Cruising the Great Rivers of the World.
There are many ways to cruise. One of the fastest growing cruise niches are River Cruises. You can cruise Europe, America, Asia, and Africa. River Cruises allow lots of times in cities and towns to tour and sample local flavor. It is easy to think of River Cruise Ships as moving hotel rooms, and like hotels each cruise line has it’s own experience.
In River Cruising there is one giant. Viking River Cruises is the line that most everyone has heard of and the one that advertises the most. I will let you in on a dirty little Travel Agent Secret, all the other River Cruise companies let Viking Advertise and they will give agents reasons to not recommend Viking. I have sailed on Viking and it is a great experience. It is the right cruise line for some people others will be happier on other lines.
The main things to think about when choosing a River Cruise are what is included in the base fare. What type of amenities are most important and what type of excursions or port activities do you want to do.
Compared to Large Cruise ships the entry fee for River Cruises will be higher. The crew to passenger numbers are much lower usually less than 2 crew for each passenger. You will get to know your crew. You will be sailing with between 100 to 200 other folks (you will make friends). The gyms are smaller if they have one. There are not Broadway style performances on ship (you may get one in port). The on ship focus is on dining and relaxation. You can expect to port everyday and spend the whole day in port and occasionally you will overnight in port.
So, what’s included in the base fare. All the cruises will have dining and alcohol with meals (wine and beer). All will include 1 excursion per port. The extras that some lines will include, all excursions, all tips, all or limited Beverage packages (outside of meals), toys (bicycles, watercraft) all suites, butlers, and all dining onboard.
Classic River Cruise Lines
What is a “Classic” river line. These companies are not all inclusive but have many features that you will enjoy.
Viking includes 1 excursion at each port typically a bus tour that easily accessible. They will also have a number of excursions that have an additional fee. Wine, Drink and tips inclusion is available for an additional fee. The dining is top notch, their ships typically sail with 194 sailors. With occasional low water occurrences the Viking ships need to disembark and bus to the next port. This is less likely with other lines with a different hull design
Ama Waterways Includes multiple excursions at each port. Includes regional and different wines at meals and a pre diner happy hour. They have bicycles available in port. Ama was inducted into the Chaînes Des Rôtisseurs The worlds oldest and largest food society. So the food is soooo good. Excursions vary from easy all the way to extreme so there is something for everyone.
Tauck includes multiple excursions in each port including exclusive dining and entertainment options. Renowned for its food on board and a very generous Alcohol program.
Premium River Cruise Companies
The Premium River Cruise companies are all-inclusive. Primarily all suites. Extensive supply of off-ship activities. Expect to pay appx $100 more per person per day on these Cruise lines.
Many would put Tauck in this category and I wouldn’t argue too hard.
Crystal River Cruises has refined the experience of River Cruise. Larger staterooms and Suites, amazing food service makes for a highly stylized experience.
Scenic Cruise line strives to be the most inclusive of all the river cruise companies. Large staterooms and Suites, multiple outstanding dining venues.
USA Cruising the American Lakes and Rivers
American Queen Steamboat Company. Reimagined Paddle Wheel Boats, remade into luxury cruise ships. All glass dining rooms enjoy your coffee as you cruise the Mississippi. Cruise from New Orleans to Memphis, Bourbon tasting, music listening, and river stories.
So the big question is Which is the best. Well, that depends on a lot. Let’s set up a time to chat about what you like, want, and need. I work with all these cruise lines and have sailed on most. I look forward to helping you. January and February are the best times to book for the most inclusions and lowest fares. There are even some airfare inclusions.
