Discover the Joys of a River Cruise

Let’s look more in-depth at what a river cruise can offer you and how you can make the most of such an experience!

What to Expect From A River Cruise

If you have never joined a river cruise, know that there are plenty of aspects to look forward to on such a trip! You want to set the right expectations from such an experience if you are to appreciate it at its fullest potential.

Explore The Cities Along The River

Rivers were the first commercial routes in the world, and many captivating cities developed along them. As you enjoy your river cruise, there will be several stops in the towns that are touched by the river. Depending on the cruise’s schedule, you will have a certain amount of time to explore the area and check out some local attractions. Typically, river cruises stop in a different port each day and there are organized excursions you can join.

Great Accommodation

The accommodation on the ship will be just as comfortable, if not even more comfortable, than staying at a deluxe hotel. Most rooms will have windows facing the river, and you can enjoy unique daily scenarios.

You can expect your ship room to be between 150 square feet and 600 square feet and equipped with everything you need for your comfort. Usually, most rooms on cruise ships have private bathrooms, AC systems, TVs, refrigerators, and other amenities such as free WiFi.

Exquisite Cuisine

Food will be fine during your river cruise. The cuisine you enjoy on the ship might be one of the best aspects of the trip. River cruise ships have restaurants and bars that serve food and drinks from different cuisines, so everyone on board will be satisfied.

You can even order dinner in the room if the cruise offers room service, and they usually do. But the restaurants, bars, and lounges are great places to meet other people on the cruise and create great friendships. Most often than not, you will find local cuisines on cruises with ingredients from the region of the cruise.

Interesting Activities

If there is one thing for sure, you will not get bored on a river cruise. Besides the activities you will find on board which differs from one cruise to another, you will have the opportunity to explore the cities you stop in. You can decide to explore each city on your own or join a guided tour the cruise staff provides. You will have the opportunity to learn about local history and art and admire the beauty of each city along the river.

How Are River Cruises Different From Ocean Cruises

If you joined an ocean cruise, you might feel like you have river cruises figured out, too, since there are plenty of similarities between these two types of cruises. But they are not identical, and you need to be aware of what makes a river cruise so different so you can set realistic expectations.

The Size of The Cruise Will Be Different

Ocean cruises are bigger than river cruises, meaning the ship is more extensive and has more staterooms, and the number of guests is also higher. However, you can create stronger bonds with other travelers on a small river cruise.

Different Cruise Schedule

Cruising on the ocean includes several days of sailing with no land in sight. On the contrary, on river cruises, you will get to stop in a different port almost daily, and the land is always visible. If you don’t appreciate long sailing days, you might prefer a river cruise with more variety and shorter sailing intervals. Plus, the ship’s view will constantly change on a river cruise, while on an ocean cruise, you get pretty much the same sea view until you reach a new port.

Different Amenities and Prices

Conditions and amenities will be slightly different between ocean cruises and river cruises. An ocean cruise might have more luxurious facilities such as gyms, spas, live entertainment, ship events, or a wider variety of dining options. River cruises cover more basic amenities like free drinks, WiFi, and excursions that are included in the cruise price. Some river and ocean cruises come with all-inclusive service, meaning that everything available on the ship, from food and drinks to access to different activities, is included in the cruise price. Also, you can expect ocean cruises to be more expensive than river cruises.

How to Choose The Right River Cruise For You

Choosing the right river cruise is more challenging than it might seem. These cruises developed a lot in the past years, and now you can find many itineraries, prices, and ships. Here are the main factors to consider to ensure you choose the right river cruise experience for your preferences!

Itinerary

Choosing the river you want to cruise on is the most crucial decision. Several river cruises cover the same rivers, so you will be able to narrow your choices even more. But first, decide which part of the world you want to see and what river seems the most appealing to you. Whether it’s the Mississippi, Rhine, Danube, the Rhône/Saône Rivers, or the Seine, once you decide on the river, you will also know what type of itinerary you want.

Each river cruise will have an itinerary displayed where you can see which ports the ship will stop in and what excursions are included in the price of the cruise.

Budget

When it comes to the budget you can spend on a river cruise, the sky is the limit. The good news is that river cruises come at different price ranges, so there are good chances you will find something suited for you. River cruises come at $300 daily, $400 daily, or more. So, you can expect to spend around $1,500 at least for a five-day river cruise. The price goes up with more amenities and excursions included in the voyage.

The Ship Size and Amenities

Most river cruise ships can host between 100 and 250 guests at once. Ships will look similar outside, while they may have different amenities inside. Each vessel will have its name; in some cases, this is also the boat’s theme. You will find smaller ships on smaller rivers and larger ships on wider rivers as they are made to fit river size and narrow locks safely.

Special Requests

You must talk to the staff before your departure if you have any special needs. Some cruises will accommodate people with disabilities by default, while others will need to be notified beforehand to make the proper arrangements.

Best Time to Go on A River Cruise

To make the most of your river cruise, you want to join it during the right season according to what you want to experience. River cruises take place all year round but vary from season to season.

You will enjoy a lot more outdoor festivals and events during the spring and summer, while the street crowds will get thinner during autumn and winter. If you choose to go on a river cruise in the winter months, you will witness the magic of the holidays unfolding in the cities you get to visit.

So, each season has its beauty, and all of them bring you the possibility to have a cultural experience.

What Should You Pack?

Packing properly for your river cruise is essential if you want to spend your trip budget on something other than clothes you could have brought with you from home. Consider that river weather is colder, even during the year’s hottest months. Temperatures might be low, especially between evening and morning. So, you must pack both light and warm clothes if you go on the river cruise during summer. It becomes easier to fill for the colder season as you only need warm and comfortable clothes.

Don’t forget the hat and sunscreen if you go on the cruise during the hot summer days and a bathing suit as well if you want to catch some tan on the deck. A waterproof jacket will also come handy as you never know when the rain takes you by surprise.

You will most likely want to take long walks in each city you visit and walk a lot on the deck, so comfortable shoes are a must. And bring a fancy outfit with you, just in case you will attend an event, or you get invited to a more pretentious dinner.

Final Thoughts

Everyone can enjoy a river cruise as it is intended for travelers of all ages and offers something for everyone. These types of cruises are much better for beginners than ocean cruises because they are smoother, and the land is always visible, reducing the risk of seasickness. Also, if you are interested in checking out our various cities and learning about their culture, a river cruise is the ideal type of trip. Your next river cruise could be a romantic escapade or a true adventure, depending on the itinerary you choose and the company you have.