Cruise Lines We Recommend

A river cruise feels more like a moving boutique hotel, gliding through the heart of a region—past vineyards, castles, and villages—with frequent port calls and included guided tours. 
An ocean cruise covers more coastline and countries on larger ships with more venues, shows, and activities, which can be a great fit for families or travelers who like lots of options every night. 

For popular rivers like the Rhine and Danube, and especially for Christmas Market or wine‑themed sailings, 9–18 months in advance gives the best choice of dates, cabins, and pricing. 
Closer‑in space does open up, but the most desirable sailings and cabin categories often sell out first, so planning early gives more control instead of forcing you to fit what’s left. 

A dedicated cruise advisor helps you compare lines, itineraries, and cabins across the market, rather than steering you toward one company’s inventory. 
You also gain a single, calm point of contact for flights, pre‑ and post‑cruise stays, and schedule changes—rather than navigating multiple call centers on your own.

Yes. River and Vine can package your cruise with flights, rail segments, hotels, transfers, and wine touring so the entire trip is timed and ticketed to work together. 
This reduces connection risk, simplifies documents, and turns your cruise from a standalone sailing into a cohesive, door‑to‑door journey. 

n most cases, you pay the same cruise fare you would see booking directly with the line, but gain professional guidance, custom trip design, and ongoing support. 
Occasionally there may be added value such as amenities or promotions you might not spot on your own, which River and Vine can monitor and flag. 

Many first‑timers who prioritize wine, scenery, and walkable towns start with a European river cruise on rivers like the Rhine, Danube, or Douro. 
If you prefer more onboard entertainment or are traveling with kids or grandkids, a carefully chosen ocean itinerary can balance cultural ports with big‑ship fun. 

Yes. River and Vine can review your chosen sailing to confirm it fits your style and dates, and suggest tweaks such as a better cabin location or pre‑cruise stay. 
If there’s a similar itinerary that offers better value or a better match, you’ll see those options clearly so you can make a confident decision.