Having worked at cruise.co.uk for nearly 4 years now, every year has been focused on the main Ocean Cruising. River Cruising was not something that was very popular and we didn't really know a great deal about them in all honesty, nor did many of our clients from what I can gather.
That really has changed in last 12 months and River Cruising has exploded into the market, with quite an impact may I add. My awareness of River Cruising became more prominent when I was sent on an Avalon Waterways trip back in April last year. This was on the River Seine and was absolutely wonderful. I really did enjoy the experience and I came back from it with a new love for River Cruising.
Click here to read my full review of this trip
Last year we saw a massive increase in River Cruise bookings compared to the year before, so why is this?
From speaking with customers on a daily basis I find quite a lot have been Ocean Cruising for many years now and because of this they tend to have taken quite a lot of the itineraries in already. The Mediterranean has been done to death by a lot of seasoned cruisers so they are really looking for something new. Because a River Cruise vessel docks mostly in the heart of the Towns and Cities you can really travel to unexplored places within Europe. For Example, on my River Cruise, I was able to visit a beautiful little Village called Giverney where I got to visit the home of Claude Monet and see his famous Lilly Water Garden. Giverney is quite inland in France so is somewhere that on Ocean cruise would never be able to offer you as an excursion. Short of putting a back pack on and travelling around Europe by rail there is no other way you will get to see these unique and beautiful, cultural places. This is the beauty of River Cruising!
A few things I saw on My River Cruise:
Also, the Vessels that are used are quite small and many are rather luxurious, holding an average of about 100-200 passengers maximum. This means that you really get an exceptional service on board with a very high standard of food. You do not have to queue for hours to get on and off the ship in each port, it really is just a case of stepping off to shore.
What I would say is, if you like the razmataz of the big Ocean Ships like Royal Caribbean and you like the entertainment that you get every evening, then a River Cruise is probably not for you as this is all kept very low key really. To be honest, with all the sightseeing and tours you do on one you will be far too tired anyway and need rest for the next action packed day!
If you have any questions about River Cruising then do feel free to get in touch. Ask me for some brochures to get your senses going and see what it’s all about - 2013 is selling out pretty fast now so you will need to be quick or be thinking for 2014. From my personal experienc though, I would highly recommend if you love history, culture, great food, nice people and stunning scenery.....
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