August 3, 2023
When it comes to ocean cruises, what you see is typically what you get. Love roller coasters, water parks, and non-stop entertainment? One look at a Royal Caribbean ship shows you that that’s exactly what you’re in for. Are you a Jimmy Buffet fan? Then a Margaritaville cruise is perfect for you. Looking for a more upscale, elegant at-sea experience? Seabourn’s sleek, yacht-style ships give you a hint at what’s in store.
But with river cruises, it’s harder to tell. That’s because river cruise ships tend to look more uniform; they all generally sport the same long, narrow shape that allows them to navigate down rivers and beneath bridges. And because river cruise ships are so much smaller than ocean cruise ships, there’s simply less square feet to play—and differentiate—with.
While you can’t judge a book by its cover when it comes to river cruise ships, here’s how you can narrow down your options and ensure you’re choosing the best cruising experience for you:
Examine the on-board experience
River cruise ship “same-ness” makes it all the more important to understand what it’s actually like on board. Some river cruises cater more to foodies, for example, with exceptional menus crafted by top chefs; produce is typically picked up at daily markets where you dock, so the food is truly representative of the region.
While all river cruise ships will give you more elbow room than an ocean cruiser, if you’re really craving more space look to ships with larger staterooms—Avalon has particularly large rooms with panoramic, floor-to-ceiling windows. And the “vibe” on board varies from brand to brand; Uniworld typifies Old World glamor (lovely if you like the idea of checking into a frescoed Italian palazzo!), while Scenic offer a more modern, fresh feel.
Consider excursion styles
With many ocean cruises, the highlight of the experience is the ship itself. But with river cruises, the focus truly is on destination exploration—so the type (and quality) of daily excursions matter a lot. Will you be shuttled into a packed tour bus, or can you take part in smaller, guided walking tours right off the ship? If you enjoy being more active on vacation, make sure your cruise line offers excursions that appeal to you, like e-bike tours or hiking opportunities.
Choose based on your interests
Not sure what to pick? Just let your passions lead the way. You’ll find many river cruise lines put together itineraries themed around certain interests. For example, AmaWaterways offers a sailing themed around classical music that takes you to Austria, Hungary, and Slovakia, a wine-focused cruise that snakes through the Rhine Valley, and a “flavors of Portugal & Spain” itinerary that will appeal to foodies interested in exploring renowned port houses and lively tapas bars. A bonus? Hopping on one of these sailings is also a great way to ensure you meet fellow cruisers who share your interests!
Think outside the box—and beyond the most obvious option
Many travelers are first introduced to the concept of river cruising through a certain brand’s ubiquitous PBS television ads. While it may be tempting to choose a cruise based on name recognition, this brand is really only the right choice for a certain type of cruiser (typically, more mature travelers who enjoy slower paced excursions).
Instead, consider the factors above to ensure you’re landing on a river cruise experience that feels tailor-made for you. If you want a truly tailored river cruise, there’s one more out-of-the-box option to consider: a barge cruise. Upscale travel brand Abercrombie & Kent offers chartered barge cruises throughout Europe, with a focus on France, limited to just four to 12 guests. Barge cruises are a true luxury experience, as the well-appointed, stylish vessel sails you to tucked-away gems along serene canals that even river cruises can’t reach, far from the tourist crowds. You’ll have your own crew on board, which often includes a private chef. Imagine: you and your eight closest friends or family relaxing on your barge deck, a glass of chilled Chablis in hand, as you sail past Burgundy’s verdant countryside studded with world-class vineyards.
Oh la la!
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Want help navigating all your river cruising options? Connect with me on a complimentary consultation call to start planning your tailored river cruise experience.
