Why Not Take A River Cruise

It is that time of year again. Cold weather, dark nights and time to start planning for your next cruise!  Traditionally this time of year is what I call the “planning season” when if you haven’t already booked your next cruise you are starting to think about it.  There are an awful lot of you out there who do ocean cruising all the time and probably would not do anything else but if you are stuck for a idea and want to try that something different, I really would urge you to try a river cruise.  I must admit, before I did one I thought it would not be interesting as I have been to alot of European destinations before and also thought I would find it a bit boring – how wrong was I!

The main hurdle I think potential river cruisers have is the cost. When you look at the basic cost of a ocean cruise V a river one you will see that river is more expensive, however it is what is included in a river which makes the difference.  For a start an awful lot of excursions are included on a river cruise, when you factor a excursion on a ocean cruise that takes up some money! On most river cruises they do include drinks at meal times or even some all of the time. Yes, you can get this on a ocean cruise but normally find these are not always offered.  Then we come to the size of the ships – a vast difference.  Being small they do get to the centre of the towns or cities. One example would be Budapest, we docked right opposite the Government building and walked I would say 10 minutes before we were in the centre of town. Then we come to the flights on offer. You know from experience that sometimes you can not get from your local airport to your chosen destination. With most river cruise lines they will depart from your local airport, okay it may be a change in Amsterdam or somewhere but at least you are travelling from your city and not having to re think or go from somewhere else. Let us not forget too that with some lines they will pick you up from your home and take you to the airport and back.  There are some that will travel by rail and coach too – great options!

The food on board a river cruise is as good or better then a ocean cruise. I had the most amazing 5 star food on mine, when you consider the sizes of the kitchen they do a fantastic job!  The crew all remember you, what you had to drink the night before and actually take the time to have a chat to you. You dont always get that on a ocean cruise do you.  The destinations are fantastic. Amazing, interesting and scenic places every single day. If I did not want to do a excursion I could easily just take a walk and have a wander myself – no hassle.

So, what are the downsides of a river cruise?  Well for me, I cant honestly say there are any but I guess some people may not like the lack of entertainment as there are no big shows or anything like that. What you do get is local musicians coming on board that kind of thing and dare I say it but you get “the art of conversation” back!! So lovely to sit with a drink, and chat to your fellow cruisers and get to know them – much more personal.

The variety of a river cruise is great, the Douro in Portugal, Danube, Rhone, Rhine, Seine, Elbe then further afield you can go to China, Vietnam, Burma, Russia – choice really is fantastic. My recommendation for your very first one would be the Danube and try to go towards Budapest as there is nothing quite like it, arriving there by ship – magical!

I know that river cruising is not for everyone, however, if you have been tempted before and not done anything about it, give me a call, I am here to help and book you on the most perfect cruise!