Travelling the world on board a luxurious ship and crossing the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans is a dream to many. If you’re a cruising veteran and have sailed extensively to include the Mediterranean, the British Isles and even the Baltic, you would think you have seen most of Europe and an enormous perspective on the continent. You wouldn’t know what you are missing until you take river cruising.
Gone are the days when ferrying along rivers or “river cruising,” as the more entertaining/touristy version of it is called these days, is considered an “old thing.” River cruising is hot! It is among the fastest growing sectors of travel. Unfortunately, many don’t realize how rewarding river cruises are until they seek an alternative to short ocean cruises when they don’t have the luxury of time that can be worth their time, money and effort. If you need further convincing, check out this article entitled “12 Reasons to Take a Scenic River Cruise in Europe” posted in Johnny Jet – Travel Tips Section.
The top reasons for considering Scenic Cruise in Europe
- Everything is included
- All excursions… are also included!
- Electric bikes… electric motors for a little extra boost.
- Scenic Tailormade GPS guides … make a self-guided walk or cycling tour…easy
- More room … the largest ships or “space-ships” …for just 171 passengers.
- Sliding-glass windows…88% of the cabins have balconies
- Mac minis in each cabin…
- Free Wi-Fi
- Two free pressings a day … that’s huge if you hate ironing.
- Pillow menu … select the size/feel that suits you
- Local foods and wines … always a good selection of local dishes and wines.
- Aussies… Australian-based … majority of passengers … will be from Australia
What’s to expect in 2015
If river cruising is in you bucket list this year, there are some valuable facts to guide you make a travel plan… get these from “Preview 2015: River Cruise” written by Michelle Baran for Travel Weekly – River Cruising.
… heading into 2015, it finds itself on the cusp of a market-changing development in the form of greater diversification among river cruise players.
As they seek to better differentiate themselves, river cruise lines are gradually creating stronger brand identities.
… Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection is going after the uber-luxury river cruise space … will extend to its 2015 launch of the 155-passenger Danube cruiser S.S. Maria Theresa.
AmaWaterways has made a name … its extensive wine-themed cruises and impressive food-and-beverage program. … will launch … AmaSerena and … AmaVista, …featuring multiple dining venues and a well-curated wine selection.
… Avalon Waterways is going after the choice generation … worked to build multiple dining and excursion options into its river cruises. … will introduce … 128-passenger Avalon Tranquility II and the 166-passenger Avalon Tapestry II …
Tauck has made its strength as a land operator a standout trademark in its river cruise operation … is gradually expanding its fleet … will launch the 118-passenger Esprit …
… Viking has ordered an additional 12 river cruise ships for 2015: 10 Viking Longships and two smaller vessels for the Elbe River…
Scenic Cruises … is looking to court boutique hotel … like a new pool concept … 2015 Europe vessels will feature a relaxation pool … sister company … Emerald Waterways, is having … roof-deck pool that converts into a cinema at night …
… CroisiEurope … is launching a paddlewheeler … that will navigate the Loire River in April. The 96-passenger Loire Princesse … the first overnight passenger vessel on the Loire.
Exotic Asian river cruises
Adventurers who love the exotic ambiance of Rivers in Asia and South America can look forward to more luxurious river cruises this 2015.
Mekong River will be cruised by AmaWaterways’ 124-passenger river cruise, the AmaDara and Haimark Travel. Both will be placing emphasis on luxury cruisingwith spa services and treatments.
Avalon will also launch two Suite Ships in Asia in 2015. One of these 36-passenger cruises will glide along Mekong and another will cruise along Myanmar’s Irrawaddy River.
River cruises down Nile River in Egypt is expected to pick up where it left off after years of political unrest and turmoil. There are signs of activities in Uniworld’s Nile vessel, the River Tosca, as well as in Abercrombie & Kent’s Nile fleet as both gear up to start cruising soon.
Mississippi’s Paddlewheelers
River Cruising among Americans is analogous to Mississippi paddlewheeling. This 2015, a third paddlewheeler will be cruising the river. The new 150-passenger paddlewheeler from the American Cruise Lines, American Eagle, is to be launched this coming March 015.
This American vessel features five decks, elevators and 84 staterooms with 78 having private balconies. Other amenities to make plying along the river a delightful experience includes multiple dining areas, bars, and an outdoor exercise area with a putting green and
With the banks not too far from where you are, you will never feel seasick and the chance of a mishap is not as scary. If you are planning your first river cruise, you will obviously have no idea what to expect. If reviews are to be relied upon, there will be enough wonderful sights and experiences, and the luxurious/relaxing ambiance you stand to have in these world-renowned rivers will be pleasantly surprising and rewarding.
