Why Take a River Cruise?

Douglas Ward, the world’s foremost authority on cruising, outlines the appeal of a European river cruise.

A river cruise represents life in the slow lane, sailing along at a ­gentle pace, soaking up the scenery, with plentiful opportunities to explore riverside towns and cities en route. It is a supremely calming experience, an antidote to the pressures of life in a fast-paced world, in surroundings that are ­comfortable without being fussy or pretentious, with good food and enjoyable company. ­A cruise provides luxurious and convenient access to destinations that is hard to match on other means of transport: Whether you want to explore the stately Volga, the magnificent Rhine or the “blue” Danube, to say nothing of the vast Dnepr, the Elbe, the Rhône, the Po, the Douro or the incomparable River Nile – there’s an amazing array of itineraries, destinations, river cruise vessels and operators from which to choose.

Well over 1 million people take a river cruise somewhere in the world each year, with Europe and the Nile the most popular destinations. The itineraries on offer are always full of interest, taking in some of Europe’s most fascinating towns and cities.
A river cruise is very different from an ocean cruise. For a start, you are in almost constant sight of land, and stops are far more ­frequent than they are at sea. The vessels are like small, friendly, floating inns, whereas ocean-going ships tend to be bigger, flashier, busier and livelier, the crew practised in the art of moving up to 4,000 people from one port to another and getting them on and off the ship. In contrast, when your river cruise vessel docks you simply walk up the gangway and into the town or city – in many cases the dock is located right at the heart of things. Despite these differences, however, most people who enjoy ocean cruising and the relaxing rhythm of life afloat are attracted to river cruises as well.

On board, passengers are well looked after. Most modern river cruise vessels are fully air-conditioned, with several public rooms, including a dining room, observation lounge and bar, as well as a small library. Many vessels have a sauna, solarium and a small gymnasium. There is plenty of open deck space, and the top deck – ­typically ­running almost the entire length of the vessel – will have chairs and sun loungers, a bar area and often a small plunge pool. One word of caution: River cruise companies and tour operators almost always overstate the “star” ratings they award themselves in brochures and marketing material. The first genuine five-star river cruise vessel has yet to arrive on the market. Even so, on almost any vessel, the ­comfort and convenience, combined with the on-shore excursions, adds up to a wonderfully relaxing, yet stimulating, holiday.