A European river cruise is a bucket list trip for a lot of people and, once hooked, those rivers keep calling.
 
If you’re exploring a river cruise for the first time, there’s a lot of nitty-gritty information that river cruise companies don’t tell you upfront. First of all, there is no “one size fits all” best river cruise company, but there's likely one brand that is "best for you" based on your interests and style.
 
Some are true luxury in terms of culinary and beverage offerings, cabin furnishings and depth of immersive excursions, while some are more streamlined to provide a comfortable waterfront escape from your daily routine. Some river cruises cater to older (aka retired) travelers while others direct their activities to more active adults and multigenerational families.
 
Because river ships are all built to be long and low to be able to pass through locks and under bridges, they all comply with a standard width; it's how each company designs their space that makes them different. For example, some feature outdoor verandas, while others use that space to create a larger cabin with oversized French balconies.
 
Viking is undoubtedly a leader in the river cruise travel space. The company has spent $2.8 billion on advertising, including TV ads, magazine ads, social media ads and direct mail flyers to potential and returning guests. Other companies, such as Ama and Avalon, have different marketing strategies that focus more on educating travel advisors who, in turn, can guide clients through their options.
 
River cruising feels different than any other type of vacation. There's a sense of cultural immersion through the foods and wines. Local entertainment comes onboard to perform in the evening, and being docked at the gateway of cities and villages allows you to explore the area on foot, bicycle or cultural tour.
 
Let's face it, while not every traveler is budget conscious, most are value conscious. And river cruising, overall, delivers a great value. In essence, your ship serves as an all-inclusive floating hotel.
 
To make sure you choose a river cruise directed to your personal interests and style, here are:
10 Tips to Help You Find Your Best River Cruise Vacation:

1. The offered or "starting at" price in the catalog or ad is not the price you should expect to pay. Cruise companies lure travelers by sharing their lowest cabin category, which often features small fixed windows. If you want the big open balcony with sliding doors and possibly a veranda, that upgrade can run thousands of dollars above the advertised price.
2. Cabin location matters. Although river cruises are normally very gentle because you are not sailing through ocean waters, you'll likely feel the least amount of motion mid-ship. Inquire about stairs and the ship layout. Some people like the convenience of being centrally located, others prefer the quietness of a cabin away from activities. Some ships have elevators; others don't.
3. You need to pay port fees – usually a few hundred dollars per person. These are sometimes rolled into the total price but, one way or another, you're paying for them.
4. Alcoholic beverages may not all be included. Often, the trip includes beer, wine and nonalcoholic beverages at lunch and dinner. There's a trend now to include happy hour cocktails and post-dinner drinks.
5. Most river cruises include excursions as part of the package. You can expect something for free every day. However, other options may be available – often for a fee – and these, not surprisingly, tend to be the day trips that sound like the most fun.
6. Climate change. The weather around the world is becoming less predictable. This means that winters may be mild or furious, affecting snowmelt and springtime water levels. If water is too high, ships can’t always pass under certain bridges. On the flip side, if it’s a hot, dry summer, water levels may be too low to get through parts of the passage. There is absolutely nothing any river cruise company can do about this other than assure passengers that they will accommodate to the best of their ability – either transporting guests by bus, or putting passengers in a hotel for a night to catch up with a different ship the next day. Before you book, ask the company how they address water level situations, and if they offer any type of credit for passengers who are inconvenienced due to climate change.
7. Travel insurance is always a good idea. Some policies now cover trip interruption due to water levels in the river. It's important to know if your insurance covers this and other trip interruptions.
8. If you purchase airline flights from the cruise company as part of your package, ask if these include nonstop flights and seat assignment. There may be an upcharge for these conveniences. Booking air through the cruise company usually entitles you to free transfers from the airport.
9. If you have a special interest, look for themed itineraries – Christmas Markets, Jewish Heritage, wine cruises, children's week, LGBTQ cruises, solo cruises. You might want a music afficionado itinerary, culinary deep dive or exploring port villages with a bicycle group.
10. You will never get a bargain during peak season. Ships are small and sell out quickly. The best deals can be found at the beginning and end of shoulder seasons. This is great for travelers who want to avoid crowded destinations and don't mind if the weather is imperfect. Take advantage of earlybird and last-minute deals, And talk with a travel advisor who can keep the radar up for special promotions that would work for you.

Marcia Simon, APR, CTA, is a travel writer and travel advisor. Connect through facebook.com/friendlygrouptravel, Instagram @friendlygrouptravel or email [email protected].

text and photos by Marcia Simon ©2024
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"Luxury" means different things to different people. Mistakenly, many equate it solely as something expensive or lavish. The term "luxury travel" sometimes scares people who must keep track of how much they spend on their vacations.
 
People who never have to ask how much it costs are among the fortunate few. And even those willing to pay for unparalleled excellence in every aspect of their journey appreciate finding a good value.
 
The goal is never to spend a lot of money; it's to create the best possible experience for individuals and their guests. It could be in a 5-star hotel or in a tent surrounded by nature with hundreds of stars shining above.

​Think Expansive, Not Expensive
 
Luxury is allowing yourself to enjoy something that's not part of your daily routine. That might be morning yoga with the sound of the sea lapping at the shore, a day at a spa, or ditching your healthy lifestyle for indulgent meals and sinfully delicious desserts.
 
Places you've only imaged – Venice, Greece, Galapagos, East Africa, Japan.
 
Does your dream include sleeping in a glass igloo with the Northern Lights dancing in the sky above? Or someone bringing you a tall glass of ice water when you're nestled into your spot, reading a book on a gorgeous beach where the truly turquoise water is so crystal clear you can see with clarity the sand swooshing over your toes?

​Something you've never done before – kayaking on a gentle lake, ziplining over a canopy of trees, treating yourself to a hotel room with a magnificent view from your waterfront balcony.
 
Traveling outside of peak tourist season, when hotel and airfare rates are lower, can make luxury travel more affordable. And the experience is often more enjoyable during a less crowded season with fewer people vying for reservations at the best restaurants, and less crowded destinations......... which tends to make everything easier.
 
Think of "luxury" as hassle-free.
 
No Hassles
Whether you wake up at the crack of dawn to photograph a sunrise during a morning walk, or linger after a late-night dinner sharing a bottle of fine wine, luxury is knowing that everything will be taken care of. Your hotel is better than expected, dinner was amazing, your train seats are reserved, the service has been excellent every step of the way. Service matters – a lot. Plus, you didn't have to wait in long lines, you avoided the crowds and had time and space to capture special moments to add to your memory bank.
 
Every vacation should include at least one great splurge, which could be simple:

• Going for a full week without setting an alarm clock
• Not cooking and washing dishes
• Spending full days with your adult children and/or grandchildren
• Buying the VIP pass to skip the lines at an amusement park or museum
• Authenticity – staying in a gracious old inn rather than a chain hotel
• Time to yourself, privacy
• Personal enrichment, off the beaten path diversions

 
Time is a luxury in itself. Time with your children as you watch them grow up, time with your parents as you watch them grow old, time with your grandchildren as the constant march of time reminds you how precious every moment is.
 
Today’s luxury travelers are most often educated individuals who care about the environment and seek out eco-friendly options without sacrificing quality or lowering expectations.
 
Does luxury travel really cost more? It can, of course. There are amazing options, such as expeditions to explore nature and areas not accessible by large ships and big tour groups. However, don't cheat yourself out of a "luxurious" vacation by thinking that everything worthwhile needs to be purchased. Allow yourself to experience the magic of travel through destinations you've yet to discover.

Here are 10 New Travel Trends for 2024:

1. Immersive experiences are more important than skimming the surface through a "been there, done that, got the t-shirt" mentality. "Slow travel" or staying longer in one place gives you time to feel the culture. Hotel deals for longer stays (e.g., stay three nights, get the fourth night free) are on the rise.
2. Remote work, as a digital nomad or a "paycation", is prompting hotel chains to add accommodations that include kitchenettes, more robust fitness centers and enticing "month-long stay" rates.
3. The desire for more quality time among multigenerational families (such as grandparents, adult children and grandchildren) also adds to increased resort options in terms of suites with added sleeping, kitchen and dining spaces, an additional bathroom, and private patio plunge pools in many Caribbean resorts. Many hotel chains now offer home rentals and onsite villas.
4. Affordability: Many families are looking to travel more, or longer, and stretch their travel dollars. A survey by the Family Travel Association and NYU's Tisch Center of Hospitality showed that consumers are getting savvier; half of those surveyed will try to avoid hotels and airlines that charge hidden fees (e.g., a nightly resort fee or charge for Wi-Fi) About half of surveyed travelers are paying closer attention to cancellation penalties and refund policies.
5. More people are buying travel insurance. With more missed connections, lost luggage and concerns about illness prior to or during an international trip, protecting a travel plan is perceived more widely as a smart investment. (Frequent travelers might consider an annual insurance plan.)
6. Solo travel. Maybe people got used to spending time alone during the pandemic. A yearning for independence and an increased sense of confidence is combined with the fact that many people are less willing to compromise on what they want from their journey. And some people are just tired of waiting for a travel companion, so they pack a bag and go where they want, when they want.
7. While some people are totally comfortable traveling solo, others are not. For these people, It's easy now to travel solo, but not alone­, by joining a solo traveler small group where you can meet like-minded individuals and never feel like a third wheel.
8. People are checking off the boxes on the bucket list. "If not now, when?" This often includes booking further in advance than ever before. While most of us are thinking about 2024, the tour operators and river cruise companies have already announced their itineraries and pricing for 2025 – with very attractive early booking discounts. The best staterooms sell out quickly.
9. On the other hand, there's a joy in last-minute spontaneous travel. Taking advantage of unfilled space can reap steep discounts. This generally involves grabbing the rooms others don't want or traveling at a time that's not as popular.
10. Off-peak travel gives you more options for lower airfares, lower hotel prices and perhaps most importantly - fewer crowds so you're not jammed into a museum, following a herd on a popular hiking trail, or waiting an hour for a restaurant table. Shoulder seasons of early spring or late fall can be a beautiful time to experience the real essence of your destination. Check weather patterns for rainy seasons and average day and nighttime temperatures to find your travel window.

 
Marcia Simon is a travel writer, and founder/travel advisor at Friendly Group Travel. Connect via email: [email protected] and please visit friendlygrouptravel.com.