Forget seasickness, forget the bay of Biscay – there are no rough seas on a river cruise. Passengers can enjoy sailings throughout the year on comfortable and stylish river cruise ships, where there is plenty of space for recreation and relaxation.

A  NEW  DESTINATION  EVERY  DAY

River cruise ships sail into a new destination each day, not only taking guests to new countries, but through new countries. This makes for an immersive experience and central moorings allow passengers to step from the ship into

the heart of magnificent cities such as Cologne and Bordeaux or take wonderful countryside walks or cycle rides along the riverside  and  through  picturesque villages.

RIVER  VIEWS

Every river cruise stateroom has a river   view. It makes all the difference to wake up  to a new scene each morning – and it’s even better to watch the sun rise over a sleepy river. Feeling close to the water and nature makes for the most relaxing of holidays where guests can open their patio doors, sit back and watch  the world  go by.

FOOD  & DRINK

All  meals are included  and dining is always an  important  part  of  a river cruise. Open seating means guests can choose to sit where they wish at every meal time. ArnavVatenvays , Hebridean Royal Crown and Uniworld are among the cruise lines that offer fine dining and the majority of ships serve complimentary wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner.

Breakfast is usually buffet-style with plenty of hot and cold choices plus freshly cooked  options  such as omelettes.

At lunchtimes, buffet meals and light lunches can be eaten inside  but when  the sun is shining there’s nothing nicer than enjoying a barbecue and a beer on the sun deck to enjoy the views.

Dinner in the main dining room is generally waiter-served and guests can expect vVelcome  and Farewell dinners to be gastronomic occasions with up to seven courses.

There are tea and coffee-making facilities and snacks available throughout the day for those who like to  graze.

CHOICE  OF STATEROOMS

River cruise lines are introducing  ever  more  spacious  and well-designed  cabins or staterooms featuring French balconies with sliding doors which create a seamless space between the cabin and the   river.

There is something for every budget from standard to veranda and suites with a separate lounge and bedroom. Well-equipped bathrooms and showers with complimentary toiletries including

L’Occitane on Avalon vVaterways’ vessels, plus comfortable hotel beds, free wifi,  flat screen TVs and entertainment centres are now the norm.

RELAXATION  AND  RECREATION

An outdoor pool on the sundeck and whirlpools feature on many ships while gyms and spas provide well-being options and pu tting greens, shuffleboard  and quoits make for social activities. Evening entertainment is low-key with a resident pianist  or guest local musicians.

CULTURE-RICH   EXCURSIONS

Tours are a daily highlight. Guests have  a choice that ranges from city excursions to cycling, and concerts to wine-tasting – or even shopping with the chef for local produce. Most cruise lines include tours within the price package and there’s something for everyone!

OVERNIGHT STAYS

The  demand  for overnight  moorings  to allow guests more time to explore special destinations is growing year on yea1: Many companies offer a two-night stay in cities including Vienna , Amsterdam and St Petersburg. Post and pre-extensions are also made available by cruise lines.

SO MUCH INCLUDED

As well as meals, accommodation and tours, several cruise lines offer a home departure chauffeur service, no gratuities, onboard lectures and use of bicycles. In fact, whoever he or she is, there is a river cruise to meet every passenger wish.