If you love the excitement and adventure of ocean cruises, you may be wondering what a river cruise has in store. River cruises offer a unique and intimate way to explore destinations through their inland waterways. Think of them as multiple city breaks in one holiday!
A few of our team attended a River Cruise Conference in Vienna, and had the opportunity to tour a few of the river ships and learn more about the key reasons to choose a river cruise:
John Warr – Group MD:
River cruises are incredible value for money in comparison to paying for separate city breaks. Travel on ships that drop you right in the heart of cities with flexibility to either ‘do your own thing’, on foot or using one of the bikes on board, or join the mostly included excursions with various degrees of pace.
Lewis Johnston – e-Commerce Manager:
If you love city breaks, and exploring, then a river cruise is perfect for you! The cost day by day and getting the value for money is an amazing perk of a river cruise. Food, drinks, accommodation, range of tours, service and return travel all included! The choice of product is massive… and yes, the cost varies by brand but the quality of food and service is second to none.
Here are five reasons why you should consider booking a river cruise:
1. Cultural Immersion
An ocean cruise takes you to a destination, whereas a river cruise will take you through a destination. River cruises allow you to immerse yourself in local cultures and traditions in a way that is often inaccessible to larger ocean liners. Because river cruises dock in smaller ports and towns, you’ll have the opportunity to explore destinations that are off the beaten path. Plus, you can get up close and personal with the local culture, history, and cuisine of places that you might otherwise never see. And let’s not forget… some ocean ports can be over an hour away from the main point of interest, whilst a river port will be at the heart of the destination meaning you can just step ashore and explore.
2. Intimate Setting
River cruises typically carry fewer passengers than ocean cruises, creating a more intimate setting for your voyage. This means you’ll have the opportunity to get to know your fellow travellers and the crew on a more personal level, which can lead to a more enjoyable and memorable experience. The smaller ships also mean you can dock right in the heart of a city, making it easy to explore on foot.
3. Scenic Views
River cruises offer some of the most stunning and picturesque views. Unlike ocean cruises, which often involve vast stretches of open water, river cruising takes you through some of the world’s most beautiful waterways. Meander through some of the world’s most breathtaking landscapes, from the vineyards of France to the castles of Germany to the temples of Asia. They offer constantly changing vistas that will take your breath away.
4. Unique Experiences
River cruises offer a range of cultural experiences that you won’t find on ocean cruises. From wine tastings in France to bike tours in Amsterdam, there’s something for everyone on a river cruise. And because river cruises tend to be more intimate, you’ll have a more personalised experience that can make these activities even more special. Onboard lectures, cooking demonstrations, and wine tastings are just a few of the ways you can immerse yourself in the local culture. You’ll also have the opportunity to attend concerts, visit museums, and participate in guided tours of historic sites.
5. Relaxed Pace
Ocean cruises can sometimes feel like a race to cram in as many activities and destinations as possible. River cruises offer a more relaxed pace, with plenty of time to savour each destination and really get to know the local culture. You’ll have ample time to explore on your own, relax onboard, or simply take in the scenery.
River cruises offer a unique and rewarding experience that ocean cruises simply can’t match. Whether you’re a seasoned cruiser or a first-timer, a river cruise is definitely worth considering for your next vacation.
Visit our sister site, RiverCruising.co.uk to explore the river cruises we have to offer!
