WOW....What a memory!

She walked in the front door and to her amazement what did she see, but a house full of chaos, kids fighting, chores accumulating, office work looming, everyone’s talking at once in “white noise” harmony, and all she can think about is.... River Cruising take me away! Yes, it is me, and I’m back to reality. Unfortunately, this is the reality the majority of Americans experience on a daily basis. Do you know someone like this? If you do, they are a potential River Cruise client.

Most of us live in the fast paced world, and who doesn’t need an antidote where you can vacation in the slow lane, sailing along quietly, absorbing the scenery, exploring riverside towns, and soaking up different cultures all in one vacation.

My intention of this blog was to try and objectively look at River Cruising and to determine who would like such an experience. I will admit, in the beginning, the idea of traveling somewhere cold (when it is winter here in Ohio), cruising with a bunch of elderly, knitting scarves and building cuckoo clocks really didn’t appeal to me. Now although I was anxious to see Europe, I thought it would be a long, cold and boring week. Oh my....did I get it wrong.

I think if you have been reading my blog from day one, you can tell that my experience heightened each day that passed. Along with self-fulfilling, exciting excursions during the day, the evenings were spent forming some friendships that will hopefully maintain over time. In my blog, I didn’t even share some of the “fun” we had on the ships. From laughing so hard till my sides hurt, enjoying fine dining, relaxing entertainment, a little work and reading in the library, to sharing stories with other cruisers, was some of my “onboard” experiences. But my highlight was getting to see parts of Europe in a non-intimidating fashion.

Where I would like to begin is to discuss the “pros and cons” of River Cruising. So let’s start and talk about what I didn’t like about River Cruising, which honestly was not that much. Please know that River Cruising isn’t for everyone. However, my opinion has completely changed from what it was in the beginning.

So, let’s begin with the negatives to River Cruising.

• Flights to Europe (Russia or Asia) can be expensive. Depending on where you look, the flights can range anywhere from $800 R/T on up. I paid about $1000 for my ticket through one of our Ticket Consolidators, SkyBird.
• There is not much to do as far as “fast paced activities” on a River Cruise ship. The Viking ship (Prestige) that I was on had 3 decks (around 90 cabins) and included the Lounge/Bar, sun deck, and library. During the day, they did have activities planned on the ship, but if we were docked, most were out sightseeing. The Lounge in the evening generally had entertainment and tons of socializing. Some ships have salons, boutiques, and fitness center as well. What you have to remember with a River Cruise, the ship is not the destination. It is basically a floating hotel navigating you down rivers through the heart of the country. It gets you to where the “ocean liners” just cannot get to. However, some of the new modern ships coming out in 2012 have fitness centers, coffee bars, complimentary bicycle use and even on-board pools.
• Catering to older people, the ship did not have elevators. I noticed for some getting up and down steps were a little difficult. However, Viking has 6 new ships entering their fleet in 2012 and all have elevators.
• Although the food was amazing, the breakfast buffet became a little boring after the 3rd day.
• Not enough suites on the ship. The Viking Prestige only had 2 suites. I’m not sure how many suites the other ships offered however. I will check on that.

I honestly cannot think of anything else I didn’t like about the ship or River Cruising in general. But let me tell you what I liked about River Cruising, Viking Cruise Lines, and my revelations overall on the River Cruise experience.

The POSITIVE/ADVANTAGES of River Cruising

• Relaxing and quiet - Although there were back to back excursions, guided tours, and sightseeing options, the mood was always relaxing. I would like to also point out how quiet the ship was when cruising. It was like you were floating when the ship was in motion.
• For those of you who have ocean cruised, it gets to a point where each port feels the same.....don’t you think? You have similar looking beaches, similar types of excursions, the shopping is all the same. With ocean cruising, the cruise ship and activities on board is the destination, not necesarily where you are visiting. With River Cruising, each port is different. Different landscapes, different cultures, different food, different languages, different architectures, different history, different excursions and guided tours, and different shopping. Looking for something different in cruising, then River Cruising may be for you.
• River Cruising is intimate and romantic. From the ship to the destination right into your cabin, River Cruising screams “romance”. If you are looking to get away with a loved one or have clients celebrating something special, they will not be disappointed with a River Cruise.
• The service on the Viking Cruise line was impeccable, friendly and always warm. I was extremely pleased with the service overall.
• With River Cruising, you get the opportunity to see Europe in a non-intimidating fashion. If you have always wanted to see Europe, but was nervous about the airports, traveling, currency exchange, the language barrier, then River Cruising will help you feel more comfortable with the experience. Being picked up at the airport, guided on tours, assisting in currency exchange for purchases on land, and English speaking guides and staff will guide you along the way. No need to worry as there is someone there to help you.
• New scenery all day and different almost ever day. Panoramic views in the restaurant, lounge and sun deck taking in the ancient castles, breathtaking countryside, and awe-inspiring monuments. By the way, open-air sliding glass doors in the cabins also provided spectacular views.
  
• English speaking guided tours, assistance in currency exchange, advice on what to do and not do, and much more, allows you to visit multiple destinations without feeling the intimidation of being in a foreign country. Only having to pack and unpack one time, you get to see many destinations all on one trip. Bottom line you spend less time "getting there" and more time “being there”.
• You will enjoy the culture and history at each destination. From museums, castles, cathedrals, charming villages, concerts, cuisine and shopping, you are unlikely to reach these places in any other way.
• On guided tours, I enjoyed that everyone had their own personal headset, so it was no problem listening to the guide. By the way, the tour guides were interesting and entertaining.
• The ship provided free internet allowing you to stay in touch with loved ones.
  
• Attire on the ship is casual. I really like the idea that I didn’t have to dress to the "nines" for dinner. And by the way, seating is where and with whom you like. All meals are inclusive and wine/beer/mimosas served with breakfast, lunch and dinner. Alcohol packages were available as well at a really low cost.
• On board entertainment was of the local music, folklore dancers/singers, wine tasting and informative talks by local experts.
• River cruising was intimate. With less than 200 passengers, you really get to know everyone and the staff really gets to know you as well.

So with everything in mind, who wouldn’t like a River Cruise? Here is my perspective on it being a 40 something (cough, cough) woman. In my opinion, teenagers in general wouldn’t like River Cruising as American teenagers today are so over stimulated by electronics and socializing with other kids, this may not be for them. I will mention, however, on my cruise there were two teenagers aboard. But both seemed to be cultured and very into the experience. I also think young adults that are into partying and going to the disco every night or singles looking for other singles, this may not be the experience they are looking for as well. So, that leaves everyone else. I cannot fathom that anyone wouldn’t love River Cruising despite their age. Now in the past, River Cruising has attracted the older more mature adult. But I believe that is because many just don't know about River Cruising, and most older adults are financially able to afford a River Cruise.

So, what does River Cruising cost? You will be surprised to learn that some itineraries of 8 days really is not that much more than ocean cruising. Eight day itineraries can start as low as $1200 per person (all-inclusive). With itineraries spanning Europe, Russia & Ukraine, China & SE Asia, and Egypt, and even the Galapagos with some cruise lines are also available. What a way to see the World.

Hopefully, I have given you a little taste of River Cruising and you are hungry for more. I would like to invite you to call me personally if you would like to learn more about River Cruising, need assistance in understanding how to “sell” River Cruising to your clients, or find potential prospects that may enjoy River Cruising. Whether you are thinking of a River Cruise for yourself or for a client, River Cruising will not disappoint.

Bis bald......German for “Bye for Now”
Cyndi Hansen
877-220-9260 X161