As river cruising continues to grow in popularity, thousands of avid travellers will be taking to the world’s rivers in 2019 to get their first taste of holidaying in this way. You may even be one of them. After all, what’s not to love about a cruise that takes you to the heart of each destination, offers no chance of seasickness and that includes extras like excursions and drinks?

So, if you are thinking about taking a river cruise this year, here are some great ways to ensure a fantastic experience.

Do Something You Love

If you are unsure whether a river cruise holiday will be for you, why not be 100% certain that it will include activities that you love? You can do this by choosing one of the many themed river cruises that are available. Whether you go crazy for golf, worship wine or are mad for music, these special sailings will be focussed on one of your favourite passions.

Themed river cruises will include visits to relevant attractions, talks from experts and celebrities, and, most importantly, the chance to do whatever it is you love the most. Themes range from broad subjects like Christmas to niche topics such as Jewish heritage or jazz.

Return To Familiar Surroundings

Some people love to always visit new places when they go on holiday, but others like to return to familiar spots that they really have a connection with. If you prefer the latter, it’s a great idea to find a river cruise that will visit one of your favourite ports.

If you love the artistic flair of Amsterdam, why not try a Tulip Time cruise. If you swoon for the romance of Vienna, opt for a Danube River cruise that visits the Austrian capital. And if you can still taste that delicious Southern cooking in your mouth from your last visit to New Orleans, consider a fantastic adventure along the Mississippi. This way, you’ll have something to look forward to even if you’re unsure about the rest of the trip.

Find Your Level Of Inclusivity

It’s true that river cruises include more than ocean cruises as standard, but they do still vary on exactly what is included in the standard fare. With this in mind, find a river cruise operator that includes as much or as little as you feel you need. If, being unfamiliar with river cruising in general, you would rather not worry about any added extras you might need to pay on board, find a cruise that includes everything from drinks around the clock to gratuities.

However, if not knowing what to expect makes you slightly wary of plunging in with the full package, opt for something that simply includes your cabin, onboard food, and drinks at mealtimes. This second option will ensure you don’t pay for anything you don’t end up using. There really is an option for everyone, so it’s just about finding a level of inclusivity to match your budget.

Call For Back Up

If you’re really unsure about whether you will enjoy a river cruise or the fact that you don’t know what to expect is holding you back, you could always bring along some seasoned pros. The chances are that some of your friends or family members will have experienced river cruising in the past and they may just be up for accompanying you on your first foray into this brave new world.

Having someone like this travelling with you will mean they can show you the ropes and put your mind at rest, leaving you to sit back and enjoy what is one of the most relaxing ways to see the world.

If you are looking to take your first river cruise in 2019, the team at GoRiverCruise will be more than happy to talk you through the options available and help you find the best itinerary for you. Call us on 0800 954 0064 or click here to send a message through the website.