Once, during one of my favorite European cruises, I spontaneously popped ashore in Budapest for dinner at the historic Gundel House, one of Europe’s most renowned restaurants. There, I dined in an elegant setting and was serenaded by a violinist.
And no, I didn’t jump off the ship and swim ashore – rather, I leisurely stepped off a Viking River vessel docked right in the center of town. This is but one of the advantages of exploring the world’s inland waterways via riverboat.
Each year – as more and more Americans discover the delight of combining sightseeing in cities like Budapest, Paris, St. Petersburg, and Vienna with visits to small towns located off the beaten path – the number of European riverboats increases. And these riverboats rarely carry more than 200 passengers, so travelers can expect a more intimate cruise experience and ports of call that are less crowded.
Part of what makes river cruising so unique is your vessel’s ability to sail past castles, vineyards, historic villages, and bucolic countryside as you dine in your ship’s restaurant or sample fine wines in an onboard lounge alongside newfound friends. You’ll sail directly into the heart of most destinations, then walk right off your ship and into the middle of town. Once there, you can join a guided walk or shore excursion (they’re almost always included in your fare) or explore on your own. In larger cities, like Paris and St. Petersburg, many riverboats will dock for two or three days, allowing plenty of time for sightseeing, shopping, and perhaps a bike ride or an evening ashore.
And no, I didn’t jump off the ship and swim ashore – rather, I leisurely stepped off a Viking River vessel docked right in the center of town. This is but one of the advantages of exploring the world’s inland waterways via riverboat.Each year – as more and more Americans discover the delight of combining sightseeing in cities like Budapest, Paris, St. Petersburg, and Vienna with visits to small towns located off the beaten path – the number of European riverboats increases. And these riverboats rarely carry more than 200 passengers, so travelers can expect a more intimate cruise experience and ports of call that are less crowded.
Part of what makes river cruising so unique is your vessel’s ability to sail past castles, vineyards, historic villages, and bucolic countryside as you dine in your ship’s restaurant or sample fine wines in an onboard lounge alongside newfound friends. You’ll sail directly into the heart of most destinations, then walk right off your ship and into the middle of town. Once there, you can join a guided walk or shore excursion (they’re almost always included in your fare) or explore on your own. In larger cities, like Paris and St. Petersburg, many riverboats will dock for two or three days, allowing plenty of time for sightseeing, shopping, and perhaps a bike ride or an evening ashore.
What To Expect
As with any cruise, you’ll check-in and unpack just once. And while riverboat staterooms tend to be smaller, they’re still equipped with most of the creature comforts you’d find on a larger vessel (including flat-screen televisions and full-sized bathrooms). Breakfast and lunch are usually buffets, while dinner is almost always a gourmet experience featuring single, open seating. Onboard entertainment is typically limited (to small groups of local performers, readings/lectures, etc.), but the distance between ports is short so you’ll rarely spend more than half a day on the river.
Choosing A European River Cruise
European river cruising is seasonal, with a majority of departures scheduled during the spring, summer, and autumn months (some river fleets also offer November and December departures specifically geared towards the holidays and holiday shopping).
If there’s a challenge in planning a European river cruise, it’s selecting an itinerary. Cruises along the Danube focus on the history and culture of Austria, Germany, and Hungary while the Rhine leads voyagers to Amsterdam and Cologne. The Elbe, meanwhile, rises in the Czech Republic, flows into Germany, and empties into the North Sea at Cuxhaven (near Hamburg). If you’re dreaming of a river cruise in France, look for Rhône and Saône itineraries (exploring Provence and wine country) or set sail along the Seine, which flows through Paris into Normandy before emptying into the English Channel at Le Havre.
Once you decide on an itinerary, your dedicated cruise expert can help you to choose amongst several top-notch riverboat fleets. Be sure to ask your expert about your fellow passengers; some fleets cater primarily to English-speaking guests, while others attract a very international mix of travelers. You may also want to check on the availability of theme cruises that focus on wine, music, gardening, and other interests.
by Anne Campbell