Let’s just say. . . it’s different. . .in a satisfying, real good sort of way!!

We’ve just returned from a wonderful river cruise experience with Viking River Cruise Line on the Rhine River, from Amsterdam to Basel, Switzerland.  It was our first venture into this vacation option, and after over 60 plus ocean cruises under out belt, I can honestly say we were more than satisfied with the experience.

For me, the primary difference is the entertainment options in the evenings.  River cruises do not have casinos, they do not have massive entertainment venues at each end of the ship, neither do they have the piano bars and disk jockey dancing venues.  But they make up for that in the shore excursions offerings and destination briefings that are included in the price of the cruise.  Also, there were no professional photographers on board, so there were no pictures that you just felt like you had to purchase.

Another difference is that the chef is preparing meals for only 190 people instead of 2500+ guests, so it is a more personal presentation.  He actually visits the tables to make sure all is ok and if there is anything he can do to make it better.

The room sizes are approximately the same as on the ocean-going ships with similar amenities available like the soaps, conditioners, lotions, and hair dryers.  They had the best lighting in the baths of any we have been on.

The shore excursions were handled with excellent experienced and professional guides at every stop, and they had additional optional tours offered for those interested.  They also offered opportunities for free time for exploring on your own or shopping, which a lot of ladies enjoyed; they were putting out their Christmas items this week.

From a travel agents point of view, Viking River Cruise could not have been a better partner in the entire process.  We made the reservations back in February, 2012, and our group allotment was sold out by August, 2012.  Since I had never been on a river cruise, they held my hand the entire year and a half, then sent the documents out a full month before we departed.  The document presentation was some of the best I have had in the past 5 years from any cruise line.

The air department was also very available and helpful in planning the air for the group.  Our group had several who wanted to do a 2-night pre-cruise stay in Amsterdam and some who wanted to do a 2-night post-cruise stay in Lucerne, Switzerland.  They made air arrangements to accommodate for all those different options and that made it very easy on the travel agent!!

It’s a great adventure, and a fun time, so determine to get a river cruise off your bucket list and give us a call today.  I have a good one planned for next November, so join your friends on a cruise of the Elegant Elbe, a river in eastern Germany from Prague to Berlin.  Call The Travel Factory at 698-1421 or toll-free 800-760-4040.