Friday, July 20, 2012
I have had a lot of clients ask me what I thought of river cruises and differences they can expect a
I have had a lot of clients ask me what I thought of river cruises and differences they can expect package tours of europe after years of sailing on ocean-faring cruises. Clients who have been on a LOT of ocean cruises and are somewhat package tours of europe experiencing port fatigue are really looking to other alternatives for their holidays. However, they re hesitant to give up a lot of the conveniences that ocean cruises offer when planning a vacation. I recently returned from a river cruise through the lowlands of Europe this past May, and here are my thoughts if you are considering a river cruise for future package tours of europe travel plans. I ll go beyond the usual ships are smaller, the voyage is more intimate to share some things that may surprise you.
When on a river cruise, you are exploring the continent the entire time. You don t go off into the ocean for 12 hours and then magically pull into a port for the next 8 hours. You ll see farm animals go by your window package tours of europe you ll see folks camping along the banks you ll see castles overlooking the valley you re traveling package tours of europe through. And then, when you do dock at your destination, it s typically in a city center or bustling dock.
I have a lot of clients that like to take ocean cruises and not even leave the ship. While you can certainly do that on a river cruise, package tours of europe this voyage may not be for you. You will not have all the convenient amenities of an ocean cruise ship at your disposal and the activity level onboard will be dialed way back while the ship is in port. Therefore, you ll be spending your time out and about and enjoying your host country.
One thing that surprises travelers new to river cruises is that, often times, the ship is in transit while you are on a tour. So the group will rejoin the ship further down the river as the ship has to travel through a multitude of channel locks and docks. As long as you are aware of such transits, you can elect not to take tours through the river cruise line and make your own arrangements. Want to visit that cousin who lives in Koblenz, or try that little cheese shop in Amsterdam? It s MUCH easier to meet up with the river ship as the distances are more manageable than an ocean cruise ship which often will dock in another country.
On a river cruise, the Cruise Director is not simply someone who is responsible for the onboard entertainment package tours of europe during package tours of europe your voyage. The director has the responsibility for just about everything on the ship and holds more authority onboard than the captain. Responsibilities include making sure the ship arrives at locks and docks at pre-assigned times, that no passengers are left behind when the ship leaves a port, arranging for lost luggage to rejoin the ship down the line, etc. On top of all that, the director is very intimate with your destinations and often is a longtime resident and citizen of the host country. They can offer you suggestions, like a hotel concierge would, about the little details, like which chocolate shop in Antwerp to visit.
There are only about 160 people onboard package tours of europe a typical river ship, so there are no lines for anything bars, dining, entertainment, getting off the ship, getting back on board, tours, etc. Well, maybe you ll have to wait just a bit to get some coffee in the lounge as it s self-service, package tours of europe but that s about it. And less stress is what vacations are all about, right?
I would like to take some friends on a River Cruise in Europe. I have never been on a river cruise and would like information about the best ship line to sail with. I am not sure about cabin size, with a window or balcony, would like private bathrooms, package tours of europe how big are the bathrooms information like that. Can you help me???
Doug Wasson package tours of europe on Short Getaways Cater to a Busy Life Kris Spealman on The Perks of River Cruising package tours of europe dinah harvey on NCL Breakaway Will Feature Waterpark, Sports Center Patricia on The Perks of River Cruising Merry on My Weekend Cruise Getaway
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