My First European River Cruise

            For the last few years I have been thinking about experiencing the European river cruises I have been sending my clients to enjoy.  I know that they have LOVED the experience and Karen Noll in the office had a wonderful time when she took her cruise, but I didn’t know if this was the kind of cruise for me.

River Cruising is one of the most requested ways to see Europe, but this is not a cruise for everyone. If you want the big ship atmosphere, entertainment and long lines... this is not the cruise for you!

 

I saw Honeymooners looking for a quiet escape and well seasoned travelers looking for an amazing out of the ordinary European experience.  Part of our job is to match our clients with the right vacation experience and this is one of those vacations that has a specific following.  Once we find a good fit, River Cruise clients will come back for more!   

            Gary and I sailed from Basel to Amsterdam with Avalon Waterways (The Creativitiy) and it was more than we could have ever expected!  Avalon has the newest European river boat fleet in the industry and each ship only has about 100 people so crowds are never an issue.  You get to know almost everyone on board and by the end Gary knew everyone at happy hour!!! 

            This is really a great way to see Europe, the small ships get into the nooks and crannies that the mega ship clients never see.  Many of Europe’s most magnificent cities line the banks of the Rhine, Main, Moselle, Rhone and Danube Rivers so don’t think you will miss the sights!  You will get the up close and personal views of these cities while you move down the river and dock in the heart of the action!  Fairytale Castles, charming countryside, and fortresses rich culture and history are the focus on these cruises. 

            In port Avalon helps you see your destination like a local. Working with Local Guides they make sure you experience the area’s most famous sights as well as the inside secrets and native stories.  Unlike other guided tours Avalon clients will never miss out because headsets are standard features on all guided shore excursions in Europe and Egypt.  This means that everyone hears what the tour guide is saying not just the people at the head of the tour.  The best part is that almost every day there was a FREE guided tour.  If that wasn’t enough there were plenty of other tours for purchase and don’t worry there is also plenty of time to explore on your own.

            Gary like the casual atmosphere that allowed him to wear jeans all day long and even to dinner if he wanted.  Some people changed for dinner but I didn’t see a single sequined dress or tuxedo.  I liked the laid back atmosphere on the ship, and I never felt rushed or like I was going to miss something.  The small group and complimentary wine at dinner was a pleasant surprise and made it easy to make friends!   

            Call me if you this is something you might be interested in I would love to share my experiences and help you book this dream vacation. 

  

 

 

 

 

 Want to know more about the River Cruise phenomenom? Talk to anyone who has taken a river cruise and I bet you will find out they are officially hooked!  It is not only a great way to explore the smaller cities near the river and major waterways but so relaxing and fun too!  The smaller more intimate ships like this will definately get you interested in visiting more destinations this way.