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Answers to Frequently asked Questions about River Cruises

What is a River Cruise?
A river cruise, like an ocean cruise, is an "unpack-once vacation" - no more early morning wake-up calls for long coach rides from hotel to hotel! A cruise along one of Europe's many rivers and canals permits you to enjoy the panorama of the surrounding countryside which is always in view. River Cruise ships, in contrast to their larger ocean going cousins, are smaller vessels generally accommodating between 100 to 200 passengers in comfort. These vessels cruise on the age-old waterways of Europe, - "the Danube, Rhine, Moselle, Elbe, Seine, Rhone, Po, Duoro and Volga". Aboard river ships you will find elegant dining rooms, spacious sun decks, comfortable lounges, fitness facilities, and sometimes swimming pools. Limited laundry service is available on most river ships. All meals on board are included in the cruise price, but your bar tab is charged to your shipboard account. Some include the shore excursions while on others they are optional at a supplemental cost.
The purpose of a river cruise is not to rush from Point A to Point B, but to relax in a stress free environment to enjoy the delights of the countryside you are passing through, and get to know the "soul of the country.".

Is River Cruising Only for the sedentary, older traveler?
Not at all! River cruising is for those who want a "close-up, personal" experience in Europe. Mature & younger travelers find the pace and comfort of a river ship the ideal way to explore the real heart & soul of a country

What is there to do except eat well?
Lots! Each morning and again after lunch, guided tours to historic and cultural sites of the region provide guests many interesting choices from visiting chateaux, famous vineyards, country market towns and private gardens to specialty museums celebrating art, weapons, textiles or even bread! (In between, there is fine food)

How will we do the sightseeing?
Each River Ship has a designated cruise director who has arranged for the daily excursions to points of interest or who will give a running comentary on regions of particular interest as you sail through them.

Will I get bored & feel confined?
Not if you enjoy meeting the locals, viewing passing vineyards and chateaux, or sharing experiences with a congenial group of travelers. You will be able to get off at designated stops where your ship ties up practically at will. Take a walk into town, meet and talk to the locals (most speak english) or simply sit with a glass of wine or local beer and watch the daily activities in town.

Will I get seasick?
Never...rivers and canals are not tidal and are controlled waterways. The gentle movement of the ships anchored for the night have caused even insomniacs to report wonderful, restful sleep.

Do cabins have private bathrooms?
All cabins have private, nicely appointed bathrooms with showers. Some suites include bathtubs. Several ships have saunas and on deck hot tubs or jacuzzis as well.

What clothes should I pack? What's the attire on board?
Most passengers enjoy the relaxed atmosphere on board river boats and fancy dressing is not the custom. Comfortable, casual attire, sneakers or docksiders on board. Sweaters, a windbreaker and shorts or cotton pants are recommended. At the Captain's final dinner, a little "dress-up" is O.K. Ties are rare, and there is no need for anything formal.

How much baggage can I bring?
Rriver ships are larger and it is not necessary to restrict the luggage you bring on board to one piece. Most river ships do offer optional laundry service, but not dry-cleaning. If the vessel you have chosen has a pool, a jacuzzi, or hot tub - don't forget your swimsuit! Generally, the canals and rivers are not recommended for swimming.

Is there a Doctor or Nurse on board?
There generally is no medical staff onboard (exception - Amadeus Waterways), however there are procedures in place in the event that medical attention is required. There are qualified physicians and hospitals all along the route, as well as pharmacies. We do suggest that you carry an extra copy of your important prescriptions with you when you are traveling.

Is there Entertainment on Board?
Due to the limited space on board there are no lavish productions shows as on ocean going vessels. However local groups are often brought on board and the crew try their best to entertain you. There is generally nightly piano music.

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