Benefits of River Cruising Vs Ocean Cruises

River cruising is a relaxing way to discover new places from the comfort of a floating hotel. With an intimacy that is not available on an ocean-going cruiser and an accessibility to areas that a car cannot get, they are the best way to discover some of the world’s greatest treasures, both natural and man-made.

Where else could you see 7 countries on the same cruise by simply stepping outside your hotel? Or feel immersed in the culture and history of an area whilst gliding gently past its everyday life?

Shore excursions are held in small groups with knowledgeable local English speaking guides, as well as on-board educational programmes and local evening entertainment for you to do as much or as little as you like.

River cruises offer a variety of dining options and up to eight different classes of suite. Itineraries can range from 3 days to 21, a choice of 3 continents, and travel at any time of the year; there will be a river cruise to suit every taste and holiday preference.

So if discovery and relaxation are two words that describe your perfect holiday, let us make a river cruise your next port of call.

Why Choose River Cruising?

The chances are that as you have found our site that river cruising may well be something that appeals to you. We firmly believe that river cruising is unrivalled in its ability to offer a unique way of holidaying and discovering many sights and cultures throughout the world, stress free whilst your luxury hotel moves with you.

Ever Changing Views
From the comfort of your cabin vista to the unimpeded views from the main outside deck, the ever changing landscape allows you to encounter awe inspiring mountain ranges, lush vineyards, bustling cities and fairytale castles. Unlike traditional sea cruises, there is always something to see and daytime cruising is very much part of the attraction.

Visit the Places of Your Dreams
Human civilisation has grown up along the natural waterways of the world and many of these areas have been granted UNESCO world heritage site recognition due to their outstanding beauty and relevance to our history. In St Petersburg visit the Hermitage Museum or the Kremlin in Moscow, the Dutch windmills in Kinderdijke, the Charles Bridge in Prague or the Three Gorges on the Yangzte.

No Need for a Guide Book
All the river cruise itineraries have been created with the most popular sites in mind and the most knowledgeable local staff to guide you on your exploration. Even if you decide to explore independently, staff will always be on hand to assist with suggestions and tips.

Stress Free Travel
River cruising makes some of the most desirable treasures in the world accessible without a motor car. No driving around desperately looking for somewhere to park amongst narrow streets and one way systems. You will always be able to visit the sites you want with the minimum fuss. You can even borrow one of the cruisers free bikes to negotiate those streets and open spaces, away from traffic and fumes.

Unpack Only Once!
Your cabin is your home away from home and is your own floating hotel. Itineraries can range from 3 to 21 nights.

Intimate and Relaxing
River cruise ships offer a relaxed and intimate atmosphere as most will have a maximum of 150 passengers. From cruisers that offer open dining to new boutique ships that offer up to seven different dining experiences and small reservation bespoke dining, there is sure to be a cruise that suits your needs for privacy and socialising. Unlike large cruise liners, the social areas offer a chance to read and relax rather than casinos and large entertainment arenas. Hustle and bustle are not words that describe river cruising.

Onboard Enrichment Programmes
To many passengers, this is a time to learn and enjoy the new culture and experiences of the countries that they are visiting and each river cruise line offers a programme designed with different customers in mind. Onboard ,there could be a choice of local cookery classes, language lessons, lectures from prominent local historians and academics, regional music and entertainment and most will be included in the price of your cruise.

A Large Choice of Itineraries and Ships
There are a number of very well established rivers for cruising but the choice of itineraries and ships over the last few years has allowed returnee river cruises and first timers alike to never be stuck for choice. With the range of companies offered by Global River Cruising covering a large choice of the world’s rivers, there is going to be an itinerary and cabin choice to suit all tastes and budgets.

Floating, Luxury Boutique Hotels
Each year there are ships which completely raise the bar once again and passengers are treated to some of the most luxurious floating hotels on the planet. Each boat has a range of suites and cabin types which now can include full balconies. For those who are wanting this extra special level of indulgence, river cruising will exceed your expectations.

All Inclusive Pricing
The best river cruise operators offer all-inclusive pricing which really means what it says. River cruising provides a peace of mind that the price you are paying, is the price you will pay. A river cruise holiday offers your transport, your transfer to and from your ship to your airport or train, your food, your excursions, entry tickets, port fees and often tipping. Different packages do vary and this can all be confirmed by your travel consultant before booking.

Accessibility
As most boats are low rise, steps are kept to a minimum and quayside berths allow a shallow ramp. Most also include internal lifts. The nature of excursions varies from itinerary to itinerary and your travel consultant can talk in depth about the amount of walking required. Boats are also fitted with disabled access cabins and again this can be discussed at the time of booking.

Guided tours are also fitted with the latest individual headsets and in ear pieces to help with audio commentary. Please ask at the time of booking and we will be able to recommend a suitable cruise provider.

More in the River Cruise Q & A Series:
Introduction to River Cruising
What to Wear