When it comes to river cruising, it can be difficult to know which river cruise you should choose. There are many questions to ask yourself, such as which company should you travel with, which river do you cruise along, for how long do you want to cruise and when is the best time to go?
No matter if this is your first river cruise or your fifth, here are our top tips to help you choose the best river cruise for you.
1. Location
The first thing you need to do is decide on your desired location. In Europe, many first timers like to cruise along the Rhine, Main and Danube, whilst other popular rivers include the Rhône, Saône, Seine and Moselle in France. If you’re into wine, then a Bordeaux river cruise along the Dordogne, Garonne and Gironde rivers may be for you.
Further south, you can journey along the Douro in Portugal and sample some port. Or for something a little different, why not try Russia, with a cruise along the Volga, Svir and Neva?
As well as taking a river cruise in Europe, don’t forget South East Asia. More experienced cruisers can enjoy a Scenic river cruise along the mighty Mekong River in Vietnam and Cambodia, or a fascinating journey along the Irrawaddy River in Myanmar.
2. Price
Once you have chosen a location, the next factor to consider is price and the maximum amount you are willing to spend. With Scenic, everything is included in the price you pay, including dining and beverages, butler service, exclusive ‘Scenic Enrich’ experiences and ‘Scenic Freechoice’ activities – and you don’t even have to worry about tipping. You will find that, with other cruise companies, the price might be lower, but you may need to pay for extra drinks or tips which will soon add up. Keep in mind, the earlier you book, the more affordable the cruise will be.
3. Duration
How long do you have to travel? There are many types of itineraries to choose from, whether you are short on time or have a few weeks to explore at a more leisurely pace. An eight-day cruise could mean you travel from Munich to Budapest on the Danube, whilst a 15-day Scenic cruise will let you take in the sights from Amsterdam to Budapest.
4. When do you want to go?
The time of year is also worth thinking about and can influence the price, especially if you are looking to travel in peak season. The season can also influence what you will see. Take in the magical Christmas Markets during a winter cruise in Europe. Imagine travelling in Spring to see tulips blooming. Or why not experience the colourful foliage during Autumn?
5. Who are you going with?
If you are planning a solo cruise, then you need to keep in mind the single supplement. On some Scenic Space-Ships, there is a cabin just for singles and sometimes the single supplement is waived during promotions. For those travelling in a large group, then there are also group booking benefits to consider as well.
Scenic is happy to share its expertise and hope these five top tips will help you find the best river cruise for you.
