When it comes to cruising, most people are familiar with ocean cruising and the stereotypical notion of huge boats, myriad of activities, and glamorous dinners. However, for some this type of travel can be a little overwhelming: the crowds, the endless ship corridors, the outfit changes… If this isn’t your cup of tea, there’s an alternative way to cruise: river cruising.
Beauty of a river cruise
Whether you’re fascinated with the beauty of the Rhine or venturing out on a mysterious Amazon River Cruise, Avalon Waterways offers these top five reasons why a river cruise is a better cruise.
1. Itinerary Choice
River cruising is a fantastic way to see lots of places in one break and there are dozens of itineraries to choose from. A boon for both experienced travelers, and those new to travel. There are even themed river cruises available. For example, focus your holiday around a particular interest: travel destinations known for their culinary delights, or their wine expertise, or take a river cruise centered around a hobby, such as golf or music.
Cruising the River Seine
An added benefit of vacationing by boat is that for those that are less mobile, a holiday centered around one location may not be ideal as it usually requires a fair amount of travel either on foot or by car or bus, in order to see as much as possible. However, there’s none of that when traveling by river boat – there are constant views and interesting sites, and even with the excursions, the travel is minimal.
2. Relaxed Pace
As the ship sails along the river, there is so much to see – beautiful views on each side, varying from idyllic landscapes to charismatic cities. The meandering pace of the ship makes the experience very relaxing, and it’s the ideal way to see a vast amount of landscape without having to travel on foot or by car or bus, which can be exhausting.
With an excursion in each new destination there is plenty to do, although none of it is mandatory. If you’re more comfortable on board the ship, you can miss the days’ excursion. Alternatively, you can explore independently at your leisure. An added bonus of river cruising is that the boats often dock in the heart of a destination, meaning that there is minimal walking or traveling to get to the epicenter of activity and culture.
Relaxed and idyllic travel on river cruises
3. Unpack Once
As the boat acts like a floating hotel, there is no need to continually pack, unpack and carry bags from one point to the next.
Dress code is usually informal, so the heavy evening gowns and formal tuxedos are not a necessity like they often are on ocean cruises. This also saves a lot of room in cases and (hopefully) means baggage is lighter to carry.
Casual dining and meeting new people
4. Make New Friends
Cruises in general are integrally social – passengers spend time at dinner together, often sharing tables, the excursions are held in groups, and there is plenty of time to sight see from the deck. A prime opportunity to talk to fellow cruisers.
A romantic time together
5. Great Value for Money
River ships, as you would expect with ocean ships, have all the amenities of a modern hotel; restaurants, bars, lounges, fitness facilities, spas, internet access and comfortable staterooms which are appointed to a high quality. For example, those on Avalon Waterways’ river ships are five star standard – the bathrooms are marble, rooms have premium beds, flat-screen satellite TV and Wi-Fi. In addition, there are thoughtful touches including Egyptian linens and quality robes and slippers to enhance your comfort.
Rhine River Cruise
It doesn’t stop there with what’s included. At least one excursion per day is included with the price, including a local tour guide, as well as all gourmet meals and drinks at mealtimes, including beers and wine. Meals are prepared by top chefs on board, and are usually regional to the destination, as are the wines and beers. Gratuities for your Cruise Director and Crew are also included, unlike some other river cruise lines.
With these benefits applying to any river cruise you might choose, it’s easy to see why this type of holiday has grown significantly in popularity in recent years. All you have to do is choose where you want to go – the rolling hills and luscious landscapes of Europe, the bright lights of American cities, the exotic vistas of Asia, or beyond. The choice is yours.
Contact: Avalon Waterways to book your next river cruise.
