16th December 2022

River cruises: why should I book one?

River cruising allows you to completely immerse yourself in your destination, as even when you are travelling from port to port, along the river banks you will really get a taste of local life and architecture. From chateaus and medieval castles along the banks of  Loire and Rhine to the communities on rivers like the Nile and Mekong who live, work and breathe along them.

River cruising is a more intimate affair, with all the benefits of ocean cruising, such as only unpacking once for a multi-centre holiday and incredible food, service and comfortable accommodation.

Who travels on river cruises? 

River cruise passengers usually share a passion for learning. River cruises are generally popular with those who enjoy art, music, heritage, and history. Those who embark on their first river cruise are usually ocean cruisers or outdoor enthusiasts. As river cruising has increased in popularity, the demographics of who travels on them is changing, along with the average age range. 

Whilst mostly popular with over 50s, river lines like A-Rosa encourage families with their specially designed ships with family cabins and dedicated childrens entertainment. Some lines you might find a bigger mix of Americans on board, whilst lines like APT cater to the UK and Australian markets and CroisiEurope are as expected, very European. 

How large are the ships and what amenities do they offer?

On the outside, river cruise ships often look similar, but once you step on board, they vary from line to line, but even the largest vessel will cater for 250 guests. To take advantage of the beautiful views you'll experience whilst winding your way down the river, you'll find a large sundeck with sun loungers, and some ships have a pool, but most have a hot tub or plunge pool. Some ships have a bar or BBQ area for an al fresco drink and activities like putting golf or a large chess board.

Inside, most have a small gym and some have a small spa area. The focal point on most ship is a huge lounge with panoramic views, perfect for enjoying a pre-dinner drink or enjoying some evening entertainment. There is also at least one restaurant, though most lines now have several dining options and an additional bar. If you have forgotten some essentials like plus adapters, you'll often find a small shop near the reception area and the ships geared for families, like A-Rosa, may have a dedicated space for children's crafts.

Will I get seasick?

Nope! There are no waves on rivers and the ships go at a steady pace. You only really tend to feel the ship moving if you’re in a lock or the river is very busy and there is some cross-motion. 

What is the process for joining a river ship? Do I have to fly?

If you’re not a fan of flying, there is still a chance to take a river cruise by taking the Eurostar or a ferry to Europe and then joining a cruise there. The Rhine starts in Amsterdam and leads on to the Danube via a canal, so you can get quite far through Europe without ever having to hit an airport. The French waterways offer some amazing scenic cruises, you can get the Eurostar to Paris and then head along the Seine or down to the Loire Valley.

What are the cabins like?

The cabins are generally similar in size to ocean cabins, although some can be bigger! The lower decks will offer a window or porthole for light, but this is not at eye level, so whilst you don't get the views you do get lots of light. The most popular choice is a French balcony, these often have windows that lower down to waist height which means you can sit and watch the scenery from the comfort of your own room and some have a small balcony you can sit on. Most cabins tend to have a walk-in shower in the bathroom and and coffee facilities.

One thing to consider as when in port, you may be docked against a wall, or even alongside another riverboat, so you may not be able to see much, but that’s what the sundeck is for.

Will I need to dress up?

River cruising is far less formal than some of its ocean counterparts. In the day, most people are dressed in clothing suitable for the climate to go sightseeing in. In the evening, whilst some people do tend to make more of an effort, you won’t need a black tie or a cocktail dress to blend in.

Are river cruises accessible for people with mobility needs?

River cruises are not the most accessible form of cruise, but depending on your access needs it may still be possible to travel. Whilst some do have accessible cabins and lifts between floors, the sun decks often require step access and due to the way river ships dock, you may have to pass through one or two other ships in order to gain access to land. It would be difficult if you needed full use of a mobility aid such as a wheelchair and they don’t have the facilities for hearing or visually-impaired passengers that large ocean liners have. However, as the ships are beginning to evolve we’re hoping we will see some improvements in this and the crew are on hand to assist you as much as they can.

What is the food and drink offering like?

Most tend to offer a buffet breakfast or lunch, although they usually have certain dishes made to order. Dinner is usually a sit-down a-la-carte menu and most ships now offer several dining opportunities, a formal dining room and maybe a private dining experience or a casual bar and eatery towards the back of the boat.

The quality of the food is of the very best standard, with some such as AmaWaterways are even members of the La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs – an ancient French dining guild. Dishes are often tailored to the region you are sailing in to allow the to use the fresh produce of the area and this is often paired with local wines. Some also offer room service so you can eat in the privacy of your room as you meander along the river. 

How long do I get in port and what is there to do?

The majority of river cruise lines provide a robust schedule of tours and excursions which are included with your cruise fare. Some even go the extra mile and provide certain experiences which help you immerse yourself in the destinations, such as a private music concert in Vienna. 

As you are docked in the heart of the places you are sailing to, it is easy to get around and sightsee solo. Many river cruise lines also provide bikes to get around and explore the locale. You can expect late stays in port with lots of time to discover the destinations along your route.

If this sounds like your sort of holiday, keep your eyes peeled, as river cruising is coming to Cruise Circle very soon and we've got some experts with plenty of experience in sailing with river lines to share their knowledge with you.