10 Reasons Why Ocean Cruise Travelers Will Love River Cruising

Ocean cruises are a very popular way to travel and it is for good reason. They are easy to get to, you unpack one time and get to visit multiple countries, they are a great way to try new things, and you have peace of mind knowing that everything you need for a fantastic getaway is all in one place. So now you are asking, what could be just as good but something different? Well, consider a river cruise. River cruises offer all the luxury and convenience of an ocean cruise while letting you explore charming destinations at each port of call on a smaller ship.

Top 10 reasons to love river cruising if you have cruised on the ocean previously

1. River Cruising Allows you To Expand Your Options of Where To Cruise

While ocean cruises take you to countries, river cruises take you through them. It’s a completely unique way to see multiple cities and countries. There simply is no way to reach river cruise destinations on ocean cruise ships. It’s the best of both worlds. You dock in the heart of the city which makes it very easy.

2. Intimate Experience

River cruising offers an intimate setting. Most ships range from 140 to 180 passengers depending on the river cruise line. That means there is no waiting in line and it makes it so easy to get to know your fellow passengers and crew. During my river cruise on Emerald Lunda I had 4 different long conversations with the cabin steward who was NOT assigned my room. The staff would call me by name and I loved the personal touch. When I ate breakfast onboard Avalon View, shortly when I sat at my table a glass of cranberry juice would appear as it was my favorite. During my Riverside Mozart cruise, I quickly became friends with a sweet couple from Germany. Being on a smaller ship allows you to get to know other guests and staff onboard.

3. Emerging Into The Local Culture

River cruising makes it easy to explore hidden gems. There are less tourists when you pull into port as there are only a few hundred visitors. This makes it much easier for leisurely excursions at each incredible port of call. Bonus: Most river cruise lines include excursions in their price. The tour guides are usually local and you learn so much more than if you had explored on your own. You are able to take in the local culture and history of every unique town that you visit and feel like you are not watching the culture from afar, but truly part of it. Your excursion could including cooking with a local, visiting a cheese farm, or learning the history of a city by somebody who has lived there for generations. Local entertainment may also be brought onboard.

4. River Cruising Allows More Time In Destination

Many river cruise ships depart later in the afternoon or evening. Many itineraries have overnight stays in cities like Paris, Amsterdam, or Budapest. How does this help you? Simply put, you don’t have to rush back. It gives you ample time to explore nightlife in different ports of call. You can explore that hidden gem coffee shop, watch a local musical performance, or simply enjoy a glass of wine after an evening walking through the center of town. Pro tip: visit the local grocery stores for a delicious present to bring back home to friends and family. Some lines like Avalon have itineraries that are perfect for travelers who are more active and want to see some of the nightlife in destination as well.

5. Views For Days

When cruising the Nile in Egypt you can get a firsthand look at Valley of the Kings and Valley of the Queens. Maybe you want to explore the Mekong River in Vietnam and Cambodia and discover a beautiful temple. Or you can get your fill of stunning castle views in Europe along the Rhine or Danube Rivers. Pro tip: The Douro river has the most beautiful views for European river cruises.

6. Entertainment for the Whole Family

Let me stop for just a moment, I know you are thinking I thought river cruising is just for retirees. No, that isn’t the case. Each cruise line caters to a different segment of the population. Some like Viking are adults only. Others like Tauck have family friendly options. I help you find the right river cruise line for your travel party, whether that be your family, girlfriends getaway, a couple escape, or celebration travel. I make sure we choose the right ship and itinerary with a variety of activities and plenty of stops along the way. River cruising is actually perfect for multi-generational families if the right line is selected. From grandparents to those harder to please teens, the entire family will bond over a range of topics and activities from food to history to countryside excursions. There are plenty of excursions for everybody to enjoy and the youngest of travelers can expand upon what are learning in school in history classes. Everybody can come together and bond as a family for memories that last a lifetime.

7. Taste the Difference

Whether you’re into wine tasting or local street food, a river cruise provides an exceptional culinary experience both on the ship and at every destination. River cruises like to showcase the local cuisine and often will pair it with local wines for a unique experience. Experiencing local cuisine is always a highlight when I travel, especially in Europe.

8. Variety of Experience

Being in the culture allows you to have authentic experiences. Choose from learning from local craftsmen, enjoying the local breweries, shopping at the Christmas Markets (November/December in Europe), biking through trendy neighborhoods or visiting museums that highlight musicians and/or the local culture. Now river cruise lines will different how many included tours you can choose from at each port of call. Some only offer one, which others could offer three or four. The variety of tours as well as the quality and length are some of the few attributes Markwood Magic looks for when picking the right river cruise ship for you and your travel party.

9. Fantastic Accommodations

One of the reasons river cruising is so popular is the feeling of walking into a luxurious suite or stateroom that will be your home away from home for the next 4, 7, or 10+ days. Accommodations include a window view, french balcony, private balcony, or even a combo french/private balcony.

10. Unpack once

On a river cruise, you unpack your bag one time. Did you know that on some river cruises, your butler will unpack for you? Once unpacked you can visit multiple cities and/or countries in one trip without having to unpack again. This makes travel so easy.

What questions can I answer for your next river cruise in Europe? I would love to match your travel style with the right itinerary and ship. Reach out today and schedule a consultation using the button below.