A view of Italy from a Uniworld cruise
uniworld
8 Reasons Why River Cruises Are Awesome
By Marisa Perjatel
Sailing the world’s oceans is one thing, but traveling the world’s rivers is something altogether different. Here’s what makes river cruising special.
Maximum Convenience
Unpack once and allow the best sights and cities in the world come to you. After stopping and exploring at each destination, you can settle into your room and just relax. Many cabins have balconies or large panoramic sliding doors, so you can enjoy the scenery from one location to the next, right from the comfort of your temporary home.
AmaWaterway’s guests enjoying the sun deck of AmaPrima
amawaterways
First-Class Hospitality
From five-star amenities to fine dining, excellent service and luxury are provided throughout your trip without feeling too stuffy. Casual dress is the standard. Heated pools, hot tubs, health clubs and spas are available for your enjoyment, and all the staff members speak English.
Open-seat dining with panoramic views onboard a Viking cruise ship
viking
Exceptional Comfort
Vessels rarely accommodate more than 200 people at a time, treating you to an exclusive and intimate travel experience that is unlike any other. Compared to an ocean cruise, river cruises are more low-key and never feel crowded. Don’t expect loud clubs or casinos; instead, bask in pure relaxation. Plus, cruising on a river is generally smooth and breezy, so concerns about seasickness are minimized.
A holiday themed cruise may include a visit to a European Christmas market.
iStock
Themed Itineraries
River cruises have gained in popularity significantly over the past few years. As they expand offerings and meet customer needs, cruise lines have come out with themed cruises, like springtime itineraries through the Netherlands or family river cruises in Europe that cater to travelers of all ages. Uniworld Boutique River Cruises, for example, offers European holiday market cruises.
Viking longship on the Rhine River
All-Inclusive Value
With most river cruises, your meals, drinks, live entertainment, gratuities, and even airfare and air arrangements are typically incorporated into the vacation rate. Most sightseeing tours and excursions also are included. AAA Travel Agents can help you understand what river cruise lines offer and which is the best fit for your budget.
Passengers on an excursion in Strasbourg, France
Easy Excursions
River cruises often dock right in the heart of the most remarkable cities, placing you a stroll away from top sights. Daily excursions are planned at each destination; experienced guides lead the way to storied landmarks and hidden gems. If you prefer to travel at your own pace, you can do that, too. Most river cruise lines also give guests a selection of off-boat adventures to choose from, rather than limiting them to just one. AmaWaterways even offers complimentary bicycles. Picture yourself pedaling your way through a quiet village in France or past the canals in Amsterdam.
The Hohenzollern Bridge in Cologne, Germany
istock
Remarkable Culture
Traveling abroad is about more than just seeing the sights; it’s about experiencing different cultures or perhaps even feeling like a local for a day. River cruises tailor their off-boat options to give guests an authentic sense of culture. A Rhine River cruise may offer a guided tour in Cologne, Germany, for example, to visit and learn about the famous Cologne Cathedral in the historic Old Town, after which you have time explore on your own. The cruise’s guides are happy to point you in the direction of a quaint cafe to stop and simply absorb the atmosphere. Entertainment and food served on the vessel also may feature a local flair. Tauck river cruises offer uncommon access to local culture and exclusive destination-driven experiences you can’t get on your own.
River cruises bring you to the cities you've always wanted to visit.
The Experience of a Lifetime
Learn what it feels like to wake up in a new city almost every day. River cruises make it easy to go to the places you’ve always dreamed of (and maybe discover some new ones), all in one unforgettable trip.
Plan and book your river cruise through AAA to take advantage of exclusive member benefits and valuable savings from trusted AAA partners. Visit AAA.com/Cruises to get started today.
