USD
7 Things to Expect on Your First River Cruise
Written by Sabina Sobczak
Unpack once, discover new cultures daily and indulge like never before: here’s what to expect from your first river cruise.
With a focus on slow luxury, cultural immersion and personalised service, a river cruise is your ticket to relaxation with just the right amount of exploration. Cruise lines like Riverside Luxury Cruises allow you to unwind in sublime surroundings, delve deep into varied cultures and savour local flavours while taking in the best of Europe.
1. You’ll visit both major cities and lesser-known destinations
River cruise itineraries provide a perfect blend of iconic bucket-list destinations and off-the-beaten-path stops that you may never visit otherwise. As part of a Romantic Rhine itinerary, you might roam the streets and canals of Amsterdam one day and sample German wines in a quaint Rhineland village the next – it’s the perfect way to experience it all. Smaller or unheard-of villages offer the chance to feel like a local and see something you might not find on Instagram, so don’t overlook the unfamiliar stops between world-renowned destinations.
2. You’ll get to know the crew and passengers
River cruise ships are relatively small, carrying anywhere between 50 to 200 passengers, which makes for an intimate atmosphere and plenty of opportunities to get to know everyone onboard. You’ll see the same faces at mealtimes and during excursions, and the staff will make you feel right at home. Go with the flow – this is your chance to make friends with fellow globetrotters and crew members from every corner of the world.
3. The views will range from vineyards and valleys to cityscapes
Sailing close to shore, you’ll enjoy picture-perfect landscapes from every side of the ship. Since every cabin or suite has outward-facing windows, you can watch the world pass by from the comfort of your bed, or step out onto the rooftop deck for 360-degree vistas with a drink in hand. Take in ever-changing scenery, ranging from steep valleys dotted with medieval castles to romantic vineyards and charming villages.
If you ever feel the ship rocking or see a wall outside your window, fear not – you’re in a river lock. This mechanism can raise or lower boats across differing water levels and is always fascinating to watch from the deck. Keep an eye out for these while sailing the Upper Rhine – there are 10 locks along the 185-kilometre stretch between Basel and Iffezheim alone.
4. You’ll wine and dine like a local
From locally sourced, all-inclusive dining onboard, to cultural foodie tours led by local guides, a river cruise guarantees authentic dining experiences. As you sail through various countries, regional favourites shine through in the chef’s daily specials, and your itinerary includes savvy food experiences. Sailing the Rhine, you may discover creamy gouda in the Netherlands or indulge in Austrian pastries and specialty coffee in Melk on the River Danube.
And that’s not to mention the specialty sips! Discover Burgundy’s famous drops with AmAwaterways, taste port wine right on the Douro River when sailing with Uniworld and let Riverside Luxury Cruises introduce you to Kolsch beer in Cologne or Germany’s Riesling and Gruner Veltliner with tastings, cellar visits and immersive vineyard hikes.
5. You’ll learn… a lot
A river cruise is jam-packed with opportunities to learn about each region’s history and culture. Carefully curated walking tours, palace and museum visits and onboard information sessions will allow you to go in-depth with every aspect of the itinerary that piques your interest. Choose between a local beer tour, cathedral visit or chocolate museum in Cologne, or opt for all of the above. With a wide range of excursion types; history, architecture and foodies alike will find something they’ll love, and knowledgeable guides along the way will make sure you get the most out of each experience.
6. The service is next level
A small number of passengers and a high staff-to-guest ratio means you’ll be pampered from the moment you step onto the ship. On Riverside Luxury Cruises’ ships, the crew will remember your name and your preferences, from how you like your coffee in the morning to the destination you’re most excited to visit. You’ll be greeted back onboard with a warming drink or sparkling wine after excursions, your suite will be perfectly made up every day and every single request or doubt will be resolved in no time. With even a personal butler on hand to attend to your every need, you don’t have to lift a finger.
7. The itinerary is flexible
Each day, you will have the choice of various activities, but it’s up to you which ones take your fancy. Join daily excursions if you like having adventures planned for you, or explore on your own by foot or electric bike (provided onboard!) if you’re a more independent traveller. Your dedicated excursion manager can recommend the planned activities that will most suit your preferences, or the highlights of each port of call that you can explore on your own. If you’re too tired to join dinner, simply order room service and unwind ahead of the evening entertainment, or have an early night to rest up before your next start. Everything is flexible, so don’t be afraid to chat with a crew member about how to personalise your cruise experience.
Discover Europe
Feature image: Riverside Luxury Cruises, Ian Schemper Photography, Per Karehed Photography
