The Pros and Cons of a European River Cruise

From storybook villages to majestic castles, the sights you'll see on a European river cruise will take your breath away and forever change you. While this is truly an experience to be seen to be believed, a European river cruise isn't without a few drawbacks. Here are the pros and cons of a European river cruise, and why these cruises just might be the best cruise option.

The Pros

Let's face it: While the idea of traveling around Europe can be fun and glamorous in theory, in practice it's often chaotic and frenzied. Packing and unpacking gets exhausting, as does having to deal with airports, train stations, and going through long border control lines multiple times in one vacation. When you take a European all-inclusive river cruise, you're able to experience multiple European destinations without all of that hassle.

Furthermore, the scenery is absolutely stunning. While traditional cruises offer beautiful views as you get closer to your various ports, the fact of the matter is that when you're at sea, it's just a lot of blue. The best European river cruises allow you to get glimpses of charming towns and magnificent scenery as you travel, without even having to leave the ship. At stops, you'll be able to enjoy guided tours of historical landmarks, cultural excursions, and some of the best local cuisines you've ever tasted.

Finally, while some people love the exciting energy of a big ocean cruise, many travelers find it a bit too much for their liking. If crowded nightclubs and a party atmosphere aren't really your idea of a fun vacation, then a European river cruise would likely be the best choice for your cruising needs. The ships are smaller than traditional cruises, often accommodating around 200 guests. This will give you the opportunity to get to know your fellow travelers, and you'll find that the atmosphere is more about appreciating the sights and culture, rather than it is about partying.

The Cons

As there are fewer people on board, some of these cruises can be a bit more expensive than their larger counterparts. However, you can avoid paying more than you have to by keeping your eyes peeled for last minute cruise deals for the best European cruises.

Also, if you're the kind of European traveler who likes to live in the moment and be spontaneous, it's important to remember that you're on a set itinerary, and that the boat will leave the port when it's scheduled to do so. Many people who aren't traditional cruise enthusiasts will book European river cruises as a way to see multiple European destinations, only to realize that they don't have the freedom to wander around museums at their leisure like they usually do.

Also, while the ocean can be unpredictable, it's nothing compared to the volatility of rivers. Heavy rain can cause delays and interruptions. In these instances, sometimes the cruise lines will opt to stay in one port longer than they planned to, resulting in some destinations being skipped entirely. It's important to go into your European river cruise with a sense of flexibility and a willingness to go with the flow.

While these cruises come with some drawbacks, we think the pros definitely make this once-in-a-lifetime cruising experience worth it. Bookmark this website to stay on top of the best river cruise deals.