River Cruise Tips

The Moselle River, Germany

“City break lovers should identify key cities they want to visit and then look at river cruise options as you can often combine several in one trip. For example, on the Danube you can enjoy Vienna, Budapest, Bratislava and more, all by only unpacking once and with the hassle taken out of travelling between. My favourite is the Moselle River in autumn when it is at its most atmospheric. The grape harvest takes place in September and October and the vineyards along the banks of the river are so colourful as the leaves change colour. The entire Moselle Valley becomes a living postcard that is so relaxing to watch as you sail by, and many of the vineyards welcome you in like you are a member of their own family.”

IN FULL flow

Sailings have begun in earnest on many of the world’s great waterways, so there’s never been a better time to try a river cruise. We ask industry experts what you need to know before embarking on your first river adventure

Hungarian parliament building, Budapest

“River cruising is a serene and relaxing way to travel – no waves, just quietly and comfortably making your way between cities and towns, admiring the views along the way. The most attractive thing for me, regardless of which river or itinerary you choose, is the variety; all itineraries feature cities and lesser-known little gems, plus scenic areas, some of which are Unesco-rated. Even at night there can be great photo opportunities, such as when passing the brightly illuminated Hungarian parliament building in Budapest – stunning!”

MARK SAGE, SENIOR CRUISE COMMERCIAL MANAGER, TUI RIVER CRUISES

“The highlight for me is the destinations. To get the most out of the destination excursions, do some reading about the specific stops en route, and if you like social media, invest in a phone with the best camera. It’s easy to take great photos and there will be plenty to see along the way.” “Many first-time river cruise clients are put off by the terminology, but a river cruise is really more akin to an escorted tour (without the coach) on a floating boutique hotel. You can be as social or as private as you want. Ask yourself when you would like to go – a spring cruise on the Moselle is very different to a late-autumn one, while a Mekong cruise is best from November to January. Are you travelling to celebrate a birthday or wedding anniversary with family or friends, or is it a quick holiday with a partner? A trip with two or three generations means bikes, a pool and other adventures, while a solo trip to look for peace and quiet – perhaps to finish a novel or to pursue an interest in golf, music or architecture – can be arranged without single supplements. And there’s no need to despair if you don’t fly as there are European sailings easily done by rail, car or even as a foot passenger on a cross-Channel ferry.”

Rheinstein Castle on the banks of the River Rhine, Germany

“People often make the mistake of thinking a river cruise is expensive, but in many cases it represents fantastic value for money when you look at all the inclusions. We include five-star accommodation, all meals on board, beer, wine and soft drinks with lunch and dinner, tea and coffee, Wi-Fi and use of all facilities, including bicycles. It would be very difficult to do a seven-night city break for the same cost, and this isn’t just one city! I love river cruising on the Rhine – it has a great combination of iconic cities and quaint towns and villages, scenic cruising in the breathtakingly beautiful Upper Middle Rhine Valley and, most importantly, the region’s wines are fabulous!”

JENNY WADE, UK ACCOUNT MANAGER, AMADEUS RIVER CRUISES “River sailings are a great introduction to cruising. They tend to be shorter and the ships are signifi cantly smaller, so they are a great option for a fi rst-time cruiser. The smaller number of guests makes them more intimate, meaning they are also perfect for a solo traveller who may fi nd a larger ocean cruise more intimidating when travelling alone. River cruises are a great way to immerse yourself in a country’s culture and explore some real hidden gems.”

ANDREW IWASYSZYN, HEAD OF RIVER AND THIRD-PARTY CRUISING, SAGA HOLIDAYS

“My top destination is Cologne. From the moment you float into the city on a Rhine cruise, you’ll spot the towering spires of the cathedral – once the tallest building in the world. Our Scenic space-ships dock right in the heart of Cologne, giving guests as much time as possible to explore this fascinating historic city. One of my favourite things to do there is shop like a local – a unique ‘Veedel’ tour will take you to the lesser-known shopping districts, an area not regularly visited by tourists. Filled with markets, boutiques and independent stores aplenty, this is the perfect way to get to grips with an alternative, more local side of Cologne.”

NICHOLA ABSALOM, DIRECTOR GLOBAL BRAND AND MARKETING, SCENIC

“Look at taking a shorter cruise to begin with – our fi ve-night Tulips and Windmills cruise is a perfect choice for a fi rst river cruise holiday. Enjoy spending time chatting with your fellow travellers – cruising is very sociable and you’ll have time to spend with new-found friends, perhaps joining in one of the onboard activities or sharing a drink in the lounge.”

ROB STAPLEY, CRUISE PRODUCT MANAGER, TITAN TRAVEL

Christmas market in Basel, Switzerland

“The Rhine is still one of my all-time favourite river cruises. It’s where my love of cruising began nearly 30 years ago with its majestic landscapes, fairytale castles, cathedrals, fortresses and historic towns and villages. The scenery along the Middle Rhine, which is a Unesco World Heritage Site, is absolutely spectacular. One of the most overlooked destinations on the Rhine is Basel – it is a fascinating city that sits right where the French, German and Swiss borders meet and can easily be explored by foot. One aspect I particularly love about river cruising is that you get a glimpse of local life along the riverbanks, and in Basel lots of local residents commute to work by swimming or rowing with their clothes in a waterproof pack, which is fun to watch. Make sure you choose a ship with plenty of outdoor space to make the most of the views – and the people-watching. This winter we have a new festive cruise, Christmas on the Rhine, to see Basel’s medieval Old Town transformed into a magical Yuletide wonderland. We are already seeing a high level of demand from our UK guests so it’s going to be a popular itinerary.”

“My favourite region to cruise is the Rhone. The food, the views, the weather, the wine and the people all combine to make it the perfect destination for me, and by adding Paris at one end and Nice at the other it can be turned into an amazing 10-day holiday. On a river cruise, pretty much everything is included so you can choose excursions, have drinks at lunch and dinner, films in your stateroom, gratuities, bikes and walking poles all within the price you pay. You can be as active or as relaxed as you like – the cruise director and adventure hosts can help you make the most of your holiday in whatever way suits you.”

GILES HAWKE, UK CHIEF EXECUTIVE, AVALON WATERWAYS

Port of Nice, southern France

Cologne

CHRISTMAS MARKETS OF THERHINE

5 DAYRIVER CRUISE FROM £895pp

Experience thespiritof Christmas on theRhine, discovering fairytale Germany at the mostmagical time of the year.Renowned Christmasmarkets, the natural beauty of theRhine Gorgeand a host of festive treats await.

London

Cologne

Rüdesheim

Koblenz Bonn

Cologne London

UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCES WHAT’S INCLUDED

Visit the Christmas markets of Rüdesheim, Bonn

and Cologne Discover the twinkling lights and enticing aromas of Germany’s Christmas markets, each with their own unique twist on this age-old, festive tradition.

4 nights of relaxed luxury on board your Amadeus ship

Fully escorted return rail travel from London St Pancras

Daily excursions led by local guides

5-Star dining and drinks package with dinner

Your choice of spacious cabin

UK Tour Manager and Cruise Director

On-board entertainment

Seasonal celebrations Get in the festive mood with mulled wine, carol singing and a spectacular festive gala dinner on board that serves up both German and British Christmas treats.

Sail through the Rhine Gorge This geological monument has been the inspiration for countless legends throughout the years, and, at this time of year, is surrounded by glorious winter scenery.

2022 DEPARTURES

Dec 2 from £895 Dec 5 from £895

AMADEUS FLEET

Our 5-star Amadeusships boast impressive on-board facilities, including a fitnessroom, a hairdresser and spa. There’salso a panoramic loungeand bar where you can relax,admiring the scenery as you cruise gently by.

Order your free brochure now Call 01904 734194 • Visit GreatRail.com/RLM

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Keukenhof Gardens, Netherlands

“A rail and river cruise holiday delivers the perfect mix of relaxation and enjoying the sights, with your floating hotel taking you to new places every day. A personal favourite of mine is Keukenhof Gardens in the Netherlands, which you can experience via a river cruise between late March and May when the flowers are in breathtaking bloom. Keukenhof is described as the ‘most beautiful spring garden in the world’ and I hear that echoed back from our passengers year after year.”

“Pack comfortable walking shoes – many of the immersive excursions on a river cruise are on foot, and they’re to places that can’t be missed. I’d also take a good book to enjoy while relaxing on the top deck and watching the world drift past as you sail on your chosen river. My favourite place on a river cruise is Avignon on the Rhone – history, culture, architecture, food and wine all in one beautiful, easily walkable setting.”

JOHN FAIR, UK SALES DIRECTOR, CROISIEUROPE

“River cruising is an incredible way to visit multiple destinations on one holiday because you awake each morning in a new city and, because we dock in the heart of the city, you simply step ashore and begin your discovery. Your cruise director is your friend in the location, and their local knowledge is unsurpassed. I’d recommend guests use them as a sounding board for the best things to do in each destination, so that when combined with the included sightseeing, you are getting the best out of each place you visit, and able to maximise free activity time and spend it on your personal passions. For anyone nervous about a return to travel post-pandemic, river cruising is a fantastic way to holiday and we take care of every detail.”

PAUL MELINIS, MANAGING DIRECTOR UK & EUROPE, APT AND TRAVELMARVEL

“River cruises are calm, relaxing and there’s always something to see on shore. They’re different from a city break or a road trip as passengers just need to unpack once and explore multiple cities in a short space of time. I’m a big fan of the Rhone River, as it’s always warm and sunny, as well as the Danube as it offers endless nature experiences.” ANDREA KRUSE, CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER, VIVA CRUISES

Restaurant in Avignon, France

“Cruising the Danube is absolutely incredible, with wonderful scenery and a variety of interesting places to visit. Bratislava is a real highlight – it’s less well known than Budapest but there’s so much to see with its pedestrian-only Old Town full of historic buildings, cobbled streets and squares, not to mention the impressive castle and suspension bridge. River cruise ships are small compared with ocean vessels, so those travelling for the first time should expect an intimate experience where they will quickly become familiar with other passengers and crew. Expect a more casual and relaxed atmosphere on board too, usually without a strict dress code apart from the occasional gala dinner or special event.”

TIM FLEMING, SALES AND BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER, ARENA RIVER CRUISES

The Danube, Djerdap Gorge, Serbia

“My biggest tip for anybody looking to book their first river cruise is to do your research both on the destination and the cruise line. As with all holidays, there is a wide choice. Destination-wise, each river offers something entirely different with vastly different experiences. You may be wine lovers so choose the Rhone in France or Moselle in central Europe. You may love history or culture, so head to the Danube or the Rhine. And as for the cruise line, consider how you like to holiday. Do you want luxury, contemporary or traditional surroundings? If you are quite active, look for cruise lines that promote wellness – our onboard activity managers run EmeraldACTIVE hikes, biking and yoga, along with aqua-aerobics in our unique indoor pool.”

DAVID WINTERTON, GLOBAL DIRECTOR OF BRAND AND MARKETING, EMERALD CRUISES “Book early, especially as we emerge from the pandemic. Our guests have waited a long time to travel, and in many cases they have saved money, so they want to travel further, for longer and in style. If that sounds like you, get in quick to avoid disappointment, because those top-category suites are being booked out on multiple cruises, back-toback, as guests look to rediscover the joy of travel.”

CHRIS TOWNSON, MANAGING DIRECTOR, UNIWORLD BOUTIQUE RIVER CRUISES

“River cruise cabins can be every bit as luxurious as a room in a five-star boutique hotel. All are beautifully appointed and include a comfortable hotel-style bed that can also be set up as twin beds, as well as deluxe en-suite bathrooms. Our cabins include a French balcony or window, so you can admire the ever-changing scenery from the comfort of your room, plus everything guests need for a fantastic luxury river cruise experience is in the up-front booking prices. This means it’s easy to budget for your holiday, because the price will cover costs including flights, transfers, tours with expert guides and full-board.”

PHILL HULLAH, CHIEF EXECUTIVE, RIVIERA TRAVEL

“Speak to your expert travel agent because there are lots of river cruise lines that aren’t consumer-facing brands but work directly with travel agents. You need to have a good understanding of what’s included within the cost of the river cruise because it’s all about the value. Agents understand the rules and regulations and can give you the best advice and the best value, and make sure you get the product that suits you.”

French Quarter, New Orleans

“My favourite river has to be the mighty Mississippi. There is something for everyone – music, culture, history, food and wine. From cities such as New Orleans and Memphis to the beautiful antebellum mansions full of history and culture in Nottoway and Natchez, not forgetting civil war heritage in Vicksburg. And you can travel almost any time of year from February through to December. River cruising can be as busy and fast-paced or as relaxing and gentle as you want it to be. You can take advantage of organised shore excursions or simply wander and explore independently at your own pace, knowing that your ship is always close to hand.”

MICHELLE DANIELS, UK & EUROPE COMMERCIAL DIRECTOR, LIGHT BLUE TRAVEL (REPRESENTING AMERICAN QUEEN VOYAGES AND NICKO CRUISES)