River Cruises - Why getting out of the sea may be right for you.

River Cruises are an exciting alternative to cruising on an ocean liner.

River cruises are becoming more and more popular not only as a way to enjoy a cruise, but to explore a destination with more detail and intimacy than a larger ocean liner affords. Many established European routes have seen growth and can offer a wider range in itineraries. Imagine sailing down the canals in Amsterdam, or stopping in French villages to sample the local wines and cheeses. Asian river cruise routes are also gaining in duration and variety.

Intimacy on board a River Cruise

Naturally, River Cruising takes place on smaller ships in order to navigate the inter waterways. The smaller ships afford more intimacy in ways the larger mega-liners cannot. You spend more time with the captain and crew, including the cruise director, who overseas shore excursions, ship talks and more. Additionally, your cabin is never far from anything you need. You’ll have the luxury of getting to know the ship well.

In addition to getting to know your officers and ship better, you’ll also get to spend more time getting to know your destination. Imagine travelling down the Rhone River in the French Wine Country, leisurely exploring cities and towns such as Lyon and her locally produced cheeses, or southern Burgandy to explore her Romanesque churches. Enjoy wine tasting at local vineyards before strolling back to your cabin on board the river cruise.

Cruising down a river gives you an authentic way to travel and get to know the culture and residents in places such as China. Travel along scenic stretches of the Yangtze River through limestone ridges, Three Gorges, visiting temples and ancient cites as you make your way from Shanghai to Beijing.

All inclusive

Unlike most ocean cruises, excursions and guided tours are included with your river cruises. Drinks such as wine and spirits with dinner are also built-in and not an extra charge. Wine with dinner. If you compare a River cruise with the cost of an ocean cruise, be sure to take in account that ocean cruises often don’t include wine or spirits, and only Regent Seven Seas offers excursions included with the cost, so compare accordingly.

Active Travel

With a River Cruise, you’re more likely to be in a new town every day, allowing you to disembark and explore the town at your leisure. And as Gary Murphy of AmaWaterways states, “There are no tenders or lengthy transfers [from the ship docks] to the city centers.” You can walk right off the ship and see the sights immediately. Most river cruises also have bicycles on board for a more active pursuit and some even offer guided bike tours. You could even travel up or down the river on the bike path and meet the boat at the next town. And because you’re never far from the boat, if you choose to return for lunch, it’s as easy as simply walking back on board. Don’t worry if all the walking and biking wear you out, there’s still plenty of time to relax and enjoy the scenery as you float along.

Exotic and Authentic Travel

On a River Cruise, you’ll get up close and personal with the historic villages and cities you visit. And with fewer people on board your river cruise, you’ll never wait long in line to disembark or even experience crowds in larger ocean ports that may have two or even three large cruise ships tendered off shore. Get to know the little seen enclaves, witness castles just off the banks of the river as you smoothly glide through colorful scenery. Shop in local farmers markets, taking home exquisite hand crafted trinkets. With river cruises available in numerous European cities, Russia, Ukraine, China, Brazil, Vietnam, Cambodia, Egypt, and the African plains, the world is yours.

Just like with any cruise, spend a little time choosing a river cruise that’s right for you. Chat now with a Luxe Travel Agent or contact the Luxe Travel team at 1-866-365-8747.

What destinations would you like to see on a River Cruise?