Tuesday, April 2, 2024

She Played Julie on "The Love Boat " See Lauren Tewes Now.

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Lauren Tewes, 68, wants to be remembered as the wonderful actress she is, portraying Julie McCoy on The Love Boat However, people are still being reminded of her addiction. Lauren’s grown tired of constantly being referred by it in the media. According to IMDB, she’s listed as a cast member for the upcoming autobiographical dark comedy film Potato Dreams of America. However, after a few years on the show, Lauren started to struggle with substances and addiction.

How does Lauren Tewes pronounce her name?

Pictures of Princess Cruises' 50th Anniversary 'Love Boat' Throwback Cruise - Cruise Critic

Pictures of Princess Cruises' 50th Anniversary 'Love Boat' Throwback Cruise.

Posted: Wed, 04 Dec 2019 08:00:00 GMT [source]

It was the 1970s, and she was making a lot of money; it wasn’t long before she was spending a large portion of it on cocaine. Things went from bad to worse, and a few years before The Love Boat finished its run, she was replaced after too many no-shows. She admits she would have accepted a pay cut and tried to turn things around, but it was too late, and Pat Klous replaced her as Julie’s younger sister Judy. She said she thought that, these days, television producers might offer help to an actor or let them take a hiatus.

Julie McCoy from The Love Boat – this is actress Lauren Tewes today

Sometimes it would be future A-listers but then-unknowns such as Tom Hanks, Michael J. Fox, Tim Robbins and Billy Crystal. Sometimes it would be icons from the golden age of Hollywood, like Olivia de Havilland, Rita Moreno, Gene Kelly, Mickey Rooney and Debbie Reynolds. Buy typically it would be mix of all that plus TV faces, professional athletes and celebrities of the day, ranging from Gloria Vanderbilt to the Harlem Globetrotters to six-ninths of the Bradys (only Greg, Bobby and Cindy didn’t set sail). "I don't think I knew how successful the show was until it was over," Cynthia Lauren Tewes, who played cruise director Julie McCoy, said on the reunion show. When prompted by co-star Jill Whelan (captain's daughter Vicki Stubing) to explain the show's appeal, she had several thoughts.

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Hike through Pacific Northwest’s dense forests, or sail south to Los Angeles, sampling the state’s best wine along the way. Kayak silent fjords on your journey along the coast of the Last Frontier. Let Celebrity’s award-winning ships take you to the most dazzling locations in the 49th state, from bustling Juneau to pretty Ketchikan. Or extend your stay with one of our Alaska Cruisetours to explore Alaska’s interiors. Head deep into the wilderness of Denali, immerse yourself in the exciting contemporary culture of Anchorage, and spend time in quirky, arty Talkeetna.

The Pacific Princess became a famous ship when the show aired on ABC. In 2013 however, the now renamed luxury liner was sent to a scrapyard in Turkey. The majority of passengers wanted to be in the show, and the cruises were known to actually double the ticket sales. No less than two ghosts, three sets of twins, four dogs and five literally blind lovers provided plot points. Not for a show that twice brought in Elizabeth the Koala as a featured guest and constantly insisted that “Doc” Bernie Kopell was a hunk. Instead of inserting just any lonely widow, the writers had their widow’s husband’s ghost trying to fix up his wife with a new love.

There were several classical, almost iconic, characters on The Love Boat. However, one of the most loving was Julie McCoy, played by Lauren Tewes. It had been decommissioned for five years, and renovation now would have been too costly,” Ceviker told Reuters.

Pacific RIM

Speaking to Entertainment Weekly, Tewes tells the story of the first day of shooting. The 23-year-old was working as a Sunset Strip waitress at the time. And by the time she enrolled in college, she knew that acting was her future. The Love Boat was based on a book by Jeraldine Saunders titled Love Boats.

Princess Cruises announces Love Boat cruise with original cast - Attractions Magazine

Princess Cruises announces Love Boat cruise with original cast.

Posted: Sat, 10 Feb 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]

She has also made appearances with other cast members of the program in various television interviews to discuss her time on the show. The actress, like the other cast members, still has close ties with Princess Cruises, the company that helped make the program aboard one of their ships, the Pacific Princess. Considering how Julie the cruise director was such a popular role, the writers decided they had to replace her with a similar character, hence the introduction of her sister Judy McCoy. Thankfully for fans and for Tewes, Julie was able to return to the show later.

Jon Hamm: The Best Life Interview

During the run of The Love Boat, bartenders used to offer him their favorite drinks in the hopes that he’d use them on the show, so even offset he was enjoying himself. Onset, he was traveling, getting to know colleagues who would become lifelong friends, and locking lips with one of his favorite movie stars. His first romantic screen kiss was with guest star Diahann Carroll, and it took a while before she and the crew caught on to the fact that he was asking for retakes just so he could kiss her again. He continues to do TV appearances and guest spots, most recently appeared on Raising Hope with Cloris Leachman, who also had been on The Love Boat back in the day. But while people do remember the guest stars, they also never forget the show’s regular cast. The Love Boat fans likely remember the sunny cruise director, Julie McCoy played by Lauren Tewes.

There are some fans who say that Vicki's character announced that Marty was the person Julie married. However, as the later seasons are rarely repeated and are difficult to find, it's not easy to confirm (source). Cynthia Lauren Tewes was cast the day before the third Love Boat pilot was shot. Chosen out of a pool of 100 other actresses, she won the role after producer Spelling screened an episode of Starsky & Hutch she’d appeared on, and she was told to report to the set bright and early the next morning. Her car had a flat, and she was broke, so she borrowed the money, fixed the tire, and started the next day as requested. She’d already been in over 20 commercials that year and had one line in a Charlie’s Angels episode, but Love Boat was the break she’d been waiting for.

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He's had a few guest roles on a variety of series, and also had a recurring role on The Mindy Project as Dr. Ledreau. His most recent credit came in 2020, in the final episode of the Netflix miniseries Hollywood. In Tewes' words, despite the drug's popularity at the time in Hollywood and television, it seemed only she was punished for her addiction. She admits that the addiction started in the late 1970s, long before she was fired from The Love Boat.

Klous was already well-known when she joined the cast of The Love Boat, due to her role on Flying High, another sitcom on around the same time. She had appeared on other series prior to being cast as well, including Fantasy Island and Aloha Paradise. Unfortunately, the show was already on its way out, and only lasted a few more seasons after she joined. The Love Boat theme song was composed by Charles Fox to the lyrics by Paul Williams. It was sung by Jack Jones in the opening sequence of the first eight seasons and, in a different arrangement, by Dionne Warwick in the last season and the four specials that followed it. Charo, who had also recorded and commercially released the song, performed it within the show in one of her guest appearances.

Julie appeared in one more episode – episode 8 of season 9 – as a guest. She then made a full return to the show for the TV specials, where she announced that her marriage had ended and so she was returning to her job as cruise director. Live life to the fullest on a luxury Alaska cruise with Celebrity. Explore the best Alaska cruises available with a range of departure ports including Vancouver, Seward, and Seattle, and a choice of thrilling round-trip or one-way itineraries. Ted McGinley is one of the few regular cast members from The Love Boat who might be known much more for his other roles.

For its first seven years, The Love Boat was very successful in the ratings. During that time, it usually ranked among the top 20, and sometimes even the top 10. However, the show fell out of the Top 30 during the 1984–85 season, and after falling out of the Top 50 during the 1985–86 season, The Love Boat was canceled after nine years on ABC, although four three-hour specials aired during the 1986–87 season. In one episode, actors Robert Reed and Florence Henderson, formerly of The Brady Bunch, guest-starred in separate segments. In one scene, the two bump into each other at a buffet table, exchange a questioning look, shrug, and continue on their separate ways.

But what they may not recall is the reason why Tewes suddenly disappeared from the TV series. The series was part of ABC's popular Saturday-night lineup of the time, which also included Fantasy Island until 1984. The executive producer for the series was Aaron Spelling, who produced several television series for Four Star Television and ABC from the 1960s into the 1990s. Not only is Vancouver an incredible vacation destination, it’s also the departure port for unforgettable cruises to Alaska, jaunts along the Pacific Coast, and tropical vacations to Hawaii. Witness the splendor of Alaska’s striking glaciers and majestic wildlife.

This blog helps over a million people to plan their cruises each month. While it is impossible to confirm, most profiles of Lauren Tewes, the actress who played Julie McCoy on The Love Boat, say that she has a net worth of $2 million. Lauren Tewes continues to work as an actor, with some of her most recent work being for the radio drama Murder and the Murdochs, which is a comedy-mystery series available on Imagination Theater radio. The actress who played Julie McCoy on The Love Boat, Lauren Tewes, was born on 26th October 1953, and so in 2023, she celebrated her 70th birthday. Julie featured prominently in the episode, with the big reveal that the character had been in love with ‘Doc’ Adam Bricker, played by Bernie Kopell, all along and that he was also in love with her. Unfortunately, it wasn’t all smooth sailing for Tewes, with quite a high-profile drug problem leading to her leaving the show, before returning once it was under control.

Monday, April 1, 2024

Cruises from Vancouver: Best Alaska Cruises from Vancouver

julie mccoy cruise director

There are exchange services throughout downtown Vancouver, as well as ATMs in hotels, banks, drug stores, and other venues. Canadian restaurants seldom include gratuities in the bill, and it is customary to tip an additional 15% to 20% of the total bill before tax. With the introduction of the California Pacific Railway and the opening of the Panama Canal, Vancouver became a major exporter of grain and lumber and positioned itself as a major economic hub in Canada. It is one of the largest and most populous cities in the country and is known for its diverse community of immigrants. Many art and cultural festivals are held in the city throughout the year, including the Chinese New Year Parade, the Eastside Cultural Crawl, and the annual Jazz Festival. Today, Vancouver’s economy is mainly run by forestry, tourism, oil refining, and mining.

Jill Whelan -- Vicki Stubing

Black cod and halibut are delicious and often served with fries; fish and chips is a popular dish in Alaska. You’ll also find seasonal berries on every menu, locally roasted coffee, and a wide assortment of craft beers. When you’re packing for an Alaska cruise, you’ll want to plan for any kind of weather, from hot sun to ethereal mist and rain showers—often in the same day. Layers, light waterproof jackets, good walking shoes, and a hat and gloves are the essentials; Alaska can be cold as well as warm and sunny.

Years Ago: ‘The Love Boat’ Sets Sail for the Final Time

In the first episode of season 5, Julie McCoy was due to marry her fiance Tony when the ship visited Australia, where he was working on an animal reserve. However Tony left her at the altar, explaining in a letter to her that he was dying. Lauren Tewes did develop a drug addiction during her time on The Love Boat, which ultimately led to her being released from the show. She later overcame her addiction, got clean and was able to return to the show. Once Tewes was released from the show, she was able to get past her addiction and make a return, initially making a solo guest appearance and then fully returning for the TV movie specials. The pilot aired as a special that summer, but was not picked up as a series.

Cruises From Vancouver, British Columbia

Scott's World;NEWLN:Pat Klous -- a new face joins 'Love Boat' crew - UPI News

Scott's World;NEWLN:Pat Klous -- a new face joins 'Love Boat' crew.

Posted: Wed, 06 Jun 1984 07:00:00 GMT [source]

Today in interviews she is sometimes referred to as Cynthia and sometimes as Lauren. One of the most famous cruise directors in the world wasn’t really a cruise director. Julie McCoy was a character on the much-loved TV series The Love Boat, a role which made Lauren Tewes almost a household name. Immerse yourself in Vancouver’s natural beauty at Shannon Falls Provincial Park, a national park just outside of the city, where you’ll find the third-tallest waterfall in British Columbia. Towering over 1,100 feet above sea level, Shannon Falls is a spectacular sight that can be admired from the boardwalk at the base or by hiking up to an overlook point, where you’ll be surrounded by the cool mist from the raging water.

First commercial job

The character did not receive a farewell on the show as the actress playing her was fired in between seasons. Instead, the character’s absence was explained at the start of the first episode of the eighth season. The character of Julie McCoy was replaced by her sister, Judy McCoy, at the start of season 8. Judy McCoy was played by actress Patricia Klous, who had made her name in the CBS TV comedy-drama Flying High from 1978 to 1979. Alaska’s summer season begins in early May and extends until late September. See our blog post to learn more about the best time to cruise to Alaska.

Bernie Kopell — Doctor Adam Bricker

Carnival’s ‘Man’ attraction - NBC News

Carnival’s ‘Man’ attraction.

Posted: Tue, 06 May 2008 07:00:00 GMT [source]

Since then, Tewes has been interviewed about her addiction, where she regrets the fact that the label of "former cocaine addict" seems to follow her everywhere, despite being able to return to the show once she overcame her addiction. Kopell was already well known to TV audiences long before he set sail on The Love Boat. Oddly, he started out his acting career playing mostly Mexicans and Puerto Ricans. He taught himself to do a Russian accent, which snagged him the recurring role of Maxwell Smart’s nemesis, Siegfried, on the Mel Brooks/Buck Henry-created series, Get Smart.

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Was Lauren Tewes drug-addicted?

She has also appeared in stage performances and hosted a podcast with Brian Phelps. That project, aptly named The Brian and Jill Show, came from Whelan's love of improv comedy. Before going into acting, Grandy served as an aide to Representative Wiley Mayne. Once The Love Boat pulled into harbor for the last time, Grandy ran for an open seat in Congress for his home state of Iowa. His Congressional career ended when he ran for governor of Iowa in 1994.

Lauren Tewes now balances her acting work with her other interests in food. She is believed to be a ‘cheese specialist’ who works with clients to order specialist cheeses, and a trained sous-chef since her time in culinary school in 2004. She actively works as a sous chef for a catering company based in Seattle when she is not acting.

Sail from Vancouver to North America’s biggest glacier, seven miles wide and the height of a 30-story building. Ports along this Alaska cruise include Ketchikan; Juneau, the perfect spot for whale-watching; and Icy Strait Point, where you can search for bears and eagles. From 6-night getaways to immersive, 13-night Cruisetours that combine the wild, forested beauty of Alaska’s coast with the majesty of Denali National Park, there’s an Alaskan cruise style and length to suit you. Sail one-way between Vancouver and Seward or Vancouver and Seattle, round-trip from Vancouver or Seattle, or on a Cruisetour between Vancouver and Anchorage or Fairbanks. The two married in 1996, but in 2002, Robert was diagnosed with Lou Gehrig’s disease (ALS). It wasn’t the first time Lauren had gone through a family tragedy.

The plan for McCoy had been to marry Tony and move to Australia to work with him, but unfortunately, it turned out to be another failed relationship for the character. In a later episode, the crew returned to Australia, and Julie visited David, the brother of Tony. There are some fans who say that the character of Vicki did announce that Marty was the person that Julie married. However with the latter seasons so rarely repeated and hard to find, this isn’t easy to confirm (source).

More than 100 actresses auditioned for the role of cruise director Julie McCoy on The Love Boat. Some of the scenes for the show were shot on board two cruise ships, The Pacific Princess and Island Princess. Passengers actually played extras during certain scenes that required a more authentic look.

Vast, creaking blue-white glaciers inch their way to the sea as jagged, snow-capped mountain peaks pierce the sky. Bears prowl rock-strewn beaches, while salmon-laden rivers rush through pristine, old-growth forest, bald eagles perched watchfully in the treetops. She’s also studied at culinary school and become a cheese specialist.

7 best US river cruises

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In addition to the main dining room, ships have smaller venues where every passenger can have a meal. There's also the exclusive Table La Rive fine dining experience for Diamond Deck suite guests. Daily activities feature a wide choice of included shore tours so you can personalize your cruise experience. Included shore excursions go beyond the standard tours that most lines offer, such as a visit to the Szechenyi baths in Budapest. If you prefer independent travel, Scenic provides a nifty GPS gadget about the size of a cellphone, loaded with maps and commentary that is automatically activated at points of interest. Most of the ships have a pool on the sun deck, along with a fitness center and spa.

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Christmas markets in Europe with Scenic

That gives new-to-river-cruise passengers plenty of options to try their hand at a cruise length that fits their style and a wide array destinations from which to choose. The 106- to 196-passenger ships in Europe also have a wellness focus with small spas and fitness rooms and a fleet of bikes for use either on your own or on organized excursions. My husband and I scouted out the best cruises for kids when our own children were young, and since becoming empty nesters, we’ve found the best adults-only cruises and couples cruises. With all this competition, it takes something truly special to clinch the No. 1 spot, but Crystal Cruises wowed travelers at every turn. Below, the reasons why, plus the full list of the best river cruise lines as voted by T+L readers. On an Adventures by Disney river cruise, families are the only passengers onboard.

Adventures by Disney River Cruises

The ship's "Design Your Time" concierge service will help personalize your onboard and onshore experiences. The cuisine served onboard AmaWaterways ships is inspired by regional dishes and made with locally sourced ingredients. Throughout the voyages, they feature special drinking and dining events for guests along with entertainment themed to the country you're visiting such as a string quartet or folk dancing.

7 best Mississippi River cruises - The Points Guy

7 best Mississippi River cruises.

Posted: Fri, 05 Apr 2024 07:00:00 GMT [source]

Best cruise line for LGBTQ+ travelers

Vessels offer complimentary bicycles for passengers to use while ashore, as well as free-flowing wine to wash down elegant five-course dinners. Shore excursions can be booked as a package or a la carte, making Amadeus one of Europe's more affordable river lines. Scenic Cruises is amping up the holiday cheer with six itineraries this November and December. Each city will showcase a unique Christmas experience as you stop in Amsterdam, Munich, Paris, and Prague, just to name a few of the festive ports in store. It will be a holiday like no other as you dock at quaint riverside villages aglow in fairy lights. Walk over the cobblestones with mulled wine in hand while you browse handmade goods and enjoy festive treats and age-old traditions.

Uniworld Boutique River Cruises

A stop in Vienna includes a Mozart and Strauss concert at a Viennese palace, a city tour, and a taste of local delicacies. The cruise ends in Passau with a choice of bicycling, walking, or hiking to explore the city and a special captain's farewell reception and dinner. The Disney name is synonymous with family fun, so it's not a surprise that Adventures by Disney is easily the best Rhine River cruise line for families.

Opt for a suite and you’ll be considered—and treated like—”Rock Stars,” given VIP access to everything from onboard entertainment and restaurants to exclusive amenities like your own wardrobe team. With a huge selection of fitness classes, 20 included places to eat and drink, and original out-of-the-box shows, this adults-only line is likely to turn a whole new generation of cruise virgins into sailors. The eight-day "Sensations of Lyon & Provence" cruise begins in Lyon and heads to a quaint village and then south again towards Tournon, with its 16th-century castle. Along the way, guests can choose a hike through vineyards, canoe trip, village walking tours, or wine tasting onboard. Wine lovers will want to experience the seven-night "Taste of Bordeaux," with visits to iconic chateaux, timeless vineyards, and delicious wine tastings while cruising the Garonne and Dordogne Rivers.

Night Active & Discovery On The Rhône With 2 Nights In P...Details

The 8 Best European River Cruises 2024 - Forbes

The 8 Best European River Cruises 2024.

Posted: Fri, 19 Jan 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]

The most beautiful stretch of the river is a 62-mile passage through a gorge between the Balkan and Carpathian Mountains. The line attracts mostly retirement-age travelers from America and Britain, but also welcomes younger guests and families with older children. Previously known as Emerald Waterways, Emerald Cruises offers journeys across popular rivers in Europe and Asia, including the Danube, Rhine, Douro, and Mekong.

Best Value European River Cruise: Emerald Cruises, Emerald Luna

Tauck waives single supplement charges on all of its Category 1 lower-deck cabins on every ship in its European fleet. River cruising is the original slow way to travel, as you cruise the calm waters of inland waterways just like Cleopatra did on the Nile. The best river cruise ships are floating hotels with views galore, such as the castles and vineyards of the Rhine or the rice paddies and villages on stilts along the Mekong. Staterooms are eye-opening as well, featuring transformational cabin beds that allow guests (referred to as “Sailors”) to customize their space.

Princess Cruises

The cruise fare includes all meals, select beverages, daily shore excursions, Wi-Fi access, and gratuities. Emerald operates nine river vessels, boasting luxurious public spaces and accommodations with en suite bathrooms and flat-screen TVs. The cruises are known for their focus on local cuisine, varying by itinerary, and the vessels boast various amenities including a main dining room, entertainment hall, and sun deck. The cruise is rich in cultural and historical experiences, offering a mix of guided tours and independent exploration. Highlights include the picturesque Wachau Valley, known for its wine, and a visit to Salzburg, Austria. It’s a dream experience for those seeking a truly expansive and diverse river cruising adventure, offering a unique opportunity to explore multiple continents and cultures in one extended trip.

Some will love the idea of cruising like a European, while others may miss, for instance, a wide breadth of entree choices at dinner. In addition to seeing penguins, polar bears and reindeer, travelers are surrounded by stunning landscapes on and off the ship. Explore the area’s natural beauty on Zodiac boat excursions, and back on board, you’ll get to relax while kids are treated to special activities including themed dinners, games and movie nights. Their 15-day "Magnificent Europe" cruise begins in Amsterdam with a canal tour and cruises the Rhine, Main, and Danube Rivers before arriving in Budapest.

Special attention is given to solo travelers with tailored room and dining options. Emerald Cruises is known for combining luxury with active exploration, including fitness classes and bicycles for onshore adventures​. American Queen Voyages operates authentic paddlewheelers, providing a traditional and nostalgic river cruising experience. Their all-inclusive sailings feature unlimited onboard Wi-Fi, beverages, guided tours, dining, and gratuities.

That makes the Rhine an ideal choice for both first-time and seasoned river cruisers alike -- and means there are plenty of candidates for the best Rhine River cruise. Sure, you can catch sight of the Eiffel Tower when boarding a river ship in Paris, but you can do that while staying in a hotel, too. The real attractions of a Seine River cruise are sailing on the river outside the city toward the English Channel and a visit to the beaches in Normandy for a perspective on World War II. Along the route, between Melk and Krems in Austria, you cruise through the Wachau Valley, a key wine-growing region producing rieslings and gruner veltliners, with sipping opportunities available.

These cruise lines not only promise scenic beauty and cultural immersion but also ensure comfort, exceptional service, and memorable experiences, making them standout choices for river cruising. The best river cruise lines of 2024 offer a diverse array of experiences, catering to different tastes and preferences. Residing in New Brunswick, Canada, Ming has been in the cruise industry since 1994. Ming spent over 20 years in the retail travel sector, working with travel agencies in marketing initiatives, cruise training, and promoting cruise vacations to their clients.

This German cruise company's distinctive ships are easy to recognize by the large red lips and rose on the bow. Their fleet of 12 ships was joined by the new A-Rosa Sena, a hybrid powered ship expected to cruise the northern Rhine almost silently and emission-free. Family-friendly amenities include a kids club, heated outdoor pools, and free passage for children ages 15 and under. The eight-day Danube River Cruise starts in Budapest where excursions include a horse show at an equestrian park and a goulash-making competition for Adventurers. In Bratislava, Junior Adventurers can visit a petting zoo, and in the evening, there's family karaoke. A tour of Vienna and Schönbrunn Palace, marionette show, concert, and strudel making are options the next day.

11 Best Cruise Lines to Book in 2024 Best Cruises for Every Traveler

best rated river cruise lines

The ship passes the Mosel vineyards and docks in the medieval town of Cochem for a guided walking tour. The next day, guests can tour the town of Bernkastel-Kues and enjoy a wine tasting or hike to the ruins of a castle for a stunning view. After a morning tour of Saarburg, the ship cruises along the Saar River with panoramic views of its massive loop. The ship stops in Luxembourg and then continues to Koblenz, where the Rhine and Moselle Rivers meet, before returning to Cologne.

2024 Member Choice Awards: Best Cruise Lines and Ships - Cruiseline.com

2024 Member Choice Awards: Best Cruise Lines and Ships.

Posted: Wed, 21 Feb 2024 02:14:25 GMT [source]

Aqua Expeditions Mekong River cruise

The Best Cruises in the World: 2023 Readers' Choice Awards - Condé Nast Traveler

The Best Cruises in the World: 2023 Readers' Choice Awards.

Posted: Tue, 03 Oct 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]

River cruising in Europe is one of those delightfully slow and easy modes of travel. You're in a small floating hotel, exploring calm inland waters, gliding past castles and vineyards and scenery that changes by the hour. For those seeking luxury and comprehensive itineraries, Uniworld’s Rivers of the World and Viking River Cruises’ Romantic Danube are exemplary. The rooms are well-appointed, offering plush linens, coffee makers, minifridges, and private balconies in select accommodations. The journey traverses the Upper Danube, connecting Germany and Hungary, with stops in iconic cities like Budapest, Vienna, and the Bavarian city of Regensburg.

Book a cruise on AmaWaterways

Guests plying America’s waterways with American Cruise Lines enjoy some of the most environmentally-friendly small ships and riverboats on the continent. Professional chefs cook up delectable meals from locally sourced ingredients, while musicians, naturalists, and historians come aboard to enhance the cruising experience. Spacious staterooms feature private balconies for stellar views no matter the destination, and there are more than 50 itineraries to choose from throughout the United States.

AmaWaterways

In 2015, Ming created Your Cruise Coach and transitioned into travel writing, preaching the merits of cruising via her partnerships with Canadian and American travel trade publications as well as consumer media outlets. An avid cruiser since 1991, Ming has sailed on over 70 cruises and has experienced over 25 ocean, river, and expedition cruise lines combined. Adventurous travelers hop aboard any of Pandaw’s fleet of riverboats to cruise the waterways of Myanmar, India, Borneo, Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia. Pandaw’s 17 boats, handcrafted in brass and teak, offer spacious promenade and observation decks for outdoor viewing, as well as expansive staterooms where every window can be opened. CroisiEurope operates 50 exclusive ships for its creative itineraries along the waterways of Europe, Asia, and Africa. Not only can passengers cruise major rivers and European coastlines, but they can also experience more intimate French canals aboard one of CroisiEurope’s fleet of 11-cabin barges.

best rated river cruise lines

After a long day of exploring, parents and grandparents can relax at the spa or in the lounge. The stellar 2022-built Viking Egdir, carrying 190 passengers, offers a ringside seat of bucolic vineyards and medieval castles on the Rhine, Main and Danube. It also takes passengers to some of Europe's blockbuster cities, including Budapest, Vienna, Cologne and Amsterdam. Passengers can sip on fine wines in the Wachau Valley, wander Regensburg's UNESCO-listed old town and marvel at Vienna's Habsburg-period architecture. Itineraries feature guided trips to revered museums, cathedrals, and palaces—complemented by slow days sailing these scenic waterways.

However, the differences between each can make or break your Rhine River cruise experience. Take a look at our guide to find out how they differ and decide on the best Rhine river cruise for you. I am a freelance journalist who has covered travel for over a decade and the cruise industry for several of those years. I've written about destinations ranging from the South China Sea to the Arctic and Norway.

best rated river cruise lines

Sarah Christie and Donna Christie of Cruising Kids UK

The ship docks in Koblenz and takes a daytime cruise through the Rhine Gorge before landing in Miltenberg for a guided tour of the city. On day six, guests can choose a trip to Rothenburg or visit a family-owned farm for a home-cooked morning tea. The ship passes through the Main-Danube Canal that connects the Black Sea and the North Sea. In Vienna, there's a cocktail party and private orchestra recital or city tour before heading to Budapest for two days.

You'll visit Catskill, home to the Hudson River School Art Trail and the Olana Historic Site, or explore more actively at the Hudson River Skywalk and Kaaterskill Falls. In Albany, founded in 1609, you can tour the newly renovated New York State Capitol building, built in the late 1800s; you can also visit the New York State Museum, which dates to 1836. The cruise, which is available in November and December 2024 and January, November and December 2025, ends with a full day of exploration back in New Orleans before one last night aboard the 386-passenger Viking Mississippi.

See all of our readers' favorite hotels, cities, airlines, cruise lines, and more in the World's Best Awards for 2021. This year's World's Best Awards survey was open for voting January 11 through May 10, 2021, as destinations around the world were lifting COVID-19 restrictions. Survey rules have always allowed readers to reflect on their travel experiences over a three-year period. We hope that this year's honorees will inspire your own travels as you get back out into the world. Avalon is owned by the Globus Family of Brands, a tour operator company, and that experience comes into play on shore, with such VIP experiences as skipping the line at the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam.

In the evening, kids gather together to have their own supervised meal -- teens have their own gathering -- while parents unwind on their own. It's all a great mix of together time as a family, paired with opportunities for parents to reconnect -- the extra Disney-level service is just a bonus. The line’s newest ship sails Europe’s Rhine, Main, Danube and Moselle rivers, featuring a heated pool that transforms into a cinema, spacious suites and a dedicated wellness area. Your visit there and to the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial, as well as other memorials and monuments to the fallen, is a poignant experience (one that requires a two-hour bus ride from your ship, however).

For the cruise category, respondents were asked to rate individual ships; the results were separated by ocean cruises and river cruises. The ships are even equipped with kayaks or paddleboards, snorkeling gear and Zodiacs, and hydrophones and underwater cameras for further exploration. If you’re looking for something a little more kitsch, these themed cruises will be right up your alley. Belmond has another way to cruise some of Europe's rivers — on luxury barges with private chefs and excursions like truffle hunting, hot air ballooning, canoeing, and wine tasting. The elegant barges cruise the waterways of Burgundy, Provence, Alsace, Champagne, Languedoc, and Franche-Comté from April to October.

In celebration of its 25th anniversary, Viking is offering special fares, reduced airfare and a$25 deposit on select voyages. While there are plenty of places to curl up with a book or play a game in the public spaces, a bevy of activities will lure you onshore. AmaWaterways has a diverse selection of excursions, from low key to active experiences. As for the bed itself, guests can choose their own mattress and pillow firmness from Avalon's Comfort Collection. It lacks the grandeur of the suites, and is small at about 172 square feet, and has small windows peaking above the waterline. Complementing the itinerary will be gourmet Pacific Northwest cuisine and more than 40 regional wines curated by an onboard culinary team.

American Cruise Lines offers cruises on more U.S. waterways than any other river line. Of course, the company's fleet of U.S.-flagged 100- to 190-passenger river ships (including authentic paddlewheelers) travels the popular Mississippi and Columbia and Snake rivers in the Pacific Northwest. Multi-state trips via the Ohio, Tennessee and Cumberland Rivers round out the offerings. This German company offers 30 years of experience on Europe's rivers, and has a fleet of 26 river ships in addition to the expedition ship World Voyager and oceangoing Vasco Da Gama. The company's "time to discover" philosophy focuses on intensive travel experiences, shore excursions, and varied culinary offerings. Partnering with AmaWaterways, Adventures by Disney offers cruises on the Seine, Rhine, and Danube Rivers, Disney style.

Viking has river ships across Europe, of course, but also sails the Mekong and the Nile. Grand Circle generally draws travelers aged over 50 and is a popular line for Americans cruising the rivers of Europe. Grand Circle attracts a high number of repeat passengers, drawn by value-for-money fares that are often lower than other European river cruises.

All ships have a fitness room and fleet of bikes for tours in places such as Amsterdam and Cochem, Germany. The ships traverse waterways that include the Seine, Rhine, Danube, Douro, Main, Moselle, Rhone, Saone and Mekong. Sleek ships with marble lobbies, mid-century furnishings and impressive art collections mark the Australian-owned Scenic as all about luxurious, high-end river cruising. Butler service is part of the scene, and so are free-flowing cocktails, e-bikes and six dining options – all for a passenger contingent of fewer than 170. Here's a rundown of the best river cruise lines traversing inland waterways around the world.

Sarah Christie and Donna Vallance are experienced cruise and travel writers and cruise enthusiasts specializing in cruising. They have a passion for exploring new destinations and have dedicated themselves to sharing their knowledge and insights with fellow travelers.They provide valuable information, tips, and recommendations for all cruisers. Their love for cruising began after taking their first cruise together back in 2007.

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