With inspiring ports of call, breathtaking scenery and a relaxed ambience—what’s not to love about river cruising?
For those of us besieged by stressed-laden careers and complicated personal lives, enjoying what vacation time we have often means packing in as much nonstop fun and sightseeing as is humanly possible. Of course, the unfortunate downside of this is enough to leave even the best of us weighted down by the dreaded “vacation hangover”—that tired bummed out feeling you have upon returning home and there’s absolutely no motivation to assimilate back into the real world. It’s almost like you need another vacation just to recuperate from the one you just returned from.
Somewhere back amidst the chaos of everyday life, the importance of getting away from it all seems to have lost a little of its purpose and spirit—particularly when it comes to unwinding and recharging our batteries. While you could ask your boss for a few extra days of R and R (good luck with that), a growing number of travelers are turning to river cruises as a way to enjoy more of their vacation time without the hassles tied to traditional getaways.
The Other Side of Cruising
Unlike traditional ocean cruises with their larger-than-life ships and more limited itineraries, river cruising provides a completely different experience and takes you places only a river cruise ship can go. A river cruise offers a historic and tranquil backdrop on elegant floating hotels complete with excellent service and gourmet cuisine. This wonderful mode of discovery offers easygoing comfort and convenience because you only unpack once and are taken from one fascinating country to the next, creating memories that will last a lifetime, all at an unhurried pace. Best of all, there are a wide array of itineraries on many of the world’s most scenic rivers and waterways.
Along the way you’ll have the opportunity to uncover treasures such as charming squares, magnificent cathedrals, and bustling marketplaces just a stroll away from the vessel. There is no waiting in long lines to get on or off the ship, and there are always amazing sites to explore—scenic vineyards, historic castles, or countless UNESCO World Heritage Sites—even from the comfort of your ship and stateroom via panoramic views.
Comfortable and convenient, river cruises offer a greater variety of destinations than you could encounter any other way. You spend less time getting there and more time being there. It’s little wonder that river cruising is one of the fastest-growing segments of the travel industry. Continue reading
