No Lines, No Fuss, Just Vacation Vibes
If you’ve ever been on a big ocean cruise, you might have memories of long lines at the terminal, waiting to check in, going through security, and then that seemingly endless walk just to get on the ship. Don’t get me wrong — there’s fun to be had once you’re on board, but the process itself? It can feel like a bit of a marathon.
Now, let me introduce you to river cruising — where boarding and disembarking is so easy, you’ll wonder why you didn’t try it sooner.
Smooth Sailing from the Start
When you arrive at your river cruise ship, there’s no massive terminal to navigate, no long lines snaking around the block. Most times, you simply walk right up to the ship, check in at a small reception desk (usually in the lobby area), and that’s it! You’re on board, ready to start your adventure.
Your luggage? The crew takes care of that and it magically appears in your cabin not long after you arrive. The whole process feels more like checking into a boutique hotel than boarding a cruise ship — relaxed and stress-free.
Getting Off the Ship is Just as Easy
Whether you’re heading out for a walking tour, a bike ride, or just a quick stroll into town, stepping off your river cruise ship is just so easy. The gangway is short, usually flat or with just a slight incline, and in most ports, you’re docked right in the heart of town. Within minutes, you can be standing in a charming square, sipping a coffee, or exploring a local market.
What’s This About Ships Docking Side by Side?
One of the fun quirks of river cruising — and something I always like to mention to first-timers — is that in some ports, the docking space is limited. When that happens, river cruise ships sometimes dock side by side, almost like they’re parallel parking right next to each other.
If your ship is the one furthest from shore, you’ll simply walk through the lobby or deck of the neighboring ship to reach land. It might sound odd if you’ve never experienced it, but it’s actually really easy and kind of fun! Sometimes you get a quick peek at another ship, and the crew from both ships are always there to guide you if needed. It’s all very friendly and efficient — no awkward maneuvering required.
A More Relaxed Way to Cruise
If you’re someone who loves the idea of exploring Europe at a slower, more comfortable pace — and without all the logistics, stress, and add on costs that can come with bigger cruises — river cruising is such a great option. From the moment you arrive, everything feels easy, welcoming, and personal.
So whether you’re stepping on board for the first time or heading off for a day of exploring, you can count on a smooth and simple experience — just one more reason why I love river cruising (and why I think you will too!).
To book your next dream vacation - when the time is right to travel - reach out to me through email at Alicia@EveningStarTravel.ca, or by calling 587 772 2525. I am located in Sherwood Park, Alberta (a suburb of Edmonton), and am a Travel Advisor specializing in River Cruising, Beach Escapes, and Custom Vacations. I am the owner/operator of Evening Star Travel, and I book travel for clients all across Canada.
留言