BY CLAY LARROY
The preparation for a vacation is almost as
exhilarating as the vacation itself. I love printing out the tickets and
confirmations while thinking about how much fun I will have on vacation. I
enjoy researching all the sights at the location I will see once I arrive at my
destination. When you want to plan a
vacation contact me!
The
rivers and canals of Europe are open for travel. As many as 20,000 total miles
of inland waterways let travelers absorb European culture at a relaxed,
leisurely and up-close pace. The waterways of Austria, The Czech Republic,
England, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, The Netherlands, Portugal,
Russia and others now have many options to meet the growing demand for river
cruising.
No
longer is an obscure way to see old Europe, traveling by river is one of the
best ways to venture out and take in the heart of the continent. This guide
looks at the options available to travelers wishing to take a trip through
Europe from a river’s perspective, easing through the countryside at a pace
that permits all of the culture’s best possibilities to unfold. Travelers who
return from river cruises carry memories of very intimate encounters with the
countryside, local people, and fellow passengers. River cruise and barging
travelers inevitably become true enthusiasts for the experience.
A
traveler can journey Europe’s waterways in a variety of ways. River cruising
most often refers to river going cruise ships typically carrying fewer than 250
passengers. As such, river cruising ships are much smaller than mass-market,
ocean-going vessels, but as river boats go, are on the larger end of the scale.
Western and Central Europe have many river routes to offer the larger cruise
boats. Popular itineraries include the Danube visiting Hungary, Austria and
Germany and the Elbe River through Germany and the Czech Republic. In France, the
Rhone and the Soane meander through Provence and Burgundy, while the Seine
takes passengers through Paris and Giverny. In Northern Italy, the Po offers
exciting opportunities with a variety of river cruise companies. Finally, the
Volga, connecting St. Petersburg and Moscow provides a decidedly different way
to port between these two magnificent cities. River cruises tend to be affairs
of luxury, with an emphasis on informal, but upscale travel. Relaxation and
intensive sightseeing are the main activities, as organized entertainment is
somewhat limited on most river cruises, except for the occasional lecture or
sing-along. Mostly, the crew allows passengers to enjoy their time as they see
fit.
Cabins
on larger river vessels vary in size from 90 square feet on older ships to over
200 square feet on newer. Most rooms are outside cabins, meaning they have
windows for optimal sightseeing. The least expensive cabins are lower in the
boat, while passengers pay more for higher rooms with better views. Cabins come
with basic amenities, such as hair dryers and televisions, and are often very
nicely furnished. The larger river cruise vessels have telephones and even
Internet service.
Many
first time river cruisers are delighted to discover that, unlike ocean cruising,
there is very little boat motion. The mandated slow speeds and flat waters of
the rivers ensure a quiet, placid voyage. It is often difficult when not on
deck to even know the vessel is underway!
On
longer trips, 10 days or more, the typical river cruise passenger is a
well-traveled individual often over the age of 60. Shorter cruises typically
attract a younger crowd. River cruises on the larger vessels do not always
allow children under 12 as passengers, so make sure to check on any
restrictions for families. The passenger manifest will be a mix of European and
North American travelers, but most crews speak at least some English, and many
are fluent. Individuals who require physical assistance when traveling should
check with their travel consultant to determine the accessibility of any
particular vessel for disabled passengers.
Meals
have always been a special part of cruising, and river cruises have maintained
that tradition. On river cruise vessels, food is a key part of the experience,
prepared by a dedicated chef, the ship’s captain, or a restaurateur in a small
village. Europeans take great pride in their culinary skills, and practically
everyone who has ever cruised along the rivers and canals of Europe has at
least one story about an unforgettable meal or food experience. Special dietary
considerations can often be accommodated if requested early in the booking
process. On self-drive barges, travelers can stock up on provisions from the
villages and cook on board, or splurge at dining opportunities along the way.
REFERENCE SITES:
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