There's no doubt that river cruising is booming – last year nearly 80,000 Australians took to the world's waterways and cruise companies are launching new ships as fast as they can. Competition for passengers is hot and while every line seems to boast the "biggest suites" or "most innovative" balconies, coming up with new onboard attractions is challenging because everything has to be fitted within the same-sized vessels (on European ships, anyway).
Because of constraints such as narrow locks, low bridges and varying water levels on Europe's rivers, ships can be no wider than 12 metres, no longer than 135 metres and no higher than three passenger decks. Luxury can be measured by the number of passengers accommodated on any ship – this can vary from 130 to 190 – and how much space is afforded for staterooms, suites, balconies and public areas. In Asia, river ships have to navigate shallow waters and generally carry far fewer passengers, although some of the suites are massive.
Our pick of the Top 10 river ship suites shows how much choice there is, thanks to the ingenuity of river ship architects and the individual focus of each cruise line.
Chilled Champagne awaits when you move into one of APT's Royal Suites. They are the largest suites on board APT's newest Concerto-class vessels and there are just three or four on each ship. They measure 27.9 square metres and have two balconies, the Panoramic (floor-to-ceiling glass doors) and Outside (one that fits two chairs and a table). Their marble bathrooms are the only ones with a bathtub as well as a king-size shower. Royal Suite guests have Gold Butler service, which includes extra treats such as pre-dinner canapés and evening petits-fours.
Expect to pay: $13,390 for the 15-day Magnificent Europe Amsterdam to Budapest cruise, departing May 6, 2016; 1300 196 420, aptouring.com.au
This lovely, colonial-style river ship launched earlier this year to ply the Lower Ganges. It has 28 spacious suites, the most lavish being the 37-square-metre Maharaja Suite. You can lie back on the king-size bed and watch the passing views through floor-to-ceiling glass doors that open onto a balcony, or perhaps pen an old-fashioned letter at the antique writing desk. All contemporary comforts are available including a vast bathroom, flatscreen TV and iPod docking station, and your butler will pop in to refresh your ice bucket or whisk your laundry away.
Expect to pay: $7090 for the 8-day Spirit of India Lower Ganges river cruise, departing Kolkata September 12, 2015; 1300 196 420, aptouring.com.au
The third of Aqua Expeditions' upmarket, eco-friendly river ships (the others cruise the Peruvian Amazon), Aqua Mekong takes its passengers on leisurely journeys through Cambodia and Vietnam on the Mekong River. The 20-suite ship was designed and built in Saigon using local sustainable materials and its light-filled, 30-square-metre Design Suites feature lots of polished wood and cool natural textiles. Glass doors open to a balcony, which is set with a daybed and table for two. If you want even more space, you can book interconnecting suites.
Expect to pay: $US5080 for the 4-night Mekong Explorer cruise from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh, between July and November 2016; 1800 243 152, aquaexpeditions.com
Royal Suites on board Avalon Waterways' newest Suite Ships (two on each ship) are a generous 27.9 square metres and each has the line's enormous Panoramic Window that opens to transform the entire living space into an open-air balcony – when weather permits, of course. King-size beds can be converted to two twins and there's plenty of room for a comfy couch, chairs and table. The spacious marble bathroom is separate from the loo (always a bonus) and has a large shower and twin basins.
Expect to pay: From $5399 for the 8-day Paris to Normandy's Landing Beaches cruise on Avalon Tapestry II between March and September 2016; 1300 230 234, avalonwaterways.com.au
Emerald Waterways, Scenic's "less-inclusive" sister cruise line, launched its second pair of ultra-modern Star Ships in March and a fifth is due next year. Each ship has four 29.2-square-metre Owner's Suites that are almost twice the size of a regular stateroom. The bedroom can be closed off from the living area and the drop-down floor to ceiling window converts the balcony into a sunroom. But it's the inclusions that are a standout for this budget-friendly line: the in-suite coffee machine, complimentary mini-bar, pre-dinner canapés and continental breakfast served on your balcony.
Expect to pay: $5414 for the 8-day Rhine Highlights cruise from Amsterdam to Basel, departing April 23, 2016; 1300 364 414, evergreentours.com
Launched in 2014 to cruise the less-travelled waterways of Myanmar, Sanctuary Ananda is seriously luxe. Its 21 suites feature a stylish combination of traditional Burmese decor and textiles with very contemporary design and at 67 square metres the Owner's Suite is by far the biggest in our selection. You could happily spend most of the cruise on the vast Owner's Terrace but the bedroom, living area and bathroom are also pretty impressive. A butler and private guide cater to your every whim and exclusive dining experiences are part of the package.
Expect to pay: $8191 for a 7-night round-trip from Bagan to Mandalay in the low season (April, July to August); 03 9536 1831, sanctuaryretreats.com
Scenic's just-launched Space-Ships, Scenic Jasper and Scenic Opal, can lay claim to having the biggest suites on Europe's river ships. The 44-square-metre Royal Panorama Suites at the aft of the ships are incredibly spacious and fitted out in Scenic's characteristically elegant, understated style. After a private transfer to the ship you are welcomed to your suite with a bottle of French champagne and the butler is on hand to unpack your bags, deliver breakfast, pre-dinner canapés and even run a bath. The minibar is restocked daily with soft and alcoholic drinks.
Expect to pay: $6685 for the 8-day Iconic Danube Munich to Budapest cruise, departing April 18; 1300 723 642, scenictours.com.au
Tauck's new Inspiration-class ships each have 22 of the prosaically named but extremely well-appointed Category 7 suites; the ships accommodate a maximum of 130 passengers so can afford to have a larger number of bigger suites than most other cruise lines. Like APT and Avalon's top suites, they measure 27.9 square metres; they have two French balconies with floor-to-ceiling windows, spacious marble bathrooms, supremely comfortable queen-size beds and a pull-out couch if you're travelling with children or an extra guest. Guests can enjoy an American breakfast served in-suite.
Expect to pay: From $US5685 for an 8-day 2016 spring cruise Amsterdam to Brussels on MS Inspire; 1300 804 522, tauck.com.au
Every Uniworld ship is an individual but each one boasts the most lavish décor on Europe's rivers. Antique furniture, magnificent chandeliers and plush furnishings are all standard but the newest Super Ship, SS Maria Theresa, is perhaps the most opulent so far. Named after the Habsburg dynasty's only female ruler, the ship reflects the Baroque period in its interior styling. The 38-square-metre Royal Suite is a mélange of gilt, sumptuous fabrics and top-of-the range contemporary comforts (underfloor heating in bathrooms, in-suite coffee machine); guests are looked after by two highly professional butlers.
Expect to pay: From $19,125 for the 15-day European Jewels cruise from Amsterdam to Budapest in 2016; 1300 780 231, uniworldcruises.com.au
Viking says it is the only line to offer "real" suites, as defined by the hotel industry – ie, having a separate bedroom and living room. Emerald's Star Ship suites have a bedroom that can be closed off, but perhaps that's different. At 41 square metres, Viking's Explorer Suites are certainly enormous and stylishly Scandinavian with supremely comfortable furniture. The living room has a spacious wraparound balcony (perfect for cocktails with cruise companions) while the bedroom has its own French balcony. Heated flooring in the bathroom is a boon on chilly mornings.
Expect to pay: $13,895 for the 12-day Paris to Prague cruise on Viking Longship Idun, departing June 30, 2016; 1800 131 744, vikingcruises.com.au
