Benefits Of River Cruising {Top 10 Reasons}
Table of Contents
Post Last Modified – July 16, 2022
I certainly have noticed and especially the last few seasons, the increased popularity in River Cruising vacations.
I have had family members who have taken river cruise holidays in Europe most recently. They were pleasantly surprised with the experience and the many benefits of river cruising has to offer.
They enjoyed a relaxed holiday, taking in many spectacular sites along the way. At the same time, experiencing the many inclusions offered with a river cruise package vacation.
Below, my guest author offers ten great benefits and more, you can expect when selecting this type of cruise vacation.
Robert
Experience The Benefits Of River Cruising
River cruising has risen dramatically in popularity over recent years. Between 2009 and 2013 river cruising saw an annual passenger increase of 10%.
Since then, this form of cruising as risen in popularity dramatically!
River cruising offers a number of advantages and very unique destinations to experience, over other regular cruise holidays.
Top Ten Great Benefits Of River Cruising
No Hidden Extra Costs
Benefits Of River Cruising #1
With river cruising, it is very common that the majority of costs are included within the original price of the holiday. Most river cruise lines offer at least one excursion per day – within the price.
As well, all meals and drinks at mealtimes are included. This includes 🍺 beer and wine.
It’s important to check exact details, as inclusions do vary.
That said though, with river cruises there are usually fewer hidden surprise costs to endure, compared to other holidays.
A Sit Back Relaxed Pace River Cruising
Benefits Of River Cruising #2
Sailing along scenic rivers is a lovely, relaxing way to spend a holiday. Speeds are not fast, so there’s plenty of time to relax and take in the surrounding views.
Unlike ocean cruising, there’s always something to see when sailing on a river with incredible views on each side.
So it really doesn’t matter which side of the vessel you’re on!
Expect Conveniences Of A Contemporary Hotel
Benefits Of River Cruising #3
Restaurants, bars, lounges, fitness facilities, spas, internet access and comfortable staterooms. Yes, all these can be found on the river boats of many cruise lines.
Sizes of rooms are of course smaller than those on an ocean cruise liner, but lines like – Avalon Waterways use the space effectively to create a generous comfortable room size.
Up to 80% of the Suite Ship Staterooms are known as – Panorama Suites.
These come complete with floor-to-ceiling sliding windows which open up to give you a 7 foot opening, with beds facing the view!
Unpack Just Once On Your River Cruise
Benefits Of River Cruising #4
As the boat acts like a floating hotel, there is no need to continually 🧳 pack, unpack and carry bags from one point to another. Get comfortable in your selected cabin for the entire cruise.
Just one of the great benefits of cruising!
Enjoy A Relaxed Dress Code
Benefits Of River Cruising #5
Dress code is usually informal, so the heavy evening gowns and formal tuxedos are not a necessity.
Select cruise ships still have formal dinner nights, where smart dress is requested if so desired.
The option is yours and of course, there still are formal dress evenings for you to enjoy as well!
Make New Friends On Your Cruise
Benefits Of River Cruising #6
Cruises in general are integrally social and that’s what makes them special.
Passengers spend time at dinner together, often sharing tables with strangers. This is a prime opportunity to engage with your fellow cruisers, if you so wish.
Children are also a rarity on river cruises, with the majority of passengers being within the – 50+ age bracket.
Just perfect for us baby boomers and retirees!
This means that many people will find themselves in a similar situation, with similar passions and pastimes. The perfect place to meet like-minded people!
Be sure to check out my recent post here on 🛳 Solo Cruises For Over 50 and why they’re a great way to travel and meet like minded individuals.
Worldwide Exploration
Benefits Of River Cruising #7
Although Europe is the most popular destination for river cruises, you don’t have to be limited to just the one continent.
River cruises are available all over the world from; China to Vietnam, United States and beyond.
There’s a perfect cruise waiting just for you, wherever you would like to travel to!
Experience A New Destination Each Day
Benefits Of River Cruising #8
Distances between ports on rivers are much shorter than the ports of typical ocean cruises. Therefore, you will often dock at a different unique location each morning or evening (depending on what time your sailing occurs.)
This means that there is little opportunity to get bored. Every day, there’s; a new place, a new excursion, even new culture and cuisine if the boat has sailed into another country!
An added benefit of river cruising with smaller ships, is that often you will dock in the heart of a destination.
This means that there is often minimum travel time to get to what you want to see, with more time to tour.
Immerse Yourself In The Local Culture
Benefits of River Cruising #9
You will want to get the most from each destination you visit on a river cruise. Chefs on board prepare regional dishes and regional 🍷 wines and 🍺 beer are served, depending on the day’s destination.
The tours are designed to enable you to see pivotal sights in each destination, to really get a feel for the history and traditions/culture of each city or town.
The excursions are not obligatory and if you prefer, you can explore independently on your own.
Often, just sitting back people watching in a little local cafe, can tell you a lot about a place in itself.
Special Themed River Cruises
Benefits of River Cruising #10
The demand for themed river cruises is also on the rise. Itineraries built around destinations which are known for their culinary delights and/or their wine expertise, are growing in availability and popularity.
Now more than ever, river cruises are becoming centered around – special themes. Cruise themes such as; sports like golf, health and wellness, music oriented and so on.
If you’ve never considered a river cruise vacation, perhaps it’s time you did!
I am happy to present this collaborative guest post in the hopes of offering travel inspiration and helpful information to you as well.
This article was inspired by Avalon Waterways, specialists in first class river cruising experiences in Europe and Worldwide.
I received an email newsletter from my Professional Cruise Consultant that I normally book with. I thought I would pass it on for those who may be wondering what is happening in the cruise industry.
I was recently looking at some cruises in 2022 & 2023 for some clients. I was pleasantly surprised to see sailings were already filling up fast or even sold out.
Now that cruises are beginning to resume in many parts of the world, bookings are filling fast once again!
Safe and Healthy Travels! 🙂
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