The Benefits Of River Cruising

The tides are changing when it comes to cruise vacations, with many travelers swapping the open seas for an intimate riverscape.  River cruises have become the "must do" journey for travelers seeking the three L's: leisure, luxury, and landscapes guaranteed to give their cameras a workout.

So, why choose a river cruise over a traditional ocean-bound voyage, or add one to your existing itinerary?  Here are some great benefits of river cruising that might sway you to take to the waters on your next vacation.


Unpack Just Once
When you're traveling point-to-point, it can be hard to feel settled knowing you will have to repack and head to another hotel before to long.  Forget about lugging those bags from one lobby to the next - river cruises allow you to really get comfortable.  Unpack just once and keep your home comforts close by in your private cabin, with plenty of room to stow away your purchases from your port stops along the way.


A New Destination Every Day
Far from being a fad, river cruising is one travel trend that is here to stay.  A big reason for this is the ability to greet each new day in a new city; refreshed from a smooth night's sleep enroute.  A river cruise allows you to sample the sights of several different places, stopping at each port for a day.  Tick off a few bucket-list destinations at once, like France, Germany and Austria, or an all-in-one Asian adventure through Vietnam, China, and Cambodia.


Luxurious Accommodations
River cruise ships are often called 'floating hotels' and it's easy to see why.  On-board accommodations vary in size and style, with the majority of cruise ships fitted out with 4 and 5 star rooms and suites.  You are almost always granted a room with a view to watch the landscapes change from the confines of your cabin, while more often you will find your cabin having their own French balconies.  For the the utmost comfort, book yourself a stateroom and soak up the European grandeur.  Most river cruises are around seven nights, though some are longer, and rooms are generally double occupancy.

Range Of On-Shore Activities
Historically, life has blossomed on the riverbank.  This source of agriculture and sustenance has seen villages become towns and towns become cities throughout the ages.  Most river cruises take place during the warmer months, perfect for on-land excursions.  Depending on your cruise itinerary, you will have the opportunity to explore several ports either independently or on a prearranged guided tour.  Cruise companies often partner with local guides to offer more intimate adventures ashore, from tours of ancient castles to bustling markets and other cultural hubs.


Indulgent Wining and Dining
The gourmet side of river cruising is perhaps one of its biggest selling points.  Renowned for overall luxury, river cruises certainly don't skimp when it comes to meal time.  On board you can expect fine dining that would not be out of place at a Michelin star restaurant - 5 star fare matched with top-shelf beer and wine.  Many cruises also theme their meals to match your surroundings, so you can glide through Bordeaux enjoying a full-bodied red or feast on hearty Bavarian fare in southern Germany.


VIP Service
Thanks to smaller passenger numbers, you won't feel like just another guest on board.  Concierge services ensure all your needs are taken care of, whether you're chasing an extra blanket to cosy up and watch the sunset from your private balcony or want to plan activities for your next docking.  Many first-time cruisers are blown away by the level of service they receive on board.  It's the little things like baristas remembering how you take your coffee that make all the difference.  Modern, larger river cruise ships are chock-full of amenities too, such as fitness centers, spas, bars and pools.

Inclusive Extras
Cruise vacations in general have surged in popularity over recent years, largely due to their affordability.  Chances are your river cruise will come with a bunch of added extras already worked into the cost, making it much more budget-friendly than you may imagine.  Your meals and beverages on board are almost always complimentary, with more all-inclusive cruises taking care of airport transfers, gratuities and even on-shore tours, meaning you'll get plenty of bang for your buck.


A More Intimate Experience
River cruise ships are often boutique or exclusively built for the company, boasting state-of-the-art facilities without all the flash that are common with ocean liners, like on-board casinos or theaters.  Ships can vary in size from 50 quests to around 200, in styles to suit all travel personalities from friendly and casual to elegant and refined.  While some ships cater to families, river cruising is generally adults-only: perfect for those seeking a little romance.


Iconic World-Wide Waterways
The 1990's changed everything for the river cruise industry.  Europe's historic maritime landscape opened up and the canals began to welcome a new type of sightseer.  Europe is a major frontrunner when it comes to river cruising, boasting iconic waterways like the Rhine, Rhone, Seine, and Danube, while the upper and lower Mekong meandering through Asia is and ideal introduction to the Orient.  Egypt's Nile River, China's Yangtze, and our own mighty Mississippi are just some of the aquatic highways you might choose to travel.


A Relaxed Pace
River cruises tend to attract a certain type of traveler; one who isn't in a hurry to inhale every world city, but would rather sit back and savour the sights both grand and humble.  You can really get the lay of the land on a river cruise, and the vantage point of a spacious sundeck makes the viewing experience even sweeter.  Some river cruises dock at night and cruise by day, some do it the other way around, but all river cruises allow ample time for on-land exploring and on-board enjoyment.  Bon voyage!


Ready to make the switch to river cruising?

The Early Bird Gets The Worm

Love Nest Suite-picture courtesy of Sandals resorts

I have always been a long term travel planner even before I became a travel consultant. Working around everyone's schedule and counting those travel dollars, getting a head start allows you to save money for the trip, but also book the accommodations that you dream about. We were Disney Vacation Club owners and went in knowing we needed to be booking no later than 7 months ahead of time and for certain accommodations I would be booking at 11 months out. So there I would be calling the school district looking for next year's schedule!

This is something I try to educate my clients about, that by putting a deposit down on a resort or cruise especially if it is a special trip like a honeymoon or a big family celebration is a sort of insurance, because you don't want to settle for whatever is available at a later date on a special trip.
Deposits are usually refundable, it's really a no brainer for your peace of mind to go ahead and reserve.

Popular honeymoon resorts and certain room categories do book up early. Especially those sexy rooms with swim out access or their own pools. Honeymoon reservations in my opinion should be booked as soon as you've found your church and reception location.

Anytime you need a room that sleeps more than 4 or a stateroom that sleeps more then 2. These family type accommodations book up fast, especially at popular times when kids are out of school. Plus when resorts or cruise lines run a kids sail or stay free sale, take advantage of it. If you don't someone else will and when you get around to booking all those maybe already booked.

Luxury cruise lines with unique itineraries or programs, Azamara Club Cruises has a sailing that is centered around the British Open and offers a program that includes golf outings at some of the great  courses in the UK & Ireland. Guess when 2015's golf program was sold out? June 2014. Since these ships are smaller and maybe only offer an itinerary once or twice during a season, it makes sense to reserve early and get your choice of cabins.

Hottest trend in travel? River cruises and even though new ships are introduced every year the demand keeps growing. Playing the waiting strategy may get you a good value on an ocean cruise, but on the river it is going to get you as far as your sofa at your house, since they do book up early. Depending on the line I have seen ships sell out over a year before sailing.

As a travel professional, my job is to make sure you get the vacation that you want not the one you have to settle for. So when you are thinking about that Christmas trip or planning a honeymoon later this year think of that deposit as pre trip insurance. Take the risk of not getting what you desire out of the equation.


  

The World is a River Cruise

         River cruising, has exploded in popularity over the last several years with Americans.  If you have seen those TV commercials for Viking Cruises you can see why. The idea of unpacking once and letting the cruise line handle all of your on board and tour requirements; as you slowly sail on a a great European river is appealing to more and more people.  Companies such as Viking, AMA, Avalon Waterways, and Uniworld do a brilliant job of allowing passengers to experience Europe in a more intimate and "all inclusive"manner.  Most Americans will experience their first river cruises in the region where they started and are the most popular, along the major rivers of Europe.  Each of the major river cruise companies offers great cruises that allow you to visit intimate German towns and view castles along the Rhine; or an romantic experience in Vienna as you cruise on the Danube.  The experiences are great, the sites are breathless, and the service first-rate.  Now the river cruise lines are expanding the unique services and experiences they offer  to other parts of the world.  By now offering cruises on some of the great rivers of not only Europe, but also Asia, Africa, and even North and South America they allow you to see and experience parts of the world few people will be able to do from  a hotel or on a tour bus.

        River cruises are still the most popular in Europe.  Cruises on the Rhine and Danube rivers are the most popular, and a great way to experience a large segment of Europe is to take a single cruise from Amsterdam down the Rhine and the Danube all the way across the continent to the the Black Sea.  All the major river lines offer relaxing cruises from Paris, down the rivers of France, allowing you to really understand the magic that is France. Another popular European cruise option is to travel through the heart of the largest country in the world, Russia; allowing you the opportunity to enjoy and live life, as only a Russian can do.  A great way to extent you European Vacation, is to stay in a city like Paris or Moscow at the end of your cruise, and to learn what makes them them great cities they are.  If you want something different, how about a boutique  river cruise through Portugal and Spain, or Italy offered by Uniworld.  By combining cruises with personalized tours, they allow you to experience the energy of Rome or Lisbon, with the beauty of the country.

       If you like exotic, and traveling on the road less taken, nothing can measure to taking a river cruise on the great rivers of Asia.  If you want to experience mystery in the the heart of Asia, see how people have lived for hundreds of years, a river cruise to the city of Mandalay and the country of Myanmar, (formerly called Burma), is a must.  If you want to see how the old is transforming into the new, and see some of the most exotic places on earth, a cruise to modern Vietnam and Cambodia on the Mekong River will take your breath away, will still experiencing the luxury and convenience nightly of your ship.  And if you really want to experience where history meets the future, a trip with Avalon Waterways,  You get to live personalized tours and cruises of the past: with trips to the Great Wall, and Tibet, with a cruise down the Yangtze River and experience thousands of years of human history.  In addition, you experience the energy and opportunity of the future in the cities of Beijing and Shanghai; all the time staying and experiencing it in 5 star luxury.

       If you have a need for adventure and exploration in your DNA, AMA Waterways offers a unique way of experiencing and exploring Africa, with a 3 night journey on a luxury train or safari in South Africa, with a 4 night luxury river cruise in Zambia and 2 nights staying at on on the wonders of the world, Victoria Falls.  Avalon Waterways of something few people get to do, explore the Amazon River AND the Andes Mountains.  On an 11 day combined 20 person tour and cruise, you explore the country of Peru, from the city Lima, you fly and get to explore the Andes, and the wonders of of the Incas, including a trip to Machu Picchu.  Then you fly to the remote reaches of the Amazon River, for a luxury 3 night cruise through some of the most remote jungles in the world on the Upper Amazon River.  If you want something a little less exotic and closer to home, a cruise on one of the ships from Un-Cruise Line on the Columbia and Snake rivers allows you to explore the path Lewis and Clark used in their historic journey.

       Where ever you want to travel, river cruising allows you a unique way really learn about and live to places you visit.  Being able to visit areas outside of the usual tourist areas is a great way to really experience the world. More Americans are discovering the major benefits of luxury and convenience that river cruising offers.  If you have wanted to see the world, but did not want the hassle or the unknown, river cruising may be right for you, no matter what part of the world you want to explore.

Specialty Cruises: For Something Unique

      Okay, so you have been on a cruise ship or two, (or maybe many more).  The experience was fantastic, the food was great, the ship was fun and the beach was relaxing.  You want to do another cruise, but you want to do something different.  Maybe that definition of different involves different locations, or excursions, or different activities or even a different types of ship.  Or perhaps your the type of person who would like to take a cruise, but the thought of being on a large ship with 3000 other passengers and doing the same things they are doing just doesn't excite you, and you want personalized service and experiences.  If these describe you, I have the answer; Specialized Cruises.  Specialized cruises may use different types of vessels, different itineraries, or different levels of luxury.  But they all offer lower passenger levels, personalized service, and unique itineraries and experiences for the cruiser that wants something different.  They come in many different flavors, so finding one that meets your specific requirements has become easy.  Here is a list of the specific categories of specialized cruises and and leading providers that will help you design your own unique cruise experience.

       The most popular category of specialized cruises are river cruises.  The attraction of river cruises is the offer of an "all-inclusive" experience for their passengers.  The ships from companies like Viking Cruises, AMA Waterways, Avalon, and others are designed to handle all of your ship and tour requirements in a relaxed, carefree environment.  These small ships, less than 200 passengers, travel the great rivers of Europe and Asia; offering an easy and relax way of experiencing the great cities and sites of those continents.

       A related way to cruise in the United States, to relive the past and take take a trip down the the Mississippi or Ohio rivers on a genuine river paddle boat.  American Queen Steamboat Company allows you to travel back to the times of Mark Twain and the Old South by offering cruises on genuine but modern paddle wheeled river boat, that still offer allow the If modern amenities and luxuries as you travel down the great rivers of America.

       Two other fast growing areas of the specialized cruise market are the upper premium and luxury cruise segments.  For the cruise passenger who likes what the main cruise lines have to offer, but wants a  better dining and on board experience on a smaller ship, or wants a more engaging land excursion will love sailing with a upper premium cruise line.  Oceania Cruises offers a more refined and personalized cruise experience, on 700 passenger ships that offer longer cruises to smaller ports than the average cruise line: all the while offering world class cuisine.  If the destination is what matters to to you, Azamara Club Cruises has you covered.  Their "Destination Immersion" program gives you longer stays, more overnights and night tours at their ports of call.

        If you require only the best and finest in your leisure travel, the cruise industry has a ship board experience for you.  Cunard Lines offers the elegance and feel of a luxury ocean liner from the golden age of ocean travel.  If you want the feel of traveling on your own mega yacht, Seabourn and Silverseas Lines offer less than 200 passengers the chance to experience the finest in personnel service and dining, as you cruise to the most exotic locales on the sleekest ships on the seas.  If you want the ultimate in luxury, but want to be different, try sailing on the tall ships of Star Clippers Line or Windstar to the most beautiful and exotic ports in the world.

       If adventure and unique excursions are your game, taking a specialty cruise can allow you to experience place and activities few people will get to do.  UnCruise, an operator of small ships will take less than 90 passengers on a cruise to parts of Alaska, Mexico, or Hawaii, that are inaccessible to larger ships and experience real adventures like kayaking among icebergs, snorkeling with whales, hiking on remote Alaskan islands.  Hurtigruten Line offers up close cruises to remote and beautiful regions such as Norway, Iceland, Greenland, and even Antarctica.  Want to do something really different?  Experience the uniqueness and wonder of the Galapagos Islands, on the Celebrity Cruises ship Xpedition.  This all inclusive cruise allows you a chance to be one of the few people to be allowed to experience on the the most remote and diverse areas of the world.

       These are just a sample of the types of types of cruises you can experience.  If you want luxury, adventure, want to go to exotic locations, or just like to be different in your travels; but also want to do it in a convenient and cost effective manner, then you should look into what a specialty cruise has to offer you.