WHY SHOULD YOU TAKE A RIVER CRUISE?
DO YOU NEED A REASON TO CONSIDER TAKING A RIVER CRUISE? You’re in luck because I can supply you with some of the top reasons a river cruise makes sense for you, your family and friends.
1. ALLERGIC TO CROWDS?
If you have taken a cruise on an ocean cruise line, you have an idea of what a crowd is like. Most ocean-going ships today hold several thousand people. Not so with river cruises. The ships are designed to fit through the locks of Europe and consequently are much smaller and more intimate. This lends itself to an overall quieter and more relaxed atmosphere. Many travelers use this as an opportunity to get to know their fellow explorers and make new friends.
Great German beer and pretzels
2. LET’S TRY REGIONAL SPECIALTIES
Dining on a River Cruise is one of the highlights of your trip. Instead of mass produced food, there is often a five-star chef onboard preparing local cuisine with the freshest ingredients, which he has shopped for while in port. Imagine apple strudel in Austria, sausages, beer and pretzels while sailing through Germany and the great pastries of France. Along with the great regional cuisine, you will also be treated to the wines of the regions you are sailing through.
3. HOW ABOUT MORE TIME TO EXPLORE!
Sailing along a river has many benefits. The ride is often smoother, and there is always land in sight. Since distances are shorter, you spend more time exploring the towns and cities on your journey.
Along with the fact that you spend less time cruising, you also dock in most instances in the heart of the city, meaning you can start exploring just by going down the gangplank. Many of these towns are designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites, so you will be see not only beautiful sites, but historically significant ones as well. There are always complimentary shore excursions provided with local guides, and in some ports you have the option to take longer trips further from the ship for a fee.
4. GREAT NEW SHIPS
River cruising is the fastest growing segment of the cruise market and all the major cruise lines are launching new and innovative ships every year. This is great for you as a traveler, since you have so many choices of cruise lines, dates and itineraries. AMA Waterways has launched the largest river cruise ship in the AMA Magna. Even though it is wider and longer, than most other ships, it still only accommodates 196 passengers. You can check out all the ships with AMA Waterways here: https://www.amawaterways.com/agent/uniquejourneys
5. ARE YOU A SOLO TRAVELER? TRY A RIVER CRUISE
Since most of the river ships carry under 200 passengers, you won’t feel left out if you are travelling alone. Dining is open seating and you are sure to be welcomed to join your fellow passengers for a meal. The lounge is also a great way to meet people. It is always open with people relaxing and enjoying the view out the large windows. Grab a cup of coffee or tea and join in the conversations.
6. WHAT DO WINE, FLOWERS AND CHRISTMAS HAVE IN COMMON?
YOU GUESSED IT – THERE’S A CRUISE FOR THAT
You like wine, but have never experienced where the grapes are grown, the process of turning those grapes into the wine you enjoy. Now is your chance to see the whole process. There are wine-themed cruises on the Rhine, Danube, Moselle, Rhone and even the Douro in Spain.
Flowers make everybody happy and you can’t get happier than the cruises through Holland during tulip time. Tulips as far as the eye can see, plus a day spent at the world-famous Keukenhof Gardens where the tulips are spread over 70 acres. A feast for the eyes. As a bonus, you can indulge in some authentic beers, great cheeses and chocolates. You will also be mesmerized by the iconic windmills that have helped The Netherlands stay above water for centuries.
MAGICAL – that is the word to describe the Christmas Market cruises. The cities and towns on the Danube and Rhine rivers put on their shows at this time of year. You will be immersed in the rich culture and traditions and see families celebrating this holiday as they have done for generations. You can be part of this as you stroll through the booths, drinking Gluhwein and eating treats such as pretzels, sausages and gingerbread.
Enjoy your time on a river cruise ship
8. YOU ENJOY THE TIME ON THE SHIP
Unlike large ocean-going vessels, a river cruise ship travels at a slower pace and is never out of sight of land. This means you will always have great scenery to admire. Whether it’s a hillside filled with grape vines, the many castles which were built along the great rivers of Europe or the charming towns you will pass, you will always have photo opportunities and conversation starters. At various points along the way, your hotel manager will inform you of sights and history of the places you are gliding by.
9. DO YOU HAVE FAMILY/FRIENDS? YOU HAVE A GROUP
What can be better than enjoying a fabulous cruise? Enjoying it with your friends and family! Since the ships are smaller, you can create a group with fewer cabins.
Do you knit? Play Bridge? belong to a garden group? Get onboard and enjoy your cruise and your passions at the same time.
Now is the time to book your cruise so that you can get the best price and the cabin categories of your choice. River cruises are the fastest growing segment of the travel industry, so you need to secure your spot now. Call Unique Journeys and let’s get cruisin’
