Bin1) Relax and Let Someone Else Manage Things For You
River cruises are a great way to explore beautiful, historic locations without the hassle of planning. You board a ship and get taken to the spots where the most interesting sights are, and don’t have to worry about planning or making arrangements to get to each destination. You’ll call at a port and have plenty of time to look around, before coming back to the boat to move on to the next destination. Many cruises offer tours as a feature, but they’re optional. The pace is something you can pick, and there’s no pressure to dress up or take part in specific activities.
2) See the Most Interesting Spots
Ocean cruises are limited in the ports they can call at. River cruises can dock in smaller towns and cities, so you have more freedom when it comes to where you can go. The places they dock are often right next to the heart of the city, so you’ll be able to step off the boat and into the action. It’s like a city break where you stay in a hotel, except the hotel is a floating platform, so you’ll have access to your restaurants, bars, gym, pool and other amenities at every single step of the journey.
3) A Great Romantic Break
Sailing on a river cruise is a great way to relax with your loved ones. Whether it’s just you and your spouse on a romantic break, or it’s a trip with close friends or families, the small size of a river cruise ship means they take fewer guests and the facilities themselves are smaller and more intimiate. They’re not cramped, but they have a closer feel than the bigger and more resort-style atmospheres of an ocean cruise ship. If you’re going on a trip by yourself, the leisurely nature of the cruise and the lower number of guests will give you the chance to make new friends, hopefully some of which you’ll stay in touch with for a long time to come.
Smaller cruises have another perk, too. The staff will be able to give you a better, more personal level of attention than you’d get on an ocean cruise. It just adds to the luxury.
4) Top Quality Accommodation
Many river cruises have luxurious staterooms with modern amenities. You can take advantage of internet access, a flat-screen TV, a refrigerator, and little luxuries such as slippers and a bathrobe. Depending on the size of the ship you may even have the choice of an inside or outside cabin, and if you opt for an outside cabin you might get access to a private balcony so you can enjoy some stunning views while the ship is on the move.
5) Never Get Bored
Every day on a river cruise means new scenery and new things to do. There’s lots to do on the ship itself, and there’s lots to see when the ship calls into medieval cities or countryside locations with rolling hills and beautiful vineyards. A river cruise means always having new and interesting options to enjoy.
6) A Chance to Learn and Grow
River cruises are the perfect way to learn about the history and culture of the country you explore. If you go on the tours, you’ll get to hear about the location from real experts. If you explore yourself, you can go off the beaten track. Mealtimes often involve some local cuisine, and many operators offer lectures, workshops or other activities during times when the boat is on the move. Because you’re following rivers and going to smaller places that ocean ships can’t get to, you’ll have the chance to explore parts of the country that are less tourist-focused, and get a real feeling for the areas you visit.
