We just returned from our first European River Cruise and it was nothing less than spectacular. We flew in to Basel, Switzerland and explored this little town before boarding our ship the next afternoon. It was so much fun to walk the streets and enjoy the local restaurants. Oh, and the pastries were truly mouth-watering. The next afternoon we boarded the Viking Vidar to start our adventure. We traveled north on the Rhine River passing through various cities and having numerous excursions. We visited the Black Forest, Colmar, Strasbourg, Heidleberg, Colonge and Kinderdijk, Amserdam. Then at the end of our cruise we spent 2 days in Amsterdam.
Life aboard the river cruise is very different than that of ocean cruising. With ocean cruises there are numerous entertainment spaces, activities, movie theaters, casinos (on some), children’s areas and clubs, etc. Ocean cruises have sea days where they need activities on the ship to keep everyone engaged. However with river cruising, you don’t have those spaces. The ships are sleek and luxurious with cabins on one end, lobby in the middle and the main dining room forward along with a lounge area. With ocean cruising you travel to a destination, with river cruising you travel through a destination. You’re off the ship every day exploring the cities and cultures of the area. And many times those excursions are already included in the price of the cruise.
We were able to visit Castles, Cathedrals and Canals on our 12 day journey
Comments