The Continuing Evolution of River Cruising

This is my third time attending this incredible conference, that is the American Society of Travel Advisor’s River Cruise Expo.  I’m very happy to have gone again this year as each year I learn more about this fabulous mode of travel. These types of events always truly inspire me in my business as well.

Many of my clients have tried river cruising but there are also many who haven’t. Although I have a lot of diehard ocean cruisers, I also have some who have no desire to cruise and don’t realize how very different river cruising is to ocean cruising.

The Evolution of River Cruising

River cruising is more like staying in a luxury, all-inclusive boutique hotel that happens to float up or down a river enabling the ability to conveniently unpack once during the entire trip.

The Leopard Bar on Uniworld's S.S. Maria Theresa - A Fabulous 'Space' with a Swimming Pool Adjacent, Behind the Glassed-in Area on the Right

One of the many great features of a river cruise is the small number of guests onboard with a very intimate atmosphere and no line-ups to contend with.  There’s also never any worry with motion sickness considering how slowly the vessels move.

There are many great river cruise companies to choose from and that’s where my intimate knowledge of each of them enables my clients to be fitted with the one that suits them the best.  This, from a vibe standpoint, culinary requirement, and overall pricing. Of course, itineraries are also critically important and there are so many to choose from.

Most river cruise companies are either completely all-inclusive or ‘largely’ inclusive which is why they tend to seem more expensive than some 'premium-level' ocean cruising. They tend not to nickel and dime by including everything from meals to drinks, excursions, all transfers and even gratuities. Some also unbundle some of these items to make pricing more affordable for those who have a lower overall budget.

The staterooms and suites vary in size and although they tend to be smaller than most you’ll find on the smaller, more luxurious ocean cruise ships, there are larger options particularly on the Danube River and some of the more exotic destinations such as the Mekong River in Vietnam/ Cambodia, India, Southern Africa, Egypt, and South America. On the Danube River there are 2 very special ‘double-wide’ ships including one from AmaWaterways called the AmaMagna and the other was a magnificent Crystal Cruises ship called the Mozart, now owned by Riverside Luxury River Cruises.  The latter is the one I stayed on for the Expo and I was absolutely enamored with it. They're both stunning ships!

Riverside's 'Double-wide' Luxury Mozart Cruise Ship

Riverside Mozart's Incredible Pool/Spa Area

AmaWaterway's AmaMagna - Wide Enough to Sport a Pickleball Court!

The cruise lines represented at the River Cruise Expo in Vienna included the higher end, more inclusive brands such as Tauck, Uniworld, Riverside, and Scenic.  The premium brands with less inclusivity and lesser pricing included AmaWaterways, Avalon (part of Globus Brands), Viking, Emerald Waterways (sister company to Scenic), Riviera River Cruises, and Amadeus.

Tauck River Cruising - Another of My New Favorite Partners

Tauck's Lovely M.S Savor River Cruise Ship

I have to honestly say that there’s no ‘bad’ river cruise company of any of these that were at the Expo. Each of them offer a great variety of food with some offering a higher culinary focus.   All have comfortable staterooms and suites that vary greatly in size, space and features. Although many of their itineraries are similar, their excursions offered can be very different with some more elaborate than others.

Although some of these names may not be as familiar to you, they’ve actually been in the business for as long as or even longer then the more well-known ones. As examples, both Amadeus and Riviera River Cruises have been in business for over 40 years!

Riviera River Cruises' William Wordsworth Next to Tauck's MS Savor - Same Builder

A refreshing addition with some of the river cruises is an added focus on solo travel. Oftentimes, with cruising, single folks are required to pay up to double the cruise fare for a stateroom or suite and now there are a few offering as little as zero added cost to travel as a solo. It’s a very safe way to travel and an easier way to meet people in a more comfortable, inviting environment.

Of course, the other aspect of river cruising that I love is the ability to work with groups. Whether they’re smaller groups of friends or family or larger groups such as my upcoming partial charter in May.  River cruising is a great way to travel with fellow like-minded individuals who may still want their own space and varying excursion options but also enjoy each other’s company for much of the time in a more intimate atmosphere.

AmaWaterways' AmaLea - Similar to our May Group Trip's AmaSerena

Excursions offer much more variety than previously including more active options such as biking and hiking and more immersive and themed options as well such as culinary, wine, beer culture and various other activities. Tauck even treated us to a very special event similar to what they include on all of their land and river cruise tours. A stunning private performance with elegant venue and meal at the Palais Pallavicini in Vienna! It was a phenomenal experience.

Tauck's Amazing Event - Special Performance Just for Us at Palais Pallavicini in Vienna

River cruising is also not just for older people anymore. There are more river cruise companies starting to focus on a younger, more active set with some even offering more for children and multi-gen families. I love that river cruising is no longer focused on just the sedate, older set as it used to be with a very limited number of offerings out there.

There is no doubt in my mind that there is something for everyone with river cruising and just like anything else, it’s very important to be ‘fitted’ with the right cruise company, the right itinerary and the right pricing and overall vibe.

I count myself as an expert with river cruising and am always ready and willing to assist anyone with any plans they may have for traveling in this growing mode of travel.