There has been quite an increase in demand for river cruising in Europe. If you are asking yourself “why?”, this will give you some insight as to the reason it is growing in popularity among travelers of all ages.

Biking by a vineyard

First, let me say, river cruising is not for everyone. If Broadway shows, water slides, dance clubs, casinos, a plethora of on board adventure, and multiple specialty restaurants are more your style, you may not enjoy a river cruise.

Daily excursions of places, attractions, and special events

River cruising is destination-oriented, and delivers a culturally rich experience. No dipping your toes in the proverbial water on a river cruise! You will be fully immersed in the culture. You’ll experience local entertainment from ports-of-call, on board lectures, wine tastings and cheese pairings, cooking demonstrations, and enriching shore excursions with privileged access to museums, private collections, and after-hours events. Some river cruise lines offer day trips to sponsored schools, and/or a visit to a local family’s home too. If you enjoy bicycling, often there are bikes on board, and ready for you to take in port as well.

Dock in the heart of a city or town, explore on your own – how romantic!

As a river cruiser, you will receive complimentary wine, beer, and soft drinks with lunch and dinner. Wi-Fi is available throughout the ship, and there are complimentary daily shore excursions – sometimes more than one. With everything included, it becomes an affordable way to really see the world. Not to mention, since the ship is smaller in size, you’ll dock right in the heart of the city you are visiting. Also, the boarding and disembarkation is a breeze!

At the end of the day, after touring the city and experiencing the culture, you return to your luxury accommodations, and float off overnight to your next amazing city to discover. If you’ve ever been on a land tour and had to travel city to city and check-in and check-out of multiple hotels, you know how nice it is to unpack once whilst seeing the world.

Article by agency owner, April Powers,who is your river cruising and travel expert. Images courtesy of Bigstock & Pixabay.