I totally love River Cruising.
If I could get away more than I already do, I would take more river cruises ! And if more folks chose River Cruising over ocean cruising, I would take more River Cruises, not only for me, but for having more experience to share with my clients !
It's laid back and less stressing. Being in Europe, even less people can find me ! There's internet onboard, "if you must".
It's open dining; everyone eats at the same time; separate tables. Before dinner, many folks meet in the lounge; and again, after dinner.
So many of the River Cruise ships are so elegant ! The beds look better than many homes ! The bedding is wonderful !
Not many folks are onboard; so you personally meet most of them (if you don't want to, you don't have to).
Most tours included. Often, several paces are offered. So if your mate or roommate is faster than you, you can let them go at their own pace, while you go at yours.
Wine at dinner. And now they are beginning to offer more beverages and amenities !
There's minimal entertainment, however, they often bring in speakers.
Know ... River Cruising is NOT for the old ! River cruising includes mostly walking tours. If you can't walk, you may have to stay behind ! So don't wait to choose River Cruising once you can no longer get around !
Douglas Ward offers his expert advice on river cruises along the Danube and the Rhine
The Romantics referred to the Middle Rhine as the "landscape of the soul".
Its most famous stretch is dotted with fairy-tale castles and fortresses, as
well as terraced vineyards and the Lorelei Rock, on to which sirens were said to
lure sailors to their deaths with the beauty of their singing. In July and
August, look for a "Rhine in Flames" cruise, when some hilltop castles and
palaces are lit up at night with fireworks. History, in the shape of visits to
castles, cathedrals and Roman antiquities, is a big element of most cruises;
some lines also have lectures, musical evenings and wine tastings.
Key stops
The most popular section of the Rhine itself is between Cologne and Mainz.
Moselle cruises operate between Koblenz and Trier. The main route along the
Neckar is between Mannheim and Stuttgart. Some vessels cover considerable
distances by sailing through the night; others berth overnight.
For something different, take a cruise during the Christmas holiday
season,
when seasonal markets fill the squares in many cities, towns and villages along
the Danube and Rhine. At night, lights form a magical backdrop. Cologne,
Regensburg, Vienna and Nuremberg are among the best, providing an old-world
setting and festive ambience.
when seasonal markets fill the squares in many cities, towns and villages along
the Danube and Rhine. At night, lights form a magical backdrop. Cologne,
Regensburg, Vienna and Nuremberg are among the best, providing an old-world
setting and festive ambience.
Telegraph tips
- Take a sweater or jacket for those chilly nights on deck if you go in spring
and autumn.
- The Danube's water level can be too low for navigation, particularly during
the warm, dry summer months. Conversely, it is frequently too high for vessels
to pass under the bridges of the upper Danube section beyond Passau. Be prepared
for changes to the schedule.
- If you book a cabin with a balcony, you probably won't use it that much -
there are just too many flies around the river, particularly in the afternoon.
- Although some river cruise companies offer internet access (with one or two
computers provided), connections are often lost when the vessel's mast is folded
down to negotiate low bridges.
Happy cruising the Rhine !
Posts
