Are River Cruises Worth It?
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Cruises Editor
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Wondering what to do for your next holiday? Are river cruises worth it? Here are five reasons why we think this style of travel ought to float your boat.
1. River cruising is easy
For most of human history, rivers have provided the easiest way to travel and, despite the invention of tarred roads and railways, not much has changed. The main concern of travellers has always been a comfortable means of transport, decent meals and a good bed. River-cruise ships supply all three, cutting out the drudgery of local transport, restaurant hunting, endless packing and unpacking and the general unpredictability of travel. And it’s all done in comfort akin to a boutique hotel.
2. River cruising is good value
Expect your river cruise to cost between $200 and $500 per person per night. It all depends on the season, ship and destination, while booking at least a year in advance will yield discounts and perhaps even complimentary flights. This price includes accommodation, shore excursions and three meals daily – multi-course meals at that. Ships are increasingly luxurious, too, offering the likes of private-balcony suites, branded toiletries, heated bathroom floors and in-room espresso machines. Tot up what the DIY land equivalent would cost and you should be happy, especially since someone else does all the organising for you.
3. River cruising has many inclusions
If you compare river and ocean prices, you may wonder why river cruises appear to cost more. True, river ships with fewer than 200 passengers can’t compete with the savings of 5000-passenger mega-ships, though they do offer a more intimate and personal experience. You also pay a single up-front cost and could do an entire river cruise without spending an additional penny. On ocean cruises, you’re nearly always charged for shore excursions, table wines and wi-fi. These are included in river cruises; and some companies such as APT in Europe also offer airport transfers, room service and open bars.
4. River cruising is convenient
With some exceptions (such as St Petersburg, Basel and Vienna) river-cruise ships dock right in city centres, without any of the port-transfer hassles of ocean cruises. You only need step off the ship to be right in the middle of beautiful destinations such as Budapest, Bordeaux or Cologne. You rarely have to use public transport. What’s more, river-cruise ships seldom travel overnight, which means you can enjoy evening drinks and early-morning strolls. Book a hotel in such a riverside, downtown location and prepare to sacrifice an arm and leg.
5. River cruising is well organised
Try exploring destinations such as remote Myanmar, Vietnam, Russia or India on your own and your best-laid plans might soon fall apart. But even in less adventurous places, inclusive tours will orient you in the company of local guides who know what they’re talking about. Shore excursions are also moving away from general overviews to more interesting alternatives such as visits to cellar doors, local markets or schools. Some provide privileged access, such as APT’s cocktail reception with a German castle owner or a private concert in Vienna.
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