A Primer about River Cruises from The Women’s Travel Group
Rivers flow in one direction; from higher elevations downstream. The direction of the river is your compass to identify the right bank and the left bank. Now you know what the Right and Left Banks of Paris are and what it means.
River cruises dock, changing from one side of the river to the other, usually every other day, so all cabins have equal views. And the view is day and night even while you are in a lock. Going through a lock is pretty fabulous. Cabins are luxurious; if you want to use our special single rate, your cabin will feel very spacious.
River cruise ships are small (our choice, VIVA holds 178 maximum passengers). The VIVA approach is more intimate, with local food, culture and entertainment. Public rooms are cozy, more like living rooms, not massive entertainment spaces. The bar is intimate, at which it is easy to meet up with our group or with other passengers. When you walk in for dinner, you will find our group not a mass of faces. For a solo woman, a river cruise is inviting, and, after a day or so, you begin to know the staff and other travelers. There is a sun deck to enjoy the landscape and get in some walking. Most sun decks also have bar service so you can sip your French wine, as the countryside glides by, the shore only a few feet away.
Cabins on river cruises are similar to those on big ships. The views from a river is better and you hear the whishing of water beneath you. No serious waves! Generally there are 3 decks; we like the middle deck but each deck has its benefit. I stayed in the lowest cabin on the bottom deck and was comfy. I found myself lying in bed and watching above me as castles and vineyards went by. I also stayed in a suite with a balcony, where I sat outside with a book. Both were different experiences. Both were special experiences.
The obvious huge difference is you can walk back to shore after an excursion to do your own thing. I wandered back into a town on the Rhone. I wanted to buy local spices and herbs, plus and cookies from a French bakery. (As of there was not enough to eat on the ship.) All you need to do is— find your landmark, know the time the ship is leaving, and enjoy extra time on shore. Again ancient towns were founded along the river banks so much of what you want to see is close.
A final difference is dress is casual, again unlike a clothes on a large ocean ship. Dinners are also casual. Meals have choices of food and wines; no pulling out cash each time. Tips are included even better for budgeting.
A river cruise is the middle point between a land tour and a ocean going trip. Your excursions do not involve hours of driving from an industrial port and you are not locked into miles of ocean after your return.
We have a couple spaces left on our Seine cruise May 27…. You will meet everyone by email before the cruise. We have a Pre and Post Paris food and wine Option to lengthen the trip. Call us 646 309 5607 or email us Phyllisnycity@gmail.com We’ll arrange your air and transfers. We practically pack for you.
