Reasons to Take a River Cruise

River cruises abound from locations as close as the US and as far as Asia and Europe.  Here are some great reasons to take a river cruise instead of boarding a bus or driving yourself:

1. Boats have fewer passengers
   • Unlike the ocean cruise ships which host thousands, most river boats only can host between 150-180 people, making the crew to passenger ratio almost 2:1 for a better customer experience.  No waiting in long lines to board or fight for the best seats for entertainment.  
2. Unpack just once
   • River cruises stop daily at new locations and it is not uncommon to cross several country boundaries in one cruse.  No need to worry about packing and unpacking to get to your next destination. Think about it like a floating luxury hotel.
3. Ports are close to city centers
   • Since the river ways were once local ways to transport goods, the ports are often steps from the most fantastic city centers.  No need to tender or be up to half an hour away which takes up valuable time on your journey.  There is almost always scheduled free time to explore in port if you decide not to do an excursion.
   • Also since river destinations are often close together in terms of distance, there is not a need to pull up early to get to the next port so often you have all day to explore and sometimes even overnight.
   • Added bonus is that river cruises go very slow and land is visible on both sides of the ship so the chance of getting seasick is very slim.  
4. Entertainment is intimate and often local
   • If you are seeking cultural enrichment, there will be no shortage of guides to explain rich cultural history of the area. Plus local musicians and dancers will get you up and clapping in no time.
   • Don't dismiss any cooking demonstrations, wine tasting or other food related activities on board.
   • Some cruise lines even often art classes and lectures so you don't feel left out when touring museums.
5. A whole lot like an all inclusive
   • Most food, wifi, beverages, and often excursions are included in the overall price, allowing travelers to enjoy a decadent vacation without the stress of planning every detail and pinching every penny.
   • Do make sure to understand if gratuities are included or not as not all cruises will include that.
6. Local food is a centerpiece of the journey
   • Not only is the food locally sourced for the majority of the journey, sometimes the excursions themselves take you to historical sites for dinner, wine tasting, and more.
7. You can be active (or not)
   • All cruise lines will list excursions by the amount of physical strain so you know what you are getting into before you sign up.  So it can be anything from a walking tour around town to a strenuous climb to visit a mountain cathedral.  
   • Some cruises also include bikes for free to take around town.
   • Not all boats will include a fitness center or pool so if that is important to you, check ahead of time.  Most of the time, you should be busy about town to get your exercise.
8. Relax and watch the landscape go by
   • While river cruise lines do not spend a full day cruising, there is typically no shortage of time to take in the beautiful scenery when passing through scenic stretches.
   • You don't even need a balcony cabin (unless you want more privacy) as there is ample top deck and restaurant locations to view the scenery since river boats have fewer passengers.
9. River cruises are highly customizable
   • If you contact the concierge on board, just about anything you want is possible.  Especially if it is for a honeymoon, anniversary, birthday milestone, you name it.  
   • Do you want to add on an extension?  Since you are in the region, there are often extra excursions that will take you even further in your destination.  
10. Intriguing new locales
    • Have you ever thought about cruising the Amazon or the Great Lakes?  River cruising is much more than just European cruise destinations.  Even the Nile has just been opened for touring.