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JOURNEYS magazine
Volume III, 2016
No matter if it’s an ocean or river cruise,
keep in mind that on board
amenities, features and levels of personalized services can vary
rivers as they were the original trade
routes long before roads and
railways. Since their waterways are
not large enough to allow for
passage of modern ocean cruise
ships, low-slung river cruise ships
calmly and gently ply the inland
waters, often times docking just
steps from some of the world’s most
significant river port destinations.
Itineraries may incorporate
major cities as highlights, but your
experience will focus as much on
smaller towns and villages that you
come across along the way. Daily
shore excursions for river cruises
are normally included, though
policies can vary between lines and
some lines do charge for specially
planned tours like cooking classes,
private orchestral performances,
and specialty dining experiences.
River ships may even carry bicycles
on board for complimentary use
while in port and for bicycle tours.
Whether it’s sailing along one of
Europe’s scenic rivers, like the Danube,
Rhine or Seine, or cruising through
one of Asia’s beautiful and vibrant
river regions on an exotic journey,
all the beautiful scenery and on
shore excursions you’ll witness and
experience will be fully complimented
by sumptuous dining and highly-
personalized service on board. And
since river cruise ships rarely top out
beyond 200-passengers, you won’t
feel crowded while on board. River
ships feel like much smaller versions
of seagoing ships. A strict attention to
detail, paired with luxury amenities
and personalized service, is a hallmark
for many river cruise lines.
Throughout your cruise, you’ll
have the chance to learn more
about the ports you’ll be visiting
and touring. Many lines work with
local guides who are infinitely
knowledgeable about the sights
you’ll tour. On many tours, wireless
headsets allow you to hear
everything your guide says, giving
you plenty of time to soak in the
setting and snap photos.
Europe is definitely an ideal
place to start your first river cruise
as it offers so much to see and
experience. The Rhine (which
travels through the Netherlands,
Germany, France and Switzerland,
among other countries) and the
Danube, which crosses through
Germany, Austria, Hungary and
beyond, are impeccable rivers
offering a great number of sights
and landscapes you’ll be talking
about for years to come.
Always at Your Service
No matter if it’s an ocean or river
cruise, keep in mind that on board
amenities, features and levels of
personalized services can vary
between ships and cruise lines —
and with so many new ships sailing
each year, it can be quite exhausting
to keep up with all that’s hot and
happening in cruising. To make sure
you find the perfect cruise, be sure
to contact your local travel
professional. They’ll not only help
you find your dream cruise vacation,
but they can get it for you at the
very best possible value.
