11 Things You Should Know Before Booking A River Cruise

Photo courtesy of AmaWaterways.

Cruising the world’s rivers - truly an enjoyable experience! 

Easy, stress free, immersive travel.  Many different itineraries to choose from.  New ships being christened, new itineraries being designed, new experiences being included.  There are even a few new rivers being added to keep everything fresh and exciting. 

Having been on a number of river cruises myself, I understand the attraction.  It’s a fantastic experience, an easy and relaxed way to travel. Unpack and pack once, the captain does the driving, wake up refreshed and ready to explore a new town. Tours and free time included.  Great food and drink.  Making new friends.  Need I say more?

I rave about river cruising and my clients do as well.   I believe the overall experience is a great value for all that is included.  But there are some things you should know before going on your first river cruise.  Better to be armed with knowledge than being unpleasantly surprised. 

​The Ship​s
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• Ships on the same river are all basically the same size.  Ships do have different drafts, but the main difference you see is on the inside.  Things like the number of people and cabins, facilities, the décor, the level of service, the brand personality. 

• Ships are limited in size which means limited facilities and amenities.  They do not have the variety a bigger ocean ship might have. 

Itineraries

• Many itineraries or ports of call are similar between lines, however there are nuances.  The biggest difference will be seen in the number and variety of included, optional and exclusive tours offered.   For example, some lines offer only one included choice, others offer multiple choices including active options, others all excursions are extra.
• Similar to ocean cruising, itineraries can change. Cruise lines do everything possible to keep to their promised schedule, however Mother Nature will occasionally wreak havoc, most notably with water levels (too high, too low).   In ocean cruising a change means a skipped port, a different port, an extra day at sea.  In river cruising, this may mean a change in ship, added bus tours and on a rare occasion hotel stays.  Some cruise lines minimize these issues with ships that have shallower drafts. ​

Photo courtesy of Emerald Cruises

The Experience

• Don’t be surprised if you are docked next to another ship.  Towns quite often only have docking space for one or two ships.  So when additional ships arrive, they simply tie up next to another ship (we call this rafting).  To disembark one must go through the  other ship's lobby or up and over a couple of sun decks.
• Some people may consider river cruising a bit regimented.  Meals and tours are generally at set times, though this has changed in the past few years.  You do not have to join the scheduled excursions, free time is always built in and some lines have implemented a version of “anytime dining” at dinner (versus one set time).    
• Dining is very good but limited.  Space is limited, so ships have one main dining venue and usually a small bistro for light meals and snacks, which becomes a small specialty restaurant at night.  Premium lines may have an additional venue, but overall,  venues are limited.
• Evening programs are limited.  You may be treated to an on board pianist,  local musicians  or dancers or a port talk, but  you will not have any Broadway type productions, at least not on board the ship. 
• River cruises are sold as "all-inclusive", and for the most part, they are.  Fares include the cabin, fees and port taxes, wi-fi and meals.  Be aware that the definition of "all-inclusive" differs between cruise lines.   For example, premium lines will include beverages (soda, beer and wine) at lunch and dinner, some include beverages all day, while others you pay by the drink.  This is similar with excursions as well.   
• Ideally you are fit and able to walk a mile or two.  River cruises are not recommended for the mobility challenged.  Many of the tours include several hours of walking over cobblestone streets.   Most ships do have an elevator between the bottom and mid floors, but not to the sun deck, which at times needs to be accessed to disembark.  Can you use a wheelchair? Are there other exceptions?  Yes, but please talk to your travel advisor.
• River cruising attracts the 55+ boomer generation.  This is not because a river cruise is just for older travelers,  “boring” or “slow”, but more because of time and budget.  That said, the average age of guests has really come down with more active excursions like hiking, biking, canoeing and wellness programs being part of experience.  More and more 30 - 50 ages groups are discovering how great river cruising is.  There are also excellent programs for families with children. Talk to your advisor for the best options.  

Photo courtesy of Uniworld.

I tend to be a more independent traveler - I like flexibility when traveling and I don't like everything planned out.  Others love everything preplanned.  River cruising is great for both types of travelers PLUS it takes care of the pesky logistics (I have to admit its so nice not having to make all the decisions, to drive (the driver never gets to fully enjoy the country side), find parking, find my hotel, find great restaurants, schedule my own tours, etc.).  LOVE IT!

But this is NOT about me.  It's about what is important to you.  Let's chat to determine if this is the right experience for you.  
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 I specialize in river cruises and would love to help you. 
Call 602.540.7338 or email to get  the process started.