RIVER CRUISING: MY EXPERTISE

To be honest, I wasn't sure if river cruising was for me.

Actually that's not true.

I was CERTAIN it wasn't.

That's why I decided to take a breathtakingly beautiful cruise along the Danube one fine December, visiting quaint villages and awe-inspiring castles and those spectacular Christmas Markets I'd heard so much about, just so I could prove to myself how much I wouldn't like it.

That turned out to be one of the better dumb ideas I've ever had, because I LOVED it.

So much so, I quickly booked a second river cruise. And then another. And another. And so on. Why? Read "WHAT TO EXPECT" in the section below for a good understanding of how much river cruising has to offer.

In addition to my personal travels, my yearly attendance at the annual ASTA River Cruise Expo has proved invaluable. This one-of-a-kind event is exclusively for *ASTA members. It showcases the industry's best by bringing river cruise brands from across the world together in one location. The River Cruise Expo continues to provide me:

≽ Exclusive training from leading river cruise experts
≽ Ample time to inspect and compare all areas of the industry's best ships

≽ Breakfast, lunch and dinner, so I could compare each cruise line's dining room service and cuisine

≽ First-hand knowledge of the distinct features, services and amenities each ship offers
≽ Networking opportunities with top executives and sales leaders from premier river cruise brands - these connections help me to keep my clients among the first to be informed of special events and promotions
≽ An in-depth understanding of all river cruise destinations and itineraries

≽ First look at the newest vessels entering the river cruise market

* ASTA is the American Society of Travel Advisors .

WHAT TO EXPECT

There's good reasons why river cruising is so popular and cabins are in high demand.

EMPHASIS ON IMMERSIVE CULTURE. Sightseeing and "tourist traps" might be the norm elsewhere, but on a river cruise you'll have a more authentic, off the beaten path experience. Engaging with locals, farmhouse visits, kayaking, visiting small shops and markets, etc. are a few of the ways you'll be able to experience an area's unique customs and lifestyles.

SMALLER SHIPS. Averaging 160 passengers, the on-board atmosphere is casual and comfortable. The staff to passenger ratio is typical 1:2, which translates to attentive, personalized service.

TIME IN PORT. Depending on the itinerary and the cruise line, your time in port can be anywhere from an entire day to a few hours, the latter occurring to accommodate multiple destinations in a day. As a general rule, river cruise ships depart port in the evening. Sailing at night means passengers wake up and greet the day in a new location each morning, many taking coffee on the upper outside deck to look at the stunning scenery before heading out. Whatever you decide, you'll have maximum time to explore either on your own or with a scheduled, small group outing. Expect your day to be full. And wear good walking shoes!

EXPERIENCE OVER ENTERTAINMENT. While Broadway shows and casinos are standard on most ocean cruise, on the river, you'll find more enriching activities. Think local performers, guest speakers, cooking demonstrations, etc. Not to mention hitting the lounge for a cocktail and conversation with your fellow passengers about the day's events in port, or stargazing on the deck.

PASSENGERS. River cruises attract both seasoned and novice travelers who generally enjoy active exploration, music, art, history, etc. It's easy to get to know your fellow passengers, who more often than not are kindred spirts. As far as age range goes, I've met 20 year old AND 80 year old honeymooners on river cruises; 30-somethings traveling solo, with friends or a spouse; 70 somethings traveling solo, with friends, or a spouse. Age doesn't dictate what kind of person someone is, anyway.

NO RUSH NO STRESS. Unlike an ocean cruise carrying anywhere from 3 to 7 thousand people, accessing the ship and disembarking is simple. Once in port you are free to come and go as you please, on your own time.

PLENTY OF ROOM. Whether looking at the scenery from the top deck or visiting with friends in the lounge, you won't have to fight for a place to sit or feel the need to reserve a chair.

WHAT TO FORGET

Myths of river cruising

Everyone is old
The ships are boring
There's nothing to do
They're expensive
Rooms are tiny
The food stinks