5 Reasons to Book a River Cruise
A Journey through the Best of Holland and Belgium with AmaWaterways
Are you a travel enthusiast looking for a unique and enchanting way to explore the picturesque landscapes and historic cities of the world? A river cruise might be just what you’re looking for! Here are five compelling reasons why you should consider booking a river cruise for your next adventure.
1. Intimate Exploration of Charming Cities:
Unlike traditional ocean cruises, river cruises allow you to sail directly into the heart of vibrant cities and charming towns, providing an intimate and immersive experience. Our journey began in the iconic city of Amsterdam, where we explored the historic canals and admired the architecture of this lively metropolis. From the medieval streets of Ghent and Bruges to the cosmopolitan atmosphere of Brussels, every stop along the way offered a unique perspective on the rich history and culture of the region. I especially love this option for countries that might be more intimidating to do “on your own.” Consider river cruising for Vietnam, Cambodia, or Columbia!
2. Luxurious Experience:
We sailed with AmaWaterways, who is renowned for its exceptional service and luxurious accommodations. Onboard our river cruise, we experienced the epitome of comfort and elegance. The well-appointed staterooms, delectable cuisine, and attentive staff ensured that every moment of our journey was nothing short of perfection. Whether enjoying a gourmet meal, hanging out in the lounge (it was too chilly to enjoy our ship’s sun deck), the AmaWaterways experience elevated our river cruise to a truly luxurious adventure.
3. Historical Landmarks and Architectural Wonders:
As we cruised through the waterways, we were met at each new city by an experienced local guide. They are intelligent, fun, engaging, and even have you laughing from time to time! Each stop also has the opportunity for an adventure by bicycle. These are on a first-come-first-serve basis, but can be a fun way to mix in some fitness in with your sightseeing! Some of the highlights from our trip include the charming little village of Veere (straight out of a story book), the majestic Castle de Haar near Utrecht, the medieval city of Bruges, and delicious food and chocolates in Antwerp.
4. Culinary Delights:
One of the joys of travel is indulging in the local cuisine. Throughout our journey, we had opportunities to oder dishes that were inspired by the regions we visited. I don’t know about you, but food is one of my favorite parts about travel! We learned how to make chocolates from a chocolatier in Brussels, and embarked on our own food tour in Antwerp. An experience not to be missed is the Chef’s Table onboard Ama Waterways. This 7 course meal was a highlight of the trip!
5. Effortless Travel and Unpacking Only Once:
One of the most appealing aspects of a river cruise is the convenience it offers. After our quick onboarding process (I loved that we didn’t have to mess with any big cruise terminals and quite literally just walked right onto the ship from our Uber), we unpacked only once and let the breathtaking landscapes come to us. The ease of travel allowed us to relax and enjoy the journey without the hassle of constant packing and unpacking. As the ship gracefully sailed along the rivers, we could savor the changing scenery from the comfort of our stateroom or the panoramic views of the ship's lounges.
Wondering how you can get started planning a river cruise?
We’d love to visit with you and help you determine the right cruise line, river, and/or destination for you! The first step is to reach out to one of our advisors here.
Once we’ve received your inquiry form, we will be in touch to schedule a complimentary consultation. And if you’re reading this before December 2023, we may be able to help get you in on some fantastic Black Friday deals! Don’t miss out - contact us today!