Discover Cruising With European River Cruises
Travel and Leisure February 29th, 2008
Think of a cruise and you’ll probably think of the open waves and enjoying the many benefits of a cruise ship while surrounded by nothing more than ocean on all sides. But a cruise does not always set sail on an ocean. Some of the best cruises the world has to offer are actually river cruises, and what they might lack in distance travelled they certainly make up for in sights to see.
Are River Cruises Shorter Than Normal Cruises?
Not necessarily. It’s quite possible to book a seven, ten or even fourteen day cruise that meanders along the length of a single river. River cruises do however have the advantage of being ideal for single day trips as well. The River Thames in London is not known for its long distance river cruises, but you can spend a whole day cruising along the length of the river and enjoying a unique viewpoint of the city of London.
Evening river cruises are also highly recommended if you have a few hours to spare. They can often include an evening meal and drinks, and they are a superb addition to any normal vacation, or simply a different way to enjoy a river near to where you live.
River cruises of this nature are an excellent and novel idea for a birthday gift, and can also be a good option for parties and celebrations. Not all river cruises take place aboard huge ships – the boats which cruise along the Thames, for instance, are actually quite small and are ideal for celebrations for groups of fifty or sixty people.
But if you are attracted by the idea of a vacation cruise, there are plenty to choose from that travel the length of some of the world’s most famous rivers, like the Blue Danube for instance. You’ll get a chance to hop on and off to visit some famous cities and landmarks, and on shore excursions to various locations are often included in the price of your cruise, especially if it is an all inclusive one.
The other advantage of river cruises is that they can often be a good introduction to cruising if you are trying this type of holiday for the first time. You’re never too far from dry land, which is a bonus if you’re not too sure about travelling for long periods of time at sea. So if you’re after a different kind of vacation, why not consider river cruises? They certainly provide a whole new way to see the world.
Rich Wells runs his own online travel business. His particular specialty is cruise vacations. Check out these great Cruise Vacations ideas and info or the more general Travel Tips and advice.
Tags: cruise, cruises, cruising, Europe, travel, vacations
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