Mention a cruise vacation to someone, and that person’s mental image search is certain to pull up images of sandy beaches and clear waters in and around places like the Bahamas, Puerto Rico, Hawaii and the Virgin Islands.
But there’s more to the world of cruises than the traditional ocean variety, relaxing though it may be. There’s also a wealth of river cruises out there, giving their patrons the opportunity to gaze from the bow onto locales from the southern U.S. to the Far East.
France: The Seine
See the romantic city of Paris and its architecture, art and history. Enjoy fine wine and delicious cuisine while viewing the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame Cathedral. History lovers can also take a trip west of the city to Normandy’s landing beaches.
Offered by: Avalon Waterways, Tauck River Cruises
Photo courtesy of Viking River Cruises
China: The Yangtze
In 13 days, explore the dynamic city of Shanghai and the capital city of Beijing, stopping along the way to see the Great Wall and Forbidden City. Passengers will discover the beautiful Three Gorges region of the river and view the Three Gorges Dam.
Offered by: Viking River Cruises
The U.S.: The Mississippi
Those looking to stay close to home can take an eight-day river boat journey from Memphis to St. Louis. See the heart and soul of America, exploring Civil War and Underground Railroad historical sites along the way. Visit the most haunted city in America and discover charming small towns.
Offered by: American Cruise Lines
Photo courtesy Crystal Cruises
Europe: The Danube
Ornate architecture and amazing historical sites (and sights) abound in a jaunt down the Danube. This cruise makes stops in Austria, Hungary, Germany and Slovakia, with highlights including the manicured gardens and bistro pubs of Vienna, the brilliant design and rolling hills of Budapest, and the cobbled streets and arched bridges of Passau.
Offered by: Crystal Cruises
Peru: The Amazon
The wildlife on this cruise through South American rainforests should be impressive enough, but there’s much more to see than the animal life. These visuals highlights include the Sacred Valley of the Incas, the Nazca Lines and, of course, Machu Picchu. That’s all on top of quality Peruvian cuisine, naturalist-guided panga rides and more.
Offered by: Avalon Waterways
Photo courtesy of Uniworld River Cruises
India: The Ganges
For those who are culturally curious, spiritual seekers, photographers or adventurers, this cruise goes through India’s rich history and culture in 13 days from New Delhi to Kolkata. Passengers see the ornate mosques, garden-tombs and monuments that make India unforgettable.
Offered by: Uniworld
Gabrielle Benton is a contributing writer. Feedback welcome at gbishop@cityscenemediagroup.com.
Go with the Flow
Travel tips for river cruises
River cruises are, in many ways, decidedly different from their oceanic cousins. For that reason, planning for one is not the same as planning for an ocean cruise.
Steve Cores of Cruise Planners offered some tips on how to prepare for – and properly enjoy – a river cruise.
1. Communicate with the locals. Pick up some translation books.
2. Find out in advance which stretches of the river are most scenic. Have your camera ready.
3. Plan for appropriate attire. Check the average high and low temperatures of each port. Keep in mind that wind chill from river breezes can make port areas feel colder than the listed temperatures. On a river cruise, you can’t plan around the weather. Pack a sweater, rainwear and an umbrella. You are only in the port for few hours. Also note that some sites have particular dress codes.
4. Bring supportive shoes, especially if the sightseeing you’ll be doing involves lots of walking or being on your feet. Most of the European stops have cobblestone streets.
5. Bring a credit card and ATM card, and be sure to notify your credit card company and bank that you’re traveling overseas. Keep plenty of foreign currency on hand to pay for on-board essentials such as food, beverage and tips. Travelers should be aware that many small shops and restaurants do not take credit cards, especially if you travel off the beaten path.
6. Bring extra memory cards, a charger and an extra battery. Empty your camera’s memory card before you depart. Pick up a European plug converter. Most cruise lines use North American plug points, but you may need this at the hotel pre and post-departure.
7. Find out what is going on in the ports you will visit. Pick up travel books and maps. Spend cruising time reading your travel books and creating an itinerary for your next port of call.
8. Bring along sealable plastic bags to store wet items and an extra tote bag for souvenirs. If you plan to purchase wine, consider bringing bubble-wrap mailers so you can pack the item in your suitcase.
9. Buy a travel insurance policy. A good policy will cover you for unpreventable cancellations and medical emergencies. Check your heath care policy. Most policies only provide coverage in the U.S.
10. Copy driver’s license, passports, credit cards (front and back), prescriptions, medical insurance cards and travel insurance policies.
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