Ready for some river cruise trivia?
If you’re someone who likes to collect fun facts to have on hand at a moment’s notice, this article is for you (you never know when someone’s going to ask whether ocean or river cruise ships are more sustainable!).
As a homeschool mom, learning is always at the forefront of everything we do. When on vacation, we delight in the joy of immersion into the location or destination we are visiting. Even while planning a river cruise, some cruise knowledge makes the process more enjoyable.
Now, let’s get into the 8 fascinating facts you probably don’t know about river cruises!
1. You won’t get sea sick
→ If you avoid ocean cruises because you tend to get seasick, then a river cruise is a great alternative for you. Rivers don’t have turbulent waves like the ocean, only some gentle rocking.
→ Plus, since the average river cruise ship is only four levels, you’ll never feel like you’re bobbing around on rough seas.
→ Tip: If you’re prone to getting car sick or tend to feel sick when you read or spend too much time on your phone, you may want to stay away from the ship’s windows. Otherwise, you’ll be just fine.
2. You’re always close to the action
→ Because of their smaller size, river cruise ships can access places that huge ocean cruisers can’t.
→ Instead of floating in the middle of the ocean surrounded by nothing but miles of water, river cruises dock in the heart of a port city or an old medieval town. The minute you step off the ship, you won’t have to travel far to find good food, shopping, and sightseeing destinations.
3. You’ll feel like you traveled back in time
→ Experiencing a river cruise is as close as it gets to time travel. It’s like seeing what the world was like during Ancient Greek and Roman times!
→ Much of the geography, location names, and cultural significance remain the same as they were several thousands of years ago.
4. You’ll be surrounded by fewer people
→ Ocean cruise ships accommodate anywhere from 2,000-6,000 passengers. River cruises only accommodate at most 200 passengers.
→ Fewer passengers and more staff = no lines and more personalized service for you.
5. They’re greener and more sustainable
→ While all cruise ships must adhere to strict environmental and sustainable practices, river cruise ships are MUCH smaller, produce less waste, and are equipped with new and innovative technology.
→ By booking a river cruise, you’re choosing sustainability and doing your part to protect the earth.
6. Water levels determine everything
→ While on a river cruise, you’ll often travel through a series of locks. No idea what locks are? They’re compartmentalized water chambers along a river that are filled and emptied so boats and ships can move vertically up and down a river.
→ If water levels are too high or too low, ships can’t pass.
7. Many ships have rooftop gangways
→ While docked at smaller locations, some river cruise lines will share the same pier. The ships line up side by side and passengers walk across rooftop gangways to get ashore. It’s something you have to see for yourself!
8. They’re a perfect balance of upscale + cozy
→ A river cruise gives you the cozy and comforting feeling of a Disney vacation combined with the elevated experience of being in a luxury boutique hotel.
→ With something for everyone, you can bring the kids along or plan a romantic getaway for you and your partner.
Whew! That was a lot. Were there any facts that surprised you? Reach out and let me know—I’d love to hear from you!
And if you’re ready to start planning your river cruise, schedule a free 15-minute call with me so I can help you find the river cruise that’s right for you and your loved ones.
Are there any big milestones coming up in the next year that you’re excited to celebrate?
A river cruise is the perfect way to break away from the same ‘ole, same old and start a NEW TRADITION everyone in the family will enjoy.
Celebrate the next big event in your life with a special trip you and your loved ones will remember for the rest of your lives.
