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Five reasons to experience a river cruise
If the thought of a vacation which covers lots of ground without the hassle of having to catch flights and trains appeal to you, then it sounds like you're ready to go cruising. Here are five benefits of river cruising that might just encourage you to take to the waters for your next holiday and vacation.
1. Value
Forget about paying unexpected fees! With river cruising most of the cost is taken care of before you set sail. With meals, entertainment and on-shore tours included in the fares, you won't be hit with an unexpected bill or cut into your souvenir-shopping budget. Many river cruises include compelling extras including walking tours, wine tastings and cycling tours.
2. See a new destination every day
Forget about days lost at sea, a river cruise allows you to tick off a new bucket list destination every day. Refreshed from a blissful night sleep, you'll awake to a new port to explore each day.
No holiday allows you to sample the sights of Europe quite like a river cruise. While it may have started out as a mostly European endeavor - given how many great cities lie along rivers in Europe - now many river cruise lines have extended their cruises to explore other corners of the world too, like Egypt, Russia, China, and throughout parts of Southeast Asia.
If you like a bit of variety, there are a plethora of themed cruises to choose from, including wine-themed itineraries in France and Portugal, and Christmas market cruises each December.
3. Service
This factor should really be at the top of the list, because it's truly what sets river cruising apart from other holiday options. When it comes to customer satisfaction, the level of service passengers enjoy on board river cruises is second to none. With smaller passenger numbers reigning supreme on river cruise liners, you won't feel like just another head on board.
Concierge services are available 24/7 to ensure all your needs are taken care of and every request is met. No request is too big or too small - whether you need some assistance or expert advice planning on-shore activities, or simply just want an extra blanket to cozy up with in the evening as you take in the sunset, wine in hand. Little details such as the bartender remembering your cocktail order really make a difference.
4. Intimate luxury
River cruises can offer the type of intimate luxury that can't be matched. Often referred to as floating hotels, the majority of cruise ships are considered 4 and 5-star rooms and suites. River cruise ships are often boutique or exclusively built for the company, boasting state-of-the-art facilities.
There's a variety of cruise ships to suit all travel personalities - from friendly and casual to elegant and refined. While some ships may cater to families, river cruising is generally adults-only - perfect for those seeking a little romance. While the increased popularity of river cruises has seen the ship sizes grow, accommodating up to around 200 guests, there is still an element of intimacy on board.
5. On-shore activities
There's a myriad of towns and villages to explore along the riverbanks of Europe and beyond, which makes for exciting onshore expeditions. Most river cruises take place during the warmer months, to take advantage of on-land excursions.
Depending on your cruise itinerary, you will have the opportunity to explore several ports either independently or on a pre-arranged guided tour. Cruise companies often partner with local guides to offer more intimate adventures ashore, from tours of ancient castles to bustling markets and other cultural hubs.
Cruise The World
