A Cruise Bonanza In 2014, Pt 1 
27.11.2013
A Cruise Bonanza In 2014, Pt 1
Nov 27.- If ever there was the Year of the River Cruise, it is 2014, with an amazing TWENTY new ships being launched and new itineraries from the Seine to the European Battlefields.
Among the highlights are a new class of river-cruise vessel from five-star Tauck, with their first itineraries along the Seine in France, and several voyages to mark the 100th anniversary of World War I.
Here is a quick round-up of the What’s New and What’s Coming.
AmaWaterways introduces two new ships from £1,849pp
Having introduced popular duo AmaPrima and AmaCerto this year, AMA will launch two more identical 164-passenger sister vessels in 2014, AmaSonata and AmaReina. Both will feature twin balcony staterooms and suites, Chaîne des Rôtisseurs culinary creations, complimentary wine and beer at lunch and dinner, a heated pool with swim-up bar, massage and beauty salon, fitness centre, free Internet and Infotainment in every stateroom, as well as a fleet of bicycles for guests to borrow and enjoy. AmaSonata will sail the Danube and Rhine on seven itineraries, while AmaReina will be dedicated to the Enchanting Rhine.
More info: call 0808 223 5009 or visit www.amawaterways.co.uk.
Avalon’s new themed-cruises from £2,169pp
As well as launching three new suite ships in 2014 (the Avalon Poetry II, Avalon Illumination and Avalon Impression), Avalon Waterways will introduce some themed voyages next year as well. The all-new trio will sail on a range of Avalon's most popular itineraries on the Seine, Rhine, Moselle, Danube, Main, Rhone, Saone and Dutch Waterways, while the themed cruises are wide-ranging. The latter include beer-tasting or golfing on the 'Austrian Highlights & Bavaria' cruise (July 7 and October 13); a Wellness Cruise for yoga and healthy dining options on 'Blue Danube Discovery' (July 14); and the history of World War I to coincide with the centenary of its start in 2014 on the 'Paris to Normandy Landing Beaches' (April 1).
More info: call 0808 105 2757 or visitwww.avaloncruises.co.uk.
Riviera Travel introduces MS William Shakespeare from £1,249pp
Due to launch next April, this 140-passenger ship (pictured, top) has been designed with a number of ground-breaking innovations, including fully sliding floor-to-ceiling glass doors in cabins and wooden furnishings made from sustainably-sourced tropical hardwoods. Decks and public areas have been named after some of Shakespeare's most famous plays and characters, such as the upper Hamlet Deck, the Middle Othello Deck and the Midsummer Bar. Guests can also enjoy panoramic views from spacious public areas such as The Globe lounge and bar as the William Shakespeare operates three 7-night itineraries on the Rhine in 2014, namely the Rhine & Strasbourg; Rhine, Strasbourg & Heidelberg; and Rhine Cruise to Switzerland.
More info: call 01283 742 300 or visit www.rivieratravel.co.uk.