Floating Through The View - Memories & Commissions Are Made Selling River Cruises
Credit: Avalon Waterways
Cruising the Danube is like floating through the view.
Pick a city: Prague? Porto? Paris? St. Petersburg? Now imagine staying on a luxurious riverboat right in the heart of town. That’s one of the best parts, among many, of river cruising. Another best part? You unpack just once, yet you visit several destinations – perhaps even countries – before you have to look at your luggage again.
Close up and intimate could describe European river cruising. It’s like travelling through the view and becoming a part of it. You see a country from the inside, out. And that’s why more and more people are choosing this leisurely, hassle-free way to see Europe.
Gliding along the river yields unique views of life on the waterways; of pleasure boats, rowboats, canoes and barges.
Memories
One of my favourite pastimes during a Rhine cruise from Amsterdam to Basle was spotting the barges that carried not only cargo but the live-aboard families who deliver it, complete with pets, bicycles and tiny gardens. Some even had children’s swing sets. And then there’s the life along the banks: locals walking their dogs or riding horses along the towpaths, picturesque villages, vineyards and the grand towns.
A cherished memory is docking in Cologne, with its stately old town and historic, twin-spire cathedral. After the day’s complimentary guided tour we returned to the boat for a sumptuous dinner, then opted to meander through the city. We could hear music in the air – Mozart – and we followed the sounds to an open air concert. The paid seats were all taken but we joined the locals perching on whatever steps or railings were available to enjoy the show. The night was warm, the music amazing, and it’s something I’ll always remember.
Moments like these are part of what makes a river cruise special, agrees Patrick Clark, managing director of Avalon Waterways.
“I have so many great memories from our cruises,” he told Canadian Traveller, “but among those that often come to mind is the Vinothek Wine Tasting on our Windmills, Vineyards, and Paris itinerary. Bernkastel is a charming wine village along the Moselle River, with narrow lanes flanked by historic houses, and an Old City Hall built in 1608. The Moselle vintages are excellent here and Avalon guests are treated to a wine tasting at the Vinothek, where up to 120 wines are displayed in underground cellars. After a brief introduction, we were given a wine glass to take through the cellar and sample whichever wines we wanted. It was a short walk back to the ship, so we wine enthusiasts could stay as long as we liked.”
Credit: Uniworld
â I sailed with my wife and son past iconic Parliament building which, lit up at night, is a truly magnificent sight.â
Guy Young, president of Uniworld (the company has a Boutique River Cruise collection), shares his favourite memory of the company’s Enchanting Danube voyage from Budapest to Passau:
“I sailed with my wife and son and after a wonderful on-board dinner in Budapest, we went up to the sun deck. It was a balmy August evening and, relaxing with our drinks, we sailed past the city’s many beautiful buildings and monuments, including the iconic Parliament building which, lit up at night, is a truly magnificent sight. It was one of my best travel experiences and a blessing to share the moment with my family.”
Riverboats
Today’s craft are sleek and sophisticated, with low-key evening entertainment (perhaps a pianist or a local folkloric troupe) often provided. And many new riverboats have small dance floors.
Most have libraries, and newer vessels usually include Wi-Fi access. Fitness centres have made an appearance on several boats and some have small spa areas. Another popular addition is al fresco dining on the sun decks.
Just like ocean-going cruise ships, river boats vary in size and the larger vessels (in the 135-metre range) tend to ply the larger rivers – the Rhine and Danube, for example. Smaller boats (110-metre range) also dock in major cities along the “Grand” rivers, but they can also cruise the “lesser” rivers like the Rhone and Saone, docking in charming smaller towns where larger ships cannot go.
Credit: Avalon Waterways
A recent trend is French balconies, wall-to-wall French doors with a protective barrier that, when opened, bring the outside in.
They’re a welcome addition, as a huge part of river cruising is watching the country unfold. Yes, there are areas of industrial build-up, but you’ll also see miles of pastoral beauty and amazing cities. Imagine floating through acres of lavender or sunflower fields in southern France – the kind of scenery that inspired van Gogh and Monet. And another innovation that makes the sightseeing more pleasant than ever is the introduction of quieter boat engines!
Credit: Uniworld
Christmas market cruises, especially, attract passengers wanting shorter voyages to fit the holidays â teachers, for instance, and families with teens.
Included in the fare of cruise lines like Avalon and Uniworld are wine, beer and soft drinks with dinner, and ongoing tea and coffee. Complimentary bicycles are available to ride along the river paths, and there’s no charge for guided sightseeing tours. (More “best parts” to add to the list of river cruise benefits!)
