The Big Three: European river cruises for friends

A cruise around Europe is the perfect holiday for friends who want to take a trip together. Whether that’s a club, group or society or a family that want to share an adventure. There are often charter opportunities where guests can take over an entire ship (with crew) or make a block booking with one of the larger cruise lines. 

Following on from the publication of Cruise Adviser’s River 2015-16 guide, each week we will be running our Big Three feature, which gives you a trio of cruise options to choose from. This week it’s European river cruises for friends.

To request a copy of Cruise Adviser’s River guide email: info@cruise-adviser.com or click here to read the digital version. Our Family guide is out now.

France

Line: European Waterways
River: Champagne region
Departure Port: Cumieres, France
Duration: Six nights
Date: August 30, 2015
Price: £36,805 for 12 people

For those with deep pockets and who want something a little more private, European Waterways offers the option of chartering a private luxury barge. The tour will take passengers deep into France’s Champagne region and includes a tasting in the Moët cellars with a personal chef on board.

Germany

Line: The River Cruise Line
River: Elbe
Departure Port: Berlin
Duration: 10 days
Date: May 7, 2016
Price: £1,569

The reason we have chosen this cruise in particular is that the River Cruise Line will provide return flights or – interestingly – return travel by Eurostar, opening up a no-fly river cruise option. Perfect for groups that include someone with a fear of flying, or even passengers that just enjoy a slower pace. The cruise will include calls at Wittenberg, Meissen, Dresden and Prague.

Portugal

Line: Viking River Cruises
River: Douro 
Departure Port: Lisbon
Duration: Ten days
Date: August 11, 2015
Price: from £1,095 per person

Taking passengers from Lisbon, Portugal’s beautiful capital, through to Porto, Regua and Baca D’Alva, Viking enters Spain and visits Salamanca Vega de Terron before returning to Porto. The trip to the port and wine-making region could make the perfect booking for a local wine tasting group, supper club or any club that enjoys the odd glass.