I’ve cruised several times before with various large well known ocean cruise lines but until now I have never had the opportunity to go on a River Cruise. Sailing down the Douro was my first insight into this type of cruising and it certainly will not be my last. I loved sailing through stunning countryside which is a UNESCO region, well known for its terraced vineyards and an ever-changing landscape with something different to look at as we meandered along the river. Visiting interesting cities, historic landmarks, picturesque towns and villages is all part of the River Cruise experience.
What Makes River Cruising Different
The leisurely pace of a River Cruise may not be everyone’s idea of a perfect holiday, but if you are looking at being able to combine relaxing in a classy but informal manner with visiting numerous interesting ports of call, then it’s certainly worth considering.
Being on a River Cruise is not like being on a large cruise ship with 2,000 to 6,000 other passengers, the average ship holds 120 to 130 passengers, so it is a much more friendly and personal experience. One of the main differences of a river cruise is when you actually sail. Unlike other cruises that mainly sail at night, arriving at a port of call in the early morning. On a River Cruise you mainly sail during the day, enabling you to see and experience the beauty of the scenery you are sailing past. You will normally dock late afternoon or early evening to enable you to possibly visit the town or city in the evening. Then take part in any planned excursion the following morning before setting sail again around midday.
Getting to know your fellow passengers on a small ship is so much easier, whether it’s a quick good morning over breakfast, sitting sharing a coffee or cocktail in the lounge or discussing the day’s activities, excursions or entertainment, it’s a great way to get to know your fellow passengers and share experiences, all of which can add a different dimension to your holiday. Alternatively, if mixing with others isn’t your thing, you can easily find a quiet space to sit back, relax and watch the world go by.
A short daily briefing to discuss the next port of call and a clearly displayed itinerary on your cabins TV gives you the opportunity to plan and consider how to spend your next day, what you can do or take part in, the choice is yours.
The smaller size of river ships means the staff can offer a much more personal service. From escorting every passenger to their cabin on embarkation, to knowing and anticipating your personal preferences for food and drink very quickly, it’s these little things that make the cruise more of a personal experience.
The level of service experienced was excellent, I couldn’t fault anything.
Top tips when selecting a River Cruise
- Select a river that meets your needs, a variety of destinations or single country?
- Countryside or cities, what is your preference, what do you prefer to see?
- Length of cruise, this can range from 5 nights or longer, with possible pre or post cruise extensions.
- Consider the type of cabin that suits you best, higher deck levels will have better views with a Juliet or full balcony, lower deck cabins will have a smaller none opening window close to the level of the river. Mid level cabins will usually have Juliet floor to ceiling balconies. Most cabins are similar in size, apart from a few larger cabins that have additional lounge/seating areas, panoramic balconies, walk-in wardrobes and full bathrooms, these facilities vary depending on each ship or company. The key is to balance cost against the desire for space, views, facilities etc against individual and personal needs.
- Availability of excursions and activities, many river cruise companies include these without additional charges, whether it’s a guided tour, visiting somewhere not normally open to the public, a unique private concert or something more active like kayaking, hiking and cycling. Choose the cruise that best meets your needs and interests; however, most cruise companies offer a choice of excursions and a range of levels of ability required to ensure all passengers. And of course, you can always do your own thing onshore rather than leaving the ship as part of an organised group.
- Themed River Cruises, the opportunity to sail with like minded passengers that share your interests in art, wine, history etc. Some cruise lines will invite well known experts, celebrities or experts to host a themed cruise or visit for a guest lecture.
If you are new to River Cruising you may not have heard of the term double docking. This is when you have one or more ships docking at the same time. In some locations due to limited docks in certain destinations it is quite common to be double docked, or sometimes tripple dcked. This is when the ships pull alongside each other to dock, rather than stern to bow. This can restrict your views whilst in the port, due to benign docked alongside another ship. Disembarkation from the 2nd or 3rd ship would then be via the atrium area of the ship, exiting the 2nd or 3rd ship via the 1st ship that is docked along the quayside. Whilst this might seem strange, it’s quite standard practice, it is a simple process, and sometimes this will give you a sneak peak at what the other ships look like. Just remember to keep your blind closed before you fling your curtains back first thing in the morning, otherwise you might get a surprise! Click this link to see double docking in action!
Looking Ahead to the Next Adventure
Embarking on a River Cruise was a new adventure for me and I am already thinking about and discussing my next one. Choosing my next adventure is going to be interesting. Do I select a cruise that features the cultural wonders and differences offered by visiting several countries whilst sailing down a European river or do I travel further afield such as Asia which can offer me a real cultural experience and more exotic landscape that I haven’t experienced before?
Whichever I choose, it will offer me the opportunity to experience a relaxing mode of transport to soak up the sights and sounds of the world’s most well-known waterways and rivers, visiting interesting ports of call along the way. All helping me create lasting and unforgettable memories.
Thinking about your first river cruise?
If you’re considering taking the plunge but not quite sure where to start, I would love to help. Having now experienced river cruising first-hand, I can talk you through everything from choosing the right river and ship to selecting the best cabin and excursions for you. Just give me a call or drop me a message and I will be with you every step of the way, helping you plan a river cruise that feels just right for you.