Not all cruises are mega-ship ocean cruisers, there are a whole world of different ships to suit everyone, and not all on the open seas. If the thought of a 7,500-passenger ship strikes fear into you, a gentile river cruise might be just what you’re looking for.
We have so many different rivers on our doorstep in Europe, which feature many must-see cities and locations including Vienna, Budapest and Budapest – along with the beautiful Douro Valley in Portugal, and the Rhone in Provence. They are some of the gems of Europe, and you sail right into the centre, and in some cases stay in the centre so you’re right in the heart of the action.
Unlike ocean cruises where you see a lot of sea, there is nearly always something to look at on a river ship, with the banks close by. There might be some beautiful scenery, interesting landmarks, or even how some locks work in the case of the Douro – so if you don’t have the best mobility, you can sit on the deck and take it all in without even moving. If the weather isn’t at its best, there is always an indoor lounge as well.
Although saying that, with just three decks of cabins, carrying usually around 150 people, when staying on the middle or upper decks you’ll also have a great view from your cabin. Some will have small balconies and more modern ships have floor-to-ceiling windows which split in half to create a balcony style within your cabin.
Many associate cruising with a grand, black-tie affair in the evening, and river cruising generally isn’t like that. It’s a whole more relaxed, with a central dining room offering really nice (and often local choices to where you are sailing), often a small bar and lounge. Sometimes in the evening, there will be entertainment linked to where you are sailing, either a singer or musician – this isn’t the grand performances you find on larger ships.
All of the major river cruise lines are available to book with us – with 2025 on sale already!
