River Cruising: An intimate experience
It’s hard to compare apples to oranges, which is the case when we’re talking about the differences between river and ocean cruising. The good news is, we all love fruit and it’s good for us! Both are phenomenal options to travel and see the world without having to worry about lodging and planning in depth logistical details. Although ocean cruising is traditionally more popular and well known than river cruising, the times are changing and we’re seeing a shift in the popularity of river cruises, both along the Mississippi and across the world in Europe. So let’s delve into the world of river cruising through the eyes of three seasoned Cruise Planners Travel Advisors: Debbie Thune, Cyndi Berardi and Starr Wlodarski, who shared their experiences with booking and traveling on river cruises.
The AMAKRISTINA river cruise in Europe. Photo: Debbie Thune
Staying “local” here in the US, the main river cruising happens along the Mississippi River but also in the Northeast. There are three main cruise lines that offer itineraries: Viking River Cruises, American Queen Voyages, and American Cruise Lines. You can cruise all the way from New Orleans to St. Paul or Minneapolis along the length of the Mississippi or choose from shorter itineraries spanning a portion of the river. Highlights at popular stops along the river include Cajun culture in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, the iconic Gateway Arch in St. Louis, Civil War history in Vicksburg, Mississippi, music and BBQ in Memphis, and plenty of charming small towns and picturesque views along the way
Cyndi Berardi has been on the supplier side of river cruising and worked with Tauck for over 12 years before beginning her Cruise Planners franchise in 2021. She has been on so many river cruises that she can’t even count.
Advisor Cyndi Berardi has decades of experience in U.S. river cruising.
“Mississippi River cruising is rich in US history. It’s a draw for people who have already done other river cruises such as the Rhine or Danube and don’t want to travel so far. It’s also popular because of covid and only dealing with US covid restrictions. It’s a much more intimate experience and the ship is like a boutique floating hotel. You can wake up in St. Louis, MO and be in Burlington, IA in the evening. You can always see land. People who get seasick, that’s not a typical component because you’re close to land.”
“River cruises can be a different price point but you have to look at the inclusions,” she says. “You can go on a river cruise and not spend a penny more other than gratuities, because wine, beer and excursions are included. They can be pricier but compared to luxury hotel in Europe with additional food and activities costs, river cruising is a huge value. The benefit of river cruising vs ocean cruising is you really get immersed in a destination as you’re typically there longer as well as many evening and overnight stops. It’s much more of a cultural experience. It’s vastly different but both are awesome.”
Debbie Thune, who has been on over 36 ocean cruises, says she is a SUPERFAN of river cruising and recently went on three in Europe.
CP Advisor Debbi Thune and her husband in Dusseldorf, Germany. They are veteran cruisers with close to 40 under their belts.
“My biggest takeaway from river cruising is that it feels like you’re on a luxury floating hotel and is a more intimate experience. Excursions are much smaller, there are no crowds or lines for anything. It’s also a more immersive experience. Private wine and chocolate pairing at a castle in France. It was unbelievable. The chocolatier is retired but he comes back just for this excursion offered by AMA Waterways. He pairs them and only makes them for that evening’s event.”
For both Cyndi and Debbie, they both said the wreath laying ceremony at the Normandy cemetery was especially memorable.
”They asked for veterans,” said Thune. “And my husband got to do the wreath laying. It was emotional and phenomenal and the history is life changing. I was really moved by the experience.”
Wreath laying ceremony in Normandy, France. Photo: Debbie Thune
Thune’s tip for river cruising? “Bring good walking shoes. Some of the cruise lines have options for excursions -easy, moderate or active. This is good for pacing and for different activity levels.”
CP Advisor Starr Wlodarski sepcializes in river cruises.
“People who have done the typical cruise destinations, are wanting something new and different”, says Starr Wlodarski, who is based in Ohio. She says river cruising is a great option for people who are foodies. Fresh ingredients every day and fresh to order. For entertainment, there are no big Broadway shows, it’s a slower pace and you end up meeting and talking to a lot of people. You’re somewhere new every day. There’s no going from here and there on the ship—its more the destination.
Gourmet meals aboard a Viking river cruise in Europe. Photo: Debbie Thune
Also, river cruising includes plenty of walking and Starr says you could easily clock 15,000 steps minimum on a river cruise daily. “You just have to be ready for the level of activity on your shore excursion, whether it’s a walking or biking tour. Some cruise ships offer specific levels of activity you want to partake in, from moderate to active.”
It’s a great way to see a place that you won’t see on an ocean cruise. If you are someone that enjoys that slower pace, river cruising is a phenomenal option and people are choosing this option in the U.S. and in Europe.
