Tuesday, October 23, 2012

River Cruise - experience total immersion in a destination


Total immersion in a destination is both the beauty and the essence of river cruising. That total immersion also goes beyond guests' onboard experience. Step off the ship and you're in the center of a centuries-old town, walking along cobblestone streets and watching a city wake up.
Most ships have floor-to-ceiling windows that make you feel as though you're right in the towns, villages and farm fields you're gliding by. You can almost reach out and pick a flower or pet a grazing horse. And it's just one or two flights of stairs to get to the top of the ship, where it's just you, the sky and the world around you. Fishermen and kayakers wave at you and, depending on the port you're in, you step from the ship right onto city sidewalks.
Wertheim, Germany

The most known river to cruise is the Danube, which will take you through Hungary, Slovakia, Austria and Germany or towards the Black Sea where you will pass through Croatia, Romania and Bulgaria. 
As the ship slips silently through the fast-moving current past green hills, stately castles and quaint countryside villages, it's not hard to understand why so many passengers have been thrilled while sailing the legendary Danube River. The winsomely picturesque river has been an iconic waterway for generations, serving as an enduring inspiration for musical and literary figures from Johann Strauss to Jules Verne. 

But there are many more rivers to explore, such as the Rhine, Main, the Seine through France or even the enduring Douro through Spain and Portugal. 
Or how about Africa with Ama Waterways' Zambezi Queen?
Russia from Moscow to St. Petersburg?
Even farther? Asia with Vietnam, Cambodia on the Mekong cruise? There is so much to explore and no limit with the essence of river cruising!

See, what Ama Waterways has to say about the beauty of river cruising.




Unpack once and get comfortable:
Visit different cities and countries while your hotel travels with you. A river cruise offers the amenities of a first-class hotel from which you'll never feel uprooted. Discover local delights in shore then return to your large, stylish stateroom. Relaxation comes easy. Watch the scenery slip by from your balcony as you leisurely sail to you next destination.

Dock right in the heart of historic cities:
Enjoy the excitement of waking up in a new town, docked just steps from markets, museums and landmarks. Ships rest close to the town center so you can easily sample local culture and favorite past times. Simply walk off the ship and into the heart of the city. Take a guided excursion or instantly blend in with daily life.

Discover the world's  most scenic waterways:
Cruise through some of Europe's oldest cities or on the world's most scenic waterways. These were the original highways between great cities built along the water's edge. Over the course of your journey, you'll find yourself surrounded by rolling vineyards, hilltop castles and time - honored cities. Vibrant locales not accessible by or that can take hours to reach by motor coach are up close and personal on a river cruise.

Intimate Environment, inclusive value:
With river vessels accommodating a mere 150 passengers, you will never wait in a long line to board or disembark. Smaller tours and intimate meal settings with open seating create a warm , personal atmosphere accentuated by five-star service. Your inclusive vacation provides incredible value from the champagne breakfast and free - flowing hand- selected European wines with dinner to a fleet of bicycles, free Internet access, included sightseeing excursions and a live cultural entertainment onboard. On a river cruise, your vacation's price tag doesn't keep adding up.

A smooth, relaxing way to cruise:
Constant, soft flowing river waters are always peaceful and smooth, so leave any fears of motion sickness behind. Take a dip in the pool or sink into the bubbling whirlpool, get pampered with decadent spa services or enjoy live music in the lounge. The deck invites at any time with a fresh river breeze and unforgettable changing scenery.

European Delights by TripDesign is your river cruise specialist. We have experienced the beauty and essence of river cruising ourselves and are proud to be an Ama Waterways accredited travel agency. We of course offer all other river cruise tour operators. 

You might also like to read Ellen's article in a local magazine about a Rhine river cruise!