I am sure you all have seen the TV commercial of the longboats sailing down a river and passing beautiful castle and different scenery. But what is River Cruising like? I would like to break down the experiences and differences of Ocean Cruising and River Cruising.

River Cruising is known for its smaller number of passengers ranging from 150 to 190. These low numbers allow for a more intimate setting and easier to get around on land. Meals are served at a set time and you dine with all of your fellow cruisers. This allows for a lot of time to dine with a variety of passengers and engage in conversations. Meals are chef curated and very tasty!

The sailing is very smooth. You don’t feel engine vibrations or motion. It is quite astonishing as to how smooth a ride. Seating to take in the views is in the common area with nice sofas or chairs. The windows are floor to ceiling so you are always able to look out. If the weather is good there is plenty of room at the top of the vessel to enjoy the fresh air.

Depending upon the river ship company and the actual river, the daily tours can be varied. Some such as Viking take in a lot of historical sights, where as AMA has a focus on wellness, so hiking and biking are also offered while seeing the local area. For any of these included shore trips, you sign up before you sail or even while aboard. Embarking and disembarking is simple and quick. No long lines or waiting. The staterooms are well appointed yet smaller given a normal cruise ship cabin. They are quite efficient though and workable. River cruising takes you to many places in the world that larger ocean going vessels can not. Mekong, Nile, Mississippi, Great Lakes, Douro, Seine, Rhine, and Danube to name some of the river cruise destinations. It is really a matter of what it is you want to see, do and experience.

On any river cruise you can chose to do as much as you want or as little as you want, it is entirely your choice. The three main River Cruise companies are Viking, Uniworld and Ama Waterways. While each company does many of the same itineraries, the shipboard culture is different. Viking, which is the most familiar due to the enormous amount of advertising they do. The staterooms are well appointed and comfortable.

Viking focuses heavily on historical visits and bus rides. Every ship is exactly the same with Viking, so if you travel on one then another, you will not see a difference. Uniworld is probably the most interesting because every stateroom is uniquely decorated. Sort of heavy Baroque style and glitz if you will. Those seeking deep luxury, might consider such a line. AMA Waterways has a focus on wellness, from their clean cuisine to the fitness coach, AMA focuses on the individual. One of their ships has a full size PickleBall court! When we were on AMA Serena in October we enjoyed a great 12 mile bike ride one morning, followed by a visit to Lucerne in the afternoon. There are plenty of hiking opportunities as well.

If you would like to watch a live interview with Kristin Karst, Co-founder and Vice President of AMA Waterways this will take place on Nov 30, 10am PST. She will be hosting Samantha Brown, from the TV show Places to Love. Here is the link for You Tube. I will send out a reminder on Nov 30 as a reminder if you want to see what River Cruising is about.

https://youtube.com/live/9eBXHcx6yNk?feature=share

https://fb.me/e/3hrLiMqkD

Let me know if you are interested in a river cruise, I can help. What about a Christmas Market river cruise? Smell the gluhwine or try some tasty sausages or warm ginger bread cookies. The small hamlets are well decorated and welcome visitors from late November to Christmas Eve. Some of the cities have snowfalls to provide a wonderful winter wonderland! This coming week I will be aboard Valiant Lady, a Virgin Voyages luxury cruise line. If you want to follow along with me, check our my FaceBook page, Kathy Hays Cruises. I will be posting photos and experiences to that page. Be sure to follow me!

Cheers, Kathy Hays Cruises