The popularity of river cruising has exploded over the last two years. Ships are completely sold out months or even a year in advance and cruise lines are building and launching new river ships at an amazing rate to answer demand. So why is river cruising so popular? Let’s take a look at some of the benefits of river cruising that draw both experienced travelers and first-time cruisers.

Intimacy of River Vessels – Compared to most ocean cruise ships, a river boat is an intimate affair. The largest river vessels carry under 200 passengers and some as few as eight to ten guests, so the atmosphere is more like a cruise family. With the smaller size comes a higher staff-to-guest ratio and greater attention, so it becomes a very personal experience.

Ease of River Cruising – The overall travel experience of river cruising is very easy to negotiate. Guests are met at the airport and transferred to the boat. At ports, you simply walk off the boat and into town – no tenders or waiting in lines to disembark. Unpack only once and wake up each day in a new city or country.

Shore Trips Included – Many engaging excursions are included for all interests. For example, history-rich towns, impressive castles and exquisite old wineries are all part of the experience along the Rhine. Expert guides bring history to life and open the doors to the local lifestyles. Complimentary bicycles are often provided for you to explore on your own.

Cultural Engagement – The slow travel of a river cruise offers a higher level of immersion in the local culture. You might shop with the chef at a market in Burgundy and then dine on regionally-inspired cuisine that night or take a glimpse into gypsy heritage at a traditional Hungarian dance performance along the Danube. River cruises offer a deeper engagement with a destination’s way of life.

Landlubbers Comfort – For those who might be concerned about having an uncomfortable sailing experience, there is virtually zero chance of getting sea sick. Rivers don’t have waves and the relaxing, slow float doesn’t rock the boat. Furthermore, there is always land on both sides of the ship for those who might be a bit fearful of a water-oriented vacation.

Off the Beaten Path – For experienced travelers who’ve “been there, done that,” and are always looking for new itineraries, river cruises offer itineraries in exotic new destinations like Myanmar, Vietnam, Cambodia and Africa. For those who don’t want to fly internationally, river cruises ply America’s waterways through the Deep South along the Mississippi and the northwest along the Columbia and Snake Rivers.

Variety of Styles – The keen uptick in desire for river cruising has brought new players to the marketplace. Six or eight major lines now operate dozens of river boats around the world. They differentiate their features to appeal to various travelers’ desires. Week-long itineraries tend to draw younger guests while retired travelers have time for longer voyages. Some ships are the epitome of lavish elegance for 150 passengers, others more “homey,” perfect for an extended family charter.

With all these benefits, it’s easy to see why river cruising has become so popular recently. We suspect that’s a trend that won’t slow down anytime soon. If you’re considering a river cruise for your next vacation, contact Covington’s knowledgeable cruise consultants to find the right one for you.