River cruising is on the rise and for good reasons! There are more river cruises than ever before with new ships and expanding lines always being announced.
If you’re someone who worries about sea sickness or the vast size of the ocean, river cruising could be your next perfect holiday. Think about getting closer to the destination and really getting into the heart of some charming cities that ocean ships can’t ever take you to…
No Waves, No Seasickness
Whilst it’s rare, some people do get sea sick on a cruise so if this worry has been putting you off then river cruises are probably a great alternative for you. No waves or sea means no rocking motions (so moments having to scramble to the middle of the ship for minimum motion!)
If you’re the type who usually feels a bit queasy whilst sailing, this has to be the ideal way to cruise. The smooth cruise along the river will have you forgetting you’re on the water and the nearby views of the passing scenery will have you feeling not so far from land after all
Perfect For Land Lovers
It’s not uncommon to dislike not being able to see land, sometimes the everlasting view of ocean for miles can have you feeling a little homesick all of a sudden. If you feel like this then don’t forget that on a river cruise, land is constantly in sight.
You’ll never have to endure a sea day and you won’t have anything to fear on the river as all the amenities of living on land are always available. Though you’ll still get the exhilarating feeling of sailing somewhere new so don’t worry about missing out on anything.
Dock In The Heart Of The Ocean
The world’s greatest civilizations were all founded on river banks and you’ll be able to stop and experience some of the most legendary and beautiful cities the modern world has to offer, including Paris, Budapest, Vienna, Prague and so many more…
There are no long transfers getting off and on the ship either, thanks to the modest number of passengers. Whilst river cruising you get to see some of the world’s greatest cultural cities on a daily basis at a much more relaxed pace than the busy schedule of disembarking and embarking your ocean ship for port days.
Those Personal Touches
When aboard a large ocean liner, there can be thousands of other passengers but on a river cruise, the number of guests is considerably less ( and rarely little more than a hundred passengers).
This can give you time to get to know some of your fellow cruisers, if you choose, or even get on to a first-name-basis with some of the staff and officers, making the journey feel more personal and intimate.
Walk Through History
Just walking through a historic city is all well and good but wouldn’t you like to know why the sights are so significant? Not only are land excursions free on river cruises, but they all include a local guide to show you around the town.
This will guarantee you the best sightseeing you can find on holiday and if you don’t like the idea of being stuck in a group then that’s fine too- no-one will stop you if you decide to break away. Docking right in the heart of the city really does mean you can just wander on and off the ship at a more relaxed pace without the fear of losing your way back to the port (which can often be quite far away from the centre of the destination on an ocean cruise!)
Free Dinner Drinks
Why pay for your wine when you can get it for free? Thanks to the all-inclusive nature of river cruising, you won’t be disappointed on this front.
This is yet another small factor that cruise liners can lack, making river cruising a desirable alternative (when free wine is involved, right?)
Unique Itineraries
One of the main draws of river cruising is having a cruise experience that ocean liners just can’t provide. River cruises take you to locations that ocean liners literally can’t. Whereas ocean liners are confined mostly to coastal towns, river cruises take you to the heart and charm of the city.
You can experience grand views of culturally significant architecture and absorb everything from prominent tourist attractions to quieter, secluded sections of the river where nature is the dominant force. There is little comparison to the range of things you’ll see whilst on a river cruise.
For The Adults
It must be said that there’s not much to entertain the kids on a river cruise; what you’ll find instead is a more consistently mature cruise, designed for adult sensibilities, making a perfect relaxing atmosphere.
The lounges onboard feature panoramic windows to gaze out of as the sun sets on your last port of call (keep this in mind if entertainment is a big selling point for your holiday!)
Casual Wear
Many ocean liners ask for smart dress when dining on particular decks, or in the casinos, etc. River cruises don’t have these type of strict policies so feel free to wear whatever you feel most comfortable in- no-one’s there to judge or compare dress codes, only to relax and have a good time!
Although dinner wear is still smart, it tends to be more along the lines of country club casual than formal, and who doesn’t like feeling a little more fancy for your evening meal than you did on the sun deck…
No Long Queues
Perhaps one of the biggest conveniences of being on a smaller ship is that you will rarely have to queue or wait around for anything. Getting off and on the ship is a simple task, considerably quicker than on a large cruise liner where passengers are often forced to shuffle in an orderly manner to board, disembark and wait for the buffet.
Despite some ocean cruises being notorious for high capacity and long queues, we’ve got the pro’s unmissable tips for avoiding those wasted hours of queueing here…
If you’ve ever considered river cruising then now is a better time than ever to get in on the action. If you’ve not considered if before, explore some more river options below with all the tips and guides you need before deciding…
Everything You Didn’t Think You Needed To Know About River Cruising If you like intimate, cosy and personal holidays, you’ll love a river cruise. It’s a way to travel that cancels out sea sickness, brings you closer to new cities and towns than ever before…
What’s Really The Difference Between 5* And 6* Cruising? One of the biggest conundrums for you luxury travellers is whether you want to go for a 5*, or an even fancier 6* cruise line. You’re probably wondering what the real difference is…
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