Isn’t It Time You Tried A River Cruise?

River cruising is on the up and advertised an awful lot more now, from TV adverts to newspapers. It can be just as daunting as booking a ocean cruise with all the different prices and what is included. I love river cruising and really do think you have got to try it at least once. It might not suit you but there again this could be the change you have been looking for.

Here is my little spin on what to expect. The first thing to note is the ships are much more intimate, you’re probably looking at 200 passengers on board. River cruising is also very casual. Forget your long dresses and tuxedos!  There is also just one sitting for dinner,  you can sit where you like. A few people have asked me if they will get bored. A good question as if you’re used to the bigger ships with climbing walls, ice rinks etc it is a big change.  Of course my answer though is no. There are so many cruise excursions planned, I don’t think you have the time to be bored.  If you did not want to go out with the guide, you can amble off on your own or sit on the sun deck, or in the lounge, relaxing and having a drink – does that sound boring to you?

No doubt about it a river cruise is the best way to see a region. The ships travel to an awful lot of UNESCO heritage sites. You are actually berthing in a city such as Budapest, or Vienna and walking instead of getting on a coach.  The Itineraries are port-intensive and can be very jam packed you may be sick of culture by the time you have finished!

Also worth nothing on a river cruise the cabins are smaller than the usual ocean cruise, but i do have to point out they are not short on any home comforts. The entertainment is a lot more low key then you get on a bigger ship. One day you may have a typical Tyrolean band, or perhaps a cooking demo – be prepared for that.

I think the main gripe people have with river cruising is the price. Please dont forget there is alot included in the cost.  The price will typically include wine, beer and soft drinks with meals, dinner in what I think is very good restaurant, 24-hour tea and coffee, Wi-Fi and the standard tours in each port. Remember on a ocean cruise not ALL of them include drinks and any excursions do have to be paid for. Tips are included I would say in the majority but there are a few like Viking where you will be expected to pay something for the service you receive. Drinks are usually included in some shape or form on every river cruise.

Lastly I must point out again the wonderful destinations you can see. From the Rhine, Rhone, Danube, Seine and the Douro rivers to the Elbe, Russia, Vietnam, Myanmar, China, Cambodia surely there is something there for all of you.

I would also say try to pay for the best accommodation you can. All of the lead in prices will be for a cabin with a small window on the bottom deck. The higher deck you go the better accommodation. True, you will not be spending a lot of time in your cabin but to have a panoramic view in your cabin is wonderful. Put the lights out at night, jump into bed and watch all the lovely lights from a village or town you are cruising past is magical!

If you want to discuss any river cruises with me, just shout.

Till next time x