurgiu. You'll cruise the Danube, Main and Rhine rivers all the way to Belgium and the Netherlands, then backtrack along the Rhine to Basel, Switzerland, taking some time to explore towns along the Moselle River.

This portion of the trip will take 36 days, and you'll explore ports in Bulgaria, Serbia, Croatia, Hungary, Austria, Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands and Switzerland. You'll spend two days each in Budapest, Vienna and Amsterdam, and scenic highlights include Austria's Wachau Valley and Germany's Rhine River Gorge, with its many hilltop castles.

After a flight from Zurich to Paris, you'll start the next leg of your trip when you board 124-passenger Scenic Gem for a 10-night cruise on the Seine River. Visit historic Rouen and Honfleur or take excursions to Claude Monet's home and gardens at Giverny and the WWII beaches at Normandy.

Next, you'll fly from Paris to Bordeaux and board 149-passenger Scenic Diamond for a 10-night journey along the Garonne and Dordogne rivers in the heart of France's Bordeaux wine region.

On day 57, you'll fly from Bordeaux to Porto, Portugal, to board 96-passenger Scenic Azure on the Douro River for the final 10-night leg of your trip. You'll explore the legendary port cellars of Porto, taste wine amid the terraced vineyards of the Douro Valley and venture into Spain for a day trip to Salamanca. Your river cruise — and this epic 66-night journey — concludes back in Porto with an overnight, allowing you more time to experience this exceptional city.

Tauck's 13-night Romantic Capitals: Prague to Paris

Tauck's newest river offering in Europe for 2025 is its 13-night Romantic Capitals: Prague to Paris itinerary. This multiriver and land journey is available from April to October on Tauck ships Joy and Savor.

You'll start your journey with two nights at the Fairmont Golden Prague Hotel and enjoy ample time to take in sights such as Prague Castle and the Charles Bridge. You'll then transfer to Regensburg, Germany, for a nine-day cruise to Trier along the Main, Rhine, Moselle and upper Danube rivers, as well as the Main-Danube Canal.

Ports and cities visited on excursions include Frankfurt, Koblenz, Nuremberg, Bamberg, Wurzburg, Wertheim and Boppard, Germany. Exclusive experiences available to Tauck guests range from a private reception and dinner at Schlosshotel Kronberg near Frankfurt to a visit to the legendary Nurburgring racetrack near Koblenz.

You'll continue your trip on land with a quick stop in Luxembourg for a walking tour of its capital city. Afterward, you'll board a train to Paris, where your journey will conclude with a two-night stay at L'Hotel du Collectionneur.

Uniworld's 13-night Cruise & Rail: Paris to Istanbul

Uniworld Boutique River Cruises has added a new 13-night Cruise & Rail: Paris to Istanbul itinerary to its 2025 journeys. The two-week cruise offers you the chance to experience these two legendary cities, visit landmarks along the Seine River and then travel by luxury sleeper train for five nights from Paris through six additional countries to Istanbul. A 14-night reverse itinerary from Istanbul to Paris is also available.

If you begin your journey in Paris, you'll board Uniworld's 128-passenger Joie de Vivre for a seven-night Seine River cruise. Highlights include visits to Claude Monet's home and gardens at Giverny and Normandy's medieval capital, Rouen, known for its 11th-century cathedral and Joan of Arc history. A second stop in Rouen gives you a choice of excursions to the beaches of Normandy. This portion of the trip concludes with a stop at Versailles and an overnight in Paris.

You'll then transfer to Gare de Lyon and board the Golden Eagle Danube Express. First stop: the vineyards of Champagne for a tasting. The next day, the majestic scenery of the Austrian Alps are a daytime highlight, while dinner and a private classical concert in Vienna are on the evening agenda. After a morning exploring the city, you'll be back on board as your train heads to Postojna, Slovenia, where you'll enjoy a nighttime tour of the intricate Postojna Caves.

A visit to the Serbian capital of Belgrade rewards you with a traditional feast, while the next day's stop in Sofia, capital of Bulgaria, offers architectural and archeological gems in a city dating back 7,000 years. Upon disembarking in Istanbul, you'll spend a night at the luxurious Four Seasons Sultanahmet and have time to explore nearby sights, which include the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace.

Viking's 10-night Rhine & Main Explorer from Nuremberg to Basel

Viking 's newest itinerary for 2025 is the 10-night Rhine & Main Explorer , which cruises from Nuremberg to Basel (or vice versa) from May to November and visits cities in Germany, France and Switzerland. It's a new mix of ports for Viking, including some lesser-known historic towns in Germany's Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria regions.

You'll board one of the cruise line's 190-passenger Viking Longships in Nuremberg, where an overnight offers time to learn about the city's medieval structures and past as a staging ground for Nazi rallies. More medieval architecture awaits in Bamberg, famous for its river-spanning Altes Rathaus (Town Hall) and its rauchbier (smoked beer). If wine is your preferred spirit, you're in luck, as Wurzburg, a city in Germany's Franken wine region, is also on the itinerary.

As you continue your cruise, you'll see the vibrant half-timbered houses and sample the hearty Bavarian cuisine (think: bratwurst and pork knuckle) of Marktheidenfeld, Germany. A visit to bustling Frankfurt, which provides a stark contrast between historic and modern Germany, is also in order after an afternoon spent sailing past the Main River's castle-topped hillsides.

France's Alsace region gets its turn when you call on Strasbourg, known for its beautifully preserved Old Town encircled by the Ill River. The itinerary also includes a stop across the Rhine in Breisach, Germany, the gateway to the Black Forest and a town full of vineyards. You'll end your journey with a full day of exploring charming guild house-lined Marktplatz, history-rich streets and more than 40 museums in Basel.

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8 best river cruises in Europe, from the Douro to the Danube

E urope is a continent built on its rivers, with many having played a vital role in the formation and development of its most important cities . From the Thames to the Tiber , they are an ever-flowing reminder of the continent’s long and varied history.

The opportunity to sail along these rivers, among the world’s most beautiful and peaceful waterways, is a temptation that’s easily given in to. Of course, a river cruise is about more than just spending time floating on the water (although that option is available, should you wish). It’s about the towns, cities and landmarks along the way.

These trips will take you on a relaxing and slow-paced journey to vineyards and valleys, tours and excursions, returning each night to your own floating hotel. Each day offers quick stops to discover some of the continent’s most important cultures at your own pace.

The Independent has rounded up eight of the best Europe river cruise packages, from epic continental crossing and to the finest Christmas markets to explore.

Capitals of Eastern Europe, Viking River Cruises

Viking River Cruises’ Capitals of Eastern Europe itinerary is a 16-night trip covering the main cities on the Danube. It sets sail from Vienna, the elegant and sophisticated Austrian capital, and it finishes in Constanta, Romania, before a quick final journey overland to Bucharest to end your trip with a two-night stay.

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On the way you’ll visit a host of towns in Hungary, Serbia and even Bulgaria, but on this trip the bigger cities are the main attraction. Vienna is followed by Bratislava – where Baroque palaces meet a typically Eastern European Old Town – and then Budapest . The Hungarian capital is a highlight: from festooned “ruin bars” and thermal baths to a spectacular neo-Gothic parliament building, the city has a wide variety of architecture, activities and things to do.

How to book

The tour lasts for 17 days, starting from £5,445pp. This price includes return flights, one excursion in each port of call and all meals. vikingrivercruises.co.uk

North Rhine & The Netherlands, TUI

Alongside the Danube, the Rhine is one of Europe’s main cruise rivers. Many operators have several Rhine packages; TUI’s offering covers a stellar range of cities for a very affordable price. Its ships have two dining options (a bistro and a more formal restaurant) with al fresco seating, as well as a wellness and activity area on the top deck. No excursions are included, but this does give you free rein to choose whatever activities you like.

The first two days are spent in Amsterdam , where you’ll have ample time to wander its canals and green spaces, such as the Vondelpark, or visit attractions such as the Anne Frank Museum, Van Gogh Museum and Rijksmuseum.

Days three and four bring you to Rotterdam and Dusseldorf. You can enjoy the port area in the Netherlands ’ second city or simply marvel at its dramatically different modern architecture, while Dusseldorf provides a variety of museums and concerts alongside a lively Old Town. On days five to seven, you’ll visit four picturesque riverside cities and towns: Bonn, Koblenz, Boppard and Oberwesel. There are waterfront bars and restaurants galore, and each has its own slice of history (think of a Beethoven museum in Bonn and a memorial to the ruler who united Germany in Koblenz).

From £1,639pp for this seven-night trip, including three meals per day (you can add coffee, alcohol and other drinks on an all-inclusive basis for an extra £20 per night) and return flights. tui.co.uk

The Douro, Riviera Travel

A trip along the northern Douro River can offer views to rival even the most idyllic of Algarve beaches. This trip starts in Porto , where bars and restaurants line the banks in the Ribeira (Riverside) district, but it is worth climbing the various hills to see other areas and sites, such as the cathedral and Dom Luis I Bridge.

After setting off along the Douro, your first two stops are Pinhao – a picturesque wine town, famous for being at the heart of the Port-producing region of the country – and Castelo Rodrigo, a 12th-century walled village located in the highlands. Day four will see you visit Salamanca, the Spanish sandstone city famous for its cathedrals and university.

The next two days are spent in Peso da Régua and Lamego – two small hillside towns – before returning to Porto on day seven. The cruise ends here, but the holiday doesn’t; this package also contains a three-night stay in Lisbon . After travelling to the capital by coach, you’ll visit the nearby towns of Coimbra (day eight) and Sintra (day 10), while you’ll have a day in the capital sandwiched in between; while in Lisbon, take in the city’s unique Manueline and Pombaline architecture while wandering through its grand squares, and visit Sao Jorge castle or the city’s famous Time Out Market.

This 11-day cruise is priced from £1,599pp, including all meals on board, excursions, airport transfers and coach travel where necessary.  rivieratravel.co.uk

Idyllic Rhône, Scenic Cruises

Scenic Cruises’ luxury Rhone sailing takes you through some of the best sections of southern France , starting in Lyon . The regional capital has 2,000 years of history, so it’s blessed with a Roman amphitheatre right through to a Renaissance Old Town. Your first trip will take you north along the Saone River to Macon, a famous wine region in Burgundy.

The next two towns, Vienne and Viviers, offer spectacular views of the Rhone before you arrive in Avignon. You can enjoy a private concert at the Palais des Papes – once a Papal residence – as well as a cooking class onboard, but a visit to the city itself is worth it to wander its narrow streets and charming squares, starting with the Place de l’Horloge. Your final day takes you to Arles, at the mouth of the Rhone – from here, you can travel home, stay in the city or carry on towards Marseille .

Prices start at £2,999pp for the eight-day cruise. The package includes 20 meals, the premium concert experience, cooking lessons and 19 shore activities, ranging from walking tours to wine tastings. scenic.co.uk

Holland & Belgium, Avalon Waterways

Avalon’s eight-day cruise of the Low Countries is an excellent way to experience some of the region’s best cities in a relaxing way. It starts and ends in Amsterdam , where you’ll have a number of nights to wander its scenic network of canals lined with beautiful 17th-century buildings.

When you move on to Belgium, you’ll visit Ghent , Brussels and Antwerp on consecutive days. More tranquil canals await you in Ghent, and those who enjoy being by the water can continue this in Antwerp’s waterfront area. Brussels has more than its fair share of landmarks and museums (all centred around Grand Place, the main square and Unesco Heritage Site), but the Royal Museum of Fine Arts (Antwerp) and St Bavo’s Cathedral (Ghent) are definitely places to visit during the other stops. Day six will take you to Rotterdam before you head back to the Dutch capital.

From £2,453pp. Meals and some activities are included; there are additional excursions in each destination that can be purchased. avalonwaterways.co.uk

Danube Delights, Emerald Cruises

This trip from Emerald Cruises takes you along the famous river to Regensburg. It starts with two nights in Budapest , with a traditional Hungarian folklore show and tour of Buda Hill on offer, along with any solo sightseeing you’d like to do. Days three and four take you to Bratislava and Vienna, where you can enjoy cycling tours and hikes.

Krems and Durnstein are the last two stops in Austria before you head to Passau, the German “City of Three Rivers”. At the confluence of the Danube, Inn and Ilz rivers, the city is home to an impressive cathedral and Old Town. After disembarking at Regensburg, you make your way to Munich , where a good plan is to spend time exploring the Bavarian capital before you fly home.

From £1,849pp for this eight-day cruise, which includes five guided tours, 20 meals and complimentary wine, beer and soft drinks served with lunch and dinner on board. emeraldcruises.co.uk

Christmas Markets on the Rhine, Ama Waterways

There’s something quite special about experiencing Christmas celebrations on a river cruise through Europe. On this AmaWaterways voyage, you sail the Rhine, boarding in Amsterdam and with a first stop in Cologne. The Gothic cathedral provides the backdrop for one of the country’s best Christmas markets, where you’ll find dozens of stalls selling festive items, many of them handmade. Other markets include the more elaborate Heinzels Wintermärchen in the Old Town and the Markt der Engel (a more rustic affair in the city’s Neumarkt square). For those who want to mix in a bit of sightseeing, the Museum Ludwig and Roman-Germanic Museum can give you a taste of arts and history.

Next on the itinerary, you’ll visit the German towns of Heidelberg and Speyer, where more markets await, before arriving in Strasbourg, France. Here you’ll find an eclectic mix of French and German culture, a warm festive spirit and plenty of opportunities to wander the markets that are spread throughout the town. Wander further afield and you’ll find Petite France, a pretty district known for cobblestone streets and canals. Holidaymakers return to Germany for the penultimate stop in Breisach, before disembarking in Basel (though you can always stay in Switzerland for a taste of Swiss Christmas markets).

From £3.149, including meals and some activities; flights and airport transfer not included. amawaterways.co.uk

European Sojourn, Viking River Cruises

This ultimate itinerary bisects Europe to take passengers from Amsterdam to Bucharest, via sections of the Rhine, Main and Danube among other European rivers. Along the way, passengers will visit some of Europe’s principal cities – think Budapest, Amsterdam and Vienna – smaller (but just as beautiful) riverside settlements such as Passau and Bamberg, and lesser-known towns including Vidin and Kolocsa.

Hidden gems range from Melk, an Austrian town in the underrated   Wachau Valley wine-making region, Osijek, the fourth-largest city in Croatia, and Kinderdijk, a Dutch village famous for its set of 19 windmills. With 23 days, eight countries, 20 towns and cities, and at least 10 Unesco World Heritage Sites, there’ll be plenty to see as you traverse the length of central Europe.

From £8,045pp, including flights, 19 guided tours, all meals, transfers and amenities. vikingrivercruises.co.uk

Read more: Best hotels in Europe 2024: Where to stay for a city, beach or retreat break

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Relax and rejuvenate while cruising down the Vaal River

As you know food tends to simply taste better when it looks good and is presented in an appetizing way. Now imagine how good food can taste when paired with a breathtaking scenic route in the background while cruising down the Vaal River. Book a Vaal River Cruise lunch on the Liquid Lounge to experience this first hand and you won’t be disappointed. If you are in need of an outing that will relax and rejuvenate you then you should not wait any longer to treat yourself or your loved ones with a trip down the river on a luxurious lounge boat.

End the work year with a Vaal River Cruise Lunch

The Liquid Lounge is well known in Gauteng as one of the leading cruisers on the Vaal River. Large enough to accommodate up to 120 easily this boat is decked out with everything you could possibly need to have an enjoyable time. Whether you have a birthday party or wedding to plan or simply want to join us on one of our public cruises you will have a great time. The boat has an existing cash bar facility and if you were to plan your function on board, two menu’s to choose from depending on the departure point of your choice. A Vaal River Cruise lunch could be the ideal way of ending your work year and showing thanks to your staff and people who have made the year a success. We will supply you with background music during the cruise, but you are more than welcome to bring your own entertainment on board as we have an electrical outlet available for your use.

Having lunch with people you care about is already something that can put you in a fantastic mood and lift your spirit, imagine what a soothing background can add to that experience. With a large lounge area with couches where you can stretch out and relax to a dance floor area where you can show off your best moves, the Liquid Lounge Cruise boat certainly has everything needed to create the perfect atmosphere. As the surroundings along the Vaal River are some of the most beautiful in South Africa, it is not hard to see why so many people drive long distances to experience the Liquid Lounge cruises for themselves.

Have a look at the calendar on our website to see available opening and when our next public cruises will take place, or contact us directly to discuss the option we can offer you for an event or party. The Liquid Lounge is truly an events venue with a twist.

Liquid Lounge

Corporate cruises, sunday lunch, prive’ houseboat.

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