6 Steps To Choosing Your Perfect River Cruise

Photo courtesy of AmaWaterways

River cruising and luxury barging has grown exponentially over the past few years.  More and more travelers are discovering and falling in love with this type of travel.  Why?  With river cruising you have so many options - choices in rivers, choices in itineraries, choices in cruise lines.   Something for just about everyone.

If you are new to the experience, having all these options can certainly be daunting.  Following these steps will help you narrow down your choices.  

1.  Ask yourself "Is river cruising for me?"

I always ask my clients why they are thinking "rivers" and what attracted them to this experience. 

The answers are especially important when they are experienced ocean cruisers.  An ocean cruise experience  is very different from a river cruise.  The size of ship alone tells you that certain amenities will not be available  on a river cruise.  These are  important to know to manage one's expectations.  For example, if active nightlife options or Broadway style entertainment is a must have, river cruising may not be for you.  

Physical mobility is also something that needs to be considered.  Especially in Europe, many of the walking tours have you exploring towns with cobbled, uneven streets.  Not easy walking.  Discuss this thoroughly with your travel advisor.​
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2.  Where do you want to go?

Photos courtesy of AmaWaterways

You have choices in Europe, Africa, South America, Asia and in the US.  Europe alone has ten major waterways to explore, with multiple itineraries to consider (not to mention all the canals if barging is more your style).  One of the first things you need to do is determine what region of the world you want to visit. 

Not sure? I suggest looking at your hobbies and special interests.   Do you like museums?  Are you a foodie, love wine or beer?  An art lover?  A US History buff?  Interested in in visiting iconic cities or castles and chateaus?  Prefer active vacations?  Hobbies and interests are a great way to narrow down itineraries for their unique experiences.  Not all cruise lines cater to every type of interest, so this will naturally narrow down the options as well.   
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3.  When do you want to go?

Certain itineraries are available only during specific times.  For example, in Europe, do you want to see the tulips in bloom?   This means a cruise during late March to early May.  Christmas Markets on the agenda?  These start in late November and  end around New Year's  Day.  

Do you want to avoid the heat, rainy season, crowds?   This will help determine whether you travel during peak, shoulder or low seasons.    TIP: When you travel will have an impact on your overall budget.  

4.   What types of activities are important to you? 

Photos courtesy of Avalonwaterways (1,2,4) and AmaWaterways (3)

Cruise lines offer a wide variety of activities and excursions for all types of interests and activity levels. Themed cruises include beer and wine, golf, cultural heritage and art focuses.  Excursions include guided walking, bike or bus tours, immersive and exclusive experiences.  Some ships offer wellness programs, including bicycles, yoga, pools and workout rooms. 

What you want to see, how immersive you want to get and how active you want to be will help narrow down the best cruise line for you.  


TIP #1:  Take note of the excursions being offered.  Some offer one in each port.  Others offer multiple options to choose from.  Others offer exclusive experiences.  TIP #2: Take note of the type of traveler you are and like to be with.  The types and choices of excursions included by a cruise line are based on the types of travelers they want to attract.  Some cruise lines are becoming more active, others are more classic in nature.
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5.  What is your budget?

What is the amount you can realistically invest on your vacation?  Cruises come in various price points, so your budget will narrow down which lines to review. 

Most fares include accommodation, on-board meals, certain beverages during lunch and dinner and standard  tour excursions.  Airfare, travel insurance, drinks (outside of meals and on some cruise lines all alcoholic beverages), gratuities, premium excursions, pre/post cruise stays, meals off the ship, transfers, souvenirs and incidentals all need to be considered in the total budget.   Other considerations that impact your budget:  when you travel and type of cabin you choose.   

Luxury lines offer more inclusive pricing and exclusive experiences -  thus a higher base fare than the premium or budget lines (who have more of an "a la carte" approach).    

6.  Work with Travel Advisor who specializes in River Cruising

Specialists have educated themselves on the various cruise lines and can match you to the best experience.  They will help you understand the differences and help you make the best choice for your travel style and personality.  

From the outside, river cruises (and barges) look  very similar.  Most ships are all the same size, with 3 decks, a sundeck, a restaurant, lounge and similar cabins.   So what are the differences?  

"What they offer on the inside."  Each cruise brand has a unique personality.  Some differences are very noticeable, others more nuanced.  But as they say, the little things add up. 

A specialist can advise you accordingly and work with you on the entire experience, from planning stages to after you come home.  

​Ready for an experience that takes your adventure to a new level? 
I'm here to help you.  Call or email to get started.  
Let's chat to see what river cruise is best for you.​