Travel by Ship
Enjoy an unparalled experience—and unpack once
Whether you’re in Europe—aboard one of our award-winning ships—Russia, or China, River Cruising is the most carefree way to travel. And with Grand Circle, you can rest assured that your well-appointed vessel has undergone the latest enhancements without adding to your trip cost. Upon embarking your private river ship, make yourself at home and spend your vacation at leisure, free to discover an entire country or region, while unpacking just once. Relax with old friends—or meet new ones—over an after-dinner drink in your ship’s comfortable casual lounge. Admire scenic landscapes and
villages from the panoramic Sun Deck. On some river ships, you can enjoy an exhilarating workout in the fitness room, unwind
in the hot tub after a day of discovery, or visit our library stocked with books and games. And of course, you can count on the helpful presence of our professional onboard crew around-the-clock.
Our gracious onboard staff truly sets us apart
On our privately owned vessels, Grand Circle’s highly trained, English-speaking staff is there to ensure that you enjoy a carefree journey. From the gracious restaurant maitre’d to the ship’s hotel manager to the hard-working housekeeping staff, they’re at your service 24 hours a day—so that you always feel well-taken-care-of. And they work closely with your Program Director to ensure that every aspect of your trip runs smoothly. Our travelers often tell us that their interactions with our ships’ crew and staff—members of which have served Grand Circle travelers for many years—are among the most enjoyable aspects of their trip.
Relax in our comfortable outside cabins
All of our onboard accommodations are outside cabins with river views, so you’ll able to enjoy the scenery day or night. Cabin sizes range from 120 to 231 square feet, depending on which River Cruise vacation you choose. Private baths are roomy, efficient and featuring modern, high-flow showers. Upper deck cabins on our European fleet even include a 16-square-foot balcony. For specific cabin sizes and features, view our river ships.
We’ll give you a close-up view of local culture
One of the things you’ll enjoy most about River Cruising is that you’re always close enough to land to observe the everyday comings and goings on shore. See rural farmers working their fields or witness the Sunday morning parade of visitors to a village church. And when we dock in ports along our route, the main attractions and countless -discoveries are just a short distance away. Then, you’ll have the opportunity to get close to the local culture—and join the daily life—of each port-of-call.
Make new friends—and discoveries—onboard
You won’t find big glitzy revues on Grand Circle’s entertainment roster. But, our ships frequently offer fun activities—and sometimes, a resident musician—to enhance your evenings onboard. And once you get to know your fellow travelers, you’ll enjoy the camaraderie of our welcoming lounge—whether it’s for a game of cards as you cruise or an after-dinner nightcap. Plus, our variety of included events—such as discussions and presentations by guest experts
on local history and culture, and politics; language lessons; and cooking and crafts demonstrations—are designed to bring your
destinations alive.
Enjoy the exclusive company of
American travelers
While most travel companies serve international passengers on their River Cruises, Grand Circle caters exclusively to Americans. Along with enjoying a warm camaraderie that’s only possible with a group of like-minded travelers, you’ll also appreciate these benefits:
- Our ships are designed and operated with American comfort standards in mind. For instance, all cabins feature an en suite shower, while all indoor areas onboard are non-smoking.
- We tailor our vacations to American interests and perspectives—from included and optional tours, to historic presentations and cultural discussions, to onboard activities and live entertainment.
- Our daily menus are created for American tastes—featuring both familiar favorites and regional specialties—while meals are served when Americans are accustomed to dining.
- English is the “official language” onboard our river ships, used for onboard signs, announcements and passenger handouts. And since your Program Directors, international ship staff, and fellow travelers all speak it fluently, you’ll feel right at home!