River cruises sometimes get dismissed as being less adventurous or maybe giving less of an authentic experience, but we beg to differ. We think river cruises offer terrific experiences in a wide variety of destinations - while allowing our clients to sit back, relax, and enjoy. Read on to find out about the great reasons and benefits to booking a river cruise for your next vacation!
Maximize Your Time
The number one question we get from clients is - how can we fit in everything we want to see in a week or 10 days? One great answer - go on a river cruise. River cruises maximize your time by traveling down the river overnight and allowing you to see the sights during the day. On your cruise down the Nile spend a day exploring the West Bank of the Nile, have a great night's sleep as you sail peacefully down the river to your new location, and wake up in the morning to explore Edfu and Aswan. Instead of having to spend hours driving from place to place each day - let a river cruise get you there while you sleep.
Only Unpack Once
Another benefit of a river cruise? You only have to unpack once! You lessen your chances of leaving something behind in your hotel room (and save yourself the hassle of packing and unpacking multiple times. This is also another time saver - as we all know it does take some time to check in and check out of hotels - especially with the late afternoon check in times that are so common now. Pre-covid we used to be able to request an early check-in - and often we would get it. Today that's more difficult to guarantee because occupancy rates are so high (meaning you're likely waiting for the previous night's guest to check out), and most hotels still don't have the same number of workers they had pre-covid - meaning it's taking longer to get the rooms cleaned, prepped, and ready to welcome you. With your river cruise line the time is built in between cruises.
See the Best of the Region
Once we help you narrow down your destination the next question is - what should you see while you're there? Our favorite river cruise providers have wonderful itineraries that bring you to the best highlights of the region. This is a truly fabulous way to work your way through the the tulips in Belgium and The Netherlands or see the iconic Christmas market on the Danube, and really - how else can you fit in the Christmas markets of five countries in seven days?!
Excellent Value
If you're searching for excellent value - river cruises have so much included. In addition to accommodations with relaxing balcony space, entertainment and onboard activities, river cruises include land tours as well. Our favorites typically include the following:
Wellness Activities with a dedicated Wellness Host leading various classes.
Personalized service from highly trained Cruise Managers during both cruise and land programs.
Internet and Wi-Fi access
Sun deck pool with swim-up bar and walking track
Fitness room
All onboard dining in a variety of venues
Captain’s Welcome Cocktail and Dinner
Unlimited fine wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner
Unlimited sparkling wine and fresh juice with breakfast
Sip & Sail Daily Cocktail Hour with complimentary wine, beer, spirits and soft drinks
Tapas, sandwiches, snacks and refreshments served daily in the Main Lounge (or similar).
Tours and excursions including:
Immersive tours in every destination
Gentle, regular, active and late-riser tour options
Bike tours and hikes
Local Flavors tours
Knowledgeable guides
Beautiful Views
If you love a good view but hesitate to pay more for an upgraded room category - river cruises are a great way to ensure that you have a beautiful view for your entire trip. With no interior cabins on these small ships you will have ever changing beautiful views throughout your vacation.
Enjoy an Adult-Focused Experience
Looking for a trip that is geared toward adults? There are so may reasons to enjoy a vacation sans children (whether we're talking about your own or someone else's!). River cruises are historically geared towards adults, and you're likely not going to find many children on these journeys. This isn't to say that you CAN'T bring your kids. If you have an older child in their twenties into food & wine or Egyptian history? Take them with you! However, if you ave a child in their threenage years who is into sippy cups and Mickey Mouse? Leave them home!
Ready to talk to us about the best river cruise for you? Schedule your initial consult and we'll go over the pros and cons of cruise lines and itineraries, and help you choose and book the best one for your needs!
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