River Cruise Convention 2014

Very excited to say I will be attending the River Cruise Convention in Amsterdam this November.

River cruising is becoming increasingly popular and the list of new river boats joining the cruise lines is more than the ocean liners.

Having not been on a river cruise before I am excited to be able to add to my knowledge and offer first hand advice on a variety of different boats.

The first day will be spent with the operators attending valuable seminars and gaining as much as information as I can on destinations, offers, variety, standards and which area and boat is best for whom. The second day, after spending the night onboard one of the boats with dinner, will be spent exploring a number of different  boats from Ama, Amadeus River cruises, Uniworld, A-Rosa, European Waterways, Shearings, Lafayette and Emerald waterways.

Destinations are simply amazing from the magnificent Mekong or Yangtze, or Russian waterways of the Tsars and of course the ever popular European Rivers such as the romantic Danube or the Rhine. As you sail past castles and cities I would imagine it to give the feeling that sailing past St Marks square gives, but without the feeling of guilt of being on such a colossal liner.

With such a new modern and luxury range of boats to choose from the average age of a river cruise has also dropped, this may used to have been 60+, but many travelers as they seek new and exciting and travels are in their mid 40/50s. Certainly those that want relaxed, luxury and elegance a river cruise is a good choice. Emerald waterways are offering their new star ships and Viking with the new Long ships. Some complete with spa and pool and exquisite restaurants. Most come near all inclusive with drinks, tips and tours, and some even with door to door pick up.

Will also be a first for me to visit Amsterdam so most certainly looking forward to that too! Watch out for my blogs on some of the individual boats late November!!