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Many of us are guilty of falling into a dreary work week routine that has us counting down the minutes until Friday. On a river cruise, you’ll say goodbye to your standard routine and hello to outdoor activity, fine dining and relaxation. My goal is to match you to a luxurious vacation experience that is both comforting and adventurous.
When you’re not touring a destination, you’ll be enjoying the many amenities offered on the ship, as well as breathtaking views from the Sun Deck. With a much smaller number of passengers on board, you’ll have more time to enjoy the amenities in a more personal way.
Are you interested in what a typical day may look like on your river cruise? River cruises offer the below amenities for you to take advantage of throughout the day.
Fitness Center & Classes
Each ship offers a fitness center to help you stay active between excursions. And if the treadmill isn’t your preference, there is usually a professionally trained Wellness Host or instructor offering daily classes. Start your day with a yoga session on the Sun Deck, a spin class on the back of the ship, or a light stretch class, and set the tone for a relaxing day.
Award-Winning Meals
Enjoy coffee and the breakfast buffet each morning, light lunches and refreshments throughout the day and exquisite meals prepared with locally sourced ingredients for dinner.
If available on your ship, I recommend booking The Chef’s Table specialty restaurant for at least one evening and would be happy to take care of those details for you. John and Ken write:
“The Chef’s Table was an evening to remember! Watching the preparations throughout the evening, and then getting to enjoy them was great fun! We have actually re-created a dressing that he used on the Watermelon and Seared Goat Cheese salad!”
Need more convincing? Unlimited wine, beer, and soft drinks are also offered with each meal on river cruises.
Salon & Spa
No vacation is complete without a bit of pampering. The spa onboard offers massages and other services throughout the day so you can relax on your own schedule. With fewer guests onboard you won’t have to fight for an appointment.
Feel like going out for the evening while we’re in port? Let the stylists at the salon give you a new look or simply help you look and feel your best before heading out.
Deck Pool
You may not choose a tropical cruise, but that doesn’t mean you can’t relax and enjoy the sun on the top deck! All ships have a heated pool (some with a swim-up bar for optimal enjoyment) or a jacuzzi, perfect for relaxing any tired muscles while cruising past the graceful, castle-filled countryside of Europe.
Feel free to come back out when the sun goes down. As you cruise past larger cities, the views of bridges full of lights or cathedrals lit up under the stars are extraordinary.
This is the perfect atmosphere to socialize with your party and other guests. Many cruisers have truly built long-distance and lasting friendships and even return time and time again to cruise with people they met on previous sailings!
Excursions
Regardless of which cruise itinerary you choose, you’ll have a variety of excursions to choose from. Activity level varies to suit your preference for the day and bikes may be available on the ship for you to take into town. Some cruise lines even have a tour option for “late risers” if you’d like to take advantage of your lush bed and catch a few extra hours of sleep.
During some stops, you may prefer a mild hike; on others, wine tasting or touring a Kölsch brew pub. Alternatively, you may wish to take on some free time with your group and explore the city. Some of our clients’ favorite days are strolling through the cobblestone streets of obscure cities, feeling out the local culture.
Taking in the Views from Your Room
Although many rooms are smaller compared to their ocean cruise counterparts...simply because the ships are smaller to fit through narrow locks and under low bridges...you will not beat the views from your bedroom. Many river cruise rooms have floor to ceiling sliding doors that allow you to basically be on the water. Most also take advantage of the view and position your bed so you can enjoy the passing scenery with absolute comfort.
Best in Class Service
If there is anything that could make your time on board the ship better, let the onboard team know! The only thing better than their dining is their service. The team truly prides itself on building relationships with each guest and creating a family-like feel for your journey.
So, what are you waiting for? I am on standby to book your next river cruise vacation. I’ll be happy to answer any questions you may have about traveling through Europe by river and get your detailed travel itinerary confirmed. All you need to decide is when you want to go and who you’d like to travel with!
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