Kelt Travel Blog
Why River Cruising is the best way to explore Europe
From April's tulips to December's Christmas markets, hundreds of riverboats glide along Europe's historic waterways, making a river cruise one of the best ways to explore the mainland.
River cruise lines such as Avalon, Uniworld, Tauck, Viking River Cruises, AmaWaterway and Scenic River cruises, have been busy investing in new river vessels in recent years -- and continue to do so -- to incorporate more of today's contemporary features, such as spacious two-room suites, cabins with full balconies, Wi-Fi, alternative eateries, gyms, spas, swimming pools and museum-worthy art collections.
Beyond the hardware, what makes a river cruise so different from an ocean cruise is the intense emphasis on the places visited. Most day feature a new port, sometimes two, with guided tours included. River itineraries in Europe feature a diverse mix of sophisticated metropolises -- such as Vienna, Paris, Amsterdam and Budapest -- and picturesque villages like the Rhone's Provence, the Danube's Durnstein and the Rhine's Cochem.
Intrigued? Here are eight essential reasons to take a European river cruise. And if you have a river cruise experience to share, we'd love to see your photos and read your stories.
- A European River Cruise Offers Great Value
- Daytime Cruising Offers Scenic Vistas
- You'll Never Get Bored on a European River Cruise
- Riverboats Are Getting More Luxurious
- River Cruise Lines Are Becoming Increasingly More Sustainable
- You Can Sightsee by Bicycle on a European River Cruise
- Boutique-style Cabins Are Spacious and More Luxurious
- You're Not Going to Get Seasick on a European River Cruise