River Cruising Guide – An Introduction to River Cruising

The popularity of river cruising has soared over recent years, as holidaymakers recognise the benefits of this slower pace of travel. If you’ve never considered a river cruise before, then what are you waiting for?

We’ve put together just six of the reasons why it should feature on your holiday wish list.

Sail into the heart of a destination

One of the biggest – if not the biggest – benefits of river cruising is that you’ll be transported right into the centre of some of the world’s most incredible cities. No tender boats, no transfers into central locations, all you do is step ashore and start exploring.

As with any cruise, you can do all this safe in the knowledge that all you’ll have to do is unpack the once. Once you’re on board, head to your incredible stateroom and let someone else do the navigating for you – and because you’re on a river, you are also pretty much guaranteed smooth sailing.

From Budapest to Cologne this Riviera Travel sailing on board MS Geoffrey Chaucer takes you to the heart of Europe where you will discover the history, culture and stunning river views of many fascinating cities. Take me there >>

Sail with like-minded people

River cruising offers a completely different pace from its ocean-based counterparts. You won’t only scratch the surface of the places you visit, but you will get the opportunity to fully immerse yourself in them during your time in port.

As you spend time in the public spaces on board, they’ll be full of people with similar interests to yours, who appreciate the atmosphere that this type of holiday provides. That said, river cruising attracts people of all nationalities, so you’re guaranteed some interesting conversations on board!

Saga River Cruises are specifically tailored to the over-50s market. Sail with those alike this December onboard Spirit of the Rhine for the themed river cruise ‘Christmas on the Rhineland’. Celebrate with your fellow passengers and experience a new kind of Christmas spirit. Take me there >>

Included shore excursions

Once you’ve docked at your destination, your cruise line will offer a whole host of shore excursions to bring your surroundings to life. The great news is that these are included in your cruise fare and delivered by knowledgeable, local guides who know more than a thing or two about the places where you’re travelling.

Expect humorous, engaging excursions that will leave you with a head full of facts and a camera roll packed with images. River cruises do away with the dull and give you insightful cultural excursions that will give you a genuine insight into your surroundings.

APT Touring taps into the expertise of local guides whenever you’re in port. Experience an immersive, front row view of each destination and its history by land and water. Explore 5,000 years of history and hear stories of pharos and gods from a Qualified Egyptologist Tour Director onboard MS Royal Lily’s Treasures of Egypt and the Nile river cruise. Take me there >>

Luxurious accommodation

When you choose a river cruise, you will have various types of accommodation to choose from, with each one offering a host of luxury features. No matter where on the ship your room is located, you’re guaranteed front-row seats to the rolling scenery.

Expect tastefully decorated spaces filled with plenty of natural light – your own sanctuary while out on the river! It doesn’t matter whether you’re cruising down the Danube or Rhine, Volga or Yangtze, you will do so close to water levels so you never lose out on any of those exceptional vistas.

AmaWaterways offers staterooms with two private balconies – a French balcony and one that’s fully outside. You’ll get a unique panoramic view of the beautiful sights you’re passing along the river, as well as all the fresh air and natural light you could ever want.

Sail the Danube on AmaWaterways award-winning ship AmaMagna, which is twice the size of a traditional ship offering larger accommodations with full-width balconies. Take me there >>

Top-quality dining

As you’d expect with any type of cruise, there’s a big emphasis on food while you’re travelling down the river. Expect to find high-quality cuisine inspired by the region in which you’re sailing, and unrivalled panoramic views as you sit down for one of the many included meals. Rather dine al fresco? That can be accommodated, too.

Dining on river cruises is usually an informal affair, so if donning your best ballgown or dinner jacket isn’t really your thing, then you will feel right at home. Special dietary requirements are well catered for and if you’ve got your eye on a drinks package, it’s easy to add on.

Viking River Cruises prides itself on offering destination-focused dining. In the onboard restaurants, you will find everything from always-available classics and an array of dishes prepared by highly trained chefs. Flavours are accented using ingredients from the onboard herb garden, and regional wines are served throughout your journey. Experience the finest French cuisine on board the Viking Forseti sailing the Chateaux, Rivers & Wine river cruise. Take me there >>

Get on your bike

Exploring destinations by foot is one thing, but you’ll cover a whole lot more ground on two wheels! Many river cruises include bikes for you to take off free-of-charge, which is the perfect choice for the more adventurous and active holidaymaker.

Not only will you get to travel like a local, but this is also your chance to really get deeper into the various destinations you’re visiting. Go off the beaten track and there’s just no telling what you will find!

Scenic makes cycling around your destinations simple by offering guests use of e-bikes while in port. Explore independently and at your own pace, travelling as near or as far as you choose.

Enjoy backdrops of coastal water, rolling valleys, magnificent wildlife and charming cities in bike-friendly countries as you uncover the gems of the Danube during a river cruise on board Scenic Amber. Take me there >>