; Spendthrift or smart shopper?
Excluding discounts and airfare, and
depending on the ship and itinerary,
expect to spend $200 to $300 per
day. Though that price may seem
high, it includes your stateroom,
gourmet meals onboard, and shore
excursions (which last from half a
day to a full day). That rate may also
include Wi-Fi service, lectures, and
cultural activities such as tours or
winetastings in each port—so if you
book a river cruise, you can end up
with a nice package deal. Plus, you’ll
be treated to spectacular views that
are part of your booking, since these
cruises offer glimpses of multiple
cities. Instead of miles of ocean
between ports, you can see castles,
monuments, pretty country scenery,
or charming villages as you sail.
; Homebody or adventurer? River
cruises aren’t for those who prefer
the familiar; plan on lots of walking
during trips, and expect to immerse
yourself in cultural 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; vikingriver
cruises.com) may feature glass-blowing demonstrations and a visit
to the site of the Nuremberg trials.
Also, one of Tauck World Discovery’s
(800-468-2825; tauck.com) Danube
trips provides a private dinner in a
Viennese palace. —Laura Daily
