Is River Cruising the Right Choice?

River cruising is definitely hot!  River cruise companies are adding ships and itineraries like crazy!  They have also opened the experience to exotic locations, so it’s not just Europe anymore.  River cruising is a great experience, if it’s the right one for you.  Here are some pros and cons to consider when you are thinking about river cruising for your next travel experience.

River cruising is an easy experience in a foreign land.  You have the opportunity to visit multiple cities, often in multiple countries, without messing with packing and unpacking and with no concerns about transportation.  Your meals are handled, special experiences are included in each port and the staff speaks English and can offer insight and history on the cities you visit.

Visiting those cities is somewhat limited.  Personally, I could spend a month exploring Paris and still not be done.  You are not going to have that kind of time at any city you visit on a river cruise.  If you want to totally experience the sites and culture of a particular city, a land vacation in a hotel for an extended time would make more sense.

The scenery on a river cruise is a big draw.  You slip past vineyards, towns, castles and such while the ship travels from port to port.  It’s up to you whether you enjoy the scenery slipping past from your stateroom or share the experience with fellow travelers up on deck.  Personally, I could watch the changing scenery endlessly, and never be bored.

The on shore site seeing is included in the fare with most lines and many offer varied levels of activity to suit the guests.  Be aware, there is a lot of walking for most tours and often on cobblestone streets.  The experiences are best enjoyed by active travelers.  Many river cruise lines offer bicycles, included, or for a fee, for the guests that choose to experience the countryside by bike, and some even offer the opportunity to ride bicycles from one port to the next on some itineraries.

Be sure to consider your comfort level for activity when thinking about a river cruise.  There are areas of the ship that cannot be reached with an elevator.  Additionally, there are times when ships are docked two deep at the port, and to reach shore, you have to cross through another ship.

The best lines include local cuisine and entertainment on the ship, so dining is a pleasure where you can experience the tastes of the area or stick to standard offerings you’d see at restaurants at home.  Many include beer and wine with lunch and dinner.  If you enjoy an all-inclusive experience, river cruising is very close.

River cruising as it is today is an adult experience.  Disney will be kicking off family-river cruising in 2016, but for right now, it is mostly a kid free experience.

Different lines offer different experiences, and they vary by the part of the world you are visiting.  There are themed cruises available as well.  Wine tours, painting while traveling, special holiday cruising.  These are all things you can find if any of those activities appeal to you. 

Do your research or check with your travel professional to be sure you will be comfortable with the experience and that river cruising is right for you.