Old World, New Way
Is a European river cruise right for you? Take our personality test
TRADERS HAVE navigated
Europe’s rivers and intracoastal
waterways for hundreds of years,
but vacationers are increasingly enjoying these routes as well. Today’s
passengers can tour European cities
by traveling through the shallow
waters of France, Germany, Austria,
and Hungary (among other countries). Think you’re ready to book 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 (the average
is 100 to 300 people) than you find
on ocean cruisers, 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 you should know that
river cruises have fewer onboard
amenities than ocean cruises do, Yale
says. River ships are floating hotels,
not floating resorts, so don’t expect
midnight buffets or casinos.
; Unathletic traveler or outdoor
enthusiast? Forget about spending
your days inside playing bridge—
river cruises can include excursions
that involve lots of physical activity.
Peter Deilmann Cruises (800-348-
8287; deilmann-cruises.com) is
known for theme trips that appeal to
nature-loving types, from cyclists and
gardeners to hikers and golfers. Just
think about the bragging rights you’ll
gain when you tee off at Gouverneur
Golf Resort, an 18-hole course built
around the moated Château du
Breuil in Monthieux, France. And
both AMA Waterways (800-626-
0126; amawaterways.com) and
Uniworld (800-733-7820; uniworld
.com) provide free bicycles you can
grab for a quick countryside pedal.
