The 3 Questions I Was Asked Most Often About Going on a River Cruise

Going on a river cruise can be a fantastic way to explore new destinations easily and comfortably. When I first heard of the opportunity to cruise the Rhine River sailing from Basel, Switzerland, to Amsterdam, Netherlands, I was a full-hearted “Yes.” However, when I decided to embark on my first river cruise, I found that many people were curious and had a lot of questions. Here are the three questions I was asked most often:

Why Would You Go on a River Cruise?

This question always had a bit of a skeptical tone, with lots of emphasis on the "why." For me, the answer was simple: convenience and variety. Exploring eight cities across four countries in one week without the hassle of navigating highways, planes, or trains - sign me up! And that wasn’t even the best part? No daily unpacking and packing. Imagine a floating hotel that takes you to a new destination daily—what could be simpler and more fun? River cruises offer a seamless way to travel, allowing you to enjoy the journey just as much as the destinations.

Can You Feel the Ship's Movement on a River Cruise?

This was a common concern, but my answer is a reassuring no. Rivers are much calmer than open seas, so there's less movement. Our river cruise covered relatively short distances at a slow pace, which minimized disturbance. The only time we felt any notable movement was when navigating locks. We passed through 11 locks, and while some people felt the drop, I found it barely noticeable. I found passing through locks fascinating and a unique part of the river cruising experience. Since we were travelling at night, I unfortunately missed some and would have gladly woken up to experience them all.

What Do You Do With All That Time on the Ship?

Many people imagined that there would be long, boring hours spent on the ship, but that was far from the truth. Most of our sailing was done at night, so we were typically on board only to eat and sleep while the ship moved. It was common for the ship to dock early in the morning, with city tours starting right after breakfast at around 8:45. My main goal was to immerse myself in the region, exploring each destination as much as possible. Most days, we returned to the ship just in time to quickly change for dinner as set sail down the river.

Of course, there were plenty of options for those who preferred to stay on board. You could sleep in, relax on the sun deck, or enjoy the lounge, where there were daily presentations and entertainment. River cruises are designed to cater to various interests and energy levels, ensuring that everyone can enjoy their time both on and off the ship.

River cruising offers a unique and convenient way to explore multiple destinations without the usual travel hassles. If you're considering a river cruise, I hope this answers some of your questions and encourages you to say “Yes” to this enjoyable travel experience.