5 REASONS TO TRY A RIVER CRUISE

1. It’s the best way to see a large area in the least amount of time

A good example is a European River cruise. My favorite was from Basel, Switzerland to Amsterdam in the Netherlands. This cruise on the ultra luxurious, Crystal Cruise Line took 7 days and also stopped in Strasbourg, France and several places in Germany along the River Rhine and the famous castles and forts of the River Rhine Gorge. Each morning we had a quick, small group tour of the village then had the rest of the day to be on our own. A few hours was all we really needed and then we were ready each night for the delicious gourmet dinner on board. The boat would travel at night and in the morning we had a new city to explore. We would not have wanted to stay overnight and piping back on the boat was so much easier that taking trains or going by car!

2. You only unpack once

This is obvious but again, you don’t really need more than one day to see these cities and villages. It’s a quick tour but you get to see many places easily and can decide where you want to spend more time on your next vacation. The boat itself is like a boutique hotel on the water and usually had fantastic views from each cabin and the public areas. I do highly recommend you stay a few days before your cruise on Lake Lucerne in Switzerland and in Amsterdam post trip.

3. It's All Inclusive

All the meals, most alcoholic and regular drinks are included, as well as most of the tours each day. Depending on the cruise line, there may be a beverage package or additional excursions and spa or salon services available to purchase. Our Crystal Ship, the Bach, had 3 great dining options- an indoor lounge with class walls and ceiling, a bistro, phenomenal rooftop bar and lounge area, and in cabin service. It also had a gym, and a hydro flow pool (the kind where you do laps in one place with a strong jet current).

4. It's Fun!

I’m in my 40’s and used to think river cruising was for older people but times are changing. The cruise lines are getting more contemporary and are offering many more active excursions like biking and hiking tours. Most ships only hold about 100 guests so everyone gets very friendly. I went with my own small group so we always ate together and had our own tour guides but we had plenty of chances to mingle with people from all over the world when we were in the bar or enjoying the evening entertainment. The cruise also took us to a concert in one of the villages and a Michelin star restaurant in Amsterdam.

5. There are Several Types to Choose From

I’ve done a winter holiday market cruise along the River Danube from Budapest To Slovenia to Vienna and back with an English company called Riviera. I don’t think I would normally travel to those cities but I actually enjoyed all the lovely architecture and Christmas decorations and of course the mulled wine! And tea time with all the people from the United Kingdom was always enjoyable.

I’ve also taken a luxury cruise up the Amazon River Cruise on Aqua Expeditions in Peru. I’m not the type to rough it and I didn’t have to on this 1st class small ship (with 16 cabins). I loved exploring each day on the little skiv boats finding Pink River Dolphins, Gray Dolphins, Manatees, tons of types of monkeys and bird species! We stopped and donated supplies at a remote village then fished for Barracuda and had them for dinner. There is no better way to see this remote region.

Try a cruise in an area you haven’t traveled before. I bet you’ll love it!