Do a bit of research into the river cruise industry and you’ll see that it just keeps growing and growing. It’s seeing a surge of popularity with booking numbers increasing year on year, making it one of the most interesting travel options currently available. So why is that? If you’ve never thought of a river cruise before you might not know the benefits. That’s why we bring you this basic guide to river cruising.
What makes a river cruise different?
River cruises share a lot of similarities with ocean cruises or coach trips but there is plenty which helps to make them stand out. It’s almost the middle ground between the two types of holiday – similar to an ocean cruise you’ll arrive on-board, unpack just the once and be taken from destination to destination with a moving hotel room. However similar to coach trips you’ll be taken right into the heart of these destinations rather than to the nearest port, with guided tours included to show you the true highlights. You also don’t have any ‘sea’ days, meaning you’ve always got something to look at even if it is simply rolling countryside.
What are the benefits of a river cruise?
There are many benefits even outside those already mentioned, that you’re taken on a trip to a wealth of great towns, cities and landmarks and you’ll arrive in most cases right at the heart of the action, so to speak. On top of that you’ll find all your food is included and, with most cruise lines, your drinks (at least during breakfast and dinner). Yes, this does usually include wines and beers too. And most excursions on cruise lines are part of the fare, so overall a river cruise offers fantastic value.
Where can you go?
Most river cruises are based in Europe, with a number of towns and cities built on the banks of the rivers. The Rhine and the Danube are two of the most popular, running through central Europe including Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland, Hungary, Austria and more. There’s also the Douro in Portugal and Spain, and the Seine in France, as just some other examples.
Further afield, as the longest river in the world the Nile offers many attractions, primarily the history of Ancient Egypt, while in the Far East there’s the Mekong and Yangtze rivers that let you explore Vietnam, Cambodia and China. Or sail on the Volga in Russia, with tours taking you between the stunning cities of St Petersburg and Moscow.
And that sums up the absolute basics of river cruising. Though if we’ve missed anything, let us know in the comments below.
By Ian Lewis
Google
