Discover River Cruises: Your Questions Answered
My guest writer Jenny brings some valuable insights into the world of river cruising.
If you are considering booking a river cruise and looking for expert guidance, Jenny can help. She also works with her team to book cruises and other adventures to destinations around the world.
Discover River Cruises: Some Frequently Asked Questions
Welcome to the fascinating world of river cruising. If you’re considering this peaceful and scenic way to travel, you probably have a lot of questions. Having cruised or sailed on 40 river cruises, I’ll share insights and tips to help you start your ideal river cruise trip.
You can also learn more and contact me via www.rivercruising.blog.
A river cruise is a journey along the historic inland waterways, stopping at various ports along the way. Unlike ocean cruises, river cruises feature smaller ships that can navigate narrow rivers and dock in the center of towns. This allows for a more intimate and immersive experience at each destination.
What are the main differences between river cruises and ocean cruises?
There are significant differences between river cruises and ocean cruises in the following aspects:
- Ship size: River cruises are much smaller, usually seating around 100-200 passengers, while most ocean cruises are much larger.
- Port access: River cruises dock in the heart of a city, town or country, providing easy access to local attractions and culture.
- landscape: On a river cruise, there’s always something to see as you sail along the river, from picturesque villages to historic landmarks.
- tour: The included shore excursions are typically more frequent and immersive, focusing on local culture, history and cuisine.
- Entertainment and facilities: Ocean Cruises offers a wide range of entertainment and facilities, including multiple dining options, theatres, shops, swimming pools and sports facilities. They might do activities like rock climbing, basketball, and water slides. River cruises, on the other hand, offer more low-key entertainment such as musical performances, trivia nights, and theme nights. Amenities may include plunge pools, gyms and spas.
Which rivers are best for cruising?
Some of the most popular cruising rivers offer visitors a wealth of experiences and attractions:
- Rhine River: The Rhine River is famous for its fairytale castles, lush vineyards and historic towns. Visitors can see the picturesque Lorelei Rock, charming medieval villages and majestic castles perched on the hillside. Key highlights include exploring the Gothic architecture of Cologne Cathedral and the romantic Old Town of Heidelberg.
- Danube River: The Danube River flows through ten countries and is a treasure trove of culture and history. Travelers can visit big cities like Vienna, home to royal palaces and classical music heritage, and Budapest, known for its stunning architecture and thermal baths. The river also flows through the picturesque Wachau Valley, famous for its wine production and picturesque villages.
- Rhône Valley: The Rhone River flows through the heart of Provence, offering visitors an experience of French culture, food and wine. Highlights include the ancient Roman city of Arles, the beautiful scenery of the Camargue, and the historic city of Lyon, renowned for its culinary excellence.
- Douro River: Portugal’s Douro River is famous for its stunning scenery and port wine production. Visitors can enjoy stunning views of terraced vineyards, charming riverside villages and historic cities such as Porto. The Douro Valley is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its unique landscape and cultural significance.
- Mekong River: The Mekong River flows through Vietnam and Cambodia, offering exotic and culturally rich experiences. Travelers can explore bustling markets, ancient temples and countryside. Highlights include the floating markets of the Mekong Delta, the historic temples of Angkor Wat, and the colonial architecture of Phnom Penh.
There are many other navigable rivers that can be explored by river boat, including the Nile, Ganges, and Mississippi.
What should I expect in terms of accommodation?
River cruises offer a variety of accommodation options from fixed-window cabins to luxury suites. There are no interior cabins on board. For example, the Scenic Crystal Hotel’s Balcony Suites come with all-weather balcony systems, luxury linens, and modern amenities like flat-screen TVs and minibars. Known for its opulent décor and beautifully designed cabins, Uniworld SS Catherine offers you a comfortable and stylish home away from home.
Choosing the right cabin can transform your river cruising experience. Depending on your preference, you can choose from a suite with a private balcony, a larger room with additional amenities, or a more affordable option that still offers comfort and style. For more detailed guidance, see my blog on choosing the right cabin on a river cruise.
Do river cruises include meals?
Yes, all meals are included and are a highlight of the river cruise experience. Dining on a river cruise is usually a gastronomic affair, focusing on local ingredients and regional specialties. Scenic Crystal offers a superior dining experience with multiple dining venues and a wide selection of wines and spirits. Uniworld SS Catherine also offers excellent cuisine, often using fresh, local ingredients.
What kind of travel can I expect?
Excursions are an important part of the cruise experience. Most cruises include daily shore excursions led by knowledgeable local guides. These include walking tours of historic cities and wine tastings in famous vineyards, such as those along the Rhine and Rhône rivers. For example, on a Rhône cruise you might visit the Beaune Hospice and enjoy wine tastings in Tournon and Tarmitage.
Is a river cruise suitable for solo travelers?
Absolutely. Some river cruise lines offer dedicated sailings for solo travelers, while others offer reduced solo traveler supplementary fees. River cruises are smaller and more intimate settings, making it easy to meet other passengers and participate in group activities and excursions.
Can children take river cruises?
Yes, sometimes. There are some river cruise lines that cater specifically to families, and A-Rosa is particularly good at this. Some companies allow children above a certain age but do not provide additional facilities. I can advise families on the best options.
Are river cruises all-inclusive?
There’s a lot to offer between river cruise lines. Some river cruises are all-inclusive, including accommodation, meals and tours. Scenic cruises, for example, offer a truly all-inclusive experience, from fine dining to shore excursions, with gratuities included in the ticket price. Others only include drinks with meals. There are also options that exclude excursions for maximum flexibility.
What are the highlights of a river cruise?
Some personal highlights from my river cruising experience include:
- Douro Valley wine tasting: Cruise through one of Portugal’s most beautiful regions and taste delicious port wine.
- Sailing on Scenic Crystal: Enjoy the panoramic views from the sun deck and dine at the specialty restaurant, Table La Rive.
- Explore with Uniworld SS Catherine: Visit charming towns like Viviers and the vibrant city of Avignon on the banks of the Rhone.
River cruises offer a unique and enriching way to travel, providing unforgettable experiences along some of the most beautiful waterways in the world. One of my favorite things is to sit on the deck and watch the world go by. Being able to explore new places every day while having a room to stay in is something I appreciate as well.
How to find the right river cruise
As a river cruise expert, I can help you find the ideal river cruise that suits your preferences and interests. Whether you prefer Europe’s historic cities or lush wine regions, I can provide personalized recommendations to fit your budget and travel style.
My goal is to help you navigate the many options available and find a cruise that perfectly matches your requirements.
For more information and to start planning your next adventure, visit www.rivercruising.blog or www.travelcounsellors.co.uk/jenny.cookman.
