For those only familiar with the rules of big ocean cruise ships, there are many reasons riverboat cruise fanatics always come back, time and again, for more. Here are the three reasons why:
Dinner: I don't think anyone can forget the experience of dining on ocean cruises; buffet dining with more than 2,000 strangers. River cruises tend to only average about 200 passengers per boat! So it is likely, the waitstaff will know you by name, and by the end of the first meal, so will your fellow travelers.
Evening entertainment: There is quite a variance when comparing ocean cruises to river cruises when it comes to entertainment. Instead of the dance clubs, karaoke, and glitzy Vegas-style reviews on ocean cruises, the nightlife on river cruises trend toward string quartets, guest lectures on regional history, and staring out at actual scenery, not just a watery horizon.
Extra costs: There are many dirty little secrets of ocean cruises? Can you quickly name any? Why do you think that cruising a three to four night itinerary, or even a seven night itinerary can be so cheap? Ocean cruises tend to think they make up the difference by always charging extra for excursions, alcohol and wine costs, specialty restaurants, and gambling - to say the least.
River cruise lines opt for flat fees up front. We have found more value in river cruises realizing that everything is included. You will likely know what to expect and how much you will spend on your vacation, rather than realizing you have overspent on your ocean cruise vacation.
River cruising is such a fast-growing trend that there are twice as many new river ships debuting in 2013 than there are traditional big ocean ships. In fact, Viking River alone is building six new ships to accommodate this demand.
I thought that river cruising was for the older generation, but I was completely wrong in more ways than one. I am realizing that this new way to cruise is for the adventurous.
You are docked right into the heart of the city. You walk on cobblestones. You are experiencing foods such as: pho, knockwurst, and other traditional foods. You are there to really experience the cultures and sounds of the world. This is for the “Bucket List” crowd.
Tell me about your first River Cruise? How did it compare to you with the ocean cruises?
For more information about river cruising, contact Cruise Planners American Express Travelworld at www.cruisetravelworld.com.
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