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WHAT IS A RIVER CRUISE?
Relaxing. Immersive. Enjoyable.
River Cruises
A river cruise explores the most cosmopolitan cities developed along the world’s first trade routes like iconic “must-sees” such as Paris, Amsterdam, and Budapest to unique villages and towns. Additionally, cities like Berlin, Lisbon, Prague, Vienna, Moscow, Cairo, and Beijing are a few examples of rivers that are open to river cruises. Some lesser-known rivers like the Mekong in Southeast Asia and the Main in Germany are also options.
According to Viking River Cruises a river cruise can be defined as:
- A form of leisure travel that takes guests along inland waterways.
- Usually, there are several port stops over the course of each passage.
- Typical river cruises often last longer than a week.
- Carry anywhere from 100 to 250 guests, depending on the ship size.
- Are popular on many of the world’s major rivers, including the Danube, Rhine, Volga, and Yangtze.
How do river cruises differ from ocean cruises?
One of the most significant differences between river cruises and ocean cruises is that the latter is less intimate. Ocean liners can host and accommodate significantly more guests. River ships mean fewer guests, but more opportunity to get to know fellow travelers, which often lead to great friendships.
In contrast to ocean cruises that may include multiple sea days, you will rarely experience a full day of sailing on a river cruise. Typically, guests will awake each morning to find themselves in a new port. With river cruising, you can also enjoy breathtaking scenery from your ship so the journey itself becomes part of your discovery.
For individuals that tend to get seasick, river cruises have the advantage of being smoother. That’s because river cruises travel in shallow waters, and land is always on sight. Lastly, most river cruises offer inclusive value, meaning that Wi-Fi, water, alcohol, and excursions are all covered. Ocean cruises offer more upscale amenities like multiple dining options, excursions, Wi-Fi, and live entertainment for an extra cost.
What to expect from a river cruise?
ACCOMMODATIONS: Most staterooms are river-facing and come equipped with hotel-style beds, private bathrooms, individual climate control, refrigerators, safes, and TVs. Rooms range from 150 to 600 square feet. Higher stateroom may have French balconies, verandas, and separate sleeping and sitting quarters.
Additionally, ships include restaurants, lounges, and bars, as well as free Wi-Fi. Some ships even come equipped with libraries, boutiques, pools, and/or sun decks.
All guests receive excellent and personalized service from onboard staff.
CUISINE: Great care is taken for patrons to enjoy regional cuisine. Ingredients are locally sourced to help with authenticity. Wine pairings are also selected from local tastes to help guests get a closer understanding of a region’s culture.
Guests are given the choice of selecting where and what to eat. Breakfast can either be enjoyed al fresco or at the morning buffet while lunch or dinner can be eaten while viewing the scenery. Open seating is offered to allow guests to meet new people.
THINGS TO DO: Culture. Art. History.
River cruisers spend more time in the cities, towns, and ports along the way. This is a major significance between the river and ocean cruises. There’s an ample opportunity to find something to do at every port, whether it’s visiting an ancient castle, attending a concert, a guided tour, shore excursions, a famous museum or simply strolling around local shops.
Happy Cutomers
