Choosing a European River Cruise

​A river cruise can be a scenic vacation that includes culturally-rich locations, an intimate setting (fewer than 200 passengers), and a variety of activities at each port of call. Although this type of cruise may seem relaxing, choosing a the right one can be both confusing and frustrating. With so many rivers and cruise lines, how do you make a choice?
First let’s take a look at the benefits of a river cruise:

• You unpack once.
• You get to visit multiple cities/countries.
• Itineraries are port intensive. Ports are the key attractions, not the ships.
• You meet people from all over the world.
• There is a range of onshore activities.
• You experience local cuisine/cultural immersion.
• River cruises are great for solo travelers.
• You enjoy a relaxed pace/low-key entertainment.
• Pre- and post-cruise options can be added.

​When choosing a river cruise, here are a few things to consider:
1. Choose a River
I always advise clients to first choose a river. Most first-time river cruisers are interested in visiting multiple countries and crossing off several bucket list items in one trip.
2. Choose a Theme
Are you a foodie or a wine lover? Are you fascinated with castles? Or maybe you are interested in Christmas markets. Theme cruises are plentiful these days, so you are sure to find one to your liking.
3. Choose the Time of Year
The river cruise season runs March through December. The Summer months are generally considered the most popular months for European cruises. Spring and Fall months may offer a good alternative for smaller tourist crowds and lower pricing. Christmas market cruises begin at the end of November and continue until just before Christmas.
4. Choose the Cruise Line
Choosing a cruise line may be the most confusing: some cruise lines include gratuities, airport transfers and port charges in their cruise fare and others do not. I will make the comparisons for you, along with any current promotions, so you can make an informed decision.
Finally, below are a few tips to help your vacation run smoothly:

• Book early! The primo rooms sell out first, so be sure to contact me early in the planning stage to ensure you get the stateroom of your choice.
• Fly to embarkation one day early. This will allow yourself to get acclimated to the time change, and you won’t be rushed getting to the ship due to airline delays or cancellations.
• Book return flights that depart at noon or later. Some ports are a bit of a drive from the airport and you will want to have plenty of time to make your flight.
• Purchase travel insurance. This is a must! So many things can go wrong before or during travel: job loss, lost luggage, injury or illness, to mention a few. It is wise to protect your vacation investment.

When you are ready to plan your European river cruise, I will be here to help you every step of the way:  before, during and after. Call me today to set up your next vacation!