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Phoenix Reisen

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Phoenix Reisen fleet

Ms deutschland-world odyssey, ms annabelle, ms anna katharina, review of phoenix reisen.

CruiseMapper provides all current Phoenix Reisen Cruises ships schedule, itineraries information (itinerary changes, news) and cruise prices comparison. Phoenix Reisen is a travel agency based in Bonn Germany , which also operates a fleet of cruise vessels under charter (ocean-going ships and riverboats). The itineraries offered by Phoenix Reisen are designed for Germans and are not very popular outside the German-speaking market.

Company history

The cruise company Phoenix Reisen GmbH (phoenixreisen.com) was established by Johannes Zurnieden in November 1973. Zurnieden (23-years-old at the time) is still involved as managing director in the company's business today. The new company's first tours began in 1974 to popular travel destinations like Budapest , Prague , Istanbul .

In 1988 the company entered the ship cruise business under its own brand by the 20-year charter agreement on the Soviet Union cruise ship SS Maxim Gorkiy (owned by Black Sea Shipping Company based in Odessa Ukraine ). Instead of being repainted in the colors of Phoenix Reisen, the ship kept sailing in BLASCO livery and the Soviet Union symbol (hammer and chisel) at its funnel. After two decades of service, Maxim Gorkiy left Phoenix Reisen fleet at the end of November 2008 and was later scrapped .

In 1993, a second vessel joined the Phoenix Reisen fleet. SS Albatros was chartered from V-Ships and Phoenix Reisen applied to the new vessel their house colors. Albatros received a turquoise funnel with a flying albatross as a logo, as well as a turquoise-colored band on the hull. In 1993, the company expanded its passenger shipping business by introducing European river cruisetours under the brand "Phoenix Reisen Flusskreuzfahrten" and via time-chartering riverboats owned by other companies.

The purchase of Artemis (renamed Artania) from P&O Cruises was a further step forward for the Phoenix Reisen fleet of fully-owned vessels. What began with Maxim Gorky became a success story continuing to this day. The company's most popular summer destinations are Baltic Sea and North Sea. During winter, the ocean-going ships cruise to ports in Africa, Antarctica or on Around The World voyages .

In its history, Phoenix Reisen has kept the charm of a family travel brand. The fleetwide non-smoking policy is Zurnieden's personal imprint on the company. The bonus is distributed to all employees every month since April 2006. All non-smoking staff, those who have never smoked or have given up smoking receive in addition to their salary EUR 200 monthly salary bonus. As result, the company's Bonn-based staff consists almost entirely of non-smokers.

An interesting fact is that in 2013, Johannes Zurnieden offered a travel voucher for EUR 5000 to the first person to hand over an issue of the first Phoenix Reisen cruise brochure (printed in 1974) as it was lost from the company's archives. The reward was widely advertised and received huge media coverage in Germany. Anyone presenting additional copies was rewarded with travel vouchers for EUR 100.

In July 2018, Phoenix Reisen purchased from Holland America the liner MS Prinsendam, starting operations for the company on July 1, 2019 (under the new name " MS Amera ") and officially christened in Bremerhaven on August 16. In 2019 was also acquired the Red Cross Ship "MS Henry Dunant". The former hospital ship started operations for Phoenix Reisen in June 2019 under the name MS Viola .

The ocean-going ships of Phoenix Reisen are currently managed by BSM Cruise Services (part of Schulte Group).

The current Phoenix Reisen river fleet is chartered and includes the following newbuild boats - Amina (2024), Alisa (2023), Antonia (2021), Andrea (2020), Annika (2020), Annabelle (2020), Anna Katharina (2019), Adora (2019), Alena (2018), Asara (2017), Anesha (2015), Amelia (2012), Ariana (2012), Alina (2011).

(Coronavirus crisis) passenger shipping pause 2020-2021

Due to the COVID pandemic, Phoenix Reisen suspended its entire fleet's passenger shipping operations (riverboats and ocean liners) by canceling all voyages between March 15, 2020, and July 2021.

Operations were planned to resume in 2020 September (river cruises) and October (ocean cruises) - ships Amera (Oct 15/Mediterranean), Amadea (Oct 20/Caribbean), Artania (Oct 28/Mediterranean).

Eventually, the company's entire program was canceled through 2021, with currently scheduled first departure dates/by ship July 10 (Artania from Bremerhaven to Norway), August 3 (Amera from Bremerhaven to Denmark-Germany), August 6 (Amadea from Bremerhaven to Norway). Deutschland restarts in 2022 (on April 22).

All Phoenix Reisen River Cruises (Europe, Asia, Egypt) were canceled through June 2021. All affected bookings received 110% refunds transferred as FCC (future cruise credit) with rebooking.

Itinerary of Phoenix Reisen

The current Phoenix Reisen ocean fleet includes the liners:

• MS Amadea (1991) is in the fleet since 2006.
• MS Artania (1984) is in the fleet since 2011.
• MS Amera (1988 / fka MS Prinsendam / purchased from Holland America Line ) is in the fleet since 2019.

MS Deutschland (1998) is chartered during the summer months only. The ship offers roundtrips from Bremerhaven Germany to ports in Norway (Norwegian Fjords, North Cape, Svalbard Archipelago , Spitsbergen Island ), Scandinavia, and Russia ( St Petersburg ), UK, Iceland, and Greenland.

MS Albatros (1973) was under the charter and in the fleet for 16 years (between 2004-2020). In early-October 2020, Phoenix Reisen announced that ends its charter agreement for MS Albatros. As the vessel was sold, it left the Phoenix Reisen fleet and changed ownership - from TSS Albatros GmbH (Germany) to Pickalbatros Hotels & Resorts Egypt (part of PickAlbatros Group). The new shipowner (Pickalbatros) is headquartered in Nasr City (one of Cairo 's districts) and owns and operates two leisure complexes (large aqua parks) plus several resorts and hotels on the Red Sea (in Sharm El Sheikh , Hurghada , and Marsa Alam). Pickalbatros now owns and operates the cruise liner as a hotel ship.

Phoenix Reisen river cruise ships

In 1993, the company expanded its passenger shipping operations by adding cruise tours on European river routes.

The current Phoenix Reisen river fleet includes the following newbuilds - Amina (2024), Alisa (2023), Antonia (2021), Andrea (2020), Annika (2020), Annabelle (2020), Anna Katharina (2019), Adora (2019), Alena (2018), Asara (2017), Anesha (2015), Amelia (2012), Ariana (2012), Alina (2011).

In 2019 was purchased the former hospital ship MS Viola (1995-built and previously named "MS Henry Dunant"). The riverboat is homeported in Bonn Germany and operates itineraries on Rhine and Maas rivers.

The company operates the chartered riverboats in Asia RV Charaidew 2, RV Lan Diep, RV Paukan 2007, RV Rajmahal , Century Sky (China). Chartered riverboats in Europe include MS Aurelia, Amadeus Diamond, Swiss Gloria, MS Magellan, MS Princess, MS Calypso, Rhein Prinzessin, MS Switzerland, MS Mecklenburg, MS Saxonia.

Chartered riverboats in Russia include Alexander Borodin, Dnieper Princess , Sergei Rachmaninov .

Phoenix Reisen related cruise news

Oman's largest port Salalah welcomes Phoenix Reisen's ship Amadea

Phoenix Reisen's luxury cruise ship Amadea carrying 749 passengers made a visit to Oman's largest cruise port Salalah, as part of the 153-day...

Phoenix Reisen christened its newest riverboat MS Alisa

On March 31st, the German cruisetour company Phoenix Reisen christened its newest riverboat - MS Alisa. The naming ceremony took place on the Rhine...

Phoenix Reisen's Amadea marks the first arrival of a foreign cruise ship in Japan since 3 years

On Wednesday, March 1st, the Phoenix Reisen-operated cruise ship Amadea arrived at Port Shizuoka (Shimizu, Japan) marking the first arrival of a...

Phoenix Reisen's ship Artania docks at Salalah Port (Oman) with 900+ passengers

Phoenix Reisen's cruise ship Artania carrying 900+ passengers docked at Port Salalah (Oman's Dhofar Governorate) on Tuesday, December 27th, 2022...

Phoenix Reisen's cruise ship Amera modifies route to avoid hurricane

Phoenix Reisen's ship Amera is currently sailing on a 38-day Transatlantic voyage to Greenland and Canada. The vessel was forced to change her route...

Older cruise ships disappear from expedition itineraries due to tightened safety regulations

As maritime regulations tightened around safety, maintenance, and environmental concerns, the cruise ships of the past are disappearing from...

Port of Montreal (Quebec Canada) to receive 46 port calls in 2022

This spring, after a couple of seasons were canceled due to the COVID crisis, voyages are set to make a comeback at Port Montreal (Quebec Canada). A...

VIDEO: Portsmouth International Port releases initial cruise schedule for 2022

Portsmouth International Port (England UK) released its initial cruise schedule for 2022, which sees a large number of maiden port calls from both...

Port Santander Spain to welcome Phoenix Reisen’s ship AMERA

Phoenix Reisen’s Amera ship is expected to dock on Saturday, September 18, at the Port of Santander (Spain Cantabria) with 617 passengers...

ex-Phoenix Reisen's cruise ship Albatros sold for scrapping in India

The former Phoenix Reisen's ship ms Albatros, which was built back in 1973 in Finland as Royal Viking Sea for the Royal Viking Line (1972-founded...

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Europe River Cruises

Experience the magic of Europe along its majestic rivers! From the Rhine to the Douro , from the Main to the Danube , we have cruises all through Europe, ranging from 1 days up to 31 days. The most popular month for these cruises is August, which has the most tour departures. Looking outside of Europe? See all river cruises .

250+ European river cruises with 1,191 reviews

• River Cruise

Romantic Rhine (Southbound) 2024

It was a great cruise. The food was amazing, the crew was really helpful, and the tours and tour guides were great. The only thing to imporve on if the WiFi which only worked half the time.

Romantic Rhine (Northbound) 2024

The Wi-Fi didn’t work as expected and it caused quite an inconvenience. The excursion plan is not as clear either. Overall it’s still a good tour but I think my last Danube river with Avalon is better than this rhino river cruise.

Danube Serenade: Romantic Journey from Vienna to Bucharest (Turnu Magurele) , MS Fidelio

Classic Rhine cruise (Amsterdam-Basel) MS Crucevita

Crew, Cruise Director, everybody was friendly. Many different countries/languages and all were catered for. Marvellous, small ship, not as many trimmings ( most which are not required) - importantly, we had fun - great trip - Thank you

Grand Danube Cruise 2024

Grand Danube Cruise 2024 Start Vilshofen, End Giurgiu

The beautiful blue Danube (port-to-port cruise)

The tour was very good, the crew were excellent, very helpful, approachable and informative and always available. The tours were great and the Danube is wonderful to cruise on. The food was of excellent quality but the fact that there was no choice on the menu was poor and we feel there should have been an earlier sitting for dinner, and lunch could have been a buffet. The accommodation was adequate but the shower was totally inadequate. We enjoyed the cruise

Danube Classics Vienna 2024 (8 destinations)

Al-Rosa did an excellent job. Food was good and lots of it, the cabin was clean and comfortable. The staff were always friendly and helpful and Sabrina did a great job of looking after everyone and made sure that we were always at the right place at the right time. The tours were great and we enjoyed our evenings in the lounge with music and quizzes by Erich. We had a great holiday!

Splendours of Europe (Start Amsterdam, End Budapest)

The program in the Emerald ship was magnificently planned and discussed. The local music during the cruise was so informative. Long live the music from the Netherlands and Germany through Austria and Slovakya to Hungary! Just for the music, dances and songs I will do the cruise again!

Splendours of Europe (Start Budapest, End Amsterdam)

Classical Rhine Cruise (Amsterdam - Basel) (10 destinations)

All the staff were excellent. I especially would like to mention Stepan, Ana, Giovanni, Yani, Yasa, Raka, Vah, Bonbon, Titot, Dani, Christian. But everyone treated us like royalty. Not one time did someone say, "oh that is not my job." The accomodations were top class, the food excellent, loved the pool. Definately 5 stars.

From the Blue Danube to the Black Sea (port-to-port cruise) (11 destinations)

Crosieurope had nice food, plenty of beer and wine, very clean boat - both inside and out. Staff were very nice and helpful, always cleaning windows, carpet, etc. The administration staff were a bit at times disorganised. Sometimes they would forget to give message in English after they delivered Message in French.

Danube Classics 2024

Enchanting Danube (2024) (Budapest to Passau, 2024)

Enchanting Danube (2024) (Passau to Budapest, 2024)

This was our first river cruise and everything went beyond our expectation. Services: the staff were accommodating and helpful. Tours: various excursions to choose from for different age group and they were well-organized. Ship: beautiful boutique-design ship. The only cons is a slow Wifi connection but it ain't a big deal. There were so many onboard activity that kept us entertaining. I noticed that the cruise operates in eco-friendly manner, i.e. they eliminates sing-use plastic. That's a big plus!!!!

European River Cruises Reviews

Great company to cruise with. Ship carries 110 passengers. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner each day. Plenty of stops to sightsee. The castles along the Rhine make trip a very enjoyable cruise. All staff were great.

Popular Cruise Ships

• Avalon Passion from Avalon Waterways
• Avalon Tranquility II from Avalon Waterways
• Scenic Opal from Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours
• Avalon Envision from Avalon Waterways
• Avalon Imagery II from Avalon Waterways
• Emerald Sky from Emerald Cruises
• Scenic Jasper from Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours
• Avalon Impression from Avalon Waterways
• Emerald Destiny from Emerald Cruises
• Emerald Sun from Emerald Cruises
• Avalon Illumination from Avalon Waterways
• Emerald Dawn from Emerald Cruises

Travel Styles

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• River Cruises

15 of the Best European River Cruises

Explore France, Germany, and more on these European river cruises.

Much of the appeal of European river cruises, especially as we emerge from the pandemic with pent-up travel demand, is the small size of the ships, casual atmosphere, and accessibility. Unlike oceangoing ships that carry as many as 5,000 passengers, most river cruise ships accommodate around 150 guests, for a more intimate experience. Balconies, floor-to-ceiling windows, and open-air viewing are features of most river cruise ships, and some offer pools, spas, fitness areas, and jogging tracks.

Guests are kept busy (if they wish to be) with daily shore excursions, and most cruises offer several options depending on interests and activity levels. Bikes and walking tours are available in most ports, or guests can choose a leisurely day in a comfortable lounge enjoying the passing scenery.

"River cruises offer opportunities to step ashore in fairy-tale towns and fabled cities. You can immerse yourself in contemporary culture and learn something about the history of the towns along the continent's greatest rivers," according to Ralph Grizzle of River Cruise Advisor . "Sitting on the top deck of a ship under brilliant blue skies, you can gaze on fabled landscapes dotted with castles, villages, and vineyards. A flight of stairs down, and you have all the amenities of a modern hotel—restaurants, bars, fitness facilities, spas, internet access, and comfortable staterooms."

With a number of cruise companies and rivers to choose from, planning a river cruise can take some time. Consulting with a travel advisor is always a good idea, and there's plenty of information available online as well. These are the major companies offering the best European river cruises along with examples of their itineraries.

Perhaps the best known of the river cruise companies, Viking promotes their "longships," which include large suites and inviting verandas for outdoor dining. Guests enjoy Viking's destination-focused dining as well as the variety of staterooms and itineraries with a wide range of prices.

Viking's 10-day "Portugal's River of Gold '' begins in Lisbon with a walking tour through its ancient streets before heading to Porto, home of the country's traditional wine, to board the ship and begin the cruise along the Douro River. Guests can explore Baroque palaces, vineyards, and lush scenery along the way, arriving in the World Heritage city of Salamanca, Spain on day six. The itinerary includes visits to Portuguese villages in Pinhão and Régua to sample local foods and wines before returning to Porto.

AmaWaterways

Celebrating their 20th anniversary in 2022, this family-owned and operated cruise company focuses on excellent food and wine, tasteful décor, stateroom views, and innovation in their luxurious fleet. Fares include fitness classes, shore excursions, and all dining on board, including The Chef's Table specialty restaurant. New ships debut each year, and the spacious AmaMagna , launched in 2019, is nearly twice the width of traditional European cruise ships.

Wine lovers will want to experience the seven-night "Taste of Bordeaux," with visits to iconic chateaux, timeless vineyards, and delicious wine tastings while cruising the Garonne and Dordogne Rivers. Excursions include a tour of a medieval castle and tasting of Sauternes, a stop in Pauillac, gateway to the Medoc wine region, and a Saint-Emilion tour and tasting. Returning to Bordeaux, guests will explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site and capital of the wine world.

Uniworld Boutique River Cruises

Uniworld's one-of-a-kind vessels are inspired by the locales they visit, making their luxurious ships a destination in themselves. Billed as "the world's only authentic boutique cruise line," Uniworld offers in-suite butler service, world-class cuisine, and all-inclusive rates that cover premium spirits and wines as well as gratuities.

Their eight-day "Enchanting Danube" cruise aboard the S.S. Maria Theresa begins in Budapest with a choice of touring by bicycle or walking. A stop in Vienna includes a Mozart and Strauss concert at a Viennese palace, a city tour, and a taste of local delicacies. The cruise ends in Passau with a choice of bicycling, walking, or hiking to explore the city and a special captain's farewell reception and dinner.

Avalon Waterways

Avalon features wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling windows with beds facing the views for ultimate enjoyment from their suites and staterooms. Large private bathrooms include full showers and L'Occitane bath amenities. Their deluxe beds and luxurious linens provide comfort in spacious, quiet quarters with ample closet space. Avalon offers "Active & Discovery" river cruises with activities for a variety of energy and fitness levels, from traditional sightseeing to action-packed experiences.

The "Active & Discovery on the Rhone" cruise begins in Lyon and heads south through the French countryside of Provence and ends in Port-Saint-Louis. On the way, Avalon Choice excursions include a culinary walk, cooking class, painting workshop, wine tastings, guided bike rides, and more, with Active, Classic, and Discovery level activities.

Started as a New England motor coach tour company, Tauck is a family-owned global travel firm offering tours and cruises to a wide range of destinations around the world. Their award-winning European river cruises are praised for their personalized service, exclusive destination experiences, luxurious cabins and suites, fine dining, and professional, caring staff.

"Impressions from the Seine: Paris to Normandy," an eight-day cruise, features stops in historic small villages and towns and a visit to the D-Day beaches of Normandy and the American Cemetery at Omaha Beach. A private visit to the home and gardens of Claude Monet at Giverny and a visit to the Impressionist Museum will please art lovers. Other highlights include a guided visit to Versailles, Louis XIV's magnificent palace and gardens, the Cathedrale de Rouen, and Joan of Arc Square.

Scenic offers both ocean and river cruises, all with emphasis on its fleet of "Space-Ships" and their meticulous design and spacious quarters. Guests enjoy personalized butler service and all-inclusive cruising. Ships offer a wellness area, massage services, gym, e-bikes, and onboard entertainment. Scenic's "FreeChoice" excursions offer something for all activity levels.

The "Charming Castles & Vineyards of the Rhine & Moselle" begins with arrival in Frankfurt and transfer to Mainz for boarding. Stops include Koblenz, where guests can take a walking or e-bike tour. There's a private classical music concert and tour of Reichsburg Castle along the way, as well as optional visits to the Mercedes-Benz factory or a walking tour of Strasbourg and its magnificent cathedral.

Emerald Cruises

Emerald offers both yacht and river cruises, with a range of cruises on the rivers in Europe. Founded in 2013, Emerald now features a fleet of nine "Star-Ships," with stylish suites, first-class amenities, and room for 180 guests. Most carry bicycles, and all staterooms are equipped with hiking poles. Excursions include the EmeraldPLUS program of special experiences to connect with their destinations, and EmeraldACTIVE offers faster-paced guided tours, bike rides, hikes, and activities.

The eight-day "Sensations of Lyon & Provence" cruise begins in Lyon and heads to a quaint village and then south again towards Tournon, with its 16th-century castle. Along the way, guests can choose a hike through vineyards, canoe trip, village walking tours, or wine tasting onboard.

Adventures by Disney River Cruises

Partnering with AmaWaterways, Adventures by Disney offers cruises on the Seine, Rhine, and Danube Rivers, Disney style. Specially designed itineraries and Adventure Guides create experiences for parents, children, and teens, from active excursions to unique onboard activities. Adults-only dinners and wine tasting experiences along with teen programming, Disney movie nights, karaoke, trivia nights, and Junior Adventurer dinners provide entertainment for guests of all ages.

The eight-day Danube River Cruise starts in Budapest where excursions include a horse show at an equestrian park and a goulash-making competition for Adventurers. In Bratislava, Junior Adventurers can visit a petting zoo, and in the evening, there's family karaoke. A tour of Vienna and Schönbrunn Palace, marionette show, concert, and strudel making are options the next day. A day in Salzburg ends onboard with "The Sound of Music" film and singalong. After an Oktoberfest celebration and captain's farewell dinner, the cruise ends the next day.

CroisiEurope Cruises

Established in 1976, Croisi offers cruises on rivers, canals, and seas with a fleet of oceangoing ships, canal barges, and river cruise ships. The company's innovative approach allowed them to be pioneers on several rivers in Europe including the Gironde, Loire, Po, and Elbe, basing their ships' design on the characteristics of the waterways.

CroisiEurope's seven-day "Hamburg to Berlin: Discover the Medieval Charms of Hanseatic Cities" cruise starts with guided tours of Hamburg and Lübeck, A UNESCO World Heritage Site. After a morning cruise, the ship will ride on the Scharnebeck twin ship lift, one of the highest in Europe, with a vertical lift of 125 feet. An optional visit to the Autostadt theme park, dedicated to German auto design, and an afternoon cruise fill day four. The next day, there's a tour of Magdeburg, known for its fascinating architecture and culture. The ship arrives in Berlin for a tour and festive evening.

This German cruise company' s distinctive ships are easy to recognize by the large red lips and rose on the bow. Their fleet of 12 ships was joined by the new A-Rosa Sena , a hybrid powered ship expected to cruise the northern Rhine almost silently and emission-free. Family-friendly amenities include a kids club, heated outdoor pools, and free passage for children ages 15 and under.

The six-day "Highlights of the Rhine" cruise begins in Cologne and cruises on to Rotterdam and then Amsterdam the following day. Options include a bus tour, canal tour, pedal boats, or private auto tour, each at an additional cost. A variety of ways to explore Utrecht the next day are available. On day six, the ship returns to Cologne.

Lueftner Cruises

This Austrian family business dates back more than 40 years and offers European river cruises on its fleet of 16 AMADEUS ships. Five-star service, facilities, and cuisine are their hallmarks, and their ships feature wide panoramic windows and a spacious sun deck.

The eight-day "Saar and Moselle Fairytales" cruise boards in Cologne and cruises down the Rhine to the Moselle and its tributary, the Saar River. The ship passes the Mosel vineyards and docks in the medieval town of Cochem for a guided walking tour. The next day, guests can tour the town of Bernkastel-Kues and enjoy a wine tasting or hike to the ruins of a castle for a stunning view. After a morning tour of Saarburg, the ship cruises along the Saar River with panoramic views of its massive loop. The ship stops in Luxembourg and then continues to Koblenz, where the Rhine and Moselle Rivers meet, before returning to Cologne.

Apt River Cruises

This Australian-owned organization is the country's largest family-owned tour and cruise company , offering a variety of travel styles. Their Concerto River Ships, AmaVenita , AmaStella , and AmaReina , cruise on the Danube, Main, Rhine, and Douro Rivers with luxury accommodations and excursions. Apt charters the ships from AmaWaterways, but their itineraries and onboard programs are unique to Apt River Cruises. Apt's offerings include rail journeys, as well as small boat, yacht, and ocean cruises.

Their 15-day "Magnificent Europe" cruise begins in Amsterdam with a canal tour and cruises the Rhine, Main, and Danube Rivers before arriving in Budapest. The ship docks in Koblenz and takes a daytime cruise through the Rhine Gorge before landing in Miltenberg for a guided tour of the city. On day six, guests can choose a trip to Rothenburg or visit a family-owned farm for a home-cooked morning tea. The ship passes through the Main-Danube Canal that connects the Black Sea and the North Sea. In Vienna, there's a cocktail party and private orchestra recital or city tour before heading to Budapest for two days.

Nicko Cruises

This German company offers 30 years of experience on Europe's rivers, and has a fleet of 26 river ships in addition to the expedition ship World Voyager and oceangoing Vasco Da Gama . The company's "time to discover" philosophy focuses on intensive travel experiences, shore excursions, and varied culinary offerings.

The eight-day "Traveling on the Elbe and Havel" cruise covers Germany's north on rivers and canals aboard the Frederick Chopin . Starting in Berlin, the cruise continues to Potsdam for a guided walking tour. A guided tour takes guests through Autostadt Wolfsburg, a park dedicated to the history of the automobile. In Hamburg, there's a city tour and harbor cruise before the cruise continues to the Baltic resort, Laboe, and ends in Kiel.

Teeming River Cruises

Founded in 2017 with the goal of making European river cruises more economical and personalized, family-owned American company Teeming River Cruises developed a different river cruise model. Instead of pre-programmed group activities, guests create their own unique experiences with a complimentary city tour app for each destination. All-inclusive plans and group tours are not part of Teeming's itineraries.

Their cruise in northern Italy along the Po River, "From the Canals of Venice to Renaissance-infused Mantua," is a seven-day excursion starting in Venice where guests can discover St. Mark's Square and Doge's Palace. In partnership with CroisiEurope aboard the MS Michelangelo , the ship heads west to Vicenza and then on to Chioggia. Day four is spent in Verona, with its ancient amphitheater and Giusti Gardens. The next days are spent in Cremona and Mantua with disembarkation and a coach trip back to Venice.

Belmond - Afloat in France

Belmond has another way to cruise some of Europe's rivers — on luxury barges with private chefs and excursions like truffle hunting, hot air ballooning, canoeing, and wine tasting. Seven barges make up Afloat in France , each with its own style and size. The elegant barges cruise the waterways of Burgundy, Provence, Alsace, Champagne, Languedoc, and Franche-Comté from April to October.

On the Belmond Napoleon , guests cruise the River Saône past châteaux, rural river towns, and expansive vineyards. Stops at Montmerle, Mâcon, and Tournus offer opportunities for wine tasting and exploring a Benedictine abbey. There's a walking tour of Chalon-Sur-Sâone and time to browse through St. Jean de Losne.

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European River Cruising

The magic of our award-winning European river cruises goes far beyond the riverboat you're aboard or the landmarks you'll visit. It's in the intimate ambiance and personalized service... the places you'll discover off the beaten path... and in the uncommon access to local culture and exclusive destination driven experiences you can't get on your own, as you experience a true slice of European life and return home transformed.

• Danube River
• Douro River
• Rhine River
• Rhône River
• Seine River
• Christmas Markets

• ITINERARIES
• FEATURED TOURS

Welcome to European River Cruising

Whether you're experiencing the Rhine or the Danube, the Douro, the Rhône, Seine, Maas or Moselle... the magic of our award-winning European river cruises goes far beyond the riverboat you're aboard or the landmarks you'll visit. It's in the intimate ambiance and personalized service... the places you'll discover off the beaten path... and in the uncommon access to local culture and exclusive destination driven experiences you can't get on your own, as you experience a true slice of European life and return home transformed.

What to expect on europe's rivers.

Although there's no better way to explore Europe's great cities, castle-dotted countryside and vineyards by riverboat, situations may arise that are beyond our control. In the event we need to modify your journey for any reason, you can trust that we will make every effort to communicate with you and to preserve your experience.

Portugal's golden Douro River, home to our newest cruises

The river of kings – the danube, wine country – france's rhône valley, old world europe – rhine river cruises, paris to normandy – the river seine.

Journey Collection

Experience Tauck European River Cruises

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Featured River, Small Ship and Land Journeys

Inspired by the destination.

For 90+ years, the Tauck family has had a passion for sailing — aboard small ships and yachts at sea, riverboats along great inland waterways, and at home on the rivers and lakes of Connecticut and New York. When we began blending our land experience with our strong passion for cruising in our first European river cruise back in 1992, we knew that no "ordinary" river cruise experience would do for our guests. We wanted them to travel Europe's rivers in the same beyond-the-ordinary Tauck style they experienced on our land trips. With that in mind, we searched to find a company to partner with that would share our values and our commitment to "do the right thing" by our guests... and found it in another family-owned company, Scylla. Together, we crafted a river cruise experience that was ahead of its time and inspired by the destinations we explore.

Guest Favorites in River Cruising

Along the Danube... the Rhine... the Rhône... the Seine... or the Douro... our European river cruises are all about the unique cultural access you'll enjoy wherever we visit... the strong connections you'll make with the people you'll meet... and the traditions and genuine little moments they'll share with you  along the way...

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Tauck shares the basic facts you need about Europe's rivers – plus the history, culture and more.

What to Expect On Europe's Rivers

Unforeseen circumstances may occur on the rivers of Europe from time-to-time, including high and low water levels. Tauck is always prepared to deal with these eventualities in order to preserve your Tauck experience.

Why Take A Tauck River Cruise

Tauck River Cruising means traveling in good company, exclusive access to cultural experiences, distinctively inclusive pricing and more!

Choosing The Best European River Cruise For You

Tauck's European river cruise guide will help you find the right Danube, Rhone, Rhine, Seine or Douro river cruise for you.

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9 best river cruises in Europe

River cruising in Europe is one of those delightfully slow and easy modes of travel. You're in a small floating hotel, exploring calm inland waters, gliding past castles and vineyards and scenery that changes by the hour.

Daily escorted walking tours and other excursions provided by the river line take you to key UNESCO World Heritage Sites and other city and village attractions you've come to see. Or you can choose to explore on your own, which is easy since your ship often will dock right in town.

Lazy afternoons on the ship afford the time to sit in a lounge chair and watch the world go by — kids swimming from the riverbanks, farmers tending their crops, river birds flapping their wings — as you glide to your next destination.

Which European river should you explore? The choices are broader than you might expect.

For more cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

The main rivers in Europe are the Danube and the Rhine and their tributaries. They are, by far, the most popular, doable either on one-week segments or longer itineraries that combine areas and sometimes combine rivers. Even if your cruise is only a week, don't underestimate the allure of relaxing for seven days on a river in France or on the dreamy Douro in Portugal.

Here are the best river cruises in Europe.

Upper Danube

When it comes to Europe river cruises, a perfect seven-night starter sailing is the Upper Danube, which takes you through centuries of history as you explore Germany, Austria, Slovakia and Hungary.

Ships visit such cultural hubs as Vienna, with its opera and art museums and elaborate royal palaces, and Budapest, Hungary, with its magnificent architecture and modern vibe. If your ship passes the Hungarian Parliament building at night, you're in for a treat; magnificently lit, it's one of the most photographed sights on the river.

Along the route, between Melk and Krems in Austria, you cruise through the Wachau Valley, a key wine-growing region producing rieslings and gruner veltliners, with sipping opportunities available. It's also a great place to bike, which is why it's nice to sail with lines, such as AmaWaterways , that carry bikes on board for passengers to use.

You might also have the option of a side trip to Salzburg, Austria, the birthplace of Mozart — and also where several scenes for the movie "Sound of Music" were filmed. A surprise for many is Old Town Bratislava, Slovakia, which might not have been on your must-do list but which charms with its beer culture and castles.

Related: Booking your first river cruise? Here's what you need to know.

Lower Danube

For a deep dive into Eastern Europe's past and present, the fascinating Lower Danube route between Budapest and Bucharest, Romania, explores history from the medieval times and Victorian era of Dracula to the rise of communism and the Bosnian War.

The seven-night river cruise takes you through Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria and Romania. The most beautiful stretch of the river is a 62-mile passage through a gorge between the Balkan and Carpathian Mountains. It's also one of the deepest stretches of river in the world.

Other sights accessed on shore excursions via bus include Bulgaria's Belogradchik Rocks, which are naturally carved towering red rock pinnacles that appear to take forms such as "Madonna with child," and Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria's stunning medieval capital.

When it comes to top cruising rivers in Europe, the Rhine wins for natural beauty and fairytale landscapes. A cruise on the river between Amsterdam in The Netherlands, and Basel, Switzerland — a typical one-week route — takes you past expanses of slope-side vineyards, forests and mountains, historic cities and medieval half-timbered villages.

That's even before you get to the Upper Middle Rhine Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This 40-mile stretch of river, between Rudesheim and Koblenz, Germany, has castles galore — you might imagine Rapunzel letting down her hair — and Lorelei Rock, the legendary cliff said to distract sailors with the mesmerizing song of a maiden.

The French city of Strasbourg, with its famous Gothic cathedral and robust Alsatian culinary scene, is often a favorite stop on Rhine itineraries, with other highlights including Heidelberg, Germany, and its imposing castle.

Related: Christmas market river cruises: What to expect on a holiday sailing

Sure, you can catch sight of the Eiffel Tower when boarding a river ship in Paris, but you can do that while staying in a hotel, too. The real attractions of a Seine River cruise are sailing on the river outside the city toward the English Channel and a visit to the beaches in Normandy for a perspective on World War II.

Your visit there and to the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial, as well as other memorials and monuments to the fallen, is a poignant experience (one that requires a two-hour bus ride from your ship, however). Avalon Waterways brings a World War II expert on board to add insight on select sailings.

Other treasures exist along the Seine, not the least of which is Giverny, the home and gardens of impressionist artist Claude Monet. If you are a fan of his art, much of the property might seem familiar.

In historic Rouen, where Joan of Arc was martyred in the Middle Ages, stop by the Rouen Cathedral (another subject of Monet) before losing yourself on cobblestone streets with wonderful cafes.

Related: River cruise packing list: What to pack when traveling by riverboat

Bordeaux river cruises are different from other water routes because you explore two short waterways — the Dordogne and Garonne Rivers — and the Gironde Estuary in Southwest France.

You'll spend more time ashore than floating down the river on this itinerary, with your ship docked for two nights in the city of Bordeaux, a mini-Paris with grand 18th-century buildings. Who cares when you are in the epicenter of French culture, in one of the most celebrated wine regions in the world?

Bordeaux serves up the opportunity to sip Medoc, Margaux, Saint-Emilion, Pomerol and Sauternes wines as you expand your wine education. You'll visit vineyards and gorgeous chateaus. Your cruise line might even host a dinner at a wine estate one evening. If you plan your cruise for September or October, you'll be able to admire the grape harvest.

Related: The 5 best cruise lines for solo travelers

Rhone and Saone

Another must for wine-lovers is exploring the interior of France, sipping Cotes du Rhone in such famous winemaking regions as Hermitage and Chateauneuf-du-Pape in Provence and Beaune in Burgundy.

Rhone and Saone River cruises typically sail between Lyon and Arles or Avignon, and they're top-loaded with such non-wine attractions as the Roman aqueduct Pont du Gard and the Roman Arles Amphitheater, as well as the massive Palais des Papes (Papal Palace) in Avignon. You'll also be able to take in the lavender fields, haystacks and other scenes that inspired painters like Paul Cezanne and Vincent Van Gogh.

For a lazy, dreamy, wonderful river cruise experience, nothing quite beats exploring the wine regions of Portugal on the Douro, one of the major rivers through the Iberian Peninsula. The home base for these river cruises is Porto, Portugal, with its historic city center, spectacular bridges and port houses.

On one-week cruises, you'll follow the river 130 miles past green hillside vineyards in the Douro River Valley, a UNESCO-recognized destination, before turning around at the Spanish border. The river cruises typically include a visit to the university town of Salamanca in northern Spain. Viticulture is very much the lesson en route, as you learn about port production on the "River of Gold."

Related: 5 cruise lines to try if you just can't stand being around kids on vacation

Due to fluctuating water levels and narrow passages, the Elbe is a challenging river that runs 680 miles between the Czech Republic and Germany. Historically, it formed part of the border between East Germany and West Germany.

River cruising here is a rare experience. Viking River Cruises is one of the few lines that visits (another is the French line CroisiEurope), offering 10-day itineraries that combine hotel stays in the cities of Berlin and Prague with a stretch of river between Prague and Wittenburg, Germany.

The cruises are on ships built specifically for the Elbe route. They stop in places such as resurgent Dresden, heavily bombed during World War II but expertly rebuilt; the Saxon Switzerland region of Germany with its striking sandstone rock formations; and the spa town of Bad Schandau.

The Po River in northern Italy is tidal, making it another challenging waterway. However, it affords the opportunity to combine a visit to Venice with a river cruise. Uniworld Boutique River Cruises does the Po in high style with its 126-passenger S.S. La Venizia, completely decked out with a sense of place, from Fortuny fabrics and Murano glass to its gilded accents.

The one-week route doesn't take you far but does include the walled city of Padua, the charming fishing village of Chioggia, and the culinary mecca of Bologna.

For those looking for a longer experience, Uniworld cleverly combines a Po cruise with luxury rail journeys to places like Istanbul, Switzerland and beyond.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A beginner's guide to picking a cruise line
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• 15 ways cruisers waste money
• 12 best cruises for people who never want to grow up
• The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise

Experience a world beyond your expectations. Choose from our award-winning vacations on virtually every continent with local favorites and off-the-beaten-path experiences only Globus can share.

We know why you travel. You’d rather have an extra day exploring than a fancy chocolate on your pillow at night. Enjoy hand-selected inclusions and world-class experiences for value-minded travel lovers like you.

Raise your sights and set your sails for the rivers of Europe, South America, Asia, and Africa on an Avalon Waterways cruise. Elevate your cruise experience with fewer passengers, more choices, and endless possibilities.

Europe River Cruises

Europe  River Cruises

Discover the captivating waterways and be immersed in the history and culture of Europe's extraordinary regions.

• Destinations
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Journey through picturesque European river waterways

Be inspired by the history, culture, cuisine and magnificent sights of Europe. From the charming castles and fairytale villages on the Rhine, Main and Danube, and the iconic sites of France, to the renowned Portuguese wine regions along the Douro River. Explore these incredible destinations while enjoying truly all-inclusive ultra-luxury in a class of its own. 

Choose your European Destination

A world of enriching experiences awaits you as you cruise past an array of towns rich in culture and history.

Enjoy a truly all-inclusive river cruise in a class of its own.  

Featured   Itineraries

Seek inspiration from our most popular itineraries to start planning your unforgettable journey. Explore our latest Europe river cruises offers  today.

Rhine Highlights

The heart of Europe

Danube in Depth

Take a journey rich in culture and beauty

Charming Castles & Vineyards of the Rhine & Moselle

Mighty castles and lush green vineyards

Gems of the Danube

Highlights of Normandy & the Seine

The sensational Seine

Beautiful Bordeaux

Savour the beauty and romance

Idyllic Rhône

From the gastronomic heart of France to the Mediterranean

Jewels of Europe

Europe’s most spectacular river discovery

Delightful Douro

The soul of Portugal

Why   t ravel on a Scenic Europe river cruise? @font-face {font-family:"Cambria Math"; panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:roman; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:-536870145 1107305727 0 0 415 0;}@font-face {font-family:Calibri; panose-1:2 15 5 2 2 2 4 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:swiss; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:-536859905 -1073732485 9 0 511 0;}@font-face {font-family:"Public Sans"; panose-1:2 11 6 4 2 2 2 2 2 4; mso-font-alt:Calibri; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:roman; mso-font-pitch:auto; mso-font-signature:0 0 0 0 0 0;}p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-unhide:no; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; margin-top:0cm; margin-right:0cm; margin-bottom:8.0pt; margin-left:0cm; line-height:107%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:16.0pt; font-family:"Public Sans",serif; mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:major-bidi; mso-ansi-language:EN-AU;}.MsoChpDefault {mso-style-type:export-only; mso-default-props:yes; font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi; mso-ansi-language:EN-AU;}div.WordSection1 {page:WordSection1;}

Our luxury, purpose-built Scenic Space-Ships get you closer to shore to create a real sense of immersion in the heart of European life and culture. Let time stand still as you discover the limitless wonders of Europe and enjoy a premium all-inclusive experience.

Innovative Scenic Space-Ships

Our innovative ships feature an abundance of luxurious outdoor, dining and wellness areas, along with spacious suites. Low guest numbers of only up to 163 guests provide an intimate experience. These sleek ships are also able to dock in the heart of towns, so you can enjoy more time to explore.

Luxurious Suites

Each suite offers you the luxury of personal space. Our generously-sized suites are elegantly appointed with premium amenities including a queen-size Scenic Slumber Bed, a pillow menu and luxurious bath products. The Balcony, Junior and Royal Suites* feature your very own window to the world with our signature Scenic Sun Lounges – some of the largest balconies offered on European waterways. 

Up to Five Dining Options

Whether you prefer a fine dining experience with a six-course degustation, a relaxed café setting or dining in the privacy of your suite, you’ll find delectable options to suit your tastes and mood. Premium international beverages^ – wine, beer, cocktails, spirits – are included and available all day, every day. It’s more than outstanding food and wine – it’s the fresh flavours of each region prepared by our innovative chefs. 

Scenic Freechoice

Personalise your river cruise and pursue your own interests as you set off on curated excursions throughout Europe. Scenic’s extensive and diverse list of Scenic Freechoice excursions offer an active, moderate or relaxed pace so you can choose activities best suited to you based on your passions. Whether it’s a guided hike up beautiful Buda Hill or delectable wine tastings in the French town of Châteauneuf du Pape, the choice is yours.

Scenic Enrich

Our Scenic Enrich experiences are exclusive to Scenic guests and place you at the heart of the world’s most refined art, music and architecture. You’ll go behind the scenes to enjoy moments inaccessible to the ordinary traveller, from a classical concert at the opulent Palais Liechtenstein in Vienna to after hours access at Les Bassins des Lumières, a former submarine base turned immersive digital art installation. These carefully curated experiences are destined to be the highlights of your journey. 

Salt Therapy Lounge

Scenic is the first and only river cruise company to feature a therapeutic Salt Therapy Lounge* on board its Scenic Space-Ships cruising Europe’s waterways. Mimicking the environment of a salt cave, the Salt Therapy Lounge can assist with healing, improving respiration and boosting the immune system.

River Cruising Brochures

• Europe River Cruising 2024
• Your Guide to Europe River Cruising

Your guide to Europe river cruising

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Itinerary: Hamburg, Lisbon, Arrecife, Sta. Cruz, Mindelo, Praia, Natal, Recife, Salvador de Bahia, Ilhéus, Armação dos Búzios, Rio de Janeiro, Ilhabela, Portobelo, Rio Grande, Punta del Este, Montevideo, Buenos Aires, Puerto Madryn, Ushuaia, Puerto Williams, Punta Arenas, Castro, Puerto Montt, San Antonio, Robinson Crusoe Island, Hangaroa, Bounty Bay, Fakarava, Papeete, Moorea, Huahine, Bora Bora, Rarotonga, Auckland, Bay of Islands, Gisborne, Napier, Picton, Akaroa, Timaru, Port Chalmers, Hobart, Port Arthur, Eden, Sydney, Burnie, Melbourne, Adelaide, Kingscote, Esperance, Bunbury, Fremantle, Geraldton, Exmouth, Broome, Waikelo, Komodo, Benoa, Pare Pare, Tolitoli, Kota Kinabalu, Muara, Terempa, Singapore, Port Klang, Penang, Sabang, Kochi, Mumbai, Muscat, Khasab, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Fujairah, Muscat, Salalah, Jeddah, Yanbu al Bahr, Hurghada, Aqaba, Eilat, Port Said, Giardini Naxos, Savona

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New Phoenix Brochure: River and Coasts 2023

• September 8, 2022

Phoenix Reisen has released its 2023 river cruise program. The new 212-page brochure titled Rivers and Coasts features not only the traditional river products but also the company’s return to Vietnam, Cambodia and India, as well as the Baltic coast.

The newbuild Alisa will sail on the Rhine and Moselle in 2023. Phoenix Reisen described her as a modern, high-quality ship with two restaurants and 95 elegantly furnished cabins of which 73 have French balconies.

The Swiss Diamond will sail on the Baltic coast as an all-inclusive ship for Phoenix Reisen on in 2023. Beverages and excursions are included in the fare.

2023 will also feature a number of shorter, theme cruises, hosted by Phoenix Reisen’s (Norwegian) Captain Morten Hansen and other popular participations from the German TV show Verrückt nach Meer (Crazy about the Sea) that has been filmed aboard the company’s ships for years.

The Bonn-based company, which operates some 25 river and coastal vessels in addition to its four-ship ocean going fleet, will celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2023, marking it with a 50-day cruise aboard the Alena roundtrip from Frankfurt via the Danube to the Danube Delta, the Main, the Rhine and the Moselle, the Netherlands and Belgium.

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Why were so many metro stations in Moscow renamed?

Okhotny Ryad station in Soviet times and today.

The Moscow metro system has 275 stations, and 28 of them have been renamed at some point or other—and several times in some cases. Most of these are the oldest stations, which opened in 1935.

The politics of place names

The first station to change its name was Ulitsa Kominterna (Comintern Street). The Comintern was an international communist organization that ceased to exist in 1943, and after the war Moscow authorities decided to call the street named after it something else. In 1946, the station was renamed Kalininskaya. Then for several days in 1990, the station was called Vozdvizhenka, before eventually settling on Aleksandrovsky Sad, which is what it is called today.

The banner on the entraince reads: "Kalininskaya station." Now it's Alexandrovsky Sad.

Until 1957, Kropotkinskaya station was called Dvorets Sovetov ( Palace of Soviets ). There were plans to build a monumental Stalinist high-rise on the site of the nearby Cathedral of Christ the Saviour , which had been demolished. However, the project never got off the ground, and after Stalin's death the station was named after Kropotkinskaya Street, which passes above it.

Dvorets Sovetov station, 1935. Letters on the entrance: "Metro after Kaganovich."

Of course, politics was the main reason for changing station names. Initially, the Moscow Metro itself was named after Lazar Kaganovich, Joseph Stalin’s right-hand man. Kaganovich supervised the construction of the first metro line and was in charge of drawing up a master plan for reconstructing Moscow as the "capital of the proletariat."

In 1955, under Nikita Khrushchev's rule and during the denunciation of Stalin's personality cult, the Moscow Metro was named in honor of Vladimir Lenin.

Kropotkinskaya station, our days. Letters on the entrance: "Metropolitan after Lenin."

New Metro stations that have been opened since the collapse of the Soviet Union simply say "Moscow Metro," although the metro's affiliation with Vladimir Lenin has never officially been dropped.

Zyablikovo station. On the entrance, there are no more signs that the metro is named after Lenin.

Stations that bore the names of Stalin's associates were also renamed under Khrushchev. Additionally, some stations were named after a neighborhood or street and if these underwent name changes, the stations themselves had to be renamed as well.

Until 1961 the Moscow Metro had a Stalinskaya station that was adorned by a five-meter statue of the supreme leader. It is now called Semyonovskaya station.

Left: Stalinskaya station. Right: Now it's Semyonovskaya.

The biggest wholesale renaming of stations took place in 1990, when Moscow’s government decided to get rid of Soviet names. Overnight, 11 metro stations named after revolutionaries were given new names. Shcherbakovskaya became Alekseyevskaya, Gorkovskaya became Tverskaya, Ploshchad Nogina became Kitay-Gorod and Kirovskaya turned into Chistye Prudy. This seriously confused passengers, to put it mildly, and some older Muscovites still call Lubyanka station Dzerzhinskaya for old times' sake.

At the same time, certain stations have held onto their Soviet names. Marksistskaya and Kropotkinskaya, for instance, although there were plans to rename them too at one point.

"I still sometimes mix up Teatralnaya and Tverskaya stations,” one Moscow resident recalls .

 “Both have been renamed and both start with a ‘T.’ Vykhino still grates on the ear and, when in 1991 on the last day of my final year at school, we went to Kitay-Gorod to go on the river cruise boats, my classmates couldn’t believe that a station with that name existed."

The city government submitted a station name change for public discussion for the first time in 2015. The station in question was Voykovskaya, whose name derives from the revolutionary figure Pyotr Voykov. In the end, city residents voted against the name change, evidently not out of any affection for Voykov personally, but mainly because that was the name they were used to.

What stations changed their name most frequently?

Some stations have changed names three times. Apart from the above-mentioned Aleksandrovsky Sad (Ulitsa Kominterna->Kalininskaya->Vozdvizhenka->Aleksandrovsky Sad), a similar fate befell Partizanskaya station in the east of Moscow. Opened in 1944, it initially bore the ridiculously long name Izmaylovsky PKiO im. Stalina (Izmaylovsky Park of Culture and Rest Named After Stalin). In 1947, the station was renamed and simplified for convenience to Izmaylovskaya. Then in 1963 it was renamed yet again—this time to Izmaylovsky Park, having "donated" its previous name to the next station on the line. And in 2005 it was rechristened Partizanskaya to mark the 60th anniversary of victory in World War II. 

Partizanskaya metro station, nowadays.

Another interesting story involves Alekseyevskaya metro station. This name was originally proposed for the station, which opened in 1958, since a village with this name had been located here. It was then decided to call the station Shcherbakovskaya in honor of Aleksandr Shcherbakov, a politician who had been an associate of Stalin. Nikita Khrushchev had strained relations with Shcherbakov, however, and when he got word of it literally a few days before the station opening the builders had to hastily change all the signs. It ended up with the concise and politically correct name of Mir (Peace).

The name Shcherbakovskaya was restored in 1966 after Khrushchev's fall from power. It then became Alekseyevskaya in 1990.

Alekseyevskaya metro station.

But the station that holds the record for the most name changes is Okhotny Ryad, which opened in 1935 on the site of a cluster of market shops. When the metro system was renamed in honor of Lenin in 1955, this station was renamed after Kaganovich by way of compensation. The name lasted just two years though because in 1957 Kaganovich fell out of favor with Khrushchev, and the previous name was returned. But in 1961 it was rechristened yet again, this time in honor of Prospekt Marksa, which had just been built nearby.

Okhotny Ryad station in 1954 and Prospekt Marksa in 1986.

In 1990, two historical street names—Teatralny Proyezd and Mokhovaya Street—were revived to replace Prospekt Marksa, and the station once again became Okhotny Ryad.

Okhotny Ryad in 2020.

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