What is the biggest objection raised by most single or solo travelers? It is, why am I penalized because I choose to travel solo?
River cruising has become one of the most popular and affordable experiential vacation choices for Baby Boomers and Pre-Boomers alike. Today's luxurious and spacious river cruise ships can take you effortlessly and without any chance of seasickness to many of the most exciting travel destinations in the world - all at a very affordable ALL inclusive price.
And, unlike the large ocean-going cruise ships with 1000's of people, including small children on board, river boats generally carry only about 150 or so like-minded travelers on a hassle-free vacation. The pace of activity is what you want it to be and it's generally very leisurely as you often dock overnight in places like Vienna, Budapest or Arles.
Imagine 1 or 2 magical weeks traveling the Rhine, Danube or the incredible Saone River in France. Think about vistas as you sail by the wooden windmills of Holland, the view of the Eiffel Tower as you depart Paris on the Seine, or what it must be like to walk the lavender fields of Provence where artists like Cezanne and others once painted. And of course, if you're really into history, there's the endless number of medieval villages such as Durnstein along the Rhine and Danube.
If you travel as a single or solo traveler, you may be wondering if you will be out of place, isolated and lonely on a river cruise. Nothing could be further from the truth as today's modern river boat is geared for you. There's hardly ever a European river cruise that departs without a number of solo travelers on board. Even better, everyone who is there is there primarily for the destination and thus you already have a great deal in common with your fellow travelers. You're going to feel welcomed by fellow passengers as well as the crew from the moment you step aboard your luxurious river cruise ship.
Traditional areas of concern for solo travelers such as safety, who do I tour with and when, where should I go and when do I dine are all eliminated on a river boat trip. Because ALL of your sightseeing is included in your very affordable price, your touring is pre-arranged and you will travel in small groups with other couples and solo travelers. Dining is a breeze as you will quickly befriend fellow solo travelers or couples during the relaxed touring days. Oh yes, beyond complimentary sightseeing in each and every port, your fine regional wines and beers are included in the low price. Factoid - generally speaking there are 7-10 solo travelers on most European trips.
And when it comes to luxury, a river trip is your best option. Staterooms are all outside with glorious river views. They are spacious and similar to what you might expect from a luxury five-star resort: comfortable beds with European-style linens and plus duvets, scrumptious L'Occitane creams and lotions, hairdryers, robes, flat-screen TV and, of course, Wi-Fi everywhere on the ship.
Less we forget, the food is impeccable with daily fresh specialties prepared by some of Europe's finest culinary masters. There are a myriad of fresh entrees including fish, beef, pasta and vegetarian. The daily menu is a combination of wonderful regional specialties [based on your itinerary] married nicely with traditional western cuisine.
BEST OF ALL, Single or Solo Travelers can now avoid the dreaded "Single Supplement Fees" that so many of us have come to hate. If you are working with a river cruise specialty travel agency, they should be able to provide you with a number of wonderful river cruise itineraries where there is no single supplement fee charged.
Here are a few ideas to jump start your quest for a great river cruise vacation.
Your first decision may be the most fun, where do you want to go?Then, when do you want to travel? Remember, many river cruises operate from March - December.
Spend some time on river cruise line websites as many are a good starting place to gather information about ships and itineraries.
If you have any doubts about Solo river cruising, read this informative article " Is a River Cruise for you?" It will enlighten you and answer most of your questions about this extraordinary vacation alternative.
Don't be fooled into the belief that you get a better deal in buying direct from the cruise line, you will not!
Buy your river cruise from an experienced river cruise specialist who has the knowledge to ensure you are correctly matched to the right product to fit your personal needs, wants, desires... and budget.
Before you buy, think about why you have selected a particular destination and/or river cruise line. Don't cut corners and buy solely on price as your long awaited vacation is NOT the place to go for "cheap." Vacations are special times; they should create special memories and moments - not nightmares created by the wrong choice of product for you and your traveling companions.
Rick Kaplan has been in the cruise only business for more than 25 years. He has been assisting Solo Travelers and others with how to get the best deal and how to select the proper cruise line/ship to meet their personal concerns, needs and desires. Rick is one of the foremost experts on all elements of river cruising and is a great resource for any first time river cruiser.
For more information on an exciting river cruise, visit: http://www.premierrivercruises.com/
No comments:
Post a Comment