Life in the Slow Lane: River Cruising:
River cruising has been the fastest growing segment of travel in terms of volume and innovation for several years -- but is it the perfect fit for you?
Rivers have been connecting people for centuries. River cruises today, reconnect you with the ancient, natural highways that shaped world before trains, cars and planes. A river cruise is a voyage on an inland waterway, often stopping at multiple ports along the way. Since cities and towns often grew up around rivers, river cruise ships frequently dock in the historic city centers and you simply walk on and off the ship with little to no wait.
River cruising is a major tourist industry in many parts of the world. River cruise itineraries combine wellness, immersive experiences, and exploring onshore culture without depriving cruisers luxury and amenities onboard the ships.
Major waterways around the world with river cruise enterprises are:
`Africa: Nile, Chobe, Zambezi
`Asia: Mekong, Ganga, Brahmaputra, Irrawaddy, Yangtze
`Australia: Murray
`Europe: Douro, Seine, Rhone, Rhine, Danube, Moselle, Main, Dnieper. Volga
`North America: Mississippi, Columbia. St Lawrence
`South America: Amazon.
There are a number of factors that make river cruising an attractive adventure. The three I hear most often from river cruisers are:
There aren’t waves, and you always see the shoreline (both river banks) . River cruisers like this because they can’t get seasick and they feel safe.
On river cruises, you’re in port for at least some portion of each day.
Your view changes more often on a river cruise.
River ships are smaller. Many ocean ships have passenger counts in the thousands, while riverboats usually carry 200 passengers or fewer, with some exclusive hotel barges catering for just eight. From International Cruise Lines like Viking whose Longships hold 190 and Emerald's ships holding between 84 and 180 passengers, while Pandaw averages about 50 guests. The smaller vessels are known for their more personalized service by the crew. The flip side is that there's less space for shared amenities, like the mega-pools, theaters, and other bells and whistles you'll find on today's big ships.
Fewer dining options.One to two restaurants are the norm on river cruises, with lighter meals served in a lounge or on a sundeck. Most ships serve breakfast and lunch as buffet-only (or buffet mainly, with a few items to be ordered a la carte). Most river cruises do not have set seating for dinner which means you are free tp dine with whoever you want. Dress is typically country club causal. The small passenger count and daily port calls mean the venues are better able to bring in fresh ingredients like fish and produce or offer regional specialties at mealtime.
Entertainment is low-key:Based upon my experience, you will find a lone resident pianist or small ensemble on most ships, plus folk dancers, singers or other local troupes brought onboard for a quick evening show. With river cruising the passing scenery, destinations and excursions are the main star of the show.
Itineraries are port intensive: Unlike ocean cruises that have leisurely sea days, river cruises are port intensive, and you'll visit a new destination each day -- sometimes two in one day -- and up to four countries in a week. The ports, not the ships, are the key attractions, and you will certainly pack a lot of sightseeing into a week or two. Bring comfortable shoes, and don't be embarrassed to take a day off if you're getting overwhelmed. In most cases tours are included for each port, but there's no obligation to go on all of them. The majority of sailing is done during the late night or very early hours, and you'll miss most of it. The exception is Portugal's River Douro, where nighttime navigation is not allowed and ships only sail during daylight hours.
In addition to the traditional walking and motor coach tours to castles and other places of interest, river cruise lines have introduced options for active travelers, such as guided bicycle rides, hikes, golf, kayaking and even running tours, along with activities including cooking and art classes, music recitals and trips to the ballet or opera.
Finally: In general, river cruise staterooms prices can't be compared directly to ocean cruise lines because more items are often included in the fares, encompassing the likes of shore excursions, drinks, and other perks that would be a la carte if you were to book a base ocean cruise fare. River cruising is a stress free vacation. Everything is taken care of for you; the itinerary, luggage handling, dining, onboard, entertainment and excursions. From my perspective: I believe river cruising is the best value and way to travel to see a country for the first time because all you need to do is show up. For the more adventuress ones, booking a pre of post cruise stay offers real opportunities to experience a location such as the ones described for Ho Chi Minh City (https://www.sumactravelservices.com/pages/the-paris-of-the-orient-23884) for those cruising the Mekong River.
To learn more about River Cruising please contact Sumac Travel Services today and let us help you plan the perfect vacation experience for you. Call 219-706-5137 or Email: tom.davenport@cruiseplanners.com
