Rediscovering Europe – The Magic of River Cruising!

With over 25 years in the travel industry – I still feel that there are so many new things and experiences to explore in the world. Last month I had been to Europe – especially the Netherlands, Belgium, and London. This time I had booked a river cruise with Avalon Waterways. It was an 8-day cruise – Romantic Rhine – sailing across 4 countries – Netherlands, Germany, France, and Switzerland. This river cruise experience exposed me to a whole new world of travel. And, so, today the focus of my blog is to share this latest trend in the industry – River Cruising. 

Imagine sailing on the historic waterways of Europe, waking up to new landscapes just outside your window, and as soon as you step out of this floating hotel – you are right in the centre of the charming European towns. This is exactly the magic of River Cruising!  Join me as I share my insights and personal experiences in this unique way to explore Europe.

Comparing River Cruises to Ocean Cruises

• First and foremost – I want to draw your attention to how a river cruise is different as compared to an Ocean cruise. 
• Forget the massive ships; these are smaller ones offering an intimate experience. 
• River cruises typically host around 150 passengers instead of thousands like the ocean cruises. 
• Instead of big entertainment, river cruises offer the unique experience of seeing beautiful scenery, as you pass through cities and landscapes. Ocean cruises often spend days at the sea, whereas river cruises offer new sights and places, each day. 
• The USP of a river cruise – no seasickness at all. The rivers are calm, so you can enjoy your trip without uneasiness.

This is not all, allow me to elaborate further to give you a closer glimpse into River cruises. 

Intimate Atmosphere and Comfort

One of the prominent features of the river cruise is the comfort and coziness it offers. The minute you step onto the Avalon River cruise you will feel like stepping into a cosy boutique hotel. With only 80 cabins, it didn’t take us long to get familiar with the layout of the cruise. Our cabin was a pleasant surprise – designed smartly with complete space utilization. The best part of the cabin was the floor-to-ceiling, wall-to-wall windows. Waking up to picturesque views each day was a delight. The public areas of the cruise like, the spacious lounge and sun deck were perfect for chilling and soaking in the scenic views of the charming villages and other landmarks. Given the size of the vessel, everything on it was just a short walk away.

Dining and Hospitality

The one thing that stood out on our river cruise was the excellent and attentive hospitality. The guest-to-staff ratio was impressive – about one crew member for every three passengers. So, you are bound to receive personalized and attentive service. The dining experience on the cruise was a delight. Unlike the ocean cruises with many restaurants, our river cruise had just one main dining room. But that does not hinder the variety and quality of food. Initially, I was a bit sceptical about food – especially as a vegetarian with some food allergies. But the staff and the chef took utmost care and managed to create delicious curry rice, exactly as per my needs. This level of care and service made us feel truly at home. 

Scenic Views and Entertainment

Now comes the crux – you will not find entertainment and activities like the one on the ocean cruise liners. But the entertainment on the river cruise is subtle. There are no casinos, theatres, or swimming pool. During the day, you can watch the world go by from the sun deck. The slow pace of the cruise – around 15 to 20 km/ hour gives you a chance to soak in the passing landscapes. While passing through scenic areas like St. Goar and Boppard, we would all gather on the deck as Maria, the tour director, shared about the landmarks and history of the region. Such moments make the experience full paisa vasool. For all those seeking some activities, you can opt for biking tours and other fun stuff at various stops in cities. 

Our Rhine Journey – Ports of Call and Excursions

One of the perks of river cruising is waking up in the city centre almost every day. Compared to ocean cruises – wherein the ports are far away from the main spots of the city, river cruises are docked right in the centre of the city. We embarked on the cruise in Amsterdam – Netherlands and then sailed across Germany, France, and culminating in Switzerland. During our Rhine River cruise, we halted at charming places like Mainz, Cologne, Rüdesheim, Strasbourg, and finally, Breisach. Our cruise journey culminates in Basel. Being decked in the city centre allowed us to easily explore the city. Opting for a walking tour gave me a great chance to get insights into the local history and culture. With ample time, around five to seven hours, we could explore each place at our own pace. This ideal mix of exploration and travel makes river cruising so special.

Interactions with Fellow Passengers. 

One of the surprising joys of our river cruise was meeting people from different cultures, not just the locals at each stop but also the other passengers on the river cruise. The small size of the vessel and its cosy atmosphere onboard made mingling with each other easy. Our cruise had a diverse mix of travellers, most couples aged 60 and above from the USA, UK, Canada, New Zealand, and India. It was an enriching experience to share stories with people from all over the world. As tour operators, we found these conversations engaging and learnt a lot about various global places. Such conversations and a friendly atmosphere added an extra touch to our trip. It proves that, at times, it is not just about the place you visit but also the people you meet along the journey.

Tips for First-Time River Cruisers

By now – I am sure you will be excited and considering a river cruise. Here are some tips that I would like you all to consider.

• Choosing the ideal itinerary is crucial.
• Decide and plan what you want to see and explore in Europe.
• The best part of river cruising in Europe is that there is a route for almost everyone, as per their interests.
• Pack casual and comfortable clothing and be prepared for varying weather conditions.
• Do not worry about motion sickness. The rivers are calm. 
• Share your dietary preferences well in advance. 
• Note that such cruises are not suitable for children. They are best for travellers over 18 years of age. 
• Be prepared to have a mature crowd on board river cruises. 
• Take advantage of the excursions included in the package, but also explore on your own. 
• Pack comfortable footwear, as most European towns have cobblestone streets. 
• Spend some time on the sun deck, as it is the best place to take in the natural scenery. 
• Remember – River cruising is all about enjoying the slow pace of the trip, so relax and enjoy the journey. 

Conclusion

If you are considering an immersive and more relaxed travel experience, river cruising is just the right fit for you. After decades in the travel industry, I would emphasize that river cruising is a unique way to explore Europe. It combines the excitement of waking up in a new place each day with the comfort and ease of a hotel. The best part is you will visit multiple countries by unpacking just once. As we ended our Rhine River cruise, we knew we had found something special. Every day on the cruise was unique and will stay with us forever. We fell in love with this way of seeing Europe – it was not just a trip but a whole new way to travel. Enjoy personalized services and intimate arrangements while exploring the hidden gems and iconic cities of Europe.