While mass-market ocean cruising is not for every traveler, the idea of a smaller and more intimate ship that visits multiple small towns along Europe rivers without having to pack over and over can be appealing to even cruise skeptics.
In December 2019, I hopped aboard to experience an Ama Waterways 7-night Christmas Markets on the Rhine river cruise beginning in Amsterdam, Netherlands and ending in Basel, Switzerland.
Here’s why I have become passionate about river cruising.
Who’s Onboard
The target audience is not just older travelers anymore. On my cruise we had guests that included couples ranging from their 30s to 70s, multigenerational families, friends, and even solo travelers. While there are a few river cruises that target younger families, I would say that teenagers
and older are suitable for most itineraries.
Themes/Targeted Interests
River cruising attracts guests with a range of interests. There are different types of itineraries based on interests. A few options include wine, golf, gardening, culinary, wellness, Jewish heritage, and Christmas markets.
Choices
There are different excursions offered in each port, along with a range of activity levels of the excursions offered. For example, for our day in Strasbourg, France we had all of these options.
- Gentle – bus tour through city and drop off in city center with free time
- Regular – mild paced walking tour that ends in city center with free time
- Active- 4-mile faster paced walking tour that ends in city center with free time
- Bike Tour – 14-mile bike tour along the canals and through the heart of the city
- Late Starter – skip the tour and be transferred later in the morning into the city to explore
- On Your Own – stay onboard or go into town as you please
Sense of Community
With 140 guests and 52 staff you can easily get aquainted with those onboard. The staff and guests become friends that you look forward to catching up with during your meals or in the lounge. The staff quickly get to know your preferences and are able to customize their service to fit your needs.
Relax
Some people have a hard time relaxing while traveling, as they are afraid they might miss out on an opportunity or experience. I found the daily itinerary of my river cruise to be planned out perfectly to take part in activities, while still being able to live in the moment. Whether you want to read books, play games, catch up on work, work-out, or even watch a few movies, you have a good balance of free time to do whatever relaxing means to you. I can honestly say I was able to relax and explore 7 cities in 4 countries within one week.
Keep in mind that every river cruise line is different. You want to make sure when you are looking at river cruise options that you do not look at just the price & itinerary.
There are more factors that need to be considered. As your trusted travel advisor, I can match you with the river cruise line for you and provide additional planning services to make sure you are prepared for your departure.
I’m already wanting to plan my next cruise. Possibly the Danube or Douro. So many options, with so many places to explore…
Keep dreaming. We’re here when you’re ready.
Contact Us:
Jamie Jackson: (336) 263-1977 or [email protected]
Luxury Travel Advisor and Virtuoso Wellness Travel community member at Wanderlust Travel Boutique
At Wanderlust Travel Boutique, we will create a truly personalized, hassle-free vacation with a comprehensive itinerary, so you can enjoy an unforgettable experience.
If not now, when?
*Make sure to sign up on our website (bottom left corner) to receive our bi-monthly newsletter where we highlight destinations and travel opportunities*
