2014 CRUISE REPORT
10 pages of cruising the high seas and rivers of the world.
I’ m not privy to the inner thoughts of river cruiseline executives, but I’d be willing to bet that they would all like to give a quiet shout- out to Viking River Cruises.
Not for Viking’s ships, but for being the first line to step up as a major advertiser and marketer of the river- cruising industry.
All lines are benefiting from Viking’s commercials, especially the ones appearing each week during episodes of Downton Abbey.
In Canada, Scenic Cruises stepped up and bought fullpage ads in major papers across the country, addressing a large group of ocean cruisers who are looking for an alternative. Boomers and Boomers Plus combined are a growing market that’s ready- made for river cruising.
An acquaintance much too young to fit into the Boomers category went with a friend on a Christmas river cruise and raved about the experience. Yes, most other passengers were older, but the idea of stepping off the boat and walking into the heart of a city appealed strongly to her sense of history.
Viking will launch 15 Longships this year. Scenic Cruises will launch two and will introduce a new cruise line, Emerald Waterway, with its first two ships. Next year, these three lines will launch over 20 more new ships, led by Viking’s 15. Avalon, Tauck, Uniworld and AmaWaterways are others continuing to build for what appears to be an unstoppable tide of growth.
Where are the passengers coming from? Most have had cruise experience on the ocean. Patrick Clark, managing director of Avalon, finds many of his passengers come from Celebrity Cruises. Others find that passengers simply like the idea of sailing through the heart of European history.
While cruises in Asia and on U. S. rivers continue to grow, most river ships are based in Europe: The Moselle, Main, Rhine, Danube, Rhone, Seine, Duro and others.
Glen Moroney, founder and managing director of Scenic Cruises, suggests if you’re a first- time river cruiser, a two- week trip from Amsterdam to Budapest is a good place to start.
“That should give you a good feel as to whether or not river cruising is for you,” he suggests.
So whether you’re new to cruising in general or a veteran ocean cruiser, here are some of the differences you will find on the river.
The people
You will find they are more into the history of the countries they’re visiting. As Chris Owen said in a recent chriscruises.com blog, river cruisers are more “culturally curious”.
Entertainment
Nothing splashy here. Single or small local groups get on and off before the ships sail. I remember a local accordion player entertaining at lunch stepping off the ship a mile down the river.
What to wear
Check with each line as to how they expect you to dress for dinner, but mostly it’s casual within guidelines.
Tours
Unlike ocean cruising, tours are included in the price and, in some cases, there are special nights when you will enjoy dinner and entertainment off the ship. Most importantly, you’re on land every day.
Views
Unlike the ocean, the scene changes every minute and you’re looking at the world pass by at eye level.
What’s included
By comparison, lots. Some river cruises are fully inclusive, some are partial, but in most cases you get a lot more bang for your buck.
Motion sickness
Yes, there is some motion, especially going through the locks, but there is far less than at sea.
Food
Generally fine, but you eat at specific times, kind of like the old days on ocean liners.
Internet
It’s free but can be spotty at times. One night, I saw a couple sitting in an unused public room talking with family for an hour on Skype, so the connection can also be very reliable.
Cost
You are not going to find any $ 499 cruises here. There is a big difference in the pricing from average ocean lines and the river lines. The costs are higher, but more is included. However, find a good cruise agent who knows the river market. Register and let him or her know your price point and when you want to cruise. In most cases, the further you book ahead, the better the price.
More socializing
On large ocean ships, there are plenty of hiding spots for alone time. Not on a river ship. You will find yourself doing more socializing with passengers and crew. The captain and the officers are visible at all times.
Sound system
You will find very little chatter on the sound system. No sales pitches here.
And finally …
I like the idea of landing right in the city. I don’t have to take the ship tours and I’m free to plan my day, every day.
In many cases, the ship does not sail until later and, as a result, I get a taste of local nightlife and I always try to eat one local meal when in a port.
So if you feel like getting away from the non- stop entertainment and if the destination is more important to you, give river cruising a shot.