Catherine Banks on the Avalon Scenery in FranceRiver Cruising is exploding.  Just a few  years ago not many people had even heard of a river cruise, now I'll bet you know several people who have been on one.  As more and more boats enter the market, choosing the right one for you is more important than ever. 
 
If you've been on an ocean cruise, you may think you have an idea of what a river cruise will be like.  They aren't very similar at all, actually.  For one thing, river cruises are more inclusive than ocean cruises.  If you've ever gotten a headache looking at your onboard charges at the end of an ocean cruise, then you'll especially appreciate your experience on a river cruise.
  
These small riverboats carry as few as 100 passengers or sometimes as many as 200 passengers.  Either way, it's a tight-knit group for your adventure. Your walking tours during the day are intimate, so you can hear the guide easily and you won't miss a single thing.  The smaller number of passengers allows the ship's staff to know you and serve you better, too. Not only that, but because there aren't thousands of people on board, you'll know all of your fellow passengers as well as crew members.
 
On a river cruise you'll glide effortlessly along some of the best scenery you'll ever see.  You'll stop at at cities, towns and small villages that you might never see otherwise, and Marty Boehlke on the Viking Braga in Germanyyou'll never have to pack your stuff up, check out of your hotel, find your train, find your new hotel, check in and unpack. You also won't have "at sea" days.  You're in a different city or town pretty much every day.  Usually your tours in the ports are included, but not required of course.  You're allowed to actually experience local culture because there aren't several thousand people invading the town like there would be on an ocean cruise.
 
When you are ashore taking your tour or shopping, the kitchen staff is usually in town at the market buying fresh local food and wine for you to enjoy that night at dinner.  Generally, everyone on board eats together in one sitting.  You don't have assigned tables though, so you can continue that great conversation you started on the tour that day right on into dinner.
 
Hannah and Erin on an Avalon River Cruise in AustriaWith so many choices, how on earth will you choose which line to go with, much less which ship?  Well, that's where we come in.  We know the differences with the different river cruising companies, with the different itineraries and the different categories.  Give us a call and let us help you sift through all the choices and make yours the trip of a lifetime.
 
As you can see, we have cruised on the rivers of Europe and we can help you with your perfect adventure.  Give us a call today.

More information and current river cruise deals.