The Benefits and Drawbacks of a River Cruise

The benefits and drawbacks of a river cruise vs an ocean cruise

River cruising is becoming a growing trend among travelers who desire a slower-paced vacation with intimate settings, small ship experiences and history lessons from tour guides. It’s especially ideal for younger travelers who seek an easiergoing lifestyle and authentic localized experiences.

River cruises offer travelers the unique opportunity to see multiple destinations in one trip, but there are some things you should take into account before booking your voyage.

1. Intimacy

Intimacy is a level of closeness that develops between people over time, which may involve either physical or emotional closeness, or both.

In a romantic relationship, intimacy is defined as an emotional merging between two people that fosters trust, communication, vulnerability and respect between them. It’s a journey that requires time and effort to achieve.

Create intimacy in your relationships by being more genuine, sharing your emotions and experiences with your partner, communicating openly, listening intently and providing space when needed.

Once you feel safe enough to share your deepest thoughts and emotions with them, they will unconditionally support and accept you for who you are – even when it doesn’t come naturally.

Lopez-Henriquez notes that intimacy can also be fostered through intellectual conversations about life and shared perspectives. She suggests encouraging each other to challenge each other’s opinions and beliefs in order to ensure everyone is on the same page.

2. Accessibility

Accessibility is a critical factor to take into account when booking a cruise, as it can make or break your experience for travelers with disabilities. Therefore, make sure your itinerary accommodates your individual requirements.

Many river cruise lines are making it easier for guests with physical limitations to enjoy the sights and sounds of their destinations. In addition to offering adapted cabins, some offer elevators on board and provide wheelchairs or scooters to help passengers move around during port stops.

However, some itineraries require tender boats to dock, which can present a problem for passengers with limited mobility. Furthermore, some ports require disembarking from an elevated gangplank which may prove challenging for wheelchair users.

3. Value

River cruises often get a bad rap for being more expensive than ocean cruising, but that isn’t always the case. Fares on river cruise ships include many of the same amenities offered at a la carte rates on ocean cruises – including shore excursions, drinks, and gratuities – that you would find on an ocean cruise.

Ocean liners typically anchor offshore, while river cruises often dock close to historic sites and charming towns. This means you can take hosted small group excursions into places ocean vessels cannot access or fit into, giving you a closer connection with the culture and landscapes surrounding you.

Another advantage of river cruises is that most include hosted shore excursions in all ports, unlike ocean cruises which typically require you to pay an additional per-person fee for select tours. This makes them particularly appealing to people who enjoy discovering cultural details and learning about history.

4. Value for Money

River cruising provides the unique opportunity to discover exotic destinations like Italy’s Danube, France’s Rhine or Germany’s Seine while taking in some of Europe’s finest scenery and cuisine. You may even venture further afield and cruise along the Nile, Mekong or Ganges rivers in India for an even more unforgettable journey.

River ships may cost a bit more than ocean liners, but the value for money often outweighs any extras you would pay on an ocean cruise. River fares usually include things that ocean fares don’t, like shore excursions, drinks and dining options.

On top of that, many river cruise lines boast exceptional guest to staff ratios. This means you’ll receive much more attentive and personalized service than on an ocean cruise.

In addition, most river cruises also include hosted shore excursions at each port along the itinerary. These activities typically consist of small group experiences and are tailored towards those who prefer learning about the history and culture of a destination through local guides or activities.