River Cruises
Have you ever been, or thought about going on a river cruise?
River cruising offers a unique and enriching travel experience that combines the comfort and convenience of a floating hotel with the opportunity to explore fascinating destinations at a relaxed pace. Sailing along scenic waterways, you’ll discover charming towns, picturesque landscapes, and rich cultural heritage.
One of the biggest advantages of river cruising is the all-inclusive nature of many of the river cruise lines. With meals, drinks, Wi-Fi and often shore excursions included, you can truly relax and enjoy the journey without worrying about hidden costs. Plus, you only unpack once! What could be better than waking up in a different picturesque location every morning?
There are several river cruise lines to choose from, each offering a unique experience. While the overall experience might seem similar, the level of luxury, amenities, and service can vary significantly. Factors like cabin size, dining options, the range of excursions, the quality of onboard entertainment, and the expertise of the tour guides all play a role in your overall entertainment. It’s important to choose a right cruise line that aligns with your travel style and budget to ensure a memorable and fulfilling journey.
River cruising has been growing in popularity, what was once thought for only the retired generation, more younger generations are discovering the advantages of river cruising. With the river cruise lines also wanting to attract other generations, the river cruise line is tweaking the shore excursions to accommodate a wider range of ages. Because there are so fewer cabins, the cabins sell out a lot quicker. I advise booking at least a year or more in advance, to get the stateroom category you prefer.
Food
All you foodies out there, one of the highlights of any river cruise is the culinary experience. Indulge in regional specialties, savor gourmet meals prepared with fresh, local ingredients, and enjoy impeccable service. The dining options on board are sure to delight your palate.
Entertainment
The on-board entertainment is a lot different than on board a big ocean cruise liner. The entertainment is lower key. There is some type of entertainment in the evenings, just not the huge elaborate shows.
Excursions
Often there are several excursions you can choose from for each port. Most are included in the cost of the cruise, and some activates have an additional cost.
On one of my past river cruises, a renowned wine expert joined us on board. She shared her passion for the region’s wine with captivating stories and generous samples, creating a truly enriching experience.
Dress
Dress code on most river cruises is casual, with options to dress up or wear “smart casual” for evening events. Some nights may have a theme, so it is always a good idea to review the dress code before your cruise, to ensure you’re prepared for any special events (Captain’s Dinner, Gala Night).
Transportation
Some river cruise lines offer convenient flight packages that include roundtrip airfare from select airports to the embarkation city. If flights are included in your package, transportation to and from the airport to the ship is usually included or available for a nominal fee. This allows for a seamless travel experience and minimizes the potential stress associated with navigating a new city.
*The inclusion of flights and airport transfers varies depending on the cruise line and the specified itinerary.
Sea Sickness
Sea sickness is not an issue because river cruising is smooth. There are no waves, so no drinks spilling due to rough seas!
Feel closer to the cities
Riverboats are designed to navigate smaller waterways, allowing them to dock right in the heart of cities. This means you’re closer to the action, making it easy and convenient to explore on your own or join one of the guided excursions the cruise line offers. You can step off the ship and be immersed in the local culture in no time!
