Cruise Planners

A River Cruise is not to be compared to the Cruise Ships doing the Caribbean or other areas of the world. The emphasis is on what the ship provides to their guests. 

River Cruises of Europe, Russia, China, Egypt are geared toward a cultural land experience using boutique hotel style ships with 5 star service . The river is your highway and the scenery is your gift. 

The river cruise has become an attractive way for those seeking travel to foreign destinations. It is a unique way of seeing a country. It offers the most land experience that one can expect while on a cruise. For most that travel along the rivers the experience of visiting the small quaint towns is what is most attractive to them. Charming little towns rich in history, with many of the towns dating back to Julius Caesar. 

All-inclusive excursions fully hosted by English speaking guides (historians) are part of the river cruise package. There is no doubt a strong emphasis is on the cultural experience of each of the destinations visited.

You can expect boutique hotel-style ships with river view staterooms ,five star cuisine with complimentary wine at dinner, 134-154 passengers per ship, one highly-trained crew member for every 3 guests, every effort is made to provide the finest vacation experience possible.  What you should not expect is a gambling casino and a variety of choices in night life unless you are docked in port for an evening. Night life aboard a riverboat is casual, there may be local entertainment or music for dancing, but it is in general a more relaxed atmosphere.  

River cruises offer enough leisure time that one does not feel they are on a whirlwind.

The ships are within a short distance of the towns allowing passengers to go on and off at anytime during the day or evening. Nice feature if one needs an hour or so rest or bring packages back to the ship. 

The local people are warm and friendly and the opportunity to learn about the local food and customs is a plus to any traveler. Tourists are made to feel very welcome. 

I have had the pleasure of recently sailing Germany  (Rhine) River Cruise. We sailed from Nuremberg, Germany to Basal, Switzerland..  I have previously sailed the Danube from Budapest, Hungary to Passau, Germany.   My next trip will be Burgundy/Provence with an extension in Paris.   Will let you know the highlights of France when I return

 I consider a river cruise a learning experience and more economical than a land based vacation.    

As we sailed along the Main and Rhine Rivers in Germany, we were able to see many little towns and get the feel of their everyday life.  Since the rivers are narrow throughout most of the trip we could almost reach out and touch the land. Much of the area is wine country and the vineyards play a prominent role in the scenery.   We were able to visit a winery in Rudesheim, Germany. With the changing of the leaves, the manicured farms, charming towns and the vineyards, it was as if we were looking at a postcard. Truly beautiful. 

A river cruise is a great alternative to the BIG SHIPS!!

River Cruises are available for  China, Egypt, Europe and Russia. as well as the United States.

Carol Samela, ECC