{"id":936,"date":"2009-12-05T11:47:14","date_gmt":"2009-12-05T18:47:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/rivercruiseadvisor.com\/?page_id=936"},"modified":"2018-01-24T21:06:29","modified_gmt":"2018-01-25T02:06:29","slug":"why-river-cruising","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/rivercruiseadvisor.com\/new-start\/abcs-of-river-cruising\/why-river-cruising\/","title":{"rendered":"Why River Cruising?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Why River Cruising?<\/h1>\n
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Viking Promadonna alongside beautiful Passau, Germany. Photo courtesy of Viking River Cruises<\/p><\/div>\n

A Brief History.<\/h2>\n

In 1992, Europe\u2019s age-old maritime landscape changed dramatically. It was that year that the Main-Danube Canal opened, connecting the Continent\u2019s main arteries \u2014 and along with them, all of Europe.<\/p>\n

The completion of the canal spawned grand cruise itineraries from Amsterdam to Budapest \u2014 and beyond. An engineering marvel, the 106-mile Main-Danube Canal permits modern-day vessels to travel from the North Sea to the Black Sea, opening up more than 2,200 miles of river and exposing today\u2019s travelers to life along the banks.<\/p>\n

Tributaries and smaller rivers flow into the main arteries to provide additional opportunities not only to reach deep into the heart of the Continent but also to explore some of its more remote regions.<\/p>\n

The opening of the canal also meant that no longer would travelers need to sit with their noses pressed against the windows of busses as they moved from one destination to the next. Instead, travelers admire the scenery from the ship\u2019s sun deck as they are transported along with their accommodations.<\/p>\n

Tired of hopping in and out of motor coaches or checking out of hotels at 6 a.m. on traditional land tours?<\/strong> A river cruise offers the convenience and luxury of a deep-ocean cruise combined with the in-depth experience of a land tour and the personal freedom of a river cruise. Step aboard. Unpack once. Explore, and enjoy.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

River cruising emerged to introduce an entirely new concept to Europe: that of floating hotels that journey between destinations. In its simplest form, a river cruiser is nothing more than a barge with a hotel on top.<\/p>\n

The Benefits of River Cruising.<\/h2>\n

For many travelers, the slow chug along the river is just the right pace for getting the lay of the land. Sitting on the top deck of a ship under brilliant blue skies, you gaze on fabled landscapes dotted with castles, villages and vineyards. A flight of stairs down, and you have all the amenities of a modern hotel \u2014 restaurants, bars, lounges, fitness facilities, spas, internet access and comfortable staterooms.<\/p>\n

River cruises offer opportunities to step ashore in fairy tale towns and fabled cities. Immerse yourself in contemporary culture, and learn something about the history of the towns along the Continent\u2019s greatest rivers.<\/p>\n

The season runs March through the end of December, beginning with Tulip Time Cruises<\/a> in Benelux countries and ending with Christmas Market Cruises<\/a> in Hungary, Austria, and Germany.<\/p>\n

The majority of itineraries are seven nights, though longer cruises are available. Book one year in advance, if possible, and consider cruising March through May or September through December, when the crowds are thinner and airfares may be more reasonably priced than during peak periods.<\/p>\n

River cruising is perfect for those who want a relaxed grand tour of Europe and for cruisers who want to explore Europe beyond the coastline. River cruising presents the grandeur and charm of Europe as well as the indelible landscapes that inspired Europe\u2019s great artists. Few things in life can beat the views of Europe over the ripples of Continent\u2019s rivers.<\/p>\n

An Uplifting Experience<\/strong><\/h2>\n

A series of 16 locks lifts river cruisers nearly 1,400 feet above sea level as they transit the Main-Danube Canal to cross the Swabian Alps, south of N\u00fcrnberg, and Europe’s Continental Divide.<\/p>\n

River Cruisers Should Know!
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Some river cruisers overnight in ports and cruise during the day; others cruise during the night and tie up in port during the day. Both approaches allow for dinners ashore and late-evening strolls into town.<\/p>\n

Most Popular Rivers, Recommended For First-Time River Cruisers<\/h2>\n