CA
River Cruises are an in-vogue travel trend, and have been for several years. European river cruises are the most popular since they feature sails down the world’s most legendary waterways like the Danube, Rhine, Moselle and Seine. Cruisers are finding that travelling on board a comfortable ship while still hitting landfall to see the same iconic destinations as a land tour to be just the right pace for both sightseeing and relaxation. Here are a few more reasons why so many people are finding river cruises so irresistible.
1. Casual dress code
There usually aren’t any formal nights on a River Cruiser, so causal wear is completely acceptable to bring. Unless you plan to step off the ship to enjoy dinner somewhere fancy, you can leave your dressy clothes at home. This makes packing a little lighter and easier.
2. Unpack only once
Since we’re on the topic of packing, you only have to unpack one time since your cruiser is like a floating hotel. Make yourself comfortable. Use the drawers and hang your clothes. You’re home!
3. Intimate ships
Smaller vessels mean fewer passengers. River cruisers usually only carry less than 200 people. This gives you a chance to get to know your fellow cruisers as well as avoid dealing with noisy crowds.
4. Amenities abound
River cruisers have many of the amenities you’d expect at a hotel. Your cabin will have a private bath plus a television, a writing desk, a French balcony, a telephone, a closet, a safe, and a place to sit. You can also expect to find a pool, walking track, a sun deck, fitness room, hairdresser, massage, restaurant, bar and so much more. There’s never a dull moment on a river cruise.
5. So many rivers to explore
Whether you dream of cruising down the Danube at Christmas time to visit Christmas markets, seeing the springtime tulips in bloom from Dutch and Belgian waterways or drifting by fairytale landscapes on the Rhine and Moselle, there’s a way to cruise around and still get to check off your bucket list items at a leisurely pace.
6. A relaxing pace
Part of what makes river cruises so appealing is that the pacing is perfect for both floating around and taking in panoramic views of the landscape, as well as going ashore to explore all those iconic sites you’ve always dreamed about.
7. Time to Explore
Your tour manager will of course be with you every step of the way to take you on city tours and any must sees your itinerary includes, but you’ll also have time to go out on your own to go wherever your heart leads you. Your ship docks right in town so hopping on and off for an excursion is easy and convenient.
8. Enjoy the local flavour
While your ship stops along the way, the chef on board has a chance to go shopping for fresh, local produce, seafood and meat to prepare for you. Local beer and wine are also available at the ship’s panoramic bar and local entertainment comes on board to entertain you with music and dance performances.
9. Incredible service
The staff on board river cruisers know the vessel very well and are very happy to help you feel at home in any way they can. Whether you need an extra blanket or a cup of coffee made just the way you like it, the staff are eager to please.
10. Visit a new place every day
Since you’re on a river, the distance between ports is shorter. That means that you can hop along and explore a new place every day. You can even wake up to find that you’ve sailed right into another country while you were sleeping. Now that’s an adventure!
