The Tide has Turned – River Cruising at its Finest

Luxury cruising: In a Class of Its Own

River cruising is quickly becoming one of the most popular ways to travel, with river-cruise companies expanding to more exotic parts of the world every year. Blurring the lines between outside and in, and blending luxury with adventure even for the most seasoned of travellers, river cruising offers you a view of the world you might never have seen before.

Alan is so well-travelled, he feels like he’s done it all – big cruise ships, coach tours, river cruises. Some of his most treasured travel memories are from the river cruises he embarked on – and he’s here to share why.

Unpack once

Forget lugging heavy suitcases up streets resembling Mount Everest. With river cruising, you only unpack once – at the start of your trip. If you want to jump ship for a day excursion, you’ll have peace of mind knowing your belongings are safe and secure on board.

“You can nip on and off without having to pack up for the day,” Alan adds.

Explore more

River cruises can dock close to your destination, dropping you off right in the heart of town so you can make the most of your time on land. Got sore feet? Retreat to your ship, which won’t be far away. Good river-cruise experiences will include staying overnight in some places along the way, so you can explore day and night.

“With riverboats, you’re pulling right up to the town or city, and you’re getting off and walking into the thick of things. In the smaller places, it’s magnificent to be there, and be part of the town,” says Alan.

No travel sickness!

For those who suffer from motion sickness, travelling anywhere without Sealegs is unfathomable. Without the swaying of the ocean or the twisty turns of travelling by car, river cruising is an ideal option for those susceptible to motion-induced nausea.

“It’s never been a problem. It’s not like being on a bigger boat where I’ve taken medication and skipped dinner. Plus, you can read!” Alan exclaims.

Boutique amenities

Imagine slipping past sun-drenched vineyards and majestic castles, while relaxing on a deck chair with a good book in one hand and champagne in the other. Bliss! On board river cruises, you won’t find a casino or a huge Broadway show. What you will find is plenty of outdoor spaces to relax and enjoy the view. It’s about the destinations and having your luxurious hotel move with you from place to place.

Choose where to dine each meal, from casual to fine dining. It’s more than just good food and wine; it’s your choice of up to five dining venues, with a dedicated team creating dishes inspired by the regional cuisines of the countries you sail through. Sip on complimentary beverages served all day, every day, including your mini-bar that is restocked daily.

“It’s all there and it’s not your usual mass-produced food – it’s all themed to where you are. You can have a quiet dinner or join a group – great for meeting new friends. You can get a lighter meal upstairs, all your standard drinks are included – so you’re not coughing up for that, and when you’re peckish, there are the biscuits in the back lounge,” says Alan.

Watch enthralling on board entertainment and make use of the wellness and fitness areas, including the walking track on the spacious Sun Deck where there are panoramic views to take in around every turn.

Value for money

While there are cheaper ways to travel, Alan says river cruising offers great value for money – and as an accountant, he’s in a position to know. Often, it’s the excursions and experiences money can’t buy that make river cruising with a good travel company such incredible value for money.

“There were so many excursions included, things we couldn’t have done on our own. The last trip we did [in Germany], we went into an opera house in a little village, where we had a pianist and singer perform for us. The chance of stumbling across that is zero! It’s that sort of thing you wouldn’t experience just driving around Germany.”

Better rooms

A river cruise with a good view? How about a suite with a view? With wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows, it’s like sleeping under the stars. From the minute you open your eyes, right up until your head hits the pillow, you’ll never miss an opportunity to see the world outside.

Riverboats can only be so wide and high, so make sure you’re comparing apples with apples. Good river-cruise companies will make clever use of their space and won’t compromise on the size of rooms or beds.

“You can sit right up the front as you sail down the river. When we were going through the Rhine Gorge, we could see all the castles and villages as we went by – some of the most spectacular scenery in the world,” Alan reminisces.

On-land activities

A handcrafted and comprehensive range of activities and experiences is all included.

Delve into the topics that actually interest you – everything from history to culture and cuisine to nature. It’s more than standard excursions, it’s captivating visits to castles, galleries and museums after-hours being guided by cultural experts. There’s something for everyone to discover at a pace that works for you.

“There are so many options and they’re all part of the deal. Some of our friends did a cooking experience – and they were still talking about it at the end of the cruise! We went on a cycling excursion. I’m not a particularly active person, and they got me an eBike.”

Possibilities as wide as the views

Ready to glide away down the world’s most spectacular rivers, enjoying a unique vantage point from your private oasis? Decide what your perfect cruise looks like, choose a destination – then get in touch by emailing Brian at grownups@nztravelbrokers.co.nz