Abercrombie and Kent is a well-known luxury tour operator that owns some of their ships, and charters others from lines such as Ponant. They offer a wide variety of choices, from small barge and riverboat voyages on canals and some of the world’s famous rivers to expeditions to Antarctica and the Arctic. The company focuses on culture, wildlife, soft adventure, and history.
Flexibility: Even on group tours, travelers get special attention when they want to break away on their own. “Easy,” said our group guide on a tour in China, as he rearranged bus pickups, re-set dinner reservations, and called for taxis (including handling the money to pay the fare as well as writing the destination and return in Chinese), so each of us could go where we wanted.
Hand holding: Travelers are never far from a guide or an expert, whether when they're arriving at airports or train stations, wandering through street markets, or learning how to eat Chinese Hot Pot.
Luxury Accommodations: The company promises top cabins and suites with balconies. Just as important to cruisers are land hotels, because many of the river tours spend at least half of the nights off the water. These hotels don't dissappoint: In China, a 12-night tour with three nights on the Yangtze River comes with stays at Four Seasons, Peninsula and Shangri-La properties.
Well-heeled Vacationers: These cruises are for people looking for luxury, cultural expertise, and ease of travel, and are willing to pay top dollar for the experience.
Not All Ships Are Created Equal: Sometimes the desire to see a destination outweighs the preference for high-end luxury. For instance, the Yangzi Explorer, said to be the best riverboat for viewing the Three Gorges, is not luxurious, but the voyage is well worth making.
