Traveling to Europe is always exciting, but for an extra fun adventure, try a European river cruise. The hardest part is picking the river where you want to travel. Decide which countries you want to see the most, then look at the options to see which river travels through those areas.
The Best Times to Travel
The spring and summer months are the busiest. If possible, schedule your cruise for late September or October when the tourist season begins to wane. Not only will you save on the cruise, but also airfares are typically less during those months. Be aware that some cruises do not run in the slow season, so check with the company to make sure the cruise you want is available.
Weather can cause problems, too. Sometimes, spring rains cause rivers to swell and leave the ships unable to pass through the many locks connecting different parts of the river. It is possible, during dry spells, that river levels are too low to travel. When the weather gets in the way, most cruise lines offer motor coach tours to a ship waiting further along the river.
Choosing a River
Image via Flickr by Roderick Elme
Travelers wanting to see the most countries on their trip like cruising the Danube, Europe’s longest river. The journey takes passengers through Germany, Hungary, Croatia, Austria, Romania and more. The Rhine River cruise winds its way through Switzerland, Austria, Germany, France, and the Netherlands.
History buffs love the Elbe cruise beginning in Berlin and arriving in the much-storied Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic. If France is your destination, the Rhone River cruise is a gastronome’s dream. It takes passengers to Provence and Burgundy for some of the country’s best wine and cuisine. Or, cruise the Seine from Paris to northern France, including a stop at the Normandy landing beaches. There are other cruises to choose from depending on your desired ports.
What to Expect On Board
Like ocean cruises, expect free meals on board, with possibly some meals included at restaurants in various ports. A typical meal plan offers a buffet for breakfast and lunch, and a three-course meal at dinner. Food often reflects the dishes of the various regions you sail through, and some cruise companies include beer and wine with dinner at no added charge.
Cruising is generally at night, arriving at the port of call in the morning. Remember, the main purpose of these cruises is sightseeing, and each day offers walking tours of the various stops. There is usually free time in each port, too, and some cruise lines offer bikes to ride into town or even from one port to the next.
Amenities typically include fitness centers, hot tubs, and spas or beauty salons. Don’t expect a swimming pool, although some ships offer dipping pools to cool off on hot days. Cabins are nice, but storage is limited, so pack lightly.
River cruising offers an intimate look at the people and places of Europe. So, next time you plan a trip overseas, check out the many cruises offered there.
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