Themed cruises are becoming more popular all the time as cruise lines focus on their strengths, the areas of the world they visit and what they might see along the way. River cruises, already sailing by some of the world’s greatest destinations, have a unique opportunity to capitalize on the theme cruise craze while highlighting what they do anyway.
River cruise line AmaWaterways recently announced the release of the Wine Cruises Through Europe 2012 & 2013 brochure, officially launching its newest “In Celebration of Wine” themed cruises through Europe’s premier wine regions and world-renowned destinations.
“We’re thrilled to announce our new wine – themed itineraries and the new brochures are the perfect way to share this exciting news,” said AmaWaterways Executive Vice President and Co-Owner Kristin Karst. “We believe that each travel agent and guest is a part of our AmaWaterways family and we’re always looking for ways and tools to enhance their experience with us. “
AmaWaterways In Celebration of Wine series features wine-themed shore excursions and programming designed to showcase the rich history of Europe’s famous wine regions. Guests can visit local vineyards and wine cellars, select tastings of award-winning vintages and wine-themed lectures co-hosted by various celebrity food and wine experts.
AmaWaterways’ new “In Celebration of Wine” itineraries and dates are as follows:
Legendary Wine Regions of the Rhone – This 15-day itinerary begins with 3 nights in Barcelona. There, guests embark on the AmaDagio for a 7-night cruise through legendary wine regions with visits to the cities of Arles, Les Baux de Provence, Avignon, Viviers, Tournon, Vienne and Trevoux before arriving in Lyon, followed by a high-speed TGV train ride to Paris for a 3-night stay. Excursions include tastings at local vintners, visits to enchanting Roman ruins and tours of the Provencal shops and marketplaces. North American travelers are invited to book cruises from Nov. 4 2012 – Nov. 18, 2013.
Vineyards of the Rhine & Mosel – On board the AmaDolce, this 12-day Rhine and Mosel River itinerary offers an unparalleled experience of centuries-old vineyards along two of Europe’s most renowned rivers. Itinerary highlights include views of the steepest vineyards in the world, a sight unique to the Mosel River; visits to ancient wine villages and vineyards and a visit to the 13th-century gothic cathedral in the city of Colonge, whose twin spires are among the tallest in Europe. The Vineyards of the Rhine & Mosel cruise begins with 3 nights in Paris, followed by a 7-night cruise from Luxembourg to Amsterdam. North American travelers are invited to book cruises starting Nov. 3, 2013.
Paris & the Sparkling Seine – This 11-day itinerary includes 2 nights in Paris and a 7-night cruise along the magnificent Seine aboard the AmaLegro. Guests will enjoy wine lectures, samplings and pairings as they visit the beautiful cities of Vernon, Giverny, Rouen, Les Andelys and Conflans before returning to the Parisian “City of Light.” Highlighting the rich art and culture of France, excursions include walking the along the streets that inspired Monet, exploring the historic capital of Normandy and its beaches and seeing the ruins of Chateau-Gaillard, the once-massive stronghold of Richard the Lionheart. North American travelers are invited to book cruises from April 4 – Nov. 7, 2013.
Castles & Wineries of Germany – On board the AmaDolce, this 14-day itinerary offers a historic tour of Europe’s rich medieval era. Beginning with 2 nights in Prague, the itinerary includes a 7-night cruise from Nuremberg to Luxembourg, visiting Bamberg, Wurzburg, Wertheim, Rudesheim, Koblenz, Cochem, Zell and Bernkastel. The cruise concludes with a 3-night stay in Paris and optional tours of the famous city. Excursions include vineyard visits and wine tastings, a Bamberg Smoked beer, or “Rauchbier”, tasting, a visit to Siegfried’s Music Museum and a tour of the Reichsburg Castle. North American travelers are invited to book cruises starting Oct. 28, 2013.
Culture & Wine Legacy of the Rhine – This 13-day itinerary begins in the colorful city of Amsterdam, where guests embark on the beautiful AmaCello. Traveling through the legendary Black Forest region en route to Zurich, guests can discover the stunning scenery of the Netherlands, Germany, France and Switzerland. Excursions include a tasting of renowned Kolsch beer, a visit to Heidelberg’s red-walled Castle, scenic lakeside tours and visits to the region’s famous local wineries and markets. The itinerary concludes with a 2-night stay in the medieval city of Lucerne, followed by 2 nights in Zurich, Switzerland. North American travelers are invited to book cruises from Nov. 7, 2012 – Nov. 21, 2013.
Classic Port Wines & Charming Quintas – This 12-day itinerary begins with three nights in Portugal’s lively capital, Lisbon, before continuing on a relaxing 7-night cruise aboard the AmaVida through the scenic Douro River Valley. Surrounded by deep cleft gorges, charming fishing villages and lush vineyards, this cruise begins and ends in Porto, the capital of the North. Itinerary highlights include a visit to Salamanca, a UNESCO World Heritage Site; a tour of the Palacio de Mateus; a journey to the Portuguese pilgrimage site Nossa Senhora dos Remédios (Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies) and exploration of the 14th-century Alpendurada Monastery. North American travelers are invited to book cruises from March 29 – Nov. 1, 2013.
Great Capitals & Vintages of the Danube – Onboard the AmaPrima, AmaCerto, AmaBella, and AmaLyra, this 12-day itinerary travels along one of Europe’s most captivating rivers. Following a 3-night stay in majestic Prague, guests are invited to embark on a 7-night cruise from Vilshofen to Budapest with a backdrop of rolling hillsides, lush vineyards and medieval castles. Itinerary highlights include a walking tour of Vilshofen, known as a 2,000-year-old fairy tale city; a visit to one of Europe’s largest Baroque monasteries, Melk’s Benedictine Abbey; a visit to Salzburg, the birthplace of Mozart and setting of the “Sound of Music” and tours of Krem, a city rich with wine culture and history. North American travelers are invited to book cruises from Nov. 3, 2012 – Nov. 14, 2013.
For additional information or to request a Wine Cruises Through Europe 2012 & 2013 brochure, visit www.amawaterways.com.
Photo 
Robert S. Donovan via Compfight
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