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I’ve sailed with three river cruise groups, and each was a fantastic experience.
Ten of us sat round a large table and reflected on the week, the places we had seen, the delicious meals we had eaten, and and opportunity to relax on deck, watching the world go by. Each one of us had a different favourite moment and all of us revelled in remembering.
Sharing experiences heightens the pleasure and reinforces the happy memories.
River cruising has seen a big rise in popularity in recent years. It offers a unique and immersive way to explore a wide range of destinations while enjoying the comforts of a luxurious river cruise ship. While many people think of river cruises as ideal for couples’ getaways, they also provide an excellent option for group travel. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the joys and advantages of cruising the world’s rivers with groups.
10 reasons why river cruising with a group is a great option:
1. Easier to lead the group:
On a river cruise, there’s no need to worry about packing and unpacking at each destination or navigating foreign cities. The ship becomes your floating hotel, and you can wake up each day in a new and exciting location without the hassle of traditional travel.
The cruise director and ship staff organise everything so the group leader can join in and enjoy the holiday.
2. Hassle-Free Planning:
Coordinating group travel can be a complex task, but river cruising simplifies the process. We will work directly with the river cruise line to assist with planning, ensuring that we meet your group’s needs. From selecting the perfect itinerary to arranging shore excursions, everything will be planned for you.
3. Diverse Itineraries:
River cruises offer a wide range of itineraries, allowing groups to tailor their trip to their interests. From exploring the historic cities along the Danube to travelling through the vineyard-clad valleys of Douro, there’s a river cruise for every group’s preference.
4. Special Interest River Cruise Options
Most river cruise lines offer themed options. A fantastic example of this is a wine river cruise – see my blog: The Best Wine River Cruises for Wine Lovers.
Here are some examples:
AmaWaterways have an excellent choice of Wine Cruises hosted by an expert sommelier.
Scenic have some Limited Edition cruises including a sport themed cruise on the Seine from Paris. Just before the 2024 Olympics travel in the company of former Olympic champions, Sir Steve Redgrave, and Daley Thompson.
Emerald Cruises has a Wildlife Photography Cruise on the Lower Danube with Hamza Yassin. Learn how to capture the regions natural beauty and wildlife through a camera lens.
Croisi Europe offer Gastronomy and Wine Cruises exploring the culinary delights of Europe.
Uniworld offer an interesting Jewish heritage themed cruise and a Signature Lecture Series – Art & Culture on the Rhine.
Avalon have a broad selection of special interest river cruises from their Storytellers series to history or music themed options.
This gives an indication of the wide range of opportunities available. A group could also bring their own expert host and it is possible to charter the whole ship.
(Coming soon…I’m planning a longer blog about themed river cruises. Please let me know if you have any questions)
5. Celebrate Christmas together
Making the most of the winter season, river cruise lines curate itineraries offering the opportunity to explore some of Europe’s finest festive markets. Imagine glistening fairy lights and charming market stalls, as well as the delicious aroma of spiced Glühwein. A perfect option for groups to celebrate together.
6. Customise Your Group Experience:
Many river cruise lines offer opportunities for customisation. This means you can tailor your group’s experience, whether it’s arranging a private wine tasting in a charming vineyard or organising a special celebration on board.
7. Sharing Experiences:
One of the most appealing aspects of traveling with a group on a river cruise is the opportunity to share experiences with friends, or like-minded travellers. Making new friends along the way, and share memories created during the journey.
8. Small ships:
Unlike big ocean liners, river cruise ships are relatively small, creating an intimate and cozy atmosphere. A typical river ship will have 100-180 guests onboard. This makes it easier for group members to interact, dine together, and enjoy shared activities.
9. Enjoying Included Amenities:
River cruise packages typically include guided excursions, dining, and entertainment. With most costs included into the upfront price, groups can budget more effectively and avoid the constant additional costs common on other types of holidays.
10. Creating Bonding Opportunities:
Traveling together on a river cruise allows your group to bond in ways that are often hard to achieve in daily life. Whether you’re sharing a gourmet dinner, exploring on an excursion, or just relaxing on deck, these shared moments strengthen relationships and create lasting connections.
Incentive travel
The growing popularity of river cruising makes it an ideal option for a company incentive program. From smaller groups to complete charters, there is lots of choice and flexibility.
River cruising with a group offers a perfect blend of exploration, relaxation, and friendship. Whether you’re celebrating a milestone, reuniting with loved ones, or simply seeking a memorable adventure with friends, a river cruise is a fantastic way to create cherished memories together. So, gather your group and set sail for a journey of a lifetime along the world’s most scenic rivers.
If you would like to explore the idea of a group river cruise or have any questions, please get in touch. I am here to help.
jenny.cookman@travelcounsellors.com
https://www.travelcounsellors.co.uk/jenny.cookman/