What is your idea of the perfect vacation experience?  Does small, intimate and complete immersion in local culture sound like your cup of tea? If so, definitely consider river cruising.  I loved the authentic bepoke experiences.  I also loved that I had the opportunity to see so many towns in the Provence area without packing and unpacking, racing to the train, checking in and out of hotels.  The cruise along the Rhone River appealed to me for many reasons besides the destination (which was amazing).   The service was amazing, the views and experiences were priceless, but my fondest memories are the special moments with my son, the fabulous friends we made, and sharing authentic experiences with them!!  Now, don't get me wrong, I love independent travel, but for certain areas, river cruising is the perfect answer for me, here's four reasons why: 

River Cruising is a great way to get a little taste of many cities and countries while your hotel travels with you.  I felt like we experienced the local culture with the help of our local tour guides and also had free time to bike or walk around the charming little regions.  They highlighting the icons, gave us the back story--the unique local culture, the authenticity of the experiences, I just can't say enough about it.  Especially the limited edition tours--these were amazing (more on that later).  I loved that we used all of our senses, not just SIGHTseeing, we experienced cooking classes, wine tastings, olive oil tastings, baking or some stayed on the ship and watched the scenery slip by as we sailed to the next destination.

I loved the size of the small ship.  Typically, the average size of river cruise is 150 passengers, and even less if you cruise earlier in the season.  You will never wait in a long line to board and disembark. 

Meal time was always a special treat that we looked forward to . . . Don't you agree that we all bond over good meals?  Five star service, beautiful presentation with a local flair and panoramic views.  The open seating allowed us to eat alone or share meals with our favorite friends, and we actually couldn't wait to see the dining staff each day.  The staff was remarkable, anything we wanted, they delivered before we could even ask.  Many times it was a small gesture, but that is what was so special . . . they noticed the little things.

And the absolute best part of any vacation is expanding my circle of friends.  And this trip was no exception.  Due to the small and intimate environment, we really had time to meet and visit with everyone on the ship.   My son and I made friends that we surely hope will last a really long time.   Near the end of the cruise we were already sad about leaving each other & making plans for a river cruise reunion.

 

   

Travel options are limited only by our imaginations . . . I have to admit I am partial to land journeys, but I'm happy to say I have broadened my horizons.  If you are wondering, is this the right fit for me, read on, I think you will be surprised.  

Convenience, Luxury, and most of all Making Memories to last a lifetime.

Making memories through vacation experiences with family and friends is priceless!!

You love the idea of exploring several countries on one visit, what better way than aboard a 5 star floating boutique hotel.   Most of the ships accommodate only 120-200 passengers, which allows for an intimate and relaxed atmosphere.

River cruises provide a unique approach to the "vacation experience".  Spend a few minutes explaining to your travel consultant what your hobbies and interest are and she can suggest the perfect river cruise vacation experience for you.  What appeals to me most is that you can immerse yourself in local culture through exclusive limited edition tours, and its offers many group benefits with a individual travel feel.  River cruises are great for groups, families, friends, special interest groups, church groups, etc.

Award-winning cuisine crafted by expert chefs and served in a variety of stylish dining venues--including the Chef's Table specialty restaurant.  In fact, you can find the chef in the local markets because the ingredients are farm to table in the area that you are visiting.  You may eat in the main dining room which accommodates all guests, but there are smaller alternative restaurants for a more casual experience.

Most everything is included (varies by cruise line), but typically beer and wine are included with lunch and dinner.  Some cruise lines also include excursions.      

On a river cruise, you enjoy the unique small towns within the countries you visit.  You won't need a tender or bus because the ship docks right where you want to be.  You can choose from optional small group tours with local tour guides or you can explore on your own.  Some cruise lines offer a self-guided GPS walking or biking tour.   There are also optional special activities that are planned at your destinations and local entertainment is brought on board to perform for the guests in the evenings.  Between all of the exciting tours, guests can indulge in outstanding onboard amenities like massages services and a fitness room.  Or sip on a glass of wine in the pool with a swim-up bar on the sun deck.  Imagine lounging in your bathing suits and cruising by centuries-old castles. 

River cruising is a relaxed and easy way to visit beautiful countries with family and friends.  The ease of getting from one city or country to another taking in riverside scenery from a spacious balcony stateroom is a rare treat any guests would love.   Enjoy luxurious accommodations , delicious food, and unique experiences and you only had to unpack once!  The hardest decision is which entree to try next because the staff is dedicated to exceeding expectations.  They want you to feel like part of the family.   It's so much more than a vacation, its a unique experience regardless how many times you cruise.

Please share if you know anyone that is ready to try river cruising.  As a travel consultant, I enjoy making your travel experience, as well as the planning, as easy as possible.