Think you know everything about river cruises? Whether your an experienced river cruiser, or just setting out for your first adventure, here are some fun facts about richer cruising. Test your knowledge, and soon enough you’ll be ready to reign supreme in a round of Jeopardy or local trivia competition! And maybe you’ll want to schedule a river cruise of your own.
CALM WATER
AMA Waterways’ AMAPrima as it sails down the Danube past Passau
Are you curious to explore the world by ship, but feel held back by seasickness? Then a river cruise could be just what you need! With no waves and only gentle wakes, your journey has been designed for maximum stability. So go get out there and seize adventure without worrying about sea-sickness!
THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS TOO MUCH AND NOT ENOUGH WATER
River cruise ships offer a unique way to explore the world – think of them as smaller vessels that provide big adventures! From navigating tight curves in rivers, passing through locks, docking alongside bustling ports and taking you right into the heart of medieval towns; river cruises are able to give access to places large ocean liners just can’t.
WATER LEVELS ARE EVERYTHING
Entering a river lock
Locks are man-made structures that serve as elevators for ships and boats to travel between different heights of water levels so they can traverse downstream or upstream with ease. Passing through the locks is an incredible moment of engineering genius and a highlight to experience from any vantage point onboard.
EXPLORE OLD TRADE ROUTES
The Hungarian Parliament Building – a familiar site along the Danube River
Experience two worlds in one memorable journey as you take a river cruise through the beautiful, unchanged landscapes of antiquity. While cruising down rivers that were once traversed by renowned figures from Ancient Greek and Roman times, soak up their ancient cultures and histories still evident today!
GREENER THAN THE OCEAN CRUISE LINE
River cruises have set a new standard for eco-friendly travel – ushering in an era of sustainability with room amenities like glass water bottles, washable towels and digital documents instead of paper. They are at the cutting edge when it comes to protecting our rivers while cruising them.
FEWER GUESTS AND A BETTER CREW TO GUEST RATIO
Treat yourself to luxurious personalized services instead of the overwhelming hustle-and-bustle common on large ocean ships. River cruises typically host 50 – 200 guests – providing just enough room for an intimate journey while still enjoying all that modern amenities have to offer!
ROOFTOP GANGWAY
In smaller destinations, river cruise lines will sometimes share the same pier. They line up side by side (imagine shoulder to shoulder), and passengers from each ship walk across rooftop gangways to get ashore. It’s a fun and fascinating thing to see.
START HERE, FINISH THERE
Amsterdam – one of the start or end points on a Rhine River cruise.
Unlike an ocean cruise that usually starts and ends in the same place, with river cruising, you will start in one city, sail along the beautiful riverside while taking twisty turns downstream. Then arrive to your destination – an entirely new city with fresh sights awaiting you. End your journey by going on a post-cruise land tour for that added touch of adventure.
In essence, ocean cruising takes you to destinations. River cruising takes you through them.
You’re only one click away from learning about your river cruise vacation. Interested? Then just click here to schedule your free consultation and let’s talk!
Happy Travels!
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