River Cruises: What To Expect

River cruising is one of the fastest-growing segments of the cruise industry, and it’s no wonder:  River cruises give you a more intimate and diverse experience that you just don’t get on the bigger ocean cruises.  You get to experience cities and port that bigger cruise ships can’t get to, which allows you to immerse yourself in the local culture.

A great way to think about river cruises is as a land tour – only on a boat.  The focus is much more on your ports of call than on activities on the ship.  In fact, you’ll probably spend more time in each port than you do on the ship, and, unlike ocean cruises, some – or even all – of your on-shore excursions are included in your overall trip pricing.  Since river cruise ships are smaller, they have access to more ports, many of which are closer to the town center – so you get a better look at typical life than the touristy attractions you usually see with ocean cruising.  You’ll even get an opportunity to try some local activities such as cheese making, brewing beer, or learning to cook the local cuisines.

Some things to keep in mind before deciding if a river cruise is right for you:

• You won’t see a lot of young children on board.  Since a river cruise ship is much smaller, the entertainment options (including kid-friendly activities) just aren’t there.  While children are welcomed, you may want to think twice before bringing your young children.
• Disability-friendly facilities may not be available.  River cruises tend to be a bit more active than ocean cruises, and many ports you will be visiting may not be handicap accessible.  If you have mobility or other health restrictions, you may want to check before scheduling your trip.
• Choosing when you go is just as important as where.  Because you are on rivers and smaller bodies of water, access will depend on the season.  Heavy rains or shallow waters could make it difficult for ships to pass under bridges or through locks, which may change your itinerary.

Here are some the best rivers to cruise:

1. Danube River (Germany, Hungary Austria)
2. Rhine River (Switzerland, Austria, Germany, France, Netherlands)
3. Rhone River (France)
4. Volga (Russia)
5. Elbe (Germany, Czechia)

These are all wonderful destinations.  Your experiences and ports of call along the way will vary significantly from cruise line to cruise line, so do your homework, find those places that you would like to visit along each river and then contact Luxury Destinations Concierge to help you plan out your perfect river cruise!  Give us a call at 805-236-4437 to get started.