Confusion About River Cruising

After just a few days, I am still buzzing with the energy of my first-ever European adventure. Six days lost in the charm of Amsterdam, followed by a two-day immersion in the Swiss city of Basel, and then a seven-day cruise down the majestic Rhine River. Trust me, it was more than just a vacation; it was an experience that etched itself into the fabric of my being.

I could talk for hours about the moments that stole my heart in Amsterdam – walking the cobblestone streets where every crooked building whispered secrets of bygone eras, crossing canal bridges that felt so romantic, the culinary adventures, and the museums that ignited a fire for history and architecture I never knew I had. I could go on and on about our river cruise experience: cruising past 21 castles in two hours, our German feast, the joy of a balcony stateroom, the attentive service and outstanding meals.

But let's address some confusion about river cruising. For some reason, there is a misconception that river cruising is reserved for wealthy, silver-haired retirees, the ones who have already hung up their adventure hats. Well, let me debunk that myth right here and now.

Don't wait until retirement to dip your toes into the world of European river cruising. The river cruise lines have unlocked Europe's treasures for all ages. We're talking gourmet cuisine that'll make your taste buds sing, impressive accommodations, and service that's so top-notch, you'll feel like a pampered prince or princess.

It's like the children's book, "If You Give a Mouse a Cookie." Except in this case, if you take your first trip to Europe, you're bound to fall head over heels for at least one city. And once you've had a taste of that intoxicating blend of history, culture, and cuisine, you'll be itching to explore more. Of course, one of the best ways to see multiple cities is on a river cruise. If you sail on one European river, you are surely going to wonder what other European rivers are like…

Already, I'm plotting my next river adventure — Seine or Danube, the choice is unquestionably tough. And here's the kicker: I'm nowhere near retirement age. Why should you consider river cruising too? Well, besides the obvious perks of unpacking once, luxurious accommodations and gourmet dining, there's the fact that you are literally cruising through living history. Imagine strolling through the same streets that witnessed ancient triumphs and tragedies, dining on local dishes that are fresh and unique and soaking in scenery that's straight out of a fairy tale.

You will be able to embark on an epic journey filled with excitement and discovery. Whether you're a leisurely stroller or a hardcore hiker, there's an excursion with your name on it. You may choose to pedal your way through picturesque landscapes on a bike tour, you can indulge in a mouthwatering food tour or dive headfirst into a local pub crawl!

The river cruise lines provide authentic experiences led by knowledgeable local guides. From kayaking down winding rivers to mastering the art of culinary delights in a cooking class. Feel the rhythm of the night at a lively concert, savor the rich flavors of regional wines during a tasting, or immerse yourself in the grandeur of ancient castles. And let's not forget about those soothing thermal hot springs — because every adventurer deserves a little R&R. The possibilities are endless.

River cruise ships themselves have a plethora of amenities waiting to be discovered. You can make time to visit the fitness center or take a spin on one of the bikes or e-bikes provided onboard. Craving some relaxation? Book a massage, slip into the hot tub or take a refreshing dip in the pool. How about a movie in the cinema? Check. A little friendly competition on the putting green or shuffleboard court? Absolutely. Feeling strategic? Challenge your fellow passengers to a game of giant chess on the upper deck. Enjoy some of your meals on the terrace or reserve a suite with a fireplace and curl up with a good book.

And let's not forget the small ship experience, with an average guest capacity of only 200 passengers and approximately 50 crew. Smaller ships mean more personalized service, attention to detail, and the ability to glide under bridges and into ports that larger ships can only dream of.

So, I urge you — don't let retirement be the starting line for your European adventures. When you are ready to embark on a journey that'll leave you spellbound, rejuvenated, and craving more, I'll be here, eagerly waiting to help you craft the adventure of a lifetime. Cheers to new adventures and endless excitement!

Sarah McClure Travel Advisor Specializing in Luxury Vacations