Categories

The River Cruising Life

We had traveled through Europe by train and by car in the past. Those trips had involved a lot of effort figuring out routes or train schedules, as well as checking in and out of hotels. I hadn’t realized how much time had been taken up by these activities.

We thought we’d try a river cruise. We’ve since been on six, and are planning more. We love the extra time we get to explore, the interesting local guides in every port, and the special experiences we've enjoyed both on and off the ships.

We’ve discovered many similarities and important differences in the river cruises we've experienced on the various lines.

The River Cruising Experience

Settling In

We boarded the ship in the early afternoon. Crew took the luggage and delivered it to our stateroom. The room had a French Balcony, essentially a sliding glass door with a railing. There was a sitting area with two chairs, a desk, a well-designed bathroom, and plenty of storage space. We explored the ship and found a comfortable lounge with complimentary coffees and teas 24/7, snacks, and lots of couches and chairs set in front of expansive windows, perfect for watching the scenery. The dining room was on the lower deck, also with plenty of window seats, tables of varying sizes, and a central buffet area. The sun deck not only had comfortable seating and tables, there was also beverage service, blankets for chilly nights, and a 360-degree view. We felt as though we were in a small boutique hotel with a great central location.

 

 

Getting Acquainted

People tended to gather in the lounge at 5:30-6 pm for the daily port talk by our Cruise Director. Port talks provide information about the next day’s tour options as well as reminders about on-board events and even what’s on the menu for dinner. The Captain and crew members might introduce themselves and welcome guests or, later in the cruise, provide updates. After the port talk, people often head to the dining room.

There were more large tables in the dining room than small ones. People like to share tables and get to know fellow passengers. River cruising can be a very social way to travel, and you often end up meeting many people either at meals or on tours. You can find tables for two. Dinner might have a theme, but always includes many options to suit different tastes. Wine, beer, and soft drinks are complimentary, and flow freely. After dinner we headed to the lounge to listen to the key board player. Some people danced on the small dance floor. Entertainment on board is pretty limited, with the keyboard player, local musicians, dancers, singers, and the occasional game night.

 

A Typical Day

Breakfasts are buffets, with the ability to order eggs as you like them or special items on the daily menu. Included walking tours leave around 9am. Small groups, outfitted with Quietvox headsets, depart with local guides. The headsets are yours for the duration of the cruise, and are great for touring as you can hear the guide from a distance and wander without getting separated from your group.

Tours often last 2 – 3 hours, with plenty of free time. The guide will bring people back to the ship, or can provide sightseeing, shopping, or restaurant suggestions for people interested in exploring more.

 A buffet lunch is served on board, then people may head back out to an optional tour or individual exploration in the afternoon. The daily schedule might include an afternoon event in the lounge, such as an expert presentation on a relevant topic, or a cheese tasting, cooking demonstration, or local artisans showcasing specialty products. Sitting in the lounge or on the sundeck, reading or admiring the view, is also popular. Wi-fi access on board is included, although don’t plan to download large files or stream video. All of these lines (except Viking) also include spa and salon services as well as fitness areas.

At cocktail hour it is time for the port talk, and then the ship often sets off for the next port while dinner is served.

 

Points of Distinction of Popular River Cruise Lines

These are the details that I thought make a difference in the experience. This is not a complete list of the features and amenities for any of these lines.

AmaWaterways

• The groups for walking tours were much smaller than on some other lines. That meant more of an opportunity to communicate with the local guide and ask questions.
• There was a choice of included tours every day. You can take one in the morning and another in the afternoon, if you want. Or, you could take a guided bike tour, hike, or go off on your own.
• The food was very good. The Chef’s Table alternative restaurant is well worth reserving. Wines served were well matched to the menu. Drinks are included at cocktail hour.
• Ships are well-designed, including a shallower draft to cope with low water levels.

Avalon Waterways

• Often very well-priced.
• Many itinerary options, including shorter cruises, themed cruises (Jewish History, WWII, Beer, for example).
• Innovative stateroom design with a wall of windows and unobstructed views. Comfortable ships.
• The best cruise director we have had. Avalon is part of Globus, a tour company founded in 1928. Word is that they take their best cruise directors and put them on the river ships. Decades of tour experience mean lots of options for extending your trip with land stays and tours.

Crystal Cruises

• Luxury, all-inclusive. All gratuities, all beverages 24/7, airport transfers. High staff to guest ratio for superior service.
• Large suites with king beds.
• Gourmet, Michelin-inspired cuisine. Multiple dining options. Fine, local wines.
• Overnight stays in port allow more chance to experience the destination.

Emerald Waterways

• Well-priced and includes transfers, gratuities on and off the ship.
• Pool and cinema.
• Included Plus excursions provide authentic adventures.
• Activity Managers on board hold fitness classes, and arrange evening entertainment.

Scenic Cruises

• Luxury all-inclusive. Part of the same Australian company as Emerald.
• Innovative GPS system loaded with maps and sightseeing information makes exploring on your own easy.
• Exclusive excursions include “sundowners” – cocktail party in a scenic spot at sunset, plus unique events and access.
• 5-star dining in multiple venues and on-board cooking school (not all ships).

Tauck River Cruises

• Luxury, all-inclusive. High service level.
• Three tour directors mean you always have someone to ask questions to, or to accompany your smaller group.
• Exclusive experiences like private dinners, access to sites not open to the public. Included restaurant lunches depending on itinerary. Skip the lines everywhere.
• Gourmet cuisine. Lots of choice. Casual alternative restaurant. Fine local wines, craft cocktails. local beers. 

Uniworld Boutique River Cruises

• Luxury all-inclusive.
• Distinctive, comfortable ship décor immerses you in the destination. World-class art on board.
• Gourmet cuisine. Sommelier talk every night to suggest wine pairings and provide details of the local vines and wineries the wines came from.
• Exclusive events and access to sites not open to the public.

Viking River Cruising

• Well-priced, often with great airfare deals. Largest fleet, so good available space.
• Comfortable, attractive décor with multiple stateroom types and well-designed rooms. Heated floors in the bathrooms are a popular feature. Al fresco alternate dining option.
• Extensive choice of alternate optional (extra cost) tours and excursions.
• Wide range of pre- and post-cruise tours.

For more information about river cruising, call Peggy at 978-460-5642 or email peggy@cruiseplanners.com.