Why River Cruising is Not for Everyone
River cruisers and barges are evolving in such ways that it’s hard to imagine that anyone could be ill-suited for them. And with more than a hundred vessels in operation, the on-board ambience spans such a range that there are ships to suit most travel preferences and lifestyles.
With more than 100 barges and ships plying Europe’s rivers, river cruising is an exceptionally satisfying experience for many people. Still, river cruising is not for everyone.
Who Should Proceed With Caution?
Nonsmokers, in particular, should beware since few river ships ban smoking completely. On some vessels smoking is allowed in all public areas or at least a part of the lounge, and sensitive travelers still may be offended by the prevalence of cigarette smoke. Be sure to ask whether smoking is permitted on the ship, and if so, where. If smoking is permitted in the lounge, the social hub on many ships, you may want to consider looking at other river cruise companies or consider other forms of vacation.
Families with infants or small children may find river cruising to be less than ideal when compared to other forms of cruise travel. While oceangoing ships often have babysitting services and children’s programs, river cruisers typically do not. That said, barges are popular options for families, as the smaller vessels typically carry family-size loads, from 6 to 24 passengers.
The physically challenged will want to look for vessels with easy access between ship and shore as well as ships with elevators; not all river vessels have them. Read more about Accessible Travel River Cruises.
If you’re the type who dreads the thought of dining with others each evening, then river cruising may not be for you. Few, if any, river vessels offer room service, and even fewer have alternative dining venues as is the norm on the big cruise ships. That said, some ships now offer tables for two. And it’s also possible to use the vessel only as a floating hotel, skipping the dinners on board and dining ashore instead, though you will probably not get a refund for uneaten meals.
If you’re accustomed to ocean cruising and require all of the big-ship trappings, then you may find river cruising a bit boring. River cruisers are smaller and have fewer facilities. Entertainment is on a much smaller scale, if it exists at all. You won’t find expansive gyms and spas, though they are sometimes offered on the larger ships.
One aspect of river cruising that is not so different from ocean cruising is that single travelers will usually have to pay a hefty supplement if they choose to occupy a double cabin alone. There are few single cabins, just as on regular cruise ships.
River Cruising is Changing.
Increasingly, river-cruise lines are seeking to appeal a wider range of interests. Some river vessels offer theme cruises focusing on such activities as gardening, golf, and history. Many river cruisers carry bicycles on board so that active travelers may cycle once ashore.
caw954s says
To those of you who love river cruises and have been on many, which river cruise would you suggest for me (1 person) who has never been on a cruise of any kind, and who has never been to Europe. I find the choices overwhelming and could use some unbiased advice. I would like lots of quaint cities to stop at and walk around in. Beautiful scenery, great food, I’m not a golfer, or big drinker, any suggestions as to a good first river cruise to try?
Ralph Grizzle says
Lots of variables. Please use my Get My Recommendations form.
Best regards, Ralph
Ralph Grizzle
Celia Phelps says
I’ve read that most excursions are by bus, so essentially you cruise by night, get on a coach bus for the morning or all day trip, then return for lunch and dinner. Perhaps an added excursion in the afternoon. Or, are there excursions that you walk to?
Aaron Saunders says
There are plenty of walking tours on river cruises; in fact, the vast majority of tours are typically walking tours. In larger cities like Vienna and Budapest, coach excursions are used because of the distances needed to cover. These usually include a walking component as well. Of course, if you want to do your own tour, that’s also an option. Some river cruise lines even have complimentary bicycles that can be rented out for the day.
Dylan David says
Often people are surprised by what you can do on a River cruise, I love that you get right into the centre of a place meaning you can experience the cultures and traditions!
theavidcruiser says
Couldn’t agree more. I enjoy river cruising more and more each time I do it.
Dylan David says
Where have you been? I’ve found people expect you can’t go to many places except its the opposite you can go to more unlike Ocean Cruises!
theavidcruiser says
Oh, I’ve been nearly everywhere in Europe, Mekong, Nile, Mississippi, Columbia, etc. You can see a lot.
Dylan David says
Sounds amazing!
Lynn Blackshaw says
What was your favorite ? This is my 1st river cruise. I have done many ocean cruises