Children Cruise Free on A-ROSA River Cruises

Posted on June 9, 2025 by Jan European Barging & River Cruises

A-ROSA River Cruises offer Rhine River Cruises, Danube River Cruises, Seine River Cruises and Rhone River Cruises.

So that families can stay together, A-ROSA offers TRIPLE BEDDED CABINS on the lower deck, where children up to and including 15 years of age travel free of charge when accompanied by at least one (two in Cat. G on the Sena and Flora) supervising adult on Deck 1.

From Deck 2, children receive a 30% discount. On the A-ROSA Sena, children up to 7 years of age, accompanied by 2 supervising adults, can use a sofa bed free of charge in categories B – D.

A-ROSA Sena Cat G Family Cabin

Other ships that offer under 15 years of age FREE Berths on the lower deck include: A-ROSA Donna on the Danube; A-ROSA Silva, A-ROSA Aqua on the Rhine; A-ROSA Viva on the Seine, and A-ROSA Sella on the Rhone.

A-ROSA Flora Cat G cabin with 2 extra beds

A-ROSA Viva-Cat-S-Triple Cabin

On the lower deck of several ships, in addition to the triple cabins, there is 1 set of CONNECTING CABINS, where you can have 1 adult and 1 child per cabin, with the children 15 and under cruising free. The ships include the A-ROSA Silva, A-ROSA Flora, A-ROSA Aqua on the Rhine, A-ROSA Viva on the Seine, and A-ROSA Flora on the Danube.

These ships also offer 1 set of connecting cabins on deck 2 and 3, with a 30% discount for children 15 years of age and younger. The A-ROSA Sena offers 10 sets of connecting cabins on deck 3, where kids 15 and under receive a 30% discount.

A-ROSA-Donna-Cat-A-Triple Cabin with bed under the window

Aboard the A‑ROSA ALVA, A‑ROSA ALEA & A‑ROSA CLEA, children accompanied by at least one supervising adult receive a 30 % discount. The children’s discount is only valid for the cruise itself. Limited availability on all cruises. Cabins on these ships only have 2 beds, so no triples.

While onboard your river cruise, you will enjoy a multitude of amenities, including all meals, a beverage package, and free Wi-Fi. You will receive 30% off spa treatments, and bicycles are available for rent.

You can select from their featured cruises, such as the Rhine River Cruise, Danube River Cruise, Seine River Cruise, Rhone River Cruise, and the Douro River Cruise. All of the A-ROSA ships feature cabins with windows, French balconies or usable balconies, sauna, whirlpool, spa facilities (except the A-ROSA Clea and Alea), and most have a swimming pool and Spa facilities.

A-ROSA Cruises often runs promotions, so contact us with any request you might have for a European River Cruise. 888-869-7907 / 713-240-6753 jan@europeanbarging.com

Avignon: Home to the Grandest Medieval Monuments in France

Posted on June 5, 2024 by Jan European Barging & River Cruises

Between the bustling French cities of Lyon and Marseille sits the picturesque city of Avignon – home to several medieval monuments that are now protected as UNESCO Heritage Sites.

Avignon rests quietly along the left bank of the Rhone River, making it accessible to all those who go on a Rhone River Cruise. Several of these cruises, including the Arosa Stella, make it a point to stop at Avignon and allow tourists to enjoy the breathtaking vistas unique to the city.

One of the most popular destinations in Avignon is the Palais des Papes, also known as Palace of the Popes. This is the largest gothic structure that exists to this very day.

This palace was home to seven popes from the year 1309 to 1377. These popes fled from Rome, knowing it was becoming corrupt and hoping to put the Catholic Church back on the right path. Today, the magnificent palace still stands and is a beautiful showcase of medieval artists’ architectural talents and creativity. It is already breathtaking from the outside, but tourists are welcome to tour inside the palace and admire 25 elaborately decorated rooms.

Aside from the pope palace, other attractions in Avignon include the Pont d’Avignon, the Place du Palais, Place de l’Horloge, and grand cathedrals including the Basilique Saint-Pierre d’Avignon.

The best way to go around the city is by riding the Petite Train, which goes around the city and passes by all the picturesque attractions that Avignon has to offer. A ride around the city will take you 40 minutes and leave you wonderstruck.

The next time you decide to go on vacation on European river cruises, choose a route that includes the city of Avignon in its itinerary, like the A-ROSA Stella. You can never find other cities whose medieval architecture equals those found in Avignon.

A-ROSA CRUISE LINE cruises the Rhone, aboard the A-ROSA Stella, featuring short river cruises with English and German language onboard. There are no fixed seating or table arrangements on board. All meals are served as a buffet. There are chefs at all meals with an open kitchen preparing these dishes as you watch – so everything is fresh.

The ships have bicycles with helmets on board for cycling tours. A-ROSA is also known for its superior spa facilities onboard. A-ROSA offers 5-night, and 7-night round-trip Lyon river cruise itineraries. There is also a 7-night Southern Med itinerary. A-ROSA also allows children 15 and under to cruise free with their parents in the same cabin in Cat S cabins. There is limited availability on the A-ROSA STELLA.

Prices include the cruise, all meals, a beverage package with alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, and Wi-Fi. Excursions are additional.

For more information on any of the Danube River cruise itineraries or other rivers, please call or email:713 240 6753 or 888 869 7907 jan@europeanbarging.com

Cologne Cathedral, a Renowned UNESCO World Heritage Site

Posted on April 30, 2024 by Jan European Barging & River Cruises

Situated in the vibrant city of Cologne, Germany along the banks of the Rhine River is the Cologne Cathedral, a High Gothic five-aisled basilica that is considered a masterpiece of world architecture. Its immense twin spires soar to 157 meters, making this renowned cathedral visible from many parts of the city.

Construction first began on this iconic church in 1248 in order to house the purported relics of the Biblical Three Kings. However, it was not officially completed until 1880, over 600 years later! Despite this lengthy construction timeline, Cologne Cathedral remains largely unchanged since medieval times and provides visitors with an authentic look into Gothic architecture and design.

In 1996, this magnificent cathedral gained recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its exceptional universal value as an outstanding example of Gothic cathedral design.

Key reasons this site earned its prestigious status include:

Architectural History: As the largest Gothic cathedral in Northern Europe, the Cologne Cathedral gives profound insights into medieval design practices with features that influenced many other churches in the region.

Religious Importance: The Cathedral has been a renowned pilgrimage destination since the alleged relics of the Three Kings arrived in 1164. To this day, the church remains highly significant to the Catholic faith.

Landmark Status: Its immense size and striking twin towers established the cathedral as a tangible icon of Cologne’s identity, even inspired folklore that attributed magical protection to the city.

What to See at the Cologne Cathedral

A tour of the Cologne Cathedral allows visitors to take in elements from over seven centuries of design:

Impressive Exterior: The cathedral’s facade stretches almost 160 meters long and features soaring pointed arches, flying buttresses, and pinnacles. The design epitomizes classic Gothic style.

Elaborate Interior Treasures: Inside, flickering candlelight illuminates the fantastic stained glass, gilded sarcophagi of past archbishops, and glittering choir stalls.

Treasures of the Three Kings: In the famous Shrine of the Three Kings, visitors can glimpse the ornate sarcophagus said to hold the relics that have made this cathedral so significant to religious pilgrims.

Views from the South Tower: After climbing over 500 steps up endless medieval staircases, visitors who brave the South Tower are rewarded with sweeping views over Cologne’s majestic spires and rooftops.

Legacy as an Architectural Wonder

As one of Europe’s most acclaimed cathedrals renowned for its size, beauty, and completeness, Cologne Cathedral leaves a lasting imprint. The soaring Gothic towers rising dramatically over the Rhine River skyline serve as testaments to visionary medieval architects who designed one of history’s architectural wonders.

A-ROSA Cruises
When booking an A-ROSA Rhine River cruise, the cruises start and end in Cologne, so you have time to explore this great Cathedral. The pick up and drop off point for the cruise line is the Cologne Train Station, which is next to the Cathedral. A-ROSA offers 5-night, 7-night and 9-night cruises, offering such itineraries as:

Amsterdam and Rotterdam on the A-ROSA Sena
Holland on the A-ROSA Alea, Clea, and Aqua
Rhine and Mosel Rivers aboard the A-ROSA Alea, Clea, Silva, and Aqua

On most cruises, children 15 and under cruise free with at least 1 adult. During the summer there are several dates that the ships offer a children’s program with activities. All ships (except Alea and Clea), feature really relaxing spa services with hot tub/jacuzzi and treatment rooms.

From May 1 – May 31st, 2024, if you book one of the Rhine A-Rosa cruises, you will receive a 14% discount. Rate includes, beverages, all meals, Wi-Fi and 1 excursion on a 7 night cruise or longer.

For more information on the A-ROSA Cruise line, please contact us at europeanbarginging.com or 713-240-6753 / 888-869-7907 or jan@europeanbarging.com

Cruise the Rhine in Style with European Barging

Posted on March 29, 2024 by Jan European Barging & River Cruises

While cruising the Rhine River, enjoy a view of the UNESCO Cologne Cathedral. This journey through the heart of Germany combines river cruising on the storied Rhine with a visit to the magnificent Gothic Cologne Cathedral. With fairytale castles, charming riverside villages, and stunning scenery, this is a Rhine River cruise vacation not to be missed!

Cruise on a River Cruise

Our cruise ship carry up to 174 passengers for a relaxed, personalized cruising experience. Guests can expect sophisticated, elegant decor and exceptional service from our friendly crew catering to your every need. After days filled with sightseeing, retire to your finely appointed cabin or relax on the spacious sun deck under panoramic blue skies.

Marvel at the Cologne Cathedral

The magnificent Cologne Cathedral amazes all who enter. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it boasts soaring vaulted ceilings, stunning stained glass windows, and artistic treasures galore. Our expert guides reveal tales of its long construction and religious relics that will deepen your appreciation of this Gothic wonder – one of Europe’s most impressive cathedrals.

Relax on Deck with Panoramic River Views

There’s no better place to unwind with a glass of Riesling and admire the passing scenery than on the open-air sun deck. As we sail through the Rhine Gorge, take in spectacular panoramas of vineyards marching up hillsides and historic castles perched on high. Picturesque villages with medieval charm drift by. Our ships offer front-row views of the river’s constantly changing vistas.

Learn from Expert Guides

Our guided excursions are led by knowledgeable locals who provide insider perspectives. Hear intriguing stories about the Cologne Cathedral on an in-depth tour. In riverside towns, guides suggest the best cafés to try and share tales that reveal the destination’s heritage. We’ll take you behind the scenes through the eyes of real local experts.

Bike and Hike Along the River

For active guests, we offer opportunities to bike and hike right from the ship to explore riverside trails. Guests can hike through vine-covered hills above Rudesheim and bike along the Rhine from Bacharach to Kaub. Guided biking tours also travel through the Rhine gorge countryside. With options to get outdoors, our cruises appeal to travelers’ adventurous side.

Savor Sunset from the Rhine Deck

As dusk falls, join us on the sun deck with a glass of Riesling in hand. Soak up the magic of sunset over the river, as the water turns molten gold. Watch the sun sink over vineyard-blanketed hills and the glittering lights of medieval castles come alive. Sunsets from our sundeck create memories to last a lifetime.

River Cruises Visiting the Cologne Cathedral

AmaWaterways offers 7-night Captivating Rhine, Enchanting Rhine, Rhine Castles and Swiss Alps, Vineyards of the Rhine and Moselle and 11-night Rhine and Moselle Fairytales .

Croisi Europe offer 7-night cruise on the Rhine between Amsterdam and Basel, 6 and 7-night cruises between Strasbourg and Amsterdam. There is also a 5-day Rhine and Dutch Christmas cruise between Strasbourg and Amsterdam.

Join us for the journey of a lifetime on the legendary Rhine! Contact European Barging to book your Cologne Cathedral – Rhine River cruise and unlock castles, cathedrals, villages, and more. 713-240-6753 / 888-869-7907 jan@europeanbarging.com

EXPERIENCE THE FAMED CHRISTMAS MARKETS OF EUROPE WITH EUROPEANBARGING.COM CHRISTMAS CRUISES

Posted on July 9, 2023 by Jan European Barging & River Cruises

If you are in the mood for a traditional Christmas, visit the Christmas markets of Europe with Europeanbarging.com’s European Christmas market cruises. These street markets are a holiday tradition that dates back centuries and draw visitors to the continent from all over the world.

Christmas markets are held during the four weeks of Advent, and signal the start of the holiday season. They usually start in the last week of November and last until the third week of December. Some markets, however, may stay open until New Year’s.

The first Christmas markets were held during the Late Middle Ages in what is now Germany. Today, you can find Christmas markets not only all over Europe, but in many other parts of the world as well. They are known by various names, including Christkindlmarkt and Weihnachtsmarkt.

Guests not only can enjoy seasonal food and drinks but also shop for traditional crafts to take home as souvenirs or gifts. There is no better way to experience Europe than by wandering through the various markets, enjoying foods such as roasted chestnuts and warm stollen and sipping hot cups of mulled wine.

These markets also feature open-air entertainment from stages scattered throughout the site. You can enjoy performances ranging from gospel music to modern and traditional Christmas tunes. There may also be rides and other things to do such as skating.

Europeanbarging.com offers several cruise itineraries, which go down the Danube River or the Rhine River. These cruises allow you to visit multiple Christmas markets over the course of the cruise.

Its four-night Rhine South cruise starts in Cologne, Germany, where the biggest Christmas market is held in front of its historic Cathedral. You can also visit the Medieval Christmas Market, which is held on the banks of the Rhine and features jesters, minstrels and other forms of traditional entertainment.

The cruise then takes you to other German Christmas markets, including Koblenz, where you can enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride; Rudesheim, where the “Christmas Market of the Nations” has 120 stalls from twelve countries; and Fussen. You then proceed to France, where you visit markets in Strasbourg, Colmar and Mulhouse.

The four-night Danube Cruise allows you to visit Passau; Vienna, where there are more than 25 markets all over the city; Budapest, where one of the oldest markets in Hungary is held; and Bratislava.

Although the major itineraries last around seven days, there are shorter ones available. The five-day Rhine and Dutch cruise starts in Strasbourg, continues to Cologne and ends in Amsterdam. The five-day Seine cruise lets you visit Christmas markets all along the Seine, starting in Paris, and then continuing on to Rouen, Caudebec en Caux and Honfleur.

The inclusions for the seven-day itineraries include the cruise, free Internet on board, use of bicycles on the ship and meals with wine provided during dinner. The shorter itineraries include a beverage package.

There are some offers from Amawaterways and Arosa Cruise lines. Amawaterways is offering $1000 off per person on the Dec 18th departure of the Iconic Christmas Markets and $1000 off per person on the Dec 19th departure of the Christmas Markets on the Rhine. Discounted prices start at $2499 for the 7 night cruise, all meals, wine with dinner as well as a 1 hour daily happy hour, free Wi-Fi and all excursions. Discount offer ends Sept 29th 2023.

Arosa has a 4 night Danube Christmas Markets with 20% off departing Nov 29; Dec 3, 7, 11, 14,15, 18 and 19th. On the Rhine River, there is the 5 night Rhine Christmas Markets departing Nov 23, 28; Dec 3, 8, 13 an 18th. The 5 night Rhine Christmas Markets City Experience is offering cruises on the new Arosa Sena, departing Nov 23, 28; Dec 3, 8, 13 and 18th. Both cruises are offering 20% off. Discounted prices start at $578 for 4 nights and $895 for 5 nights. Discount offer ends Aug 29th 2023.

To learn more about the various European Christmas market cruises available, visit https//www.europeanbarging.com/Christmas_market_cruises.htm or contact us at 888-869-7907 or jan@europeanbarging.com

European Barging Blog

Barge and River Cruises in Europe

Category Archives: Short River Cruises