10 Reasons to Choose a River Cruise

By Kimberly Coyne

- *Photo by Canva, AmaWaterways, Viking River Cruises*

When thinking about a cruise, most travelers have heard about river cruising but have yet to experience this type of vacation. River cruises can be found in many of the world’s significant rivers; however, Europe is the birthplace and offers more options than any other part of the world. No matter the destination, below are the top 10 reasons to choose a river cruise.

1. Hassle-Free Travel

Once onboard a river cruise, unpacking once for a week (or longer) voyage will take you through many ports and likely several countries. If you were to travel via car, train, or tour to the same areas, you would have to pack/unpack multiple times and schlep luggage in and out of hotel rooms. The ease of river cruising allows you to unpack once and simply relax and enjoy all the ports of call along a river or waterway.

2. Shore Excursions Included

Most cruise lines include several shore excursion options for every port of call during the cruise. From walking tours with local guides to biking around the countryside or city center or a scenic bus trip to a nearby metropolitan area, there is truly something for everyone to choose from to create the perfect day to experience the local culture, museums, historical sites, food scene, or nature at no additional cost. Some river lines offer complimentary bikes for passengers to use in port to cycle the area. Those lines with bike will also offer bike tours to choose from in various ports of call.

3. Small Ship Experience

Traversing a river requires smaller vessels than what you find cruising the oceans. River ships (er boats) are smaller for maneuverability, typically four decks or less to clear low bridges and fit in lochs. The average river vessel is less than 200 passengers, with many averaging about 120-150 total passengers. With comfortable cabins, window-filled lounges, and open decks, river ships offer a plethora of areas to take in the passing scenery. Since river ships are smaller than ocean liners, it creates a more intimate atmosphere and fosters a greater sense of community among travelers.

4. Beautiful Scenery

Imagine being on deck as the rolling hills and mountains, quaint towns and castles pass by. A landscape filled with beauty, nature, and colors you’ve only ever seen in pictures is now coming to life to enjoy from a deck chair, balcony, or public area of your ship. Filled with history, the landscape and castles tell a story of a time long ago but remembered in the modern era. River cruises pass through some of the most picturesque landscapes and stunning natural scenery. You can enjoy the panoramic ever-changing views, many of which are only accessible by rivers.

5. In-Depth Cultural Experience

Most ocean cruises can spend a full day or more after leaving a homeport and traveling to the first port of call. A typical 7-night ocean cruise may only have two or three ports of call. Onboard a river cruise, every day is spent soaking up the rich culture and history and exploring towns and sights. Visit museums, historical sites, and local markets, and enjoy guided tours that provide in-depth insights into each destination. Many ports along a river are only a short distance away, so minimal travel time gives passengers more time for cultural enrichment and exploration.

6. All-Inclusive Cruising

River cruise lines include more in the upfront pricing than most ocean lines. From all dining (including specialty restaurants) to shore excursions, these extra-cost items on mainstream cruise lines can add up quickly. Onboard a river cruise, not only are all dining options included, but so are shore excursions with many stops offering three to four options to explore. Additionally, most river lines offer free wifi, gratuities, and beer/wine at lunch and dinner. Some river lines always include all beverages, which is a small point of differentiation between lines. When you compare a river cruise to a land-based tour of the same ports, a river cruise is a tremendous value and a much more convenient way to experience so many countries and cultures. Additionally, the more all-inclusive nature of river cruising gives travelers peace of mind without constant financial considerations.

7. High Service Levels

Great service is another hallmark of river cruising. With smaller vessels holding less than 200 passengers, service is much more personalized, giving the crew an opportunity to get to know passenger's preferences quickly. Conversely, it also gives passengers the ability to get to know their favorite crew members and learn more about their home country. Service onboard a river cruise feels much more personal than you will find on the larger ocean-going ships.

8. Unique Itineraries

River cruises explore rivers and waterways that are inaccessible by larger ships, allowing exploration of hidden gems and iconic cities. In the past, these towns and villages were only reached by car, train, or bus. Prior to river cruising, land travelers would have to pack and unpack, moving hotels regularly and constantly. Being on the move can be physically exhausting, especially for older explorers. A river cruise allows for a slower pace and, as mentioned earlier (see #1), only having to unpack once and enjoy multiple countries, cities, towns, and villages.

9. Gourmet Dining

Enjoy delicious cuisine on board with menus that often feature regional specialties and high-quality, locally sourced ingredients. Onboard a river cruise, breakfast, lunch, and dinner are always available in the main dining room. Typically, there is a more casual dining area for meals or quicker grab-n-go options. Additionally, newer ships are adding specialty dining venues with a more intimate experience and even more elevated gourmet options.

10. Convenient Docking Locations

River cruise ships dock in the heart of cities and towns, giving travelers easy access to walk to sights and local attractions. Experiencing life as a local is easy, and given the lengthy amount of port time, passengers can enjoy a more leisurely pace to experience local restaurants, shopping, and historic sites. The central docking locations enhance the overall experience.
Note: Don’t be surprised to see several river vessels moored together. When this happens, it’s a unique opportunity for guests to see what other companies river ships are like regarding decor and overall look and feel. This would never happen with ocean vessels.

Honorable Mention: Seasickness

Another reason to consider a river cruise is virtually no seasickness! Due to the serene nature of the river waterways and wide, almost flat-bottom river vessels, movement onboard a ship is virtually nonexistent. Those sensitive to the motion of the ocean will find river cruising more akin to floating in a pool or lazy river. If you worry about seasickness on the high seas, a river cruise may be the perfect place for your next cruise vacation.

Final Thoughts:

Ultimately, choosing a river cruise will depend on your travel preferences, interests, and destinations you want to explore. River cruises can be an excellent way to combine leisurely travel with cultural enrichment and scenic beauty. Additionally, it allows for more in-depth exploration with the convenience of unpacking once. No matter which line you choose or destinations to explore, a river cruise is an excellent option for your next vacation.