River Boat Cruising Quietly Becoming Hot Vacation Option
Travel European Waterways for Up-Close, Intimate Adventure
The Signal - Business Section, May, 2006
Pack only once. Get an up-close and intimate view of the small coastal towns of Europe. Visit several ports on any given day. Experience many quaint villages as a local would. Eat fine food, relax in the spa, and check your emails if needed. Guess where you are?
Welcome to the increasingly popular vacation option of river boat cruises. Sailing never seemed as scenic and enjoyable as on a river boat. These vessels range in size and amenities, but generally hold up to 150 passengers for itineraries of seven days to two weeks of sailing the European waterways. Each day the ship makes several stops along the riverbank, often docking right in the heart of town and allowing travelers to venture out for the day.
Plus, these voyages are inclusive in price and a great value. One charge covers it all, including airfare, three gourmet meals a day and frequent tours and land excursions. With the narrow rivers and steady sailing pace, travelers can literally watch the world pass them by just beyond their cabin’s French balcony sliding glass doors.
There is so much more to the canals in Europe than the best-known, and commonly requested, Rhine and Danube rivers. Traveling by river boat is quietly becoming the hottest way to do Europe, especially Russia. What an ideal way to fully embrace the sights and sounds of this spectacular destination, and get out of the big cities to explore the local scene. Itineraries run between St. Petersburg and Moscow, Prague and Budapest, and more.
Several companies offer river cruises throughout the year. From a spring tulip tour to an Impressionism and Burgundy cruise, Brendan Worldwide Vacations has been providing top-notch river cruises to travelers for years. During the holiday season, from late November to December 23, Brendan features a special holiday cruise called the Christmas Markets tour on the Danube. The festive itinerary is designed to get travelers into the true spirit of the season by indulging the lights, decorations, traditions and local handicrafts of the individual towns along the shore of the river.
Keeping ahead of the times, Brendan recently christened the MS Amadagio which is now one of the newest ships sailing the rivers of Europe. Brendan did it right and had this moderate-size ship built to prominently feature floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors and French balconies throughout. Talk about a window to the world.
Because of the intimate size and nature of a river boat cruise, travelers have the opportunity to get to know each other during the course of a trip. Think about it, a ship with 150 people on board is still smaller than most hotels we visit. River cruises are also an appealing way for families, corporate and affinity groups to travel, and can be chartered for special events.
By day, travelers can engage as actively as wanted, or not. Borrowing bicycles from the boat and heading to town for shopping and local flavor, or staying on board for a Jacuzzi and nap, anything goes. Even Internet accessibility is available for the hopelessly connected.
The best part about river cruises is that they are at the same time invigorating and relaxing. So much to see and do, yet staring out the window as the boat sails past endless villages is passively captivating. And still, you only have to pack once.
For more information
contact Nicole Stinson, Public Relations
(310) 312-3368
