Cruise Europe 2009 - Cruise With Who?

If you intend to cruise Europe 2009 for the first time you are probably wondering who are the main cruise line companies. Here goes in alphabetical order.

Amadeus Waterways
Avalon Waterways
Peter Deilmann Cruise
Uniworld
Viking River Cruises

There are some other companies that charter boats and operate programs but I think the list above should give you enough to research. Of course you do not have to book your cruise directly through the cruise line company you can support your local friendly travel agent.

Amadeus Waterways

Amadeus Waterways has a fleet of ships cruising the rivers of Europe, Russia, China and Egypt. They offer two of the newer, more deluxe ships (MS Amadagio and the MS Symphony, which operate exclusively for the English-speaking market). They operate Europe river cruises on the Rhine, Moselle, Danube, in Holland & Belgium and Russia.

Avalon Waterways

Avalon Waterways is owned and operated by the tour company Globus. Its European river cruise ships are among the newest. Their cabins tend to be slightly larger than some of its competition. Avalon offers European cruises on the Moselle, Danube, Rhine, Black Sea Russia. and its Tulip Time cruises in spring.

Peter Dielmann Cruises

Peter Dielmann is at the deluxe end of the European river cruise market. Deilmann are a German company who focus on quality. They do not focus exclusively on the English speaking market as do some other cruise line companies. Having mentioned cabin size above I must point out that Deilmann offer some of the largest cabins sizes. Deilamann boast that there are never more than 2.5 passengers for each member of staff. This ensures a high level of customer care and service. The company offers its Europe river cruise programs on the Rhine, Rhone, Saone, Moselle, Danube, Vltava, Elbe, and Oder river's.

Peter Dielmann cruises also offers theme cruises for those interested in hiking, biking, golf, music and the garden.

If you can spare the extra few dollars Deilman are certainly worth a look.

Uniworld

A veteran of the river cruise market, Uniworld has tailored cruise products for the American market. It's Europe river cruise ship, The River Royale, was among the the first to offer Wi-Fi access. Upgrades include flat screen televisions, terry cloth bathrobes, higher thread count linens and cashmere throws.. Complimentary wine is served on board with meals.

Viking River Cruises

Viking is one of the larger European river cruise companies. Viking provide river cruises on the main European waterways and also some in Russia and the Ukraine. They have won a number of awards.

There you have it the names of the main players that will cruise Europe 2009.