Travel and leisure
Cruises
River cruising - leisurely, scenic and sociable
Discover the joys of river cruising - one of the oldest forms of travel
Do you consider yourself well travelled but are at a loss for where to visit next? Do you like to travel in comfort? Would you like to see more of a region than just the vicinity around your hotel? If the answer is yes to any of these questions, a river cruise could be just the holiday you're after
Inland cruising offers an entirely different perspective of a region, both geographically and culturally, so even if you've been to a place before, travelling there by water will present it in a whole new light. And before you dismiss the idea of a river cruise as – well, perhaps a little sedate – consider the benefits:
* You can see many places and cover large distances without the inconvenience of living from your suitcase
* You can enjoy the best bits of cruising (ie: the company and cuisine) yet won't suffer seasickness
* You can choose from a diverse range of itineraries encompassing traditional destinations such as the Rhine and more unusual waterways like those through Ukraine
As river cruise ships are purpose-built and usually only cater for between 30 and 230 passengers, you can enjoy intimate surroundings, good facilities and an exceptionally friendly atmosphere.
Full board is invariably included and dining is like eating at your favourite restaurant, just with constantly changing views. In fact the cuisine is usually exceptionally good with menus that are influenced by the regions visited.
So what else can you expect on board? Well, ships vary between 60 and 130 metres in length but facilities are similar: typically, there are one or two restaurants, a bar and lounge, and sometimes a small shop, fitness centre or pool. Then of course there's the sun deck for enjoying the views in fair weather.
The ships' compact proportions mean you won't find lively casinos or glitzy shows but more often than not there is entertainment, perhaps from the ship's band or from local musicians invited on board. It's fair to say the cabins are more compact than most ocean-going ships but they all have large windows with views of the river - something you wouldn't necessarily get on a liner.
Of course travelling by water puts you within easy reach of a regions' best towns and cities (since many were deliberately built close to the river) and you will frequently find yourself moored in the heart of a town or village. You can either explore at your leisure or join an organised excursion, perhaps a guided city tour or wine tasting at a nearby castle.
In essence, river cruising offers the opportunity to admire magnificent landscapes, visit a host of fascinating places, travel at a sedate pace and enjoy wonderful food and friendships on board – all with great ease.
