7 Reasons to River Cruise

You want to travel to Europe and are considering a river cruise. You are definitely on to something special as cruises down the Rhine and Danube Rivers are some of the most popular cruises in the world! Here are seven reasons why you will love a European river cruise.

1. Simplicity

A river cruise will remove all the stress and strain of planning a trip through Europe. No need to unpack your luggage only to repack them when going to a different destination as your ship will serve as your hotel for the entirety of your trip. The cruise line will also handle all of the transportation and excursions. Instead of worrying about details like hotel confirmations or transportation tickets in each town, you’ll be able to truly enjoy your vacation.

2. Budgeting

Some river cruise lines are all-inclusive. This means that your food and beverages, excursions, and things like wifi are already calculated into the cost of your trip.

3. Immersion Into a Region

River cruises travel shorter distances than ocean cruises and have many more stops. They also will stay at each location for a longer period of time. This will enable you to really immerse yourself into the region. Tours will be with local guides and food will be inspired by the location. Also, ships tend to dock right in the heart of town. You will be able to walk off the ship and immediately see and feel the culture.  They say ocean cruises take you to a destination, and river cruises take you through a destination.  That could not be more true! 

4. Rich History

The Rhine and Danube, two of Europe's largest rivers, flow through towns that are historically significant to the region. Most cities and villages were established along these rivers and grew from there, so there's a wealth of history to discover. A river cruise is the perfect way to explore these areas up close.

5. Safety and Security

Traveling through Europe means navigating different languages, currencies, and customs. Fortunately, your ship's Tour Manager will be there to guide you and provide support throughout your journey. These experts travel the same stretch of river multiple times a season and know the cities they visit inside and out. Plus, because you're on a river, you're always near land in case you need anything that isn't provided by the ship.

6. Efficiency

European river cruises are incredibly efficient. You'll never experience downtime as you travel from country to country. Instead, your travel time becomes part of the vacation. You can relax and enjoy the landscape or indulge in delicious cuisine, rather than waiting in lines at bus or train stations.

7. Accommodations

On a river cruise, you'll have a beautiful room all to yourself for the duration of your trip. Although they're relatively small, these rooms come with everything you need, including a comfortable bed and private bathroom. The best part? You won't have to keep switching hotels as you explore the continent.

European river cruises are an excellent vacation choice. Whether you're interested in an eight-day cruise down the Rhine or a twenty-two-day adventure to see the entirety of the Danube, we're here to help.