River Boats – My First Impressions

I just love my job! Last week I was sailing the high seas on board MSC Preziosa and then last weekend I spent a couple of nights in Amsterdam at this years river cruise convention. It’s hard work you know.

I was really excited to attend this event as I have only ever visited one river boat before and that was many years ago on the Nile. It was great to be able to visit the different boats that were docked in Amsterdam. They really were very different and there was something to suit all tastes and budgets. Talking of taste – do you consider this to be a little over the top? This is an example of one of the Uniworld boats…..

Our first night was spent on board Emerald Sky – she is very modern, neutral colour schemes and ultra stylish. I was amazed at how long she is.

Had a really great nights sleep and was ready for the convention to begin.

The convention itself was very informative and had a really positive message. River Cruise booking numbers are increasing massively year on year. The river cruise lines are coming up with ever increasing ideas to tempt ocean cruisers away from the big ship – CroissiEurope will have something similar to a paddle boat steamer next year – how much fun will that be?

It isn’t really a holiday I have looked into before, I thought it would be for older people, not much happening etc but after experiencing the hospitality and feel of these boats, I can’t wait to try one out.

Sure it wont appeal to young couples with families but there are so many different itineraries – Christmas markets, wine & food cruises, sight seeing and history  not forgetting the mighty Mississippi. Why not give it a go?