A river cruise involves travelling along a river on a river cruise ship, stopping at a different port of call each day and sleeping on the ship each night. River cruises are especially popular along the waterways of Europe, along rivers such as the Rhine, the Danube and the Main. But why are river cruises becoming more popular? And what is it that draws travellers to return to river cruising year after year?

Also Read: Where are The Friendliest Areas in Britain?

1. River Cruises Are Easy

If you don’t like the hassle of planning a holiday, booking hotels and working out an itinerary, then a river cruise is ideal. Everything is taken care of for you, and you can even be collected from your own front door and escorted to your ship. Once on-board, you’ll have nothing to stress over, with a set itinerary and the option to join guided tours or explore on your own.

2. River Cruises Offer Good Value For Money

Whilst the ticket price of a river cruise can seem high, that’s because so much is included in the price! The different river cruise lines vary in what they include, with luxury river cruise lines like Scenic, including flights, transfers, all dining and drinks on-board, entertainment and a choice of shore excursions. You can even have your own private butler, should you wish!

3. River Cruises Are Casual

Many people may be put off traditional ocean cruises due to the formal dress codes and set dining times. However, river cruises are generally more casual affairs with no strict dress code and the freedom to just turn up for dinner as you would do in any restaurant ashore.

4. You Can’t Get Seasick On A River Cruise

Another thing which can put some people off cruising is the possibility of seasickness. As there are no waves on a river, this isn’t something that you would have to worry about on a river cruise.

5. You Can Explore Many Destinations In One Holiday

Exploring five or six cities in a week would be exhausting if you had to pack and unpack each day and check into a new hotel. However, with a river cruise, your accommodation travels with you, meaning that you can unpack once and then wake up each day to a new destination. There’s no less stressful way to explore multiple cities. Plus, with river cruise ships sailing into the very heart of many European cities, your base will always be in a convenient location.

6. There’s A River Cruise For Every Budget

Whether you’re looking for a couple of days in Europe or a longer sailing exploring exotic rivers such as the Yangtze in China or the Mekong in Vietnam and Cambodia, there’s a river cruise to suit every wallet. What’s more, there’s a huge range of river cruise companies to choose from, offering budget-friendly ships right up to the most luxurious six-star boutique river cruise ships.

7. You Can Go Alone

Don’t have anyone to travel with? No problem! River cruises are really popular with solo travellers, particularly retired solo travellers, because they offer such a safe and easy way to explore. If you want to make new friends, you never have to dine alone with single travellers often seated together. However, should you wish to escape into a world of your own, you’re more than welcome to enjoy your own space and company too.

Also Read: Solo Travelling Tips – The Most Relaxing Holiday You’ll Ever Have

8. River Cruises Have Amazing Food

Everyone raves about the food on-board river cruise ships. The chefs on-board are some of the world’s best and they use locally-sourced ingredients from each port of call to conjure up delectable dishes in traditional styles. Some ships even have herb gardens on the top deck for maximum freshness. If you enjoy cooking, you could attend a cookery class on-board and learn how to cook local delicacies at home.

So, there you have eight reasons to try a river cruise in 2020. Honestly, there are lots more great reasons too, which is why most people book a second river cruise shortly after returning from their first. So why not give it a try for your next getaway? You never know, it might be the start of a beautiful adventure.