River cruises are growing in popularity and are not just for the senior crowd. If you like tours but don't like the crowds or packing and unpacking daily consider a river cruise. If you want to maximize your vacation time and see a few countries, or multiple cities within a country consider a river cruise. Stick with me before you say, "not for me".
River cruises are about the destinations and authentic experiences in the places you visit. The experience is like stepping onto a boutique hotel that takes you from one destination to the next while you sleep. Rather than traveling TO a country, you travel THROUGH a county or countries. You reach less-traveled areas to experience unique places, people, hidden gems, and all within walking distance of the ship most times.
Let’s look at what you get for your hard-earned money. Of course, a well-appointed room with a view, all meals, wine or beer with dinner and a cocktail hour. One line has a 15-course meal with wine parings included at least once each trip. Onboard there are also free destination talks and various seminars. Wellness programs are included with classes, talks, yoga, Tai Chi, and Champagne Yoga. River cruise ships vary but you can find lounges, reading areas, observation or sundecks, restaurants, sauna, spa, salon, fitness area and some even have a small pool.
Excursions are included. You heard me right, included. And not just any excursions; unique places like private castles, medieval wine cellars, and even truffle hunting. Try a gondola ride to a hilltop vineyard and learn about centuries old wine making. Take a cooking class in Serbia then dine on your meal. Maybe visit a private library where famous composers wrote their best works. Bikes are waiting for you to use, take a hike, or just walk the fairytale towns along the river. These excursions are for all fitness levels and excursion sizes are small and intimate to allow more personal time for questions or to sample local delicacies.
If you get seasick, with the smooth movement through the water, you don't have to worry about getting seasick. The ships are small so when it is time to leave the ship, you are not waiting for extended periods just to get off the ship. The capacity is less than 200 passenger per ship so book early, they usually fill six months to a year in advance.
Try a themed cruise like Wine, Golf, Gardens, or Christmas Markets. If you are looking for roller coasters, water slides, private islands, casinos, party-till-you-drop entertainment, or formal nights, this may not be the choice for you. They also do not have doctors onboard but you are close to shore should a doctor be necessary.
River cruises like all other types of travel, vary by vendor and this article addressed most common situations on river cruises. Always check with your advisor for more information.
Photos: Top: Bran Castle, Romania (Dracula's Castle) Center: Strasbourg, France Bottom: Reichsburg Castle, Germany
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