It’s no secret that we love to keep moving when we travel. From bicycling-themed cruises to excursions that get our heart rate going, we think the best way to see the world is by getting our bodies moving. It turns out that many of you value active experiences when you travel as well. That’s why we’ve put together a list of our three favorite river cruise lines for active travelers: AmaWaterways, Avalon and Emerald. Let’s find out which one is right for you.
Excursions & Onboard Activities
Of course, all three of these companies have great excursion choices, with plenty of active options. Active excursions might include a hike or a bike ride, or even taking a canoe or kayak out onto the river. Avalon’s Active & Discovery itineraries offer some of the most excursion variety, from painting and cooking classes to rail bike tours and even a wine tasting in a cave. Most of Avalon’s unique excursion choices are included in the cruise fare.
Read more: What Is An Active & Discovery River Cruise
Each company also has a dedicated “activity host,” though they all call them different names. These hosts are essentially guides with a focus on fitness and wellness. They will accompany you on your active excursions, but they also host fitness classes, sports activities, walks, and short bike rides in the afternoons.
My activity host, Drazen, on Emerald Cruises, was the best I’ve ever had. I wrote a bit about him here: Postcards from the Rhone
Accommodations
AmaWaterways’ “twin balcony” concept is completely unique to the line. This design combines a traditional French balcony with a separate full balcony, allowing guests to enjoy the scenery and fresh air without stepping out of their rooms. It’s a versatile space, perfect for soaking up the view or getting some fresh air. Another perk of AmaWaterways is their second dining venue, the Chef’s Table, which we’ll discuss in more detail later. It’s a great option for those looking for a more intimate dining experience.
Avalon Waterways’ signature Panorama Suites are designed to offer a unique view of the river. The beds face large, wall-to-wall windows, providing views right from your bed. We also enjoy the Club Lounge on Avalon, a cozy spot filled with books and games. But the best part? The fresh-baked cookies offered at the lounge’s snack station.
Emerald Cruises has a unique feature that sets it apart: an innovative pool that retracts into the floor, transforming into a movie theatre at night. It’s not just a clever design; it’s also a versatile space where you can enjoy fitness classes like water aerobics during the day, and then catch a movie or other events at night.
Onboard Entertainment
All three lines offer evening entertainment in the lounge and activities during the day. Emerald Cruises has fun games at night, including trivia and game nights, creating a lively and enjoyable atmosphere. AmaWaterways provides wonderful music performances, including my favorite act, La Strada, a violin and guitar trio. On my last Ama cruise, they played a medley of classical music, including Vivaldi’s Four Seasons, and had everyone on their feet clapping by the end of the night.
Avalon also features local acts that are typically fun and get the room dancing. We loved meeting the Molvida Sisters on our Danube cruise. Not only did they sing and dance wonderfully, but they also chatted with guests through the dining room during dinner to get everyone excited for their after-dinner performance. They even got the two Bills up dancing with them (pictured above).
Drinks & Cuisine
All three lines include beer and wine at lunch and dinner. AmaWaterways and Avalon also include sparkling wine at breakfast. These two companies also have a complimentary cocktail happy hour before dinner, where guests can enjoy a house cocktail (or two) from a set list, for free.
All ships offer regionally-inspired food, but, in my opinion, AmaWaterways excels when it comes to cuisine. They have the Chef’s Table dining venue, which provides a wonderful complimentary dining experience with a set tasting menu and wine pairings. It’s a must-try when on an Ama cruise.
Read more: AmaViola Dining Experiences
Clientele
AmaWaterways and Avalon generally attract American passengers, while Emerald tends to have a mix of British and American guests. Because Emerald is an Australian line, there are often Australian guests as well, making for a more diverse passenger base.
With their focus on active exploration, diverse excursions, and enriching onboard experiences, all three river cruise lines offer a great mix of adventure and relaxation. Pick your favorite and get ready for an unforgettable trip filled with excitement, new experiences, and lasting memories.
This article was originally published at River Cruise Advisor.