River Aria Review

River Aria (Photo: Grand Circle Cruise Line)
Lounge on River Aria (Photo: Grand Circle Cruise Line)
Cabin on River Aria (Photo: Grand Circle Cruise Line)
Dining room on River Aria (Photo: Grand Circle Cruise Line)
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Jeannine Williamson
Contributor

The 162-passenger River Aria is operated by Grand Circle Cruise Line and caters to passengers from North America. The ship was launched in 2001 and offers cruises, plus pre- and post-extensions, on Europe's most popular rivers.

River Aria Deck Plans Feature Cabins Across Three Decks

While all 81 cabins on River Aria are river-facing, and near identical, passengers can choose between three passenger decks. The 14 best value cabins are located on the lowest Prelude Deck and have fixed windows which do not open. The rest of the accommodations are on the middle Sonata and Cantata decks -- the Cantata deck being at a slightly higher level and accessible via stairs or elevator -- and on the upper Serenade Deck.

All of the cabins measure 160 square feet and are fitted with fixed single beds which can be converted into sofas during the daytime. There are no double beds. The cabins on the Sonata, Cantata and Serenade decks all have walk-out balconies that measure 16 square feet.

Standard facilities in all cabins include air conditioning, TV showing movies, radio, safe and hair dryer. Bathrooms have showers.

The restaurant, bar, lounge, library and shop are all located on the uppermost deck and there is a massage room, small fitness room, sauna and whirlpool on the middle deck. The ship has free Wi-Fi. There is an elevator serving the middle and upper decks and the Prelude Deck and sun deck are both accessed by stairs.

Cruises are accompanied by up to four English-speaking program directors with passengers divided into small groups for excursions.

River Aria Sails on the Rhine, Danube and Dutch Waterways

River Aria sails on variety of itineraries of varying lengths. These range from an eight-night Christmas market sailing to the 28-night Grand European Cruise itinerary which goes all the way from Amsterdam to the mouth of the Danube, where it meets the Black Sea, in Romania.

As Grand Circle is geared towards passengers from North America, it offers an extensive range of pre- and post-cruise extensions -- up to three on every sailing -- so passengers can make the most of their vacation time in Europe.

River Aria Stats

The ship measures 418 feet and carries 162 passengers at full occupancy with 38 crew members.

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River Aria Cruiser Reviews

Trip of a life time

I have heard so many good things about Grand Circle Tours River Cruises I just had to join my friends.Read More
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Tamsterdam60

oneFirst Time Cruiser

Age 60s

Exploring Europe, the rivers and the history

I learned to understand the mindset of the common people who were looking for the strong leader they found in Hitler.I had never experienced this part of Europe, and I wanted to know more about the history and the people.Read More
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Iamgoing2

couple2-5 Cruises

Age 80s

Amsterdam to Vienna River Cruise

After spending 6 days on our own in Amsterdam, we boarded the Grand Circle Cruise Line's River Aria river boat for a trip up the Rhine River, then the Main River to the canal that takes boats over theRead More
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kjackgrill

few6-10 Cruises

Age 70s

Escape from reality and delight all your senses.

Nothing overt though just enough to boost one's ego - we are talking fantasy here which every good trip should include.They gave us the impression they really liked us which is tough when you have to treat a new group every ten days or so.Read More
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noellestanton

couple2-5 Cruises

Age 80s


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