Old World, New Way
Is a European river cruise right for you? Take this personality test to find out
TRADERS HAVE navigated Eu-
rope’s rivers for centuries, but
vacationers are increasingly enjoying
these routes as well. Passengers can
travel the shallow waters of France,
Germany, Austria, and Hungary
(among other countries). Think you’re
ready for a river cruise? Ask yourself:
ARE YOU A…
; Hare or tortoise? River cruises are
ideal for those seeking slower-paced
trips, says Nancy Yale, owner of Cruise
Resort & World Travel in Fairfield,
Connecticut. Since they have fewer
passengers than ocean cruises do (the
average is 100 to 300), you won’t feel
rushed along in large groups.
; Spring breaker or mature vaca-
tioner? River cruises typically
appeal to those over 50 who’ve seen
major tourist attractions and now
want to delve into the countryside,
says travel specialist Jamison Bach-
rach, owner of Wandering Puffin in
Plymouth, Minnesota. And you won’t
experience motion sickness, because
ships sail in shallow waters devoid
of waves. But river cruises include
fewer onboard amenities than ocean
cruises do, so don’t expect midnight
buffets, Broadway revues, or casinos.
; Unathletic traveler or outdoor
enthusiast? Excursions can involve
lots of physical activity, since most
shoreside trips are on foot. “You
may trod up to a mile on cobblestone
streets,” says Yale. And if you’re looking for some individual time ashore,
AMA Waterways (800-626-0126;
amawaterways.com) and Uniworld
(800-733-7820; uniworld.com)
provide free bicycles for a quick
countryside pedal.
; Spendthrift or smart shopper?
Excluding discounts and airfare, and
depending on the ship and itinerary,
expect to spend $200 to $300 per day.
That price may seem high, but it includes your stateroom, gourmet meals
onboard, and shore excursions (which
last from half a day to a full day).
; Homebody or adventurer? Plan on
immersing yourself in local cultures
and participating in shoreside activities. Many cruise lines, including
Avalon Waterways (877-380-1535;
avalonwaterways.com) and Uniworld, boast winetasting excursions
in regions such as Burgundy and
Provence. And a 14-night trip from
Amsterdam to Budapest with Viking
(877-668-4546; vikingrivercruises
.com) may feature glass-blowing
demonstrations and a visit to the site
of the Nuremberg trials. —Laura Daily
