River Cruising...A Different Way to Go

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When we think of cruises, we naturally think of ocean liners. However, river cruising has become so popular in recent years, that the number of new river boats debuting each year is now in the double digits. Some of the things that bother people about ocean cruising are not problems with river cruising. For example, there are no choppy seas, so there is no sea sickness. The water is not very deep and there are no sharks. There are no lines and no table assignments for dinner, as well as no casinos and no ship photographers on board.

Top 5 Reasons to Love River Cruising

1. More Inclusive
Another difference between ocean cruising and river cruising is that river cruises are more inclusive than most ocean cruises. When you pay for your cabin it usually includes meals, at least some alcoholic beverages, wifi, entertainment, and some excursions. You will be on land every day, so there is a lot of time to take excursions and to enjoy free time to explore.

2. More Personal
Most river boats are about the same size and much smaller than your average ocean liner, as the river boats have to be able to get through the locks. Thus the number of passengers they can take on is far less than an ocean liner. Typically the number of passengers varies from 200 to as few as 130 people. The staff is able to provide more attention per person and service tends to be much more personalized on a river cruise, compared to an ocean liner.

3. More Local
Many of the river cruises start and end in large cities, but as you travel down the rivers, you get the opportunity to see first-hand how a lot of the locals live in the small towns and villages. There are quite a few UNESCO sites along the rivers, so you get the opportunity to see historical and cultural sites. Aboard the river boat, the entertainment is provided by folks in the localities you visit.

4. More Seasonal
Chefs on a river boat usually purchase fresh food daily in the ports where the boats dock. You may get the chance to go with the chef to see how he selects food for the meal you will eat that evening and perhaps get the opportunity to cook with the chef once back on board, if that appeals to you.

5. More Room
Smaller boat with fewer passengers means river boats can offer larger accommodations, compared to ocean liners. Cabins have flat screen TVs, refrigerators, and some even have marble baths with heated floors. One of the river boat companies even has cabins that are lofts with 2 story cabins that boast different views of the rivers. One thing river boats do not have are inside cabins.

As so many new river boats have been introduced, you will find that the surroundings on river boats are as luxurious as ocean liners. Many of the river boats have gyms and spas. The Emerald Star has a heated pool by day, that converts to a cinema by night!

Like cruise ships, each evening you will receive a list of activities that will be going on the next day. Activities include excursions, lectures, entertainment, and planned activities.

If you enjoy cruising, we suggest you consider a river cruise for your next adventure. There are river-cruising trips available along the rivers of Europe, Asia, and the United States. See some of the most popular sites in Europe by river cruise—enjoy the tulips in Amsterdam in the spring or the European Christmas marts during the holidays.

Tulip Time Cruise for Garden & Nature Lovers 2019

8 Day River Cruise from Amsterdam to Amsterdam

This scenic river cruise gets underway from Holland’s popular, modern capital of Amsterdam. This 700-year-old city offers an abundance of classic architecture, cafés, and restaurants to explore before you embark on your river cruise through Holland and Belgium.

Christmastime from Basel to Budapest 2019

17 Day River Cruise Basel to Budapest

Begin your Christmas river cruise through France and Germany in Basel, Switzerland.

Cruise with Us!

Wine Down the Danube on the Emerald Star October 22-29, 2019

What's better than having your travel agent on speed-dial? Having your travel agent WITH YOU, on your cruise.
Join 411 to Travel's own Casey Coven as she guides you through some of Europe’s most magical stretches of water and helps you explore many of the continent’s most arresting and enchanting cities.

Reserve your spot for Wine Down the Danube

Photo courtesy of avidcruiser.com