Small ship cruising has grown increasingly popular, particularly river cruising which provides an incredible experience.
Every morning is an opportunity to wake up to something different while slowly floating past charming villages, vineyards, and hilltop castles. Plus, luxurious accommodations and exclusive experiences await.
1. A More Intimate Experience 
River cruises have the distinct advantage over ocean voyages of docking right in the center of cities and towns, providing convenient access to historic landmarks as well as unique cultural experiences.
River ships provide an intimate cruising experience due to their smaller size. You get to know fellow passengers while experiencing personalized service from staff.
Your cruise will be as luxurious and comfortable as you’d imagine with our selection of cabins to choose from, making budgeting for your cruise easier than ever before. Depending on its size and price category, your cabin could range from an expansive suite with floor-to-ceiling French balconies to cozy yet exquisitely appointed cabins featuring ports and windows for breathtaking scenery views. All-inclusive packages also make budgeting for this trip simpler!
2. More Time Ashore
River cruises provide more space for activities, including shore excursions. Most river cruises include drinks and entertainment for their journey in their price, along with luxurious accommodations and gourmet meals.
Travelers looking for an immersive history lesson may consider booking a European river cruise. According to the most recent Travel Agent Cruise Industry Outlook Report, river cruising on Europe is becoming more and more popular, experiencing 53% year-on-year growth on eastern waterways (Rhine, Moselle and Danube).
Small ship cruising gives travelers an exclusive opportunity to discover destinations not accessible via larger vessels, from charming villages and charismatic cities to intimate coastal hamlets and charming harbor towns. After spending their day walking or cycling tour guided tours can return back to their “floating boutique hotel” ready for dinner and more exploration!
3. A More Eco-Friendly Experience 
As opposed to ocean cruise itineraries, river cruise itineraries seldom include any sea days due to European cities being located close together; your river ship should be ready to depart shortly after leaving one city for another one.
With less passengers onboard, river cruise ships provide the chance for closer social bonds among their passengers and offer special events such as Mozart recitals and cooking demonstrations.
River cruises provide an incredibly relaxing way to discover Europe. Their slower pace can even reduce seasickness. Plus, river cruising provides superior safety when changing locations as the ship always has quick and safe access to land and resources – an added benefit if the weather turns against you!
4. A More Social Experience
On a river cruise, each day brings new adventures. Once you explore a city or town on land, returning to your “floating hotel” means hot showers, delectable meals and local performances brought aboard to delight.
River ships offer an easy, hassle-free way to explore European cities and towns! River ships dock right in the heart of charming cities and towns allowing passengers to easily stroll to historic attractions, charming streets and charming cafes without needing a car or waiting for public transit!
River cruises provide an intimate yet relaxed atmosphere than ocean cruising, allowing guests to unwind with a glass of wine on the sundeck, play cards with friends or simply sit and admire an old musician playing his accordion for passersby.
5. A More Personalized Experience
River cruises provide less structured experiences and offer greater choices, allowing guests to create their own experience through tours, restaurants and activities available ashore.
At sea, you will discover state-of-the-art vessels offering cabins ranging from cozy accommodations to lavish suites with marble baths and floor-to-ceiling windows with French balconies.
Many river cruise lines provide meals inspired by the regions you will travel through, providing an enhanced cruise experience. Savor a glass of Bordeaux wine with dinner or sample traditional Bavarian cuisine while listening to soothing classic music.
Due to their small size, river ships must be capable of maneuvering through Europe’s locks without difficulty. Low water levels may alter your planned cruise route or force you to opt for another tour altogether.
