During one of my favorite European cruises I spontaneously popped ashore in Budapest for dinner at the historic, elegant Gundel House, one of Europe’s most renowned restaurants where an I dined in an elegant setting and was serenaded by a violinist. No, I didn’t jump off a cruise ship and swim ashore but leisurely stepped off a Cruises boat docked right in the center of town. This is only one of the joys of exploring the inland waterways on a riverboat most continents of the world.
Each year the number of European riverboats increases as Americans discover the delight of combining sightseeing in cities like Paris, Vienna, Budapest and St. Petersburg with visits to small towns off the beaten path and cruising past scenic countryside. Since riverboats rarely exceed 200 passengers it is a much more intimate cruise experience and ports are less crowded.
Part of the unique riverboat experience is cruising past castles, vineyards, historic villages and bucolic countryside as you dine in the restaurant or sample fine wine in the lounge with new-found friends is part of the You sail directly to the heart of many destinations then walk right off the ship into the center of town. Here, one can join a guided walk or shore excursion (included in the fare) or explore on your own. In large cities, like Paris and St. Petersburg, most riverboats are docked for two or three days allowing plenty of time for sightseeing, shopping and perhaps a bike ride or evening ashore.
Most fellow passengers will be European but according to Phil Nuttall, Director of The Cruise Village, “Americans will have absolutely no language problem whatsoever. English is the preferred language with Viking, AMA Awaterways, Tauk, Avalon, Uniworld and more. Plus, each cabin on most river cruise ships has two receivers each with their own set of headphones which tune into the local guides microphone so you can listen to as much or as little as you want when out and about on your tour. One huge advantage of this is that even if you are at the back of the group – you can always hear what is being said in English.”
What To Expect
Like all cruises, you board the riverboat and unpack once. Staterooms are equipped with all the creature comforts like television and full bathrooms but tend to be smaller and utilitarian. Unlike cruise ships, river cruise entertainment is typically limited to small groups of local performers, reading and conversation. Since the distance between ports is short, river cruising is rarely more than half a day with most time spent in port. And, unlike cruise ships shore excursions are included in the fare. Dining is a particular joy on a riverboat cruise and a way to meet new friends. Breakfast and lunch are usually buffets while dinner is a leisurely gourmet experience with single, open seating. Many riverboat cruise companies include wine with dinner and should you wish to bring your own spirits aboard, are much more relaxed than conventional cruise lines.
Picking A Cruise
European river cruising is seasonal, with departure scheduled during spring, summer and fall months although some companies offer November and December departures for holiday shopping. The most challenging part of picking a European river cruise is deciding on which itinerary to pick. DanubeRiver cruises focus on the history and culture of Austria, Hungary and Germany while the Rhine leads to Amsterdam and Cologne. The Elbe rises in the Czech Republic, flows into Germany and empties into the North Sea at Cuxhaven, near Hamburg. If you dream of cruising in France, check Rhone and Saone river itineraries for exploring Provence and wine country or the Seine, which flows through Paris into Normandy and empties into the English Channel at Le Havre.
Once you decide on the itinerary, your cruise counselor can help you choose among several top-notch cruise companies. Be sure to ask about fellow passengers: some riverboat companies offer cruises that cater to people from English-speaking companies while others attract a very international mix of passengers. You may also want to check out theme cruises for sailings that focus on wine, gardening, music and other interests.
To find the best itinerary and cruise company, consult a travel agency that specializes in European riverboat cruises like River Cruising.