So, you want to travel to Europe and are considering a river cruise. You’re onto something special! Cruises down the Rhine and Danube Rivers are some of the most popular cruises in the world!. Here are seven surprising reasons why I’m sure you’ll love a European river cruise.

1. Simplicity: A river cruise will remove all the stress and strain of planning a trip through Europe. No need to unpack your luggage only to repack when going to a different destination. Your ship will serve as your hotel for the whole trip. The cruise line will also handle all transportation and excursions. Instead of worrying about details like hotel confirmations or transportation tickets in each town, you’ll be able to truly enjoy your vacation.

2. Budgeting: Some river cruise lines are all inclusive. This means that your food and beverages, excursions, and things like wifi are already calculated into the cost of your trip.

3. Immersion in a Region: River cruises travel shorter distances than ocean cruises and have many more stops. They also stay at each location longer. This enables you to really immerse yourself in the region. Tours take place with local guides and meals are inspired by the location. Also, ships tend to dock right in the heart of town- allowing you to walk off the ship and immediately see and feel the culture.

4. History: Large rivers, like the Rhine and Danube, run through the historic towns important to the area's history. Most villages and cities were established on these rivers and grew from there, consequently, history runs deep in the riverbeds.A river cruise allows you to experience history up close.

5. Safety and Security: As you travel through Europe, there are numerous languages and currencies you might need to navigate. The tour manager from your ship will be there to guide you and provide support during your cruise. They travel the same stretch of the river multiple times a season and are very familiar with it and the cities they visit.

6. Efficiency: A European river cruise is an incredibly efficient way to travel. There's no down time as you move from country to country. Rather, your travel time becomes part of the vacation. You’ll spend your time enjoying scenic landscapes and great cuisine instead of waiting in lines at bus or train stations.

7. Accommodations: You’ll have one stateroom, featuring a cozy bed and private bathroom for the duration of your journey. Although they’re relatively small, everything you need will be there. Plus, you’ll only have that first night toss and turn feeling once during your adventure!

As you can see, a European river cruise is a great choice for a vacation! Whether it’s an eight-day cruise down the Rhine or a twenty-two-day cruise to see the entirety of the Danube, I’m here to help you plan the perfect journey. Ready to get started? Click the link below to schedule your consultation!