Cruising conjures up the image of an island-hopping megaship in the Caribbean. Nonetheless, river cruises can be as fun and fantastic. Many luxury lines – such as Uniworld, AmaWaterways, and Crystal Cruises – traverse European and Far Eastern waters to treat your senses with beautiful landscapes and locales.
An Intimate Experience
With their compact size and classy guests, river cruises make a relaxation abode. These vessels lead you to places and ports not accessible to an ocean-going cruiser. Instead of fighting your way to the buffet or lounge, you’ll have plenty of space to yourself. It provides a sense of privacy as well as a close-knit community where you get to socialize with fellow passengers.
Infinite Itineraries
Boutique ships allow custom routes. You can explore quaint towns near Europe’s famous rivers, including Rhine, Danube, and Seine. Or choose a spiritual journey on the Ganges River in India and Yangtze in China. For example, Crystal River Cruises make stops in Austria, Hungary, Switzerland, Belgium, Slovakia, and the Netherlands. Where else can you check off as many destinations from your bucket list without worrying about hotel booking or car parking?
Zero Stress Travel
You’re being pampered from head to toe throughout your riverside vacation when taking in sunset views at the deck or zooming on lush vineyards from your cabin vista. You don’t have to delve into the nitty-gritty. Imagine unpacking your suitcase once in a fancy hotel. And every time you step out, it’s a different place. Well, you don’t have to imagine those floating resorts anymore.
Five Star Facilities
With spacious staterooms and gourmet dining, discovery can be a luxury. As opposed to ocean ships, there are no inside cabins. Everyone has windows and balconies to stare at the evolving scenery. Sample Michelin-inspired menus, fuel yourself with free beverages, and unwind in an indoor pool at the end of the day. Crew members are proactive in their duties. The one-to-one staff and guest ratio is standard in all-inclusive luxury river cruises.
Excursions & Events
You don’t only get to the heart of the destination but also enjoy freebie attractions and cultural experiences. It’s common for upscale cruise liners to hook you up with special events and signature tours. After VIP escorts to Titanic Belfast Museum in Northern Ireland, Mikhailovsky Theatre in Saint Petersburg, or Polo Club Saint Tropez – you’ll know. These are the moments you won’t forget soon.
All in all, sailing on an ultra-luxury river cruise can be a close-to-the-heart experience. Many countries around the world lend themselves to this style of travel. You better pick the date and leave the dock ASAP.