Stay on the move afloat
Exercise and enjoy a little adventure on a river cruise
AEUROPEAN river cruise is a luxurious, laid-back way to travel, with indulgence and relaxation at every turn.
But if you think it’s just a lazy meander, think again.
Kicking back on the sundeck as a stunning parade of abbeys, palaces, castles and vineyards files past is only part of the story, as there’s so much to see and do ashore in the pretty towns and culture-rich cities along the way.
And, increasingly, river cruise lines are providing opportunities to exercise and enjoy a little adventure — perfect for health-conscious cruisers who prefer to stay on the move.
The sleek, contemporary ships of Emerald Waterways are leading the way with a host of fun and rewarding options.
A well-established EmeraldACTIVE programme provides guided hikes to centuries-old castles, cycle rides between several spectacular shoreside towns, canoeing expeditions and early morning yoga for those wishing to stretch their legs, keep active or start the day with a sense of peace.
And new this year, activity managers are further enlivening guests’ stay aboard all seven of the line’s StarShips sailing the Rhine, Main, Danube, Moselle, Rhone and Douro rivers.
They are hosting new sessions including Pilates, walk-a-mile on the sun decks, and aqua aerobics in the heated indoor pool.
Come evening, they can be found organising gameshow-style quizzes, card tournaments, karaoke and performances by local dancers and musicians. So there is more to do than ever, both aboard and ashore.
And the activity managers are on hand to help passengers plan individual unguided cycling tours or hikes in port, making it easy to savour a destination’s highlights on a route of your own making.
Authentic experiences
AN Emerald Waterways cruise offers plenty more extra-special moments.
And you won’t be merely skimming the surface, as itineraries are expertly designed to build-in authenticity all the way. You could sample coffee and cake in the home of a local family in Bratislava, dress up and waltz off to an optional classical music concert in Vienna, or walk amid vines and taste wines at a lush vineyard before eating freshly grilled sardines on the deck while cruising the Douro, for example.
On board, your river ship’s attentive team will look after your every need, while skilled chefs take you on a journey through the flavours of modern Europe, with a choice of great dining venues, including an
al fresco terrace. And much else is rolled into the price — from flights and stylish accommodation, to wine, beer and soft drinks at lunch and dinner, wi-fi, entertainment, on-board tips and the great new range of activities from EmeraldACTIVE.
Meanwhile, you’ll enjoy the best seat in the house as you dock in the centre of beautiful towns and cities for awe-inspiring tours and once-ina-lifetime experiences, most of them included in the price.
n THOSE wishing to stretch their legs on a Splendours Of Europe river cruise can do so as part of a group hike up to the majestic fortress that is Durnstein Castle, located on one of the 14 legs of the Wachau World Heritage Trail.
n DURING A Danube Explorer river cruise, guests can join a guided bike tour along the Danube from Melk to Durnstein — a fun way to enjoy the riverbanks from a different perspective.
n TAKE a guided hike to the rock-hewn churches of Ivanovo, in Bulgaria, on an Enchantment of Eastern Europe river cruise. Marvel at the 14th-century murals, revealing the incredible skill of the artists.
n ON A Majestic Rhine river cruise, there is a guided hike to 12th-century Altes Schloss. Walk in the footsteps of former residents to dungeons and along winding staircases on this exhilarating tour.
n TAKE to the water on a canoeing excursion with expert guides on a Secrets of the Douro river cruise. Experience this magnificent river close-up during this unforgettable activity.