Why Choose a River Cruise?
If you’ve experienced an ocean cruise, you may think to yourself, “Why would I need to try a river cruise?”
Comparing the two are like comparing apples to oranges. Both cruises, yes, but two completely different experiences.
Unlike ocean cruises, river cruising is specifically designed to be an immersive experience. Instead of spending days at sea to get to your next port, you may be gliding through Europe, sitting on the top deck as you watch idyllic castles go by. Once docked, you are just steps away from the heart of the city.
If you love the idea of seeing multiple destinations without constantly packing to check into the next hotel, navigating trains, or coordinating transfers, river cruising offers one of the most seamless and efficient ways to travel. Here are 3 reasons to choose river cruising for your next vacation.
Smaller Ships, Deeper Immersion
Some ocean cruises can feel like a floating city, but a river cruise gives you a more immersive, personal experience. On average, most river cruise ships only have capacity for 100-200 passengers. This gives travelers the opportunity to truly get to know the onboard crew, as well as form friendships with fellow passengers seen regularly throughout the cruise. You trade bustling, busy decks for quiet lounges and panoramic spaces to take in the beautiful scenery. Special presentations are often given for deeper cultural context of the destinations you are visiting. Activities onboard can be based on the region you are exploring, like art classes or musical experiences. When you step off the ship, you already feel more deeply connected to the place you are docking.
2. Unpack Once, Visit Multiple Destinations
There is an ease to this kind of travel that is hard to find any other way. It is common when traveling to places like Europe to have a multi-city vacation. You want the ability to see and do as much as you can with the time that you have. However, multiple hotels and navigating train systems can be stressful and exhausting, not to mention takes more of your time. Not only can these small ships go where large ocean cruises cannot, you only have to unpack once, yet still see several cities and even countries in one cruise. You don’t have to worry about an hour long transfer from a cruise port to get to an excursion in the city either, you simply step off the dock and off you go! This gives you a wonderful balance of a cruise and land experience. If you want to make the most efficient use of your time, river cruising is the way to do it.
3. A Mostly Inclusive Travel Experience
One of the greatest perks of a river cruise is having a mostly inclusive vacation. While inclusions can vary by cruise brand, generally your stateroom, food, drinks (including soft drinks, wine, and beer), and an excursion in each port are all included in your cruise fare. Optional land packages can be added for pre or post cruise experiences, along with flights and airport transfers. Packaging everything together gives you a mostly inclusive travel experience. You don’t have to worry about tracking down multiple reservations or surprise expenses, other than the treasures you might find while exploring to bring back with you as a memento.
River cruising is perfect for the traveler that wants a premium, culturally rich and immersive experience without the stressful logistics of navigating multiple cities. Now the question is, which river cruise brand and itinerary is right for you?
Reach out to STM Travel Design, and you’ll be matched with the right destination specialist to assist you in planning your river cruise vacation.
Written by Christa Jordan
Christa is a Platinum Top Producer and Senior Travel Advisor with Share the Magic Travel, and a founding member of STM Travel Design. She loves combining the art of storytelling with her passion for travel, helping clients write their travel stories through expert planning and collaboration. Even though she’s an introvert, she enjoys the rush of city life, unhurried mornings, and discovering the best local coffee shops wherever she goes. Wife of 15 years and mom to 2 active boys, going on adventures with her family is her favorite thing in the world.
Click here to learn more and connect with Christa.