Grand Circle Cruise Line owns and operates five river vessels cruising Europe in 2020, ranging from 86 to 162 passengers.

On the smaller vessels, the company is focused on offering a more intimate atmosphere and a more personalized experience for passengers, Grand Circle Cruise Line President Simon Laxton, said in the 2020 European River Cruise Market Report by Cruise Industry News.

“We have focused our product on Europe, spanning 18 countries and seven rivers, including 17 optional land extensions,” Laxton said. “We have river cruises that travel through one country, for example, the Rhone from Paris to the Mediterranean, or up to eight countries from the Netherlands to Romania.”

Offering a best price guarantee, Grand Circle promises that travelers will not find a lower price, and if they do, they will match it.

“We manage every aspect of the journey, from the English-speaking crew to the meals,” he added. The ships sail nearly year-round, except for January and February. December features holiday sailings and Christmas markets, while spring cruises in Holland and Belgium highlight the tulip fields in full bloom.

Catering to American passengers 50 years and older, among the features that set Grand Circle apart, said Laxton, are value, with travelers receiving a four-star experience at what he called an unbeatable price for a nearly all-inclusive experience.

Traveling in small groups, passengers also benefit from local program directors who are able to connect them with the people and culture in the places they are visiting.

In addition, an Exclusive Discovery Series of events includes home-hosted visits, where passengers are welcomed into local homes for lunch, dinner or coffee, and have an opportunity to learn more about local life.

“Our difference originates from the cultural interactions and enriching experiences we provide,” Laxton said. “We take passengers into the heart of each destination’s culture, with a glimpse of people’s day-to-day lives. And our local program directors provide insider knowledge like only a local can.”

In 2019, Grand Circle is expecting to carry approximately 22,000 passengers on its river cruises.

“We are also adding new locations, like Dordrecht to our Holland and Belgium spring cruise, and our 13-day Rhone River cruise from Paris to Nice, which will sail on the 86-passenger River Chanson, our newest addition with all outside cabins.”

About the 2020 European Cruise River Market Report 

The new European Cruise Market Report provides a comprehensive look at the river cruise business with capacity metrics by river and brand, company profiles and much more. 100+ pages of insights. Learn more.