Why choose a river cruise?

See the world without ever leaving your hotel

Ocean and river cruises are two vastly different experiences. Just like there is an ocean cruise line for each unique guest, there is also a river cruise line. Some river cruise lines feature unique ships that are floating boutique hotels - no two alike and featuring art from famous artists like Picasso. Other ships are more mainstream with continuity across ships so the experience is always the same every time you cruise with them. A huge highlight of river cruising is the emphasis placed on service, with some cruise lines featuring butlers for every room. River cruising is also great for food & wine lovers with the cuisine coming from local farmers in the various ports - there are even food & wine specific cruises for the real foodies out there.

Below I've listed the top 10 reasons to choose a river cruise - so if it's something you've been thinking about for a while, now may be the time to give it a go!

1) While these are in no particular order - at the top of the list we definitely have to mention the ease of "unpacking once". Your cruise is a floating hotel and will take you from city to city while you sleep.

2) Visit a new place everyday! With river cruising the distance between ports is shorter. You can find that you may have even sailed into a new country overnight!

3) Inclusive extras: many river cruises include more in the asking price compared to ocean cruising. While meals & beverages are included, you will often find that airport transfers, gratuities and even on-shore activities may also be included depending on the line you sail.

4) A relaxed pace - river cruising is perfect for the traveller that wants to enjoy the journey as well as the destination. All cruises allow ample time for port exploration with some even staying overnight or late into the evening.

5) It's casual + intimate. River cruising has a casual dress code letting people feel free to be themselves as they bond with other guests and the crew. With a small number of total guests, you'll have time to get to know other people and never have to worry about large, noisy crowds.

6) Conveniences of a hotel! Your river cruise ship will include restaurants, bars, lounges, fitness facilities, spas, Internet access and comfortable (sometimes even lavish!) staterooms - everything you'd need and expect from a 4 or 5 star class hotel.

7) Visit your dream destinations: the truth is civilization was established along the world's waterways - some of the oldest cities in the world are located near rivers and a river cruise is a great way to experience multiple UNESCO world heritage sites.

8) Choices! The amount of available cruise lines + ship choices as well as itineraries gives you the flexibility to go where you want, on the ship you want and with the level of luxury you want. Sail the Amazon, the Nile, the Danube, the Seine, the Rhine - the list goes on and on. You can also sail multiple US rivers such as the Mississippi, Cumberland, Tennessee Rivers and more.

9) Themed river cruises - have you wanted to see the tulips in Amsterdam, visit the Christmas Markets of Europe or enjoy Oktoberfest in Germany? There are annual themed river cruises crafted around these events that fully embrace the theme with onboard events & onshore adventures. In addition to cruises structured around events there are cruises with themes that focus on wine, art, history, sail with featured artists, photographers or authors, and much more.

10) Onboard enrichment programs: embrace the locations you're in by learning more about the local culture. Onboard activities could include cooking classes, language lessons, lectures from historians and entertainment from local musicians or dancers - all included in the price of your cruise.

The river cruise industry is continuing to grow and adjust to the demand of travellers. More families are now enjoying river cruising and Adventures by Disney has partnered with Amawaterways to offer some excellent river cruising choices with the high quality & service you'd expect from Disney. Additionally, Uniworld (one the leading luxury river cruise lines) has recently launched U by Uniworld targeting millennials and younger cruisers (think W Hotel vibes w/ local DJs, paint + wine classes, karaoke, mixology classes and much more). There truly is something for everyone - reach out to discuss your dream river cruise vacation today!