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  • River Cruises
    • Find River Cruises

        • European River Cruises:

        • The Great Rivers of Europe 2012
        • The Great Rivers of Europe - President's River Cruise 2012
        • Romance of the Rhine & Mosel 2012
        • Russia Revealed: Moscow to St. Petersburg 2012
        • Eastern Europe to the Black Sea 2012
        • The Seine: Paris to Normandy 2012
        • Old World Prague & the Blue Danube 2012
        • Essence of the Elbe: Hamburg to Prague 2012
        • Holland & Belgium in Springtime 2012
        • Cruising Burgundy & Provence to the Cote d’Azur 2012
        • Grand European Cruise 2012
        • Christmas Markets Along the Danube 2012
        • Christmas Markets Along the Rhine 2012
        • Christmastime on the Seine 2012

        • Asian River Cruises:

        • China & the Yangtze River 2012
    • Mediterranean Small Ships

      • Mediterranean Small Ships:

      • NEW! Treasures of the Aegean: Greek Island Cruise, Athens & Istanbul 2012
      • NEW! Hidden Gems of the Dalmatian Coast & Greece 2012
      • NEW! Cruising the Adriatic: Croatia, Montenegro, Bosnia, & Herzegovina 2012
    • Why River Cruising?
      • Grand Circle Cruise Line Best Price Guarantee
      • True Choice
      • Award Winning Fleet
      • Get the Insiders view
      • Travel by Ship
      • Explore by Land
      • Savor the Experience of Shipboard Dining
      • Leader in Solo Friendly Travel: Guaranteed
      • Our Fleet
      • Airport transfers for land only travelers
    • Our Fleet

      • Our Fleet

        Our worldwide fleet of private river ships—many of which are award-winning—was custom-built especially to meet the needs of our travelers. Whether you’re in Europe or Russia, you’ll travel exclusively with other Americans—for the ultimate in camaraderie.

        » Learn More

    • Program Directors

      • Program Directors

        No matter where in the world you venture with Grand Circle, you'll have one of our resident, expert Program Directors by your side, every step of the way. All are fluent in English and possess the skills, certification, and experience necessary to ensure an enriching vacation.

        » Learn More

    • Video Highlights
      • The Great Rivers of Europe (2012)
      • Romance of the Rhine & Mosel (2012)
      • Russia Revealed: Moscow to St. Petersburg (2012)
      • Eastern Europe & the Black Sea (2012)
      • The Seine: Paris to Normandy (2012)
      • Old World Prague & the Blue Danube (2012)
      • Essence of the Elbe: Hamburg to Prague(2012)
      • Holland and Belgium in Springtime (2012)
      • Cruising Burgundy & Provence to the Cote d'Azur (2012)
      • China & the Yangtze River (2012)
      • Grand European Cruise (2012)
    • Awards
      • Condé Nast Traveler's 2011 Top 80 Cruise Ships
      • Condé Nast Traveler's 2011 Gold List
      • Travel + Leisure Magazine's 2010 World's Best List
      • Travel + Leisure Magazine's 2010 Global Vision Award
      • Condé Nast Traveler's 2010 Reader's Choice Awards
  • Our Trips
    • Africa

      • Escorted Trips:

      • Highlights of South Africa 2012
    • Asia

      • River Cruises:

      • China & the Yangtze River 2012 
    • Central America

      • Escorted Trips:

      • NEW! Costa Rican Treasures: Coast to Coast 2012
    • Europe

        • River Cruises:

        • The Great Rivers of Europe 2012
        • The Great Rivers of Europe - President's River Cruise 2012
        • Romance of the Rhine & Mosel 2012
        • Russia Revealed: Moscow to St. Petersburg 2012
        • Eastern Europe to the Black Sea 2012
        • The Seine: Paris to Normandy 2012
        • Old World Prague & the Blue Danube 2012
        • Essence of the Elbe: Hamburg to Prague 2012
        • Holland & Belgium in Springtime 2012
        • Cruising Burgundy & Provence to the Cote d’Azur 2012
        • Grand European Cruise 2012
        • Christmas Markets Along the Danube 2012
        • Christmas Markets Along the Rhine 2012
        • Christmastime on the Seine 2012

        • Mediterranean Small Ships:

        • NEW! Treasures of the Aegean: Greek Island Cruise, Athens & Istanbul 2012
        • NEW! Hidden Gems of the Dalmatian Coast & Greece 2012
        • NEW! Cruising the Adriatic: Croatia, Montenegro, Bosnia, & Herzegovina 2012

        • Escorted Trips:

        • Tuscany & the Amalfi Coast 2012
        • Ireland in Depth 2012
        • Norwegian Coastal Voyage & Lapland 2012
        • Spain & Portugal in Depth 2012
        • The Best of Eastern Europe 2012
        • England, Scotland & Wales 2012
        • Sicily 2012
        • Dubrovnik & Beyond: From the Adriatic to the Alps 2012
        • NEW! Italy: Tuscany, the Alps & the Riviera 2012
    • North America

      • Escorted Trips:

      • America’s Majestic National Parks 2012
      • Nova Scotia & the Canadian Maritimes 2012
      • Northwest National Parks 2012
    • South America

      • Escorted Trips:

      • Discover South America: Chile & Argentina 2012
    • South Pacific

      • Escorted Trips:

      • Australia, New Zealand & Fiji 2012
    • New Trips

      • Escorted Trips:

      • NEW! Italy: Tuscany, the Alps & the Riviera 2012
      • NEW! Costa Rican Treasures: Coast to Coast 2012

      • Mediterranean Small Ships:

      • NEW! Treasures of the Aegean: Greek Island Cruise, Athens & Istanbul 2012
      • NEW! Hidden Gems of the Dalmatian Coast & Greece 2012
      • NEW! Cruising the Adriatic: Croatia, Montenegro, Bosnia, & Herzegovina 2012
  • Ways to Save
    • Solo Friendly Travel
      • 10 Reasons to Travel Solo With Grand Circle
      • The Lowest Solo Traveler Prices in the Industry: Guaranteed
      • Solo Traveler Challenge
      • Find a Roommate
      • What Solo Travelers Have to Say About Grand Circle
      • Top Solo Vacations
    • Refer and Earn

      • Refer and Earn

        When you refer new travelers to Grand Circle through our Vacation Ambassador Referral Program, you’ll earn $100 per person in CASH or credit—and the more travelers you refer, the greater the rewards. New travelers you refer enjoy instant savings of $100 per person off their first vacation.

        » Learn More

    • Group Leader Program
      • Group Leader Offers
      • Meet the Group Sales Team
      • FAQs
      • Group Leader Spotlight
      • Popular Group Vacations
    • Good Buy Plan

      • Good Buy Plan

        Guarantee your trip price—and save up to 10%—with Grand Circle’s exclusive Good Buy Plan.

        » Learn More

    • Frequent Traveler Credits

      • Frequent Traveler Credits

        Every time you travel with Grand Circle and OAT, you'll receive a Frequent Traveler Credit worth 5% of the advertised cost of your trip, applicable toward your next Grand Circle or OAT vacation you take within one year.

        » Learn More

    • Travel Protection Plan

      • Travel Protection Plan

        When you purchase Grand Circle's Travel Protection Plan, you can cancel your Grand Circle vacation at any time—up to the day of your departure, and for any reason—and retain the FULL value of your trip, including your deposit.

        » Learn More

    • Last Minute Travel Deals

      • Last Minute Travel Deals

        Our exclusive Last Minute Travel Deals offer terrific savings on last-minute departures, and are available exclusively online through My Account. Sign in now, and you could find yourself making unforgettable discoveries—at an unbeatable value—in just a few short weeks.

        » Learn More

    • Maximize Your Savings

      • Maximize Your Savings

        Travelers love the value we provide—and we’re proud to offer discovery-rich vacations and the lowest prices in the industry. Learn how you can save even more, whether you’re traveling with a companion or solo.

        » Learn More

    • Best Price Guarantee

      • Best Price Guarantee

        With Grand Circle Cruise Line's Best Price Guarantee, you can enjoy the best value in the industry.

        » Learn More

  • Grand Circle Difference
    • Worldwide Discovery

      • Worldwide Discovery

        Traveling with Grand Circle is about more than sightseeing. It’s about immersing yourself in other cultures, sharing the warm camaraderie of like-minded American travelers, and feeling comfortable, safe, and well-cared for every step of the way....

        » Learn More

    • Grand Circle Advantages

      • Grand Circle Advantages

        Grand Circle invites you to travel with the leader in worldwide learning and discovery and bring your travel dreams to life, thanks to the principles that ground every one of our vacations: value, choice, discovery, and careful pacing.

        » Learn More

    • Program Directors

      • Program Directors

        No matter where in the world you venture with Grand Circle, you'll have one of our resident, expert Program Directors by your side, every step of the way. All are fluent in English and possess the skills, certification, and experience necessary to ensure an enriching vacation.

        » Learn More

    • True Choice

      • New for 2012, you can customize your trip, creating the Grand Circle vacation that's right for you.

        » Learn More

    • Inner Circle Club

      • Inner Circle Club

        Many Grand Circle travelers return to discover the world with us time and time again, and to show our appreciation, we've created the Inner Circle, a membership rewards program for travelers who've joined us on three or more vacations.

        » Learn More

    • Awards
      • Just Announced: Condé Nast Traveler’s 2012 Gold List and Platinum Circle
      • Condé Nast Traveler’s 2011 Readers’ Choice Awards
      • Condé Nast Traveler's 2011 Top 80 Cruise Ship
      • Condé Nast Traveler's 2011 Gold List
      • Travel + Leisure Magazine's 2010 World's Best List
      • Condé Nast Traveler's 2010 Reader's Choice Awards
      • Travel + Leisure Magazine's 2010 Global Vision Award
    • Grand Circle Foundation
      • Index

        Grand Circle Foundation

        Simply by traveling with Grand Circle, you support the work of the nonprofit Grand Circle Foundation. Alan and Harriet Lewis created the Foundation with the mission of changing people’s lives through travel—which includes both the travelers who journey with Grand Circle, and the local people who welcome us so warmly into their homelands.

        » Learn More

    • About Us
      • The Grand Circle Family of Travel Companies
      • Our History
      • Our Vision, Mission, and Values
  • Community
    • Harriet's Corner
      • Harriet's Journal
      • Travel Talk
      • Community News and Views
      • Traveler Stories
      • Global Kitchen
      • Video Collection
      • Upcoming Events in Boston
      • Harriet on Facebook
    • Travel Forum

      • Travel Forum

        Exchange thoughts, experiences, and opinions openly with other travelers, whether you're looking for information on a future trip, or have valuable insights from your own travels you'd like to share.

        » Learn More

    • Travel Companions

      • Travel Companions

        Connect with like-minded Grand Circle travelers and meet new people who not only share your love for travel, but who might also become your new friends as you explore the world together.

        » Learn More

    • Facebook

      • Facebook

        Learn more about our Facebook online community, a place where you can stay connected with Grand Circle and your fellow travelers. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to ask questions, get advice, find travel companions, learn what’s new at Grand Circle, share your photos, videos, and stories, and more.

        » Learn More

    • Traveler Celebration Events

      • Traveler Celebration Events

        Our regional Traveler Celebration Events are opportunities for you to meet other world travelers who share your passion for learning and discovery, swap travel stories, and give us feedback on how we can to make your experience even better—plus, you’ll be one of the first to preview upcoming trips.

        » Learn More

    • Traveler Photo Contest

      • Traveler Photo Contest

        This year, we received thousands of Photo Contest entries, representing countries all around the world. Congratulations to all of our winners—and to everyone who entered our contest.

        » Learn More

    • Grand Circle Gallery

      • Grand Circle Gallery

        Grand Circle Gallery in Boston invites you to view our extensive collection of vintage travel posters and breathtaking black-and-white photography from Alan and Harriet Lewis’ private collection, as well as special exhibits on other travel-related themes.

        » Learn More

    • On the Road with Alan
      • Travel Experiences & Cultural Discoveries
      • Global Impacts
      • Meeting Worldwide Challenges
      • Leadership & Development Programs
      • Driving With No Brakes Book
Grand Circle Difference
  • Worldwide Discovery
  • Grand Circle Advantages
  • Program Directors
  • True Choice
  • Inner Circle Club
  • Awards
    • Just Announced: Condé Nast Traveler’s 2012 Gold List and Platinum Circle
    • Condé Nast Traveler’s 2011 Readers’ Choice Awards
    • Condé Nast Traveler's 2011 Top 80 Cruise Ships
    • Condé Nast Traveler's 2011 Gold List
    • Travel + Leisure Magazine's 2010 Global Vision Award
    • Travel + Leisure Magazine's 2010 World's Best List
    • Condé Nast Traveler's 2010 Reader's Choice Awards
  • Grand Circle Foundation

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Awards

At Grand Circle, our #1 commitment to our travelers is delivering the best travel experience at the best value, and we work hard everyday to accomplish that.

So, we are extremely gratified when our travelers honor us by giving us award-winning high marks in independent surveys. We’ve listed some of our recent awards below, including accolades we’ve received for our workplace and for the Grand Circle Foundation.

Condé Nast Traveler Awards

Grand Circle Small Ship Cruises

Platinum Circle

2012

Platinum Circle Member

Conde Nast 2012 Gold List

Gold List Awards

2012

 World's Top Cruise Lines
Ranked #6

2011

 World's Top Cruise Lines
Ranked #5

2010

 World's Top Cruise Lines
Ranked #7

2009

 World's Top Cruise Lines
Ranked #6

2008

 World's Top Cruise Lines
Ranked #3

2007 & 2006

 World's Top Cruise Lines
Ranked #5

Readers' Choice Awards

2011

 World's Best Small Ship Cruise Lines
Ranked #2

2010

 World's Best Small Ship Cruise Lines
Ranked #3

2009

 World's Best Small Ship Cruise Lines
Ranked #5

2008

 World's Best Small Ship Cruise Lines
Ranked #4

2007

 World's Best Small Ship Cruise Lines
Ranked #2

2006 & 2005

 World's Best Small Ship Cruise Lines
Ranked in Top 5

Top Cruise Ships Worldwide (Cruise Poll)

2011

 7 Grand Circle small ships
Top 20 World's Best River Ships

2008

 5 Grand Circle small ships among Top 10 Small Cruise Ships Worldwide
8 Grand Circle small ships make "Best Of" list
M/S Bizet ranks #1, M/S Anuket ranks #2

2007 & 2006

 3 Grand Circle small ships among Top Small Cruise Ships Worldwide

Travel + Leisure Awards

Overseas Adventure Travel

2010 Global Vision Award for Philanthropic Travel
2010 World's Best Tour Operator/Safari Outfitter
Ranked in Top 20
2008 World's Best Tour Operator/Safari Outfitter
Ranked #12
2007 World's Best Value Tour Operator/Safari Outfitter
Ranked #3
World's Best Service Tour Operator/Safari Outfitter
Ranked #10
2006, 2005, 2004, 2003, 2002 World's Best Tour Operator/Safari Outfitter
Ranked in Top 15

Grand Circle Small Ship Cruises

2010 World's Best Tour Operator/Safari Outfitter
Ranked in Top 20
2009 World's Best Small Ship Cruise Lines
Ranked #10
2008 World's Best Small Ship Cruise Lines
Ranked #4
World's Best Tour Operator/Safari Outfitter
Ranked #14
2007 World's Best Value Cruise Line
Ranked #1
World's Best Small Ship Cruise Lines
Ranked #5
World's Best Service Cruise Lines
Ranked #10
2006 World's Best Small Ship Cruise Lines
Ranked #5

World Traveler Awards

Grand Circle Small Ship Cruises

2008

 "World's Leading River Cruise Operator"

Grand Circle Corporation

2006 Humanitarian Award received by OAT
Tanzania Tourist Board
2006 Top 15 Corporate Charitable Contributors in MA
Corporate Philanthrophy Summit and Boston Business Journal
2006 25 Best Medium-Sized Companies to Work for in America
Great Place to Work® Institute, Inc. and Society for Human Resource Management
2006 New England Social Entrepreneur of the Year received by Grand Circle CEO Alan Lewis
Ernst & Young
2006 Excellence Award
Committee to Encourage Corporate Philanthropy
2005 Top 20 Best Places to Work (large company division)
Boston Business Journal
2000 & 1998 Friends of Thailand Award
Government of Thailand

Grand Circle Foundation

2006 Citizenship Award received by Harriet Lewis
City on a Hill Public Charter School
2004 Cornerstone Award
Neurofibromatosis Foundation
2004 Circle of Giving Award received by Harriet Lewis
The New England Women's Leadership Award (NEWLA)
2004 Thompson Island Outward Bound North Star Award
Thompson Island Outward Bound
2003 UNESCO World Heritage Centre Partners in Conservation Program
UNESCO

2002 AIDS Action Corporate Partner Award
AIDS Action Committee
2001 Big Sister Association Achievement Award
Big Sister Association of Greater Boston
2001 Recognition Award
Shelter, Inc.
2000 Hero of Philanthropy Award
National Society of Fund Raising Executives (NSFRE)
1998 Thompson Island Founders' Award
Thompson Island Outward Bound
1996 Save the Harbor/Save the Bay Founders' Award
Save the Harbor/Save the Bay

Traveler Favorites

The Great Rivers of Europe (2012)
Travel from only
$175 per day
16 days - including international airfare - from only
$2795
» See Vacation Details

The Great Rivers of Europe - President's River Cruise (2012)
Travel from only
$318 per day
16 days - including international airfare - from only
$5095
» See Vacation Details

Romance of the Rhine & Mosel (2012)
Travel from only
$184 per day
16 days - including international airfare - from only
$2945
» See Vacation Details

Russia Revealed: Moscow to St. Petersburg (2012)
Travel from only
$247 per day
16 days - including international airfare - from only
$3945
» See Vacation Details

The Grand Circle Family: Grand Circle Travel Overseas Adventure Travel Grand Circle Foundation
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Find a Trip
River Cruises
Escorted Trips
Video Highlights
Regions
Africa
Asia
Central America
Europe
North America
South America
South Pacific
Ways to Save
Solo Friendly Travel
Share Your Love of Travel
Group Leader Program
Good Buy Plan
Frequent Traveler Credits
Travel Protection Plan
Last Minute Travel Deals
Grand Circle Difference
Worldwide Discovery
Grand Circle Advantages
Program Directors
True Choice
Inner Circle Club
Awards
Grand Circle Foundation
Community
Harriet's Corner
Travel Forum
Travel Companions
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Traveler Celebration Events
Traveler Photo Contest
Grand Circle Gallery
On the Road with Alan
My GCT
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