River cruising offers a wonderful way to explore the interior of a country and see small towns and villages along the way. Well-known river cruise itineraries include the Danube and Rhine in central Europe, the Seine and Rhône in France, the Nile in Egypt and stretch to the Mekong in Asia and now the Magdalena in Colombia and more.
Before you book that trip, here are some insider tips to keep in mind:
1. River cruise ships are <mostly> all the same basic size (small). They need to fit through the lock systems on the rivers they traverse which necessitates a standard size. What the cruise line offers on that same space can vary. Some have larger cabins and fewer guests. Although they all max out at under 200 guests onboard, some have about 150 while other lines put 190 on the same size ship. Amenities onboard also vary. Check to see if your ship will have bikes onboard to borrow or if you will need to rent a bike in port. A few cruise lines have spa facilities, fitness centers and/or salon services. While others do not. Carefully check what facilities are onboard to make sure you know what to expect.
We enjoyed taking the e-bikes out for a spin on our river cruise in Bordeaux, France.
2. While the itineraries may seem like they are a slower pace and, perhaps, more appealing to a more mature crowd, you have to keep in mind that guests with mobility challenges will have a difficult time navigating both the ships and the ports. There are no elevators onboard, for example. And, the ports of call can have cobblestones and other challenging terrain. Which brings us to our next tip -
3. In popular, busy ports, it is common for ships to dock by rafting onto another ship. So, you may need to cross over one, two or more ships to get to yours.
4. Water levels can rise or fall. Some rivers, such as the Garonne in France, are actually subject to change with the rise and fall of the tides. Others can be effected by rainfall and snow melt. At times, it may be necessary for the cruise line to use an alternative form of transportation to your next port. Or, the river may be too high for the ship to go under a bridge. If this should happen, it won't ruin your experience, but you need to be aware of the possibility. As with most things, it's best to stay flexible and keep a positive attitude to get the most out of your vacation.
5. Cruise lines vary in what is included in your fare. Some may include just one shore excursion per port while others include several varied options. Remember to consider the added costs of optional excursions if they are not included when calculating the true cost of your vacation. Some cruise lines may offer house wine and beer included with lunch and dinner and then a cash bar for cocktails. Other lines include a full bar or a cocktail hour before dinner. Read carefully what is included so you have the best experience for you!
6. Unlike ocean cruises, many river cruise lines do not have snacks available between mealtimes. However, some do have a snack option during the daytime. Again, it's important to understand the inclusions offered, so you can make a wise choice for you.
My room on the Scenic Diamond had a stocked mini-fridge and snacks included in my fare.
7. The sites you visit may not be right at the docking location on the river. Your cruise line may use motor coaches or vans to transport guests from the ship to the town / village / city that you will be visiting.
8. River Cruise itineraries are port intensive. The ship is like a comfortable hotel and restaurant that moves with you. While on ocean cruises, the ship has entertainment, multiple dining options, large pools and more, river cruise ships have fewer amenities. You may have light entertainment like live music in the evening, but no big shows onboard.
9. Shore excursions may be just a walking tour with a local guide. On ships with bikes onboard, you may also have a cycling tour. Some lines may offer choices based on interests or activity levels. And, recently, we have seen some river cruise lines offering more active shore excursions that may appeal to a younger or more diverse audience.
10. Most river cruises are adult only, whether by mandate or just preference. AmaWaterways welcomes guests of all ages, but I would recommend guests carefully evaluate their children's interests and, perhaps limit booking to older teens. Adventures by Disney charters AmaWaterways ships and caters their excursions to families, which make for a wonderful option for families.
Mary Graham, Certified Travel Associate owns Trips by Mary, an affiliate of Cruises & Tours Unlimited and is celebrating seven years in business. With extensive experience in planning cruises, European itineraries, Adventures by Disney, Walt Disney World, Disney Cruise Line, Disneyland, Disneyland Paris, and all-inclusive resorts.
She takes the stress and hassle out of planning. Theme park vacations. All inclusive resort vacations. European destinations. Ocean Cruises and River Cruises.
Contact her by email: mary@tripsbymary.com
or call 919-817-4081.
Visit her website: www.tripsbymary.com.