I can't definitively say whether you'd enjoy a river cruise, but I can help you decide by considering your preferences:
If you enjoy these things, a river cruise might be a good fit:
Relaxation and scenic views: River cruises are known for their relaxed atmosphere and beautiful scenery. You'll spend most of your sailing time at night, maximizing daytime exploration in port.
Cultural experiences and in-depth exploration: River cruises typically focus on cultural immersion with frequent stops in charming towns and historic cities. There's less emphasis on onboard activities and more on exploring the destinations.
Good food and local cuisine: Many river cruises feature regionally-inspired meals, using fresh ingredients from the places you visit.
However, if you prefer these things, a river cruise might not be ideal:
A variety of onboard activities and entertainment: River cruises have a more low-key vibe with fewer onboard activities compared to ocean cruises.
Action-packed adventures: While some excursions might involve hiking or biking, river cruises are generally slower-paced and focus on sightseeing and cultural experiences.
Traveling with a large group of people: River cruises tend to be smaller and more intimate than ocean cruises.
Where can I go to on a river cruise?
The top destinations for river cruises all start outside of the UK and most cruises lines offer fights to and from the destinations to your journey, or you can do the cruise as part of a longer holiday
Here are some of the top-rated river cruises around the world, categorized by region:
Europe:
The Blue Danube: Vienna, Budapest & Salzburg - This classic route winds through the heart of Europe, taking in iconic cities like Vienna, Budapest, and Salzburg. Passengers can marvel at grand architecture, explore charming towns, and indulge in delicious cuisine.
Rhine River Cruise: Amsterdam to Basel - This scenic cruise travels along the Rhine River, passing through charming villages, vineyards, and medieval castles. Guests can explore historic cities like Amsterdam, Cologne, and Basel, and enjoy wine tastings in the Rhine Valley.
French Waterways: Paris to Normandy - This romantic cruise sails down the Seine River, offering stunning views of the French countryside. Passengers can visit iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and the Palace of Versailles, and explore charming towns in Normandy.
Asia:
The Mekong River: Cambodia & Vietnam - This captivating cruise explores the wonders of Southeast Asia. Passengers can sail along the Mekong River, visiting bustling cities like Ho Chi Minh City and Siem Reap, home to the Angkor Wat temple complex.
Yangtze River Cruise: The Three Gorges - This journey takes in the breathtaking scenery of the Yangtze River, including the Three Gorges, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Passengers can also visit historic cities like Shanghai and Chongqing, and experience the rich culture of China.
Africa:
Chobe River Cruise: Botswana - This unique safari cruise explores the Chobe National Park in Botswana. Passengers can see a variety of wildlife up close, from elephants and lions to hippos and crocodiles. The luxurious boats offer comfortable accommodations and excellent service.
Nile River Cruise: Luxor to Aswan - This classic cruise sails down the Nile River, the lifeblood of ancient Egypt. Passengers can visit the iconic pyramids of Giza, the Great Sphinx, and the Valley of the Kings. The cruise also offers opportunities to learn about ancient Egyptian history and culture.
Please contact me if you need any advice with a choice of River cruise, we are able to assist in booking your perfect River Cruise from many cruise lines.
Solo Travellers
If you are a solo traveller then a River Cruise may be ideal for you.
