River cruises have quickly become the vacation of choice for many Boomers and Pre-Boomers. This is because it is a very easy, affordable and experiential vacation option. But are you ready for a river cruise? Let’s take a closer look.

First of all, we say flatly that a river cruise trip is No for everyone. That’s how it is. Not everyone will enjoy the many benefits offered by this affordable and luxurious cruise. If you fit the following profile, you may not want to consider a river cruise and may be better served by a more traditional cruise vacation.

You’re not the river cruising type if you enjoy:

• Being nickel plated and dimmed by everything [wine, beer, espressos, snacks, Internet, etc.]
• Pay extra to eat at one of the “nice” specialty restaurants – whoops!
• Paying extra for all your shore excursions which can be over $1000 per person.
• Paying extra for some of the entertainment and places on board.
• Big impersonal staff who think of you as “Tip” and never know your name.
• Being stuck on a ship with up to 5,000 of your closest friend… and that’s just the passengers.
• Spend 2-3 hours getting on and off the ship each day in port.
• Drive over an hour from the port to the city center to begin your shore excursion.
• Never having enough time to really get to see a port and mix with its people.
• Dining with 1000 people all trying to be served at the same time with food on the assembly line.
• Getting seasick is a bit rough.
• Having to get ready at night – formal nights, and…
• The disco at night…wow!

Now, we don’t want to put too big a cloud on traditional ocean cruises because the ocean cruise business is the genesis of what has fueled the explosive demand for river cruises. And an ocean cruise vacation has many wonderful elements and continues to be the second best cruise vacation choice you can make.

Today’s modern ocean-going ship has it all: climbing walls, ice skating, up to 20 different restaurants for your enjoyment. [most at an extra fee], and great accommodations with nice amenities – did we mention you now pay for the movies you watch in your cabin? Ocean ships now look more like a Las Vegas-style vacation than a cruise, but our main quibble is…whatever happened to the all-inclusive nature of a cruise? She is dead and gone!

Between exorbitant taxes and fees, to being charged for almost anything you do on the ship beyond taking a walk on the deck, the cost of a cruise ticket is generally much less than your onboard expenses. That is not right. Period!

Is this really what you want your perfect vacation to be? We don’t think so.

While river cruise vacations are extraordinary, they may not be for those under 40, but for those of us who prefer to travel with smaller groups of like-minded people, see and experience a destination in depth, then this type of almost all-inclusive river cruise vacation is right for you.

Instead, let’s examine what a luxurious river cruise has to offer:

• A very spacious ship that on average only accommodates 130 privileged guests.
• Sumptuous accommodations with every imaginable cabin comfort.
• Impeccable cuisine, much of it made to the minute. [when you order it].
• Complimentary wines, beers, soft drinks and bottled water.
• Complimentary small group sightseeing tours at EVERY port.
• Most of the ships have a gym, sauna, courier, hairdresser, swimming pool, FREE internet and free use of bicycles.
• Free in-flight evening entertainment every day.
• Complimentary in-cabin internet, entertainment systems with live USTV and free movies.
• It docks right in the center of most cities and takes just a minute to hop on and off the ship.
• Ability to see more than one region and experience the local culture in depth.
• A casual resort atmosphere on board – leave the formal wear at home.
• All staterooms, repeats ALL rooms have a river view.
• You can NEVER get seasick on a river cruise.
• Impeccable, warm and friendly service from a team that only speaks English.
• A staff that knows your name and favorite drink by the second day.
• Last, but certainly FIRST in our book: a lifetime of memories of the trip and the people you have met.

Another point to consider: what do you really want a cruise vacation to provide you with in regards to the places you visit? We believe that a river cruise offers the best possible and easiest way to explore [in depth]and learn about a specific region of a country or countries.

Of course, ocean ships will take you to Venice, a river cruise will not. Ocean cruises will go places a river cruise can’t go, simply because that place isn’t on a river, nothing else. But think of the world before you go beyond this point. Much, if not most, of the ancient world developed along a river because rivers were the main source of trade and were easy to navigate. Therefore, only places like Amsterdam, Vienna, Budapest, Rouen, Paris, Honfleur, Lyon, Strasbourg, Avignon Vienne, Prague, Belgrade, Moscow, St. Petersburg, Beijing, the Nile River, the Mekong River of Vietnam can be reached. and more. by river boat! Riverboats really do give you the chance to see more of the world, visiting ancient and intimate cities and towns that can never be overtaken by ocean-going ships.

In this article, we’ve covered just a few of the many reasons why we believe this luxurious and affordable vacation alternative is the best choice for most people…those who’d rather not be on a ship with up to 5,000 of their closest relatives. -folks, you don’t want to pay extra for just about everything, but you do want to enjoy the intimacy of a small ship with a hundred or so friendly, like-minded passengers, the 5-star “included” luxuries and amenities, impeccable dining, and FREE shore excursions you’re sure to choose a vacation on a river cruise.

If you haven’t been on an exciting river cruise, you may think your options are limited, but that’s not the case. Depending on your personal tastes and lifestyle, you can choose an exciting French river cruise focused on food and wine, a historic Danube cruise, a beginner-friendly Rhine river cruise, or an extraordinary Southern Europe cruise. This. For those looking for something a little more exotic, how about a Mekong River cruise in Vietnam for your next vacation? Our team is adept at working with first-time river boaters to ensure you get the best value and cruise for you and your lifestyle; that’s really important. Take a look at our website and discover the wonderful and affordable river cruise vacations we have to offer.

If you’ve never enjoyed an exciting destination-based river cruise, talk to a travel agency that specializes in river cruises, you won’t be disappointed by the value and rewards you receive after a truly memorable vacation in a river cruise.