Busting River Cruising Misconceptions

River cruises can be a ‘gentler’ option for those keen to float their way to the next holiday destination, however, lack of information often leads to misconceptions and myths regarding river cruising.

That’s the view of Will Sarson, Product Director at Riviera Travel who is setting out to put the record straight.

He said: “When most people think of a cruise, they imagine the Caribbean or other ocean adventures. However, river cruises are a unique experience, allowing people to indulge in many different cultures via some of the world’s most iconic rivers.

“They still have all the charm of an ocean cruise including on-board facilities and chances to socialise with other travellers, but there are some common river cruise myths…..

River Cruises are Expensive
Mr Sarson said there was a misconception that river cruises were unnecessarily expensive although some operators offered price match guaranteed and no hidden fees with the final cost often including flights, airport transfers and excursions on touring days, representing excellent value for money.

You’re FORCED to Join In On Excursions at Port Destinations
“There are so many amazing destinations to be found along rivers such as the Danube, Seine and Rhone. Whether you’d prefer to explore on your own, or join an informative and interactive excursion tour, the choice is completely up to you.

“River cruises often dock in the heart of the cities you’re visiting - unlike ocean cruises - making exploring and returning to the ship easier than ever.” No tour mandates!

There’s Nothing to Do On Board
He said there were a variety of ships offering different facilities to keep travellers entertained. Many even included hairdressers, salons, spas, gyms and even putting greens!

“Additionally, each night, many river cruises put on some incredible evening entertainment such as dancing and live music. As the trip progresses, travellers have more time to socialise with other passengers, allowing them to establish relationships and make lifelong friends.

"It’s safe to say, there’s plenty to keep people occupied throughout a river cruise,” added Mr Sarson.

You’ll Get Seasick Easily on a River Cruise
“Unlike our ocean cruises, river trips are often on calmer waters, leading to less turbulence and - hopefully - fewer seasick travellers.

"Motion sickness occurs much less on a river cruise, allowing people to sit back and enjoy their holiday without the stress of feeling ill.

“While seasickness isn’t entirely avoidable, the calm motion of a river cruise minimises the risk of falling ill while on the water. This is why they’re a much safer option for those who are prone to seasickness.

Cabins Are Cramped and Uncomfortable on River Cruises
“Finally, this last misconception about river cruises couldn’t be more wrong! At Riviera Travel, we have some of the most spacious cabins you can find, with our largest suite being an incredible 32 square meters.

“Inside our river cruise cabins, travellers have storage space, comfortable beds and a range of facilities such as Wi-Fi and a TV. While not every river cruise is the same, our cabin spaces are perfectly designed to offer room for relaxation and recharging.

“Overall, there’s a range of misconceptions, or myths, regarding river cruises. However, they can be magical experiences, offering a variety of facilities onboard and a mixture of great destinations off the ship.”

More details: https://www.rivieratravel.co.uk/river-cruises