spirit of the rhine river cruise ship

Spirit of the Rhine

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Cabin Guide

The Spirit of the Rhine sets a luxurious standard in river cruising, primarily catering to the over-50s British clientele. This ship, known for its boutique experience, sails through the heart of Europe, offering an array of itineraries that include the Rhine, Moselle, Main, and Danube rivers, as well as the Dutch waterways. Distinctive in its offerings, the Spirit of the Rhine provides an intimate cruising experience with specially commissioned original artworks, high levels of service, and spacious cabins. Unique to this vessel, passengers can expect inclusive excursions that enrich their journey, complimentary Wi-Fi, VIP travel transfers, and a promise of attentive service that aims to make the first cruise unforgettable. The cabins, a focal point of the onboard experience, offer a variety of options designed to cater to different preferences, showcasing the thoughtfulness poured into every aspect of the cruising experience.

French Balcony Cabin Balcony

Experience panoramic views of Europe's enchanting landscapes with the French Balcony Cabin. Ideal for couples or solo travellers seeking a touch of elegance and closeness to nature. Wake up each morning to the inviting natural light, and the serene riverscapes only a slide of the door away. The smart utilization of space ensures a comfortable stay while the luxurious amenities promise relaxation. From the plush bedding where you'll rest each night to the detailed bathroom amenities designed for your care, everything is set to ensure your journey is stress-free. Personal recommendation: Enjoy mornings on the balcony with complimentary beverages for a tranquil start to your adventures ashore.

• Hotel-type Queen bed
• Luxury bedding sets
• Ample wardrobe storage
• Two armchairs
• Coffee/dining table
• Mirrored vanity table
• Wall-mounted magnifying mirror
• En-suite bathroom
• Glass-door shower stall
• Single-sink vanity
• Premium bath amenities
• Plush robes
• Electronic safe box
• Direct-dial phone
• Complimentary bottled water

Standard Cabin with French Balcony Balcony

The Standard Cabin with French Balcony epitomizes modern luxury and convenience, providing guests with unrivaled views and comfort. Step onto your private balcony for fresh air and picturesque scenery at any time of day. Inside, find a haven of tranquility and elegance, from the plush bedding to the sleek bathroom design equipped with premium amenities for your ultimate relaxation. The thoughtful inclusions, from a well-stocked mini-bar to a smart TV and Wi-Fi, cater to your every need. Expert tip: Enjoy a nightcap on your balcony as the river’s gentle sounds and the starry sky create a memorable backdrop to end your day.

• Queen-size bed
• Luxury linens
• Ample storage
• Coffee table
• Walk-in shower
• Bottled water
• Wi-Fi access

Single Cabin with French Balcony Balcony

Designed for the solo voyager, this Single Cabin with French Balcony merges comfort with views. The balcony opens up to the breathtaking scenes of the rivers, allowing natural light to enhance the cabin's ambiance. Solo travelers will find a sanctuary that is both spacious and adorned with luxurious amenities, ensuring every moment on board is a pleasure. The layout smartly accommodates everything needed for a comfortable stay, from the en-suite facilities to the cozy armchair corner for unwinding with a book or enjoying the view. Personal insight: The peace and privacy here make it an ideal choice for those seeking solitude amidst the journey’s communal spirit.

• Convertible Queen bed
• Luxury bedding
• Vanity table

Standard Lower Deck Cabin Window

Nestled in the heart of Spirit of the Rhine, the Standard Lower Deck Cabin offers a cozy retreat from the bustling activities of the ship. With a high-level window near the ceiling, it provides an intimate connection to the river surroundings without sacrificing privacy. The cabin is a marvel of efficiency, beautifully appointed and packed with amenities ensuring a relaxing stay. It's perfect for guests who prefer a serene and undisturbed environment. The specially designed seating area allows for comfortable in-room relaxation after a day of exploration. My tip: the tranquility of this cabin pairs wonderfully with the vibrant social scenes just a few steps away, providing the best of both worlds on your cruising adventure.

• Wardrobe storage
• Magnifying mirror
• Shower stall
• Bath amenities
• Mini-fridge

Lower Deck Cabin with Non-Opening Windows Window

The Lower Deck Cabin with Non-Opening Windows is your snug harbor on the river. Though its windows do not open, the room is designed to maximize the sense of space and light, offering a cozy vantage point from which to witness the river's beauty as you glide along. Ideal for guests who prioritize rest and rejuvenation, this cabin provides a serene atmosphere, making it a perfect retreat after a day of exploration. Its well-considered amenities and thoughtful layout ensure a comfortable stay. Suggestion: This cabin is especially suited for travelers who enjoy spending their days out and about, returning to a calm and comfortable setting to recharge.

• Storage space
• Seating area
• Shower bathroom
• Telephone service
• Wi-Fi service

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Spirit of the Rhine

• Ship Details
• Accommodation

Introducing Spirit of the Rhine

Saga's first ever purpose-built river cruise ship brings boutique cruising to the riverways of Europe.

Following the successful launch of ocean cruising, Saga are now doing the same with river cruising. Setting off on her inaugural season in Spring 2021, Saga‘s new ship offers a boutique cruising experience on Europe’s finest riverways.

The Saga boutique difference

Spirit of the Rhine offers premium value for money, with so much included in the price. This includes a VIP chauffeur service from your own front door, French balconies for all cabins on the Middle and Upper decks, wine, beer and soft drinks at lunch and dinner, even up to eight included excursions.

Plus, a host of extras are included from on-board gratuities to complimentary Wi-Fi, and much more.

Unique Experiences

On selected cruises, you can enjoy new Unique Experiences. These included and optional excursions reveal lesser-known sights that you wouldn‘t find on a ’standard' tour, such as a foodie experience in Vienna and Amsterdam, beer tasting in Bratislava, and a canal cruise in Ghent.

First-class dining Chef-prepared cuisine is waiter served in the main restaurant, offering a tempting choice at breakfast, lunch and dinner. Plus, dine free of charge at the à la carte restaurant which seats 34 diners in a beautiful, intimate setting.

Sumptuous cabins All cabins are beautifully spacious, and with an average floor plan of 17 square metres they're some of the most generously-sized on the Rhine. Cabins on the main and upper decks all have French balconies with floor-to-ceiling picture windows, offering personal, private views of every destination.

The Saga boutique difference Spirit of the Rhine also offers premium value for money. Every boutique cruise includes a VIP travel service from your own front door, à la carte dining, a selection of drinks at lunch and dinner, afternoon tea, included gratuities, complimentary Wi-Fi, concierge services, and more.

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04 November 2019, 06:30

Saga announces new build boutique river cruise ship ‘Spirit of the Rhine’

Saga holidays has today announced exciting plans to launch a new build boutique river cruise ship to sail on European rivers in Spring 2021.

Following the launch of Saga’s new luxury boutique ocean cruise ship, Spirit of Discovery in July 2019, and the launch of her sister ship in Summer 2020, the new rivers ship will bring the boutique luxury of ocean cruising to river cruising for the first time.

Using more than 60 years of insight gained from providing products and services exclusively to the over-50’s, Saga will be using the inspiration of their boutique ocean cruises to design the new build ship which will echo this luxury styling. Almost all of the 17 sq metre cabins will have a French balcony and floor-to-ceiling windows to ensure guests can truly revel in the beauty of the surrounding scenery.

The new ship will be built by Vahali, a Dutch-founded company who have been building rivers ships since 1923 and has constructed some of the finest river cruise ships afloat.

Over recent years the popularity of river cruising has been steadily increasing year on year with Saga customers. Those who would like more information on the ship will be able to register their interest from 4th November 2019 and bookings will be taken following the publication of its first itineraries on 2nd December 2019.

Spirit of the Rhine will be sailing on rivers including the Rhine, Moselle, Main and Danube as well as through the stunning waterways of Holland. When it comes to onboard facilities the ship will ooze boutique with a spectacular lounge with bar, a separate library area, a main restaurant as well as a reservation-only restaurant with show cooking, A large sun deck, jacuzzi, barbecue and extensive seating area will also be a feature of the ship and will truly allow guests to take in the impressive views during their luxurious cruise..

In addition, Spirit of the Rhine will also have a small gym onboard and free wifi will be available throughout.  

For many river cruising is about exploring some well-known destinations in a new way. Saga will offer a variety of new and innovative itineraries that will feature popular destinations as well as some less familiar ports of call. Saga will be tailoring their itineraries to offer exclusive excursions and will offer multiple options in key ports giving guests the opportunity to truly make their holiday experiences their own.

All cruises will be full-board to include wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner, gratuities will also be included for the first time and VIP transfers will be included as standard, so the luxury really does start from the moment Saga’s guests are picked up from their homes.

Robin Shaw, CEO Saga Travel said: “I am delighted to announce that we are using our experience in ocean cruising to design a bespoke ship for those guests who want a luxurious, boutique river cruise experience.

This launch of Spirit of the Rhine heralds a step change in the future of river cruising and when it comes to the onboard experience, our boutique approach to cruising will ensure that our guests have an experience that combines unrivalled, first class service with bespoke authentic experiences that are tailored just for them..”

For further information please call 0800 300 400 or visit www.saga.co.uk/spirit-rhine

Alex Brazier

Notes to editors

Saga is a specialist in the provision of products and services for life after 50. The Saga brand is one of the most recognised and trusted brands in the UK and is known for its high level of customer service and its high quality, award winning products and services including cruises and holidays, insurance, personal finance and publishing. Visit saga.co.uk

Please note: All illustrations are artists’ impressions of how we imagine the ship will look upon completion. Plans and décor are all subject to change.

Spirit of the Rhine external rendered image

Spirit of the Rhine interior image (2)

Spirit of the Rhine interior image (3)

Spirit of the Rhine interior (1)

01388 767 222

Spirit of the Rhine

launched 2021

length 135 m

capacity 182

Spirit of the Rhine brings our boutique cruise experience to the riverways of Europe. Our first purpose-built river ship is exclusively for Saga guests.

Our new ship brings luxury river cruising to the Rhine, the iconic waterway that winds through the heart of Europe, along with selected itineraries on the Moselle, Main and Danube.

Better still, included excursions on every cruise gives you plenty of opportunities to explore, at no extra cost.

• accommodation
• entertainment

All cabins are beautifully spacious, and with an average floor plan of 17 square metres they’re some of the most generously-sized on the Rhine. Cabins on the Main and Upper decks all have French balconies with floor-to-ceiling picture windows, offering personal, private views of every destination.

Panorama Restaurant

Buffet breakfasts, waiter-served lunches and dinner are served in our Panorama restaurant.

Rheinfels Restaurant

All prepared using local ingredients and produce. Plus, dining at the speciality restaurant, Reinfells, is included.

Lorelei Lounge

The Lorelei Lounge can be found on the Upper Deck.

The Lobby can be found on the Upper Deck.

Accessibility and Support

If you have any mobility restrictions, disabilities or medical needs, you’ll find the information you need here. It’s important to check the suitability of any holiday before you book. Our Travel Advisors will be happy to discuss this with you.

Whether you book online or via our sales team, we will ask you if you have any need for assistance at the time of booking. It’s best to let us know then if you have any special requirements. To take full advantage of the assistance available, you need to pre-book no less than 48 hours before departure unless specified otherwise.

If you’ve already booked and now need to notify us of any special requirements please contact our Customer Care team free on 0800 373 034.

River cruises and small ships

It is important to be aware that most river vessels and small ships do not have lifts and the stairs between decks can often be steep.

Some excursions involve a fair amount of walking, sometimes over uneven surfaces.

Please also note that on river cruises and small ships it’s common for two or more ships to moor alongside each other at a berth, and on these occasions you’ll need to walk through the other vessels when embarking or disembarking. We are not able to confirm in advance when this will be the case.

If you have a disability or reduced mobility and are considering a river cruise or a small ship cruise, please contact one of our advisors on 0800 300 400 to discuss the suitability before booking.

Excursions will vary in terms of how active they are. They can range from panoramic tours where the majority of sightseeing will take place from your vehicle, to strenuous activities covering uneven terrain and walking distances of over a mile.

We’ll send you a detailed itinerary for your holiday at least eight weeks before departure with information regarding excursions. If you’re in any doubt as to the suitability of the excursions, please contact us and we will be happy to discuss these with you.

If you require a wheelchair or scooter to take part in an excursion, this will need to be collapsible so it can be safely stored in the coach. You’ll also need to be able to fold or dismantle your wheelchair or scooter yourself and lift it into the coach’s luggage hold, or be accompanied by a travelling companion who can do this for you.

While we always try to use the most comfortable, well-equipped vehicles for our excursions, we are often limited by what’s available in a particular destination. So regrettably, if you’re unable to manage the steps on to a coach or other vehicle, you will not be able to join the excursion. This is due to the variety of vehicles used dependent on destination. In addition, as the vehicles used for excursions differ from place to place, there may be restrictions as to what mobility aids can be carried.

A big part of the cruising experience is what to wear and we know how important it is for many of our guests. During the day we advise casual wear, with the evening dress code starting from 6pm.

Ladies generally choose to wear a smart dress or an elegant blouse or top with trousers or skirt. Gentlemen can wear a smart open neck shirt and trousers. A jacket is optional, and we would ask that polo shirts, t-shirts, shorts and denim are kept for casual wear during the day.

You are welcome to dress up for the welcome drinks reception and Captain’s dinner.

Smoking Policy

The smoking area varies on our river cruise ships, so please ask one of our onboard team.

There’s no smoking anywhere else on board, including on cabin balconies.

Age Restrictions

Other details.

Children: Adults only

Childrens Facilities: None

Nursery: None

Smoking: Some

Celebrity Ties: Renowned chef and restauranteur, Nick Nairn is the youngest Scottish chef to ever win a Michelin star. Having made his name on TV shows such as Ready Steady Cook and Great British Menu for the BBC, he also runs a successful cookery school. Nick will bring his famous culinary style to the à la carte restaurant aboard Spirit of the Rhine, creating an exclusive signature dish.

Gratuities: Gratuities are included in your cruise fare.

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Saga cruises: New cruise ship Spirit of the Rhine departs on maiden voyage - what's onboard?

Author: Harriet Mallinson

Published on: 22 September 2021

Updated on: 11 May 2022

Saga has announced its brand new river cruise ship Spirit of the Rhine has set off on its inaugural cruise - so what's onboard the vessel, from cabins to restaurants?

Saga cruises' fans will be excited to hear about the official arrival of Spirit of the Rhine on the river cruising scene.

The ship has a maximum capacity of 190 guests who are served by 40 officers and crew and boasts a design inspired by the culture and nature found along the Rhine.

Saga guests who travel on the ships will have access to a range of first-class facilities onboard.

These include a panoramic lounge and bar, an inviting library, fitness area, an expansive sun deck with a hot tub and alfresco barbecue and two restaurants.

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The ships' design also means the ship will be one of the quietest and most environmentally friendly ships operating on the Rhine.

Spirit of the Rhine's inaugural cruise departed from Trier today and will take in the beautiful Moselle valley and Roman wine towns, such as Bernkastel, Traben-Trarbach and Piesport, along the way.

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Saga guests will have ample opportunity to taste the local grape as the vineyards bring in the local harvest and will be joined by wine expert Oz Clarke on the tour.

“We’re looking forward to welcoming our brand-new river cruiser, Spirit of the Rhine to the fleet," commented CEO of Saga Holidays, Chris Simmonds.

"Everything about the ship has been designed with our customers in mind giving them the option to do as much or as little as they like while on-board thanks to the wide range of facilities.

“And when they step ashore, we’ve carefully curated our itineraries to show them the best of the region with a range of unique experiences.

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"Our cruises also come with a free VIP door-to-door travel service, travel insurance, meals and drinks, complimentary Wi-Fi and a range of excursions all included in the price.”

So what can Saga customers expect on onboard Spirit of the Rhine?

Spirit of the Rhine cabins

The ship's spacious 95 cabins are spread over four passenger decks and boast an average floor plan of 17 square metres, which Saga claims are some of the most generously sized on the Rhine.

Cabins on the Main and Upper decks all have French balconies with floor-to-ceiling picture windows, so you're guaranteed brilliant views of all your destinations.

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Spirit of the Rhine entertainment

Look forward to talks, live music and entertainment to enhance your cruise experience.

This includes such celebrity guests on selected departures as Nick Nairn, Alastair Stewart, John Sergeant and Jilly Goolden.

Spirit of the Rhine restaurants

There are two restaurants onboard the new Saga cruise ship.

The à la carte restaurant seats 34 diners in an intimate setting and is free of charge.

Renowned chef and restauranteur, Nick Nairn (the youngest Scottish chef to ever win a Michelin star) is bringing his culinary skills to the water and is creating an exclusive signature dish for the restaurant.

Meanwhile, the main restaurant offers a tempting choice of chef-prepared cuisine at breakfast, lunch and dinner, all waiter-served.

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Guests can look forward to such tasty dinner dishes as pan-fried fillet of trout in lemon sauce with sautéed vegetables or French steak dish Tournedos Rossini on beef marrow risotto with baby carrots & green asparagus.

The indulgence doesn't stop there - every cruise includes a selection of drinks (a choice of wine, beer and soft drinks) at lunch and dinner as well as afternoon tea.

You'll also benefit from a welcome drink reception and farewell dinner on the ship.

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VESSEL REVIEW | Spirit of the Rhine – Saga Cruises’ 190-guest newbuilds to serve European river itineraries

UK cruise company Saga Cruises recently commenced operational sailings of its two newest luxury river cruise ships, Spirit of the Danube and Spirit of the Rhine .

The sister vessels each have a length of 135 metres, a beam of 11.4 metres, a gross tonnage of 3,600, a speed of 12 knots, capacity for 190 passengers in 91 cabins, and a crew complement of 40. Guest accommodations include 17-square-metre cabins with French balconies and 14-square-metre cabins with fixed porthole windows. All guest cabins, which are located on three of the four decks, come with en suite bathrooms, walk-in showers, queen-size beds, individual AC units, and a seating area with two chairs and a coffee table.

Among the onboard facilities on each ship are a bar, indoor and al fresco restaurants, an atrium, a gym, a retail shop, a library, indoor and outdoor terraces, panoramic lounges with floor-to-ceiling windows, and a sundeck with a play area and a whirlpool tub. One lounge can also serve as a cinema, a lecture hall, or a music salon.

The main interior venues have floor-to-ceiling and wall-to-wall windows. Staircases provide access across all four decks.

The two vessels were built by Vahali Shipyards of Serbia and are homeported at Basel in Switzerland. Spirit of the Danube sailed on its inaugural seven-day cruise of waterways in the Netherlands and Belgium in March 2022. Spirit of the Rhine departed on its first post-naming cruise shortly afterwards, sailing through The Hague, Kinderdijk, and Arnhem before returning to Amsterdam.

The sister vessels are being operated by Saga Cruises under a time charter contract while they remain under the ownership of Rijfers Nautical Management, a shipping and ship management company based in the Netherlands. The ships’ routes cover 10 countries that lie along their namesake rivers as well as other European rivers like the Main and the Moselle. Another four ships from the same series are in various stage of construction with the first of these scheduled to enter service with Saga in May 2023.

Click here to read other news stories, features, opinion articles, and vessel reviews as part of this month’s Passenger Vessel Week.

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Tags: Belgium Danube River Main River Moselle River Netherlands Port of Basel Rhine River Rijfers Nautical Management Saga Cruises Serbia Spirit of the Danube Spirit of the Rhine Switzerland United Kingdom Vahali Shipyards WBW newbuild

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Overview Captivating Rhine

7- night cruise, 7- night cruise with 2-nights amsterdam pre-cruise and 2 nights lake lucerne, 2 nights zurich post-cruise, 7-night cruise add pre- or post-cruise land program 7-night cruise with 2-nights amsterdam pre-cruise and 2 nights lake lucerne, 2 nights zurich post-cruise 7-night cruise with 2-nights amsterdam pre-cruise and 2 nights lake lucerne, 2 nights zurich post-cruise add pre- or post-cruise land program 7-night cruise, cruise from : amsterdam to basel, cruise from :, countries: france, germany, netherlands, switzerland france, germany, netherlands, switzerland, rivers: rhine, captivating rhine at a glance.

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Itinerary is subject to change. For the most up-to-date information, please refer to the itinerary schedule provided with your final documents.

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Saga Cruises' riverboats Spirit of the Danube & Spirit of the Rhine to be named in Arnhem (Netherlands)

On Saturday, March 19, the two newest riverboats of Saga Cruises UK - the sisterships Spirit of the Danube and Spirit of the Rhine , will be officially named by Godmother Dame Jennifer Susan Murray (Jenni Murray) in an official joint ceremony in Arnhem (Netherlands) .

The planned introduction of Saga's Spirit of the Danube was announced back in February 2021 and the vessel has since been under construction at the Vahali shipyards (Serbia) and The Netherlands (outfitting). Following the christening ceremony, the vessel will embark on her inaugural voyage along the Belgian and Dutch waterways.

Due to the COVID crisis, Spirit of the Rhine embarked on her inaugural voyage of the Moselle Valley in September 2021. This Saturday will represent the first chance for the traditional naming ceremony for both sisterships to take place.

With designs especially inspired by the nature and culture along the iconic waterways, both new riverboats have been built with passengers central to their design. Each riverboat has 4 passenger decks and 91 staterooms, and max capacity of 182 passengers and 50 crew.

The ceremony is to be held on Saturday afternoon in Arnhem. In line with naval tradition, a special blessing will be offered for safe sailing and good fortune, marked with the smashing of a bottle on the hulls of the ships - completed by Godmother, Dame Jenni Murray, who will be given a tour of the ships and their distinct features.

Dame Jennifer Susan Murray/Jenni Murray (1950-born) is an English journalist, broadcaster and author. She was appointed OBE (Officer of the Order of the British Empire) in 1999, and DBE (Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire) in 2011. Both are British orders of chivalry rewarding contributions to arts, sciences, charitable and welfare works, and public service outside the military. Jenni Murray is best known as the presenter/host of BBC Radio 4's 60-minute program "Woman's Hour" (health-education-culture-politics-themed topics aimed at women) in the period 1987-2020.

After the naming ceremony, Spirit of the Danube is due to embark on the 7-day "Dutch & Belgian Waterways" Maiden Voyage (March 21), before Spirit of the Rhine embarks on her next 7-night "Keukenhof & Dutch Delights" itinerary.

19 Cruises for Every Kind of Traveler

T he most memorable cruises don't just ferry travelers to destinations on the water, they create connections to the cultures and people that make those places special. In this collection of cruise inspiration, we spotlight itineraries on luxury small ships, expeditions vessels, and river boats that buoy travelers into meaningful experiences, including cultural interactions, culinary explorations, outdoor adventures, and simply making time to marvel at the world's most beautiful scenery. -Billie Cohen

1. For adventurous cruisers: Antartica

If you're going all the way there, you should really dive in. Or ski. Or snorkel. Or kayak.

There is no way to truly know Antarctica: It's too vast, too unpredictable, and too treacherous-a place so unlike the tamed world we live in that it might as well be another planet entirely.

Still, dozens of cruise ships strive to provide a glimpse of the White Continent every year, and due to strict regulations, most offer similar itineraries. But that doesn't mean the experiences are identical. Options range from so-called cruise-by voyages, with more than 500 passengers who never set foot on land, to sailboat expeditions for hard-core adventurers.

As I kayaked in a remote bay where I was greeted by six humpback whales, I was glad to be traveling with Aurora Expeditions . The Australian company is committed to protecting Antarctica's fragile environment, and it leans heavily into adventure without sacrificing comfort. Its new ship, the 132-passenger Sylvia Earle , is climate neutral and features an onboard citizen-science center so that passengers can join investigations into polar plankton, local geology, and more. On our 23-day " Antarctica Complete " cruise, we made stops at South Georgia Island, where we watched king penguins compete for real estate with SUV-size elephant seals, and in the Falklands, a paradise for birders.

The relatively small size of our group allowed for two daily landings or activities, rather than the single one typically offered on bigger ships. And when passengers book the trip, Aurora requires them to commit to their excursion group for sports like kayaking, snorkeling, diving, or skiing. So, instead of being joined by a rotating cast of first-timers who might struggle to get into a dry suit, I was part of a tight-knit crew of paddlers who became more comfortable and bolder as the trip progressed. On land, we were often given a perimeter or a path and invited to explore at our own pace, rather than being guided as a single contingent. Even with everyone onshore at the same time, it was possible to seek out moments of solitude.

That spirit of exploration continued during long sea days across the Drake Passage. It's normal for guides in Antarctica to take to the public address system for big-ticket sightings such as a breaching whale or a pod of orcas. But we didn't miss the smaller moments either. We were rallied when a pair of albatrosses got unusually close, hovering above the ship like silent sentries. We were awakened for an especially spectacular sunrise that coated the surrounding mountains in a dusting of pinks and oranges. The message was clear: The reason we'd come all this way was not for a well-stocked bar or a beautifully appointed sauna or an extensive library-all of which the Sylvia Earle has. The reason is out there. -Sebastian Modak

Other active cruises to consider

Aqua expeditions.

Location: Peru

From $4,500| Book now

Launching from Nauta in the northeast, Aqua Expeditions' new 20-suite Aqua Nera takes travelers into the Peruvian Amazon for three, four, or seven nights. The rain forest is full of opportunities to kayak, swim, and spot wildlife on trips led by four guides. A fleet of all-terrain bikes is also at the ready for side trips.

Natural Habitat Adventures

Location: Southern Africa

From $14,995| Book now

On Natural Habitat Adventures ' " Southern Africa Riverboat Safari ," guests participate in wildlife viewing from both land and water. The 11-day, small-group trip includes three days on a riverboat, motorboat excursions in the Chobe River, game drives in Hwange National Park , a visit to Victoria Falls, and meetings with local villagers.

Location: Australia

From $9,999| Book now

In summer 2024, Seabourn will start cruises to the sparsely populated Kimberley region on its Seabourn Pursuit (with 132 all-veranda, all-oceanfront suites). Excursions include Zodiac rides to spot sharks and rays, helicopter flights to the waterfalls of Mitchell Plateau , and trips to the rock formations of the Bungle Bungle Range .

Location: Oceania

From $13,790| Book now

On Lindblad's " Rites and Relics " cruise, travelers can walk a black-sand beach, dive to a WWII shipwreck, or hike to find waterfalls, volcanic pools, and parrots in Fiji's Bouma National Heritage Park . On other days they can witness-and potentially experience-Fijian firewalking and taste kava made by island residents for special celebrations.

2. For cruisers looking for a cultural connection: a Rhine River cruise

This European river cruise is not what you might think. See if you can keep up.

I'm out of breath and panting, somewhere near Heidelberg, a historic German city located near the foothills of the Odenwald. My cycling group and I are pedaling toward Schwetzingen Palace, renowned for its Versailles-like gardens, about six miles away from our ship docked along the Rhine. As I pause in the middle of a cornfield, all my group mates are but a glimmer of silver hair in the distance.

"Don't worry," the wellness instructor says sympathetically. He had stayed behind with me so I wouldn't get lost. "Some of these older people have been cyclists for years."

"They're in such better shape than I am!" I say. He gives me a look. "Well, yes."

It's day five of AmaWaterways ' seven-night " Captivating Rhine " cruise. I'm sailing from Amsterdam to Basel, Switzerland, on the 156- passenger AmaLucia , which was christened in 2022. One of the newest ships in the company's fleet, it offers two dining options (a main restaurant and the dinner-only Chef's Table, which seats 32 guests), a spa, a walking track, and complimentary beer and wine.

But what distinguishes AmaWaterways from the seemingly endless array of Rhine River cruises is its wellness program and active excursions. It's no secret that river-cruise passengers tend to be older, but this company is a go-to for those who like to start the day with vigorous bike rides and cap it off with a vineyard-side wine tasting. To that end, each ship has an onboard wellness instructor who organizes daily activities, including yoga, cardio workouts, and dance classes. Passengers can borrow bikes at no charge for use on land. AmaWaterways also offers shore excursions, ranging from a gentle cable car ride over vineyards to a Black Forest hike.

Toward the end of my trip, I sat on a stoop enjoying a mango gelato after a long walking tour of Riquewihr, a fairy-tale medieval French town. I had sweated my way down the Rhine for the past week, but it was exactly the kind of vacation I needed. For someone like me, whose mind is constantly racing with worries, staying active allowed me to be more present and connected-even when I was being shown up by people twice my age. Those moments in a new destination, when the responsibilities dissipate, make travel-and the sweat-so rewarding. -Mae Hamilton

Other culturally focused trips to consider

Location: Gulf States

From $2,999| Book now

Windstar 's " Sparkling Sand & Cities of the Persian Gulf " cruise spends 10 days in the region. Travelers can stay comfortable aboard the all-suite Star Legend , which added two new dining venues during its recent renovation. Shore excursions include a 7th-century monastery in the UAE and a souk in Bahrain. Formula 1 fans can book the Prix du Monde add-on in Abu Dhabi, which includes premium seats and race analysis from F1 sports broadcaster Bob Varsha.

Location: France

From $6,995| Book now

Scenic Luxury Cruises and Tours ' 11-day " Spectacular South of France " itinerary on the Saône and Rhône rivers features truffle hunting, wine tasting, and a cooking demonstration at a three-star Michelin restaurant. But the pièce de résistance, to crib a French phrase, is the option to meet the owners of a family-run olive farm, tour their property, and learn their family recipes in a hands-on cooking class. Back on the 149-guest Scenic Sapphire , the last night of the trip is celebrated by bringing a local pâtissier on board.

Location: Madagascar

From $9,770| Book now

On Ponant 's " Adventure in Madagascar " trip, guests learn about endemic species and meet the people who call the region home. Highlights include the opportunity to spot lemurs and a visit with the Vezo people, some of the last "sea nomads" in the world. The 15-night expedition cruise docks at the Seychelles, Madagascar, Mauritius, and Réunion.

Location: The United States

From $17,999| Book now

Viking 's " Grand Mississippi Voyage " takes a leisurely 22 days to float from the delta of New Orleans to St. Paul, Minnesota. The 386-guest Viking Mississippi has sleek staterooms and airy public areas, and excursions include Cajun feasts and Civil War battlefield tours.

3. For cruisers looking to kick back in style

After a day of diving with sharks, it's nice to come back to a hot tub and champagne.

The sea lions were showing off. As I was deep-sea snorkeling with my fellow cruise passengers, the friendly mammals entertained us by performing curlicues in the water. They weren't alone: Schools of fish came into view as penguins paddled by. A cormorant caused me to flinch, but not as much as the five white tip reef sharks, each about four feet long. I grabbed the arm of one of the Ecuadoran naturalist guides on hand, glad he was nearby.

You come to Galápagos National Park to get close to these incredible creatures, all of which are surprisingly unfazed by your presence. To explore past the few populated islands, you'll need a park-certified naturalist guide and water transport-preferably Silversea Cruises ' elegant Silver Origin . At 100 passengers, it falls just within the park's guest limit, delivering a mix of tony service and unique, expedition-style adventure.

Onboard the Silver Origin , suites come with ocean-view showers, assuring no missed scenery, plus walk-in closets, designer bathrobes, and fair-trade chocolates from the Ecuadoran Andes. A butler is on call to bring you a cappuccino or the perfect martini, and launder your wet bathing suit by the next day. Anchorless technology allows the ship to hover rather than dig into the seafloor when it stops. (Silversea's sister line, Celebrity Cruises , introduced this environmentally friendly technology in the Galápagos in 2019.) Once the ship is positioned, travelers can board Zodiacs for onshore experiences, such as walking among thousands of mating iguanas or hiking up a scenic volcanic peak.

The ability to sip bubbly in the hot tub is a perk, but Silver Origin' s true differentiator is its 1:10 guide-to-guest ratio, which Silversea says is the highest of any ship in the Galápagos. One afternoon, when I was out kayaking through the lush mangroves of Isabela Island, a friendly young sea lion came close, showing off an octopus in his mouth. It was a rare sight, according to the naturalist I was paddling with. I wasn't jealous of the sea lion's catch; if I wanted locally caught octopus, it was on the menu back aboard. -Fran Golden

Other relaxed trips to consider

Ritz-carlton yacht collection.

Location: The Mediterranean and Beyond

From $6,800

The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection will roll out its second ship, Ilma , in 2024. Offering what the company bills as one of the highest ratios of space to guest, the 224-suite vessel will have private terraces, outdoor showers, and personal concierges. The ship will also offer a lounge to enjoy cognac and cigars, plus classical and jazz performances, talks with local artists and historians, and a kids program. Its destinations include Italy, Spain, Portugal, Egypt, Israel, the Amalfi Coast, and Greek islands, the route depending on the season.

Riverside Luxury Cruises

Location: The Danube

From $1,423| Book now

Riverside Luxury Cruises launched its first ship, the Riverside Mozart , in April. It is already the standard setter for ultra-luxury river cruises, with walk-in closets and double-vanity bathrooms in suites and butler service for every cabin. The Danube itineraries, ranging from 3 to 14 nights, deliver must-do moments in cities, like a backstage tour of Vienna's Spanish Riding School and wine-tasting in a Slovakian castle. Travelers can choose their own level of activity, from lounging and sipping drinks on the deck to an adventurous balloon ride over Budapest.

Atlas Ocean Voyages

Location: Transatlantic

From $1,999| Book now

Atlas Ocean Voyages will add new itineraries to its yachting expedition cruises in 2024, including 12-, 13-, or 21-day transatlantic sailings. This allows plenty of time to indulge in the L'Occitane spa or the always-included meals, drinks, and cultural immersion activity.

4. For those seeking an enriching cruising experience

Quark expeditions.

Location: Greenland

From $13,160| Book now

Quark Expeditions ' 10-night cruise launches in September 2024 on the 199-passenger Ultramarine . Two onboard helicopters will whisk guests to remote glacial lakes and landscapes, and passengers can visit a Greenlandic community or camp in the wild.

Location: Japan

From $5,450| Book now

Azamara 's two week " Japan Intensive Voyage " visits big cities Kobe and Tokyo plus smaller ports in the archipelago nation. Guests can see the gardens of Takamatsu and the Shirakami-Sanchi mountains, and excursions include sake tastings and hot spring soaks.

Amawaterways

Location: Colombia

From $3,599| Book now

Colombia's Magdalena River is the new hot spot for river cruises, and AmaWaterways is the first major line to get there, starting in spring 2024. Its eight-day sail will leave from Cartagena then head south to UNESCO-listed Palenque de San Basilio ; the Magangué area, known for birding; and Barranquilla, known for its Carnival celebrations.

Paul Gaugin Cruises

Location: Polynesia

From $3,530| Book now

The freshly remodeled luxury cruise ship Paul Gauguin explores some of Polynesia's more remote island destinations. The seven-night " Tahiti & the Society Islands " itinerary includes time at the company's private white-sand beach on Bora Bora and its private islet off the island of Taha'a. It also stops at less-touristed Huahine, with its famous blue-eyed eels and archaeological sites.

Hurtigurten

Location: Norway

From From $2,107| Book now

Hurtigruten 's Norwegian Coastal Express is more than a cruising option: It has served the country's seaside communities since 1893. On a 12-day journey, it sails through fjords, the picturesque Lofoten archipelago, and the Arctic Circle, stopping at 34 towns and villages to provide transportation to residents, procure produce, and offer excursions to guests.

After last year’s two-alarm fire, a renovated Spirit of Boston is ready to sail again

A newly renovated Spirit of Boston is back on the harbor waters after a two-alarm fire sidelined the popular event ship last year.

Boston Fire Commissioner Paul Burke joined Boston Harbor City Cruises executives for a ribbon-cutting ceremony at Commonwealth Pier on April 24 to celebrate the ship’s long-awaited return. The festivities were followed by a dockside showcase where guests got to check out the renovations while enjoying bites, beverages, music, and more.

“What it looks like today is amazing,” Burke told the Globe, describing the emergency as “pretty bad” and a “heavy fire scene” that took a couple of hours to stamp out.

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On March 24, 2023, a fire broke out on the boat’s first deck wait station following an event. The ship was mostly unoccupied except for a few service workers, according to Burke, but all were able to exit safely. Boston Deputy Fire Chief James Lonergan noted that fire was seen coming out of the vessel’s side as firefighters arrived on the scene.

“We called 911 as soon as we saw a spark and they arrived immediately and kind of took over,” said Boston Harbor City Cruises general manager Kelley Yelle, who called the damage to the ship “pretty devastating” and thanked the fire department for its fast work securing the situation.

Although the fire was confined to the first deck, smoke and other damage impacted the ceiling and other decks above, forcing the Spirit of Boston team to “demo everything,” according to Bob Lawler, vice president and regional manager at Boston Harbor City Cruises.

“Every soft surface onboard — meaning carpets, wallpaper, ceilings, insulation behind the walls — had to be removed to get the smoke and soot smell and the burning smell off the boat,” said Lawler.

Spirit of Boston boasts four levels, with three climate-controlled interior dining decks, as well as two observation decks on the outside. The yacht tends to draw corporate clients and social events, entertaining guests with DJs, games, plus buffet-style dining.

The ship has been out of commission since the fire and only returned to the Seaport last month. Following the blaze, Spirit of Boston was sent to a shipyard in Bridgeport, Conn., owned by Boston Harbor City Cruises parent company, Hornblower Group.

“It’s been a year of a lot of work from the shipyard to all of our people who work for us, our servers to everybody in between,” said Yelle. “Transitioning from not having the boat to having the boat and being able to show her off is very exciting.”

The ship had received a $2.5 million renovation in 2015 . After the fire, enough elements were still intact on each deck, allowing the Spirit of Boston team to look for materials to match the existing style, “but modernized a little bit,” according to Lawler.

He added, “Everything that the customer could see and touch, we wanted to make sure was clean and fresh and renovated.”

Matt Juul can be reached at [email protected] .