Riverboat tours of Europe can provide solo travelers with ample opportunity for socialization. Riverboats tend to be small enough to facilitate meeting new people easily.
Some lines offer special deals and events tailored towards singles, such as dinner get-togethers and waiving single supplements altogether. Scenic Cruise Line, for instance, features dedicated solo cabins on many of its Europe sailings as well as waiving any applicable surcharges on many sailings.
1. You’ll Meet New Friends 
River cruises provide solo travelers with an ideal setting to meet like-minded people and form new bonds. Their cozy environment, activities, and immersive excursions help make conversation easy – some companies even offer themed sailings focused on music, wine or European Christmas markets!
River cruise lines understand that many solo travelers choose river cruising trips because they want to meet like-minded individuals, making this market segment one of their primary focuses. Many offer attractive single fares during promotions which waive or reduce traditional double occupancy cabin supplements; Uniworld even has solo staterooms available on four ships in Europe that carry no single supplements during certain departures!
2. You’ll Have More Time to Explore
Luxury river cruise lines like Uniworld Boutique Collection, Emerald Waterways, Tauck and AmaWaterways have taken great strides to welcome solo travelers. In addition to offering special solo traveler rates for many cabin categories and waiving or reducing single supplements where applicable – Silversea hosts a solo reception at every voyage to help facilitate introductions between passengers.
Solo travelers come from all backgrounds; young backpackers embarking on their first international trip, to experienced travelers looking to escape their daily grind, are traveling solo in increasing numbers. A European riverboat cruise may provide the ideal way to regain your sense of independence while meeting like-minded people along the way! Here are a few reasons why.
3. You’ll Have More Options for Dining
European river cruises often waive the single supplement because most do not include days at sea – days that could otherwise prove lonely and intimidating for solo travelers.
Uniworld Boutique Collection River Cruises features cabins designed and priced specifically to cater to solo travelers, with reduced single fare rates on every European itinerary. Scenic’s Riverview staterooms provide 5-star all-inclusive luxury while their brand new ship, AmaMagna is twice the size of traditional river boats to provide ample dining options.
Seabourn Cruise Lines’ cozy atmosphere and lovely tradition of having officers and entertainers host dinner each night allows solo travelers to meet other passengers without feeling forced to dine alone. Visit the Solo Traveler section of our blog for more information about specific cruise lines and their policies.
4. You’ll Have More Options for Socializing 
Solo travelers often fear travelling alone, due to lack of a travel partner willing to do what they want at the same time, or those who share similar interests but have busy schedules that limit travel opportunities with each other.
On a European river cruise, there will be many chances to meet like-minded fellow passengers. The intimate size of ships allows you to join city walking tours or small-group shore excursions; onboard social events and dining tables without assigned seating also create an opportunity to connect.
Many river cruise lines also offer incentives to encourage solo travelers to book cabins; Viking, for instance, waives single supplements on select European sailings.
5. You’ll Have More Options for Entertainment
River cruises tend to be more inclusive than ocean cruising, typically providing beer and wine at meals as well as gratuities, top-shelf spirits and premium wines in their fare. Furthermore, many river cruises feature shore excursions – be they restaurants, private homes, wineries or castles.
Most river ships feature a welcoming “living lobby” design with seating areas like sofas and armchairs for entertainment. Here, guests can dress casually while still dining together; no awkward dinner dates alone in dark theaters for you! Plus, because most river cruise trips last no more than several days at sea you won’t experience the usual group travel monotony that plagues package tours; making lasting memories along the way!
As you plan your next adventure, remember that traveling with Two Travel Gurus means peace of mind and unforgettable experiences. Ready to explore? Start your journey here and check out our latest destinations.
