Some travellers enjoy nothing more on their holidays than to lounge by the pool, bask in the sun and abandon all cares and thoughts. It’s the perfect attitude for a lazy week or two at an island resort in the South Pacific.
While this style of travel is certainly possible on a river cruise, the most rewarding experiences are often found beyond the ship deck and on shore, where exclusive experiences and one-of-a-kind cultural activities await.
See it your way
River cruising should always be approached with an open mind and a willingness to explore, as far as the budget will allow, of course.
While there are a handful of river cruise brands that serve up truly all-inclusive packages, many others offer highly competitive pricing, with optional experiences and the ability to tailor travellers’ holidays to suit their precise needs and interests. Think going on a tiger safari in India, breaking a sweat at the Windsor Lawn Tennis Club or indulging in a meal at a Michelin-star restaurant in Portugal.
“I think one of the most noticeable things about river cruising is that not many of the lines offer a lot of free shore excursions, but they always have some [extras], so you can make your decision the day before about what you would like to do in each port,” says Gayle Fogarty, a highly experienced travel agent from Brisbane.
Each day, and in some cases more than once, passengers can step off the ship and enjoy a deep dive into culture and history to open their eyes and mind.
Part of that may involve meeting the local community, some of whom will welcome tourists into their private homes for a look at their daily way of life. For example, in the charming German town of Miltenburg, coffee, freshly baked cakes and warm hospitality awaits APT guests via its Insider Experiences options.
“APT is one company where you might pay a bit more, but all of their excursions are included for no extra cost,” Fogarty explains. “That’s a bit of a ‘wow’ thing that I tell my clients – they won’t need to put their hand in their pocket for anything once they’re there.”
Sometimes, those “everyday” residences may take the shape of a Eurpean palatial castle dating back hundreds of years, with expansive grounds, stately rooms with priceless artwork and sculptures, enveloped by delicately manicured gardens.
Passengers on Avalon Waterways will find numerous activities to enjoy at every port, each suited to a range of preferences and styles. More active travellers may wish to sail in a kayak and explore smaller inlets at their own pace, while others can explore towns on foot or a set of wheels.
Some river cruise brands carry a small fleet of compact bicycles onboard, available for people to rent and take ashore. In some destinations, such as Durnstein and Melk in the Wachau Valley, travellers can set off on a guided bike ride between the two Austrian towns. Meanwhile, Uniworld offers combined river cruising and cycling tours, featuring routes that showcase spectacular scenery, such as its Basel to Amsterdam tour.
Those wishing to take to the streets can join a relaxed walking tour with a local guide. This in-depth knowledge grants added credibility by virtue of the fact that every insider tip comes from first-hand experience, whether it’s the best cafe to find a homemade souffle or where to buy the most authentic souvenir.
Alternatively, guests may prefer to explore local neighbourhoods solo. The AvalonGo mobile app is an ideal companion for free time exploring, with GPS maps and expert recommendations for excellent local bars, restaurants and entertainment options.
Opening doors
One of the best features of a river cruise is the exclusive access it offers travellers to a variety of landmarks and attractions for tours or experiences. If private access isn’t possible, river cruisers may have the opportunity to enter extra rooms normally closed to the general public or welcomed inside before opening times.
In Egypt, guests on Uniworld Boutique River Cruises are treated to a ride down the Nile on a felucca, a traditional small wooden boat with a triangular sail. This is followed by afternoon tea at the Old Cataract Hotel, the site where legendary author Agatha Christie wrote the iconic mystery, Death on the Nile. It’s an experience typically not offered to the general public, who are only able to walk through the lobby.
This kind of exclusive access is available on every Uniworld sailing and forms part of its Masterpiece Collection – a range of ultra-premium optional experiences available for an additional surcharge.
These may include before-hours access at the Taj Mahal in India, a retro sidecar tour of Bordeaux in France or a visit to the towering stone sculptures of ancient Egypt, with commentary from an expert Egyptologist. Or it may comprise an elegant private orchestral performance at a Viennese concert hall where legendary composers like Mozart and Strauss may have once played.
A feast for the senses
For the epicurean odyssey that river cruise lines offer onboard, travellers are also served exclusive and personalised invitations to some highly prized social engagements.
Guests on Tauck’s ‘French Escapade’ itinerary between Paris and Arles will receive a formal invitation to dinner with the Duke of Uzès at his private family castle – the imposing Duchy d’Uzès which was once a Roman military fortress and housed an exiled 9th century duchess.
Passengers also have the opportunity to sample premium Châteauneuf-du-Pape wines under the expert tutelage of a professional sommelier. Foodies are welcomed into the kitchen to help prepare – then enjoy – a delectable luncheon. During the meal, everyone enjoys fascinating stories about the origins of the Avignon wine industry dating back to the 14th century priesthood, paired with premium Rhône Valley labels and accompaniments.
Scenic is another line which offers visitors an opportunity to visit Châteauneuf-du-Pape, but with a slight twist as the ship’s sommelier is in tow. According to travel agent Emily Kadinski of itravel Carlingford in Sydney, this added expertise creates a truly special experience that may be the most popular experience her clients rave about.
“You do your wine tasting and based on the reading of the room, the sommelier ends up buying a wine from the winery that day, and serves it with dinner that evening,” she explains. “And if you’ve ever had any of the wines, they are sensational.”
On one occasion, says Kadinski, Scenic’s sommelier decided upon a particular label which sold for €300 (AUD$490) per bottle and bought cases of it just for dinner that night, based on what passengers preferred from their tastings. Then, the chef developed a bespoke menu, based on the same wine.
“And everyone that has come back from that itinerary says that was their highlight,” says Kadinski.
River cruising offers wondrous opportunities for foodies who enjoy getting hands-on. During a Viking river cruise, those with a sweet tooth can indulge in their passion, don a Lindt uniform and become a Maître Chocolatier at the Lindt Home of Chocolate in Kilchberg, Switzerland. Guests will return to the ship with a chocolate bear, personalised pralines and newfound skills to try at home.
Not much in the world of travel can claim to be all things to all people, but with so many options available, river cruising comes close. At the end of their trip, travellers are certain to return home with a full heart, mind and memory card.
