Not All River Cruises are Created Equal

I just returned from my Europe vacation, but I haven't had a moment to get my thoughts together to write about those experiences yet. However, while I was there creating new memories, I was also reliving our River Cruise from a few years back. Europe is filled with so much history and culture, and I just love spending time there. If you don't have much time to jump around on your own, a cruise (ocean or river) is my favorite way to see as much as possible in a short amount of time - PLUS you don't have the hassle of lugging your bags between taxi's, trains, and hotels between all the cities. 
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For those reasons, I wanted to discuss River Cruises and how they are not all created equal. I've found that many people don't know how many River Cruise companies are actually out there and how much of a difference your experience can be between the products...

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Just like any cruise line or hotel brand, there is a variety of options to choose from for your vacation. The sad reality is that you usually get the experience you pay for. While this is not to say that you have to spend a lot to get a great trip, we'd be remiss if we didn't point out that there is a reason some river cruise lines tout themselves as budget-friendly. It's because they sometimes skimp on quality, entertainment and perks that you deserve to have a great river cruise! But, what makes for a great river cruise? What should you be looking for?

Here are a few things you should know before you book your next river cruise​...  ​
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1. The wine you're drinking may not be what you want, OR what you want may cost extra. While most river cruises include beer and wine at lunch and/or dinner, they don't all have the best wines. More importantly, the wine you're drinking won't necessarily be from the local regions you're visiting. By the way, there may be upcharges for select food items as well even if food was supposed to be included.
   
   
2. The all-inclusive rate may not include the excursions you were hoping for. Many of the river cruises boast that they include a free excursion at each port. However, what you'll find on the low-end cruise lines is you only have ONE tour included, and you'll need to pay extra for the specialty tours. The worst part is that in many cases these specialty tours are the popular one's that people prefer to go on.
   
   
3. The free on-board entertainment might be the same every night. The higher end river cruises will feature entertainment at each port that actually allows you to immerse yourself in the local culture – think local dance troupes and musicians. The lower end river cruises will have – for lack of a better phrase – tired lounge acts, playing piano night after night.
   
   
4. Your amenities may not be all that great either. Some river cruise lines don't have hair salons, massage treatments facilities, or fitness centers. And Wi-Fi? Forget about it! The cheapest options usually have it in the lobby areas only, but you won't get it in your stateroom, as you can on other cruise lines.
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Bottom line – know before you go. Your experience will be much more enhanced when you're cruising with the right line that meets your expectations. There is a big difference in many river cruise lines, and Destinations HD can help you find the one that matches your needs. Call us at (913) 244-9195, and we'll help you find the perfect river cruise!

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