River Cruising

The answer is yes, more so than another other so called “all-inclusive” experience you have had, especially when compared to ocean cruising.   

River cruises include your well-appointed cabin, all meals onboard, and plenty of delicious snacks.  There is complimentary beer and wine with lunch and dinner, and most offer a happy hour before the evening meal.  Housekeeping services occur multiple times a day.   

That is just the tip of the iceberg.  It’s the included excursions that put river cruises in the winner’s circle.  Not only are there included excursions in every port, but there are also a wide variety of them.  From an escorted slow stroll through the city center, right up to a guided bike ride through the adjacent forest, yoga on the top deck, kayaking on the river, or a painting or cooking class in town, there are lots of choices in every port with a wide range of experiences at no additional cost.

If there was ever a “wrong” impression about river cruising, this may be the biggest misconception.  The average age for river cruisers is fifty.  We have had enormous success with people in their thirties and forties on river cruises.  They see the value, they enjoy the camaraderie, and with the wide range of excursions and experiences available, they have many opportunities befitting their energy and activity levels.  River cruises and their ports are not ADA compliant, so river cruises are not suitable for anyone who has mobility issues.   

There is no need for a tuxedo, or even a tie. A few men wear a sports coat to the captain’s "Welcome Aboard" and "Farewell" dinners, but most will wear polo type shirts with a collar.   Slacks are preferred, but the truth is most of my guests have been active during the day in denim, and that is what they wear to dinner.  (tee shirts are unacceptable in the dining room for the evening meal). 

There are a remarkably wide variety of choices when it comes to river cruises.  The heart of Europe is where you have the most ships and widest variety of itineraries.  However, do not forget about the Amazon, the Mekong, the Nile, and the Chobe in Africa.  Avalon Waterways even offers the Galapagos Islands.   

No, to the casino and yes, to onboard entertainment.  The entertainment is provided by local talent.  Some of the most amazing musicians I have ever experienced have been on board river cruises.  Don’t expect Cirque du Soleil but do expect truly memorable entertainment experiences.   

Item descriptionAbsolutely not.  River cruises dock right in the heart of city centers.  The worst-case scenario is that the city center might be a bit of a walk in the smaller villages, so there is a van waiting to take those who want to save their steps. 

Because cruising on a river doesn’t involve turbulence, passengers that suffer from motion sickness are perfect for a river cruise. 

Generally, no. River cruises are aimed at adult travelers with a high level of curiosity about the world around them.  There are no onboard activities for kids, nor are their excursions suitable for kids.  However, AMA Waterways has partnered with Disney Adventures and does an amazing job with families on the river.  If you have a family river cruise in mind, we can help with that specific, and suitable, product.   

I would like to add that high school and college age “kids” are very happy onboard river cruises, especially those that focus on being more active and immersive in the locations you visit.

Although most river cruise ships come complete with an elevator, they are not ADA complaint, and neither are the destinations included in their itineraries. Mobility issues will greatly impact your ability to fully participate in many of the cruise activities, including embarkation and disembarkation.  

Most river cruise companies offer to waive the “single supplement” on several itineraries and date ranges throughout the year, making river cruising an affordable option for those of you who prefer the privacy of your own cabin.   

Don’t let the mass marketing of certain brands fool you. Low bridges, the length and width of locks, the degree of bends in the river, and the depth of the river all factor into the maximum size of any river cruise vessel.  In other words, they are all the same size, and they are all longships.  The difference is in the number of passengers assorted brands carry onboard their ships. The best brands, and our favorites, limit their capacity to 160 passengers.  The most famous brand carries 190 on the same size vessels.  Thirty more people packed in the dining room, thirty more people on the walking tours, and thirty more people trying to embark or disembark makes a dramatic difference in your experience.  Trust me.  

Smaller passenger counts mean larger cabin sizes. Smaller passenger counts mean getting to know fellow passengers more easily. You will meet like-minded fellow travelers in the dining room, as you relax in the panoramic lounge, or on the included tours. It also means the number of people participating in the included tours is far less.  Best of all, the staff will get to know you and your preferences with lightning speed.