River cruising is for less active people is a common stereotype. But, the industry has evolved and river cruising is so much more than just a vehicle for transporting you to remote river towns.
Discover how a river cruise can boost your travel experience:
Travel Through Countries
Arrive in a must-see city that sits on or near a European river. Imagine spending a few days immersed in that beautiful city taking in the sites, sounds, and tastes of the local culture. Explore the beautiful gardens, historic locations, and iconic buildings, and enjoy the local gastronomy.
From that city, you embark on a voyage that takes you through Europe’s beautiful countries. Experience them from their waterways as they have been seen for hundreds of years. Get to know the many cities within the countries and regions you are visiting.
Beautiful Scenery
A river journey takes you to many beautiful landscapes of Europe in a single itinerary. Transporting you from the mountainous regions of southern Europe, along the hills of the uplands, the rolling plains and lowlands to the mouth of the rivers where they empty into seas, lakes, or urban cities.
Sight castles and cathedrals as you glide past them, witness endless miles of vineyards as they seasonally change color, and embrace the vision of medieval architecture and modern bridges. Spot historic villages and approach cities that have been beautifully built to flourish along the rivers while enjoying fantastic views of the past and present.
The changing scenery can only be viewed from your private ship as it transports you from point to point on a breathtaking journey and is another way a river cruise will boost your travel experience.
Floating Hotels
Your ship is a “floating boutique hotel”, offering you mostly all-inclusive modern luxuries from arrival to departure.
Arriving at the ship, a bellman collects your luggage so you can check into your cabin to unpack and settle in with time to relax on your private balcony.
Ready for some activity, head out to the fitness room or sun deck for some exercise or a dip in the pool. Need a beverage or a bite to eat, there is always something available when you need or want it.
When it is time for your next meal, try regional favorites in a restaurant-style dining room featuring regionally inspired menus and locally sourced cuisine and wine or beer to accompany your meal.
After dinner, you enjoy light entertainment before you retire to your bed to prepare for tomorrow’s adventure.
When you awake, enjoy a cup of coffee on your balcony or take advantage of the many breakfast options available before heading out to venture to your next destination.
When you return to the ship, relax with a local spirit or wine as you wind down and reflect on your day. Most ships offer spa and beauty services as well as laundry services to round out your “floating hotel” experience.
Intimate Experiences
The intimate size of the ships, with under 200 passengers provides unique opportunities.
High staff-to-guest ratios, offer personalized service and staff who get to know your wants, needs, and habits.
With fewer guests on board, there is more space for you to enjoy the restaurants and lounges without waiting in lines or feeling crowded. Also providing an intimate experience with the other passengers who are traveling among you.
Local Immersion
Travel styles like guests are unique but most travelers when visiting new destinations are looking for the opportunity to immerse in the places they are visiting.
Onboard concierge and cruise managers guide you to off-the-beaten-path destinations and are available to assist you with reaching some of the more popular not to be missed venues.
Ships port for extended periods of time and it is not uncommon for them to overnight in the larger cities to allow you additional time to fully explore. It is not uncommon to enjoy dinner while on shore, attend a concert, or hop on a train and explore further regions. If you want, enjoy additional time in a port and meet the ship in the next port. The opportunity is there for immersing in how you want to boost your travel adventures.
Small Group Excursions
The diversity of excursions accommodates a more personalized experience. Within each destination, there are excursions included in your fare. Small group city tour options guide you to the highlights and landmarks.
Delve deeper into a special interest tour scheduled around your exploring pace and at a time that works with your daily schedule.
Local English-speaking guides are not just knowledgeable but provide first-hand experience and recommendations for connecting you with their local culture.
Active Experiences
Amenities included have become available to guests looking for more active travel enjoyment.
Many of today’s ships carry a fleet of bikes onboard to guide you through cities or to discover on your own.
Active goes beyond the biking option. Hiking and active wellness tours have become norms in the river experience. You can also find yoga, fitness classes, and even private trainers available to boost your journey.
Relaxation Included
With any well-traveled globetrotter, relaxation is an important part of the adventure to keep you going. The time spent onboard when you are not touring can be as enjoyable as the excursions.
Relax in the sanctuary of your stateroom with beautiful balconies to provide serenity.
Luxurious, but cozy uncrowded public spaces offer opportunities to meet new faces, share stories and observe entertainment provided in the lounges and bars.
Relax with a cocktail at the pool, as you watch the world pass by from the sun deck.
Or take some downtime in the fitness center, enjoy a massage, or pamper yourself in the salon .
As you can see, River travel is no longer solely focused on a less active participant. Today’s traveler is sophisticated and many times even multi-faceted which is why river cruising has refocused its customer.
Let BucketList Travel guide you onto a river cruise itinerary that will boost your next travel experience.