In a few days, I’ll board my first river cruise ever. It’s also my first time sailing with Viking. After a year of ocean ships in every size, from a mega-ship to a two-week luxury suite, I’m finally trying the category so many of my clients ask about.
And yes, I’m excited. Really excited.
Where I’m Going
This is Viking’s Lyon & Provence itinerary, 8 days and 7 nights on the Rhône River in November. We’ll start in Lyon and stop in Vienne, Tournon and Arles before ending in Avignon. Afterward I’m heading to Paris for a couple of days before flying home.
How I ended up on this sailing is a little different from my other trips. A friend and fellow advisor chose this cruise, and I’m her plus-one. Since this isn’t a work cruise, it makes for a fun test. I get to experience it the way many of you would: as a guest seeing it fresh.
Part of My Sailing Every Category Series
As a luxury and world cruise advisor in Central Florida, I’m on a mission to sail every category I sell. Most advisors will tell you which line fits your style. I’d rather show you. So far I’ve sailed Royal Caribbean’s Icon Class Star of the Sea, Celebrity’s Edge Class and Solstice Class ships, Virgin Voyages, MSC’s Yacht Club, MSC World America in the Aurea experience, Azamara Quest, and two weeks on Regent Seven Seas Grandeur. Catch up on the whole series here.
River cruising is the big missing piece. It’s a completely different way to travel. You see Europe from the water instead of the open sea, on a much smaller ship, so it deserves a firsthand look before I recommend it to you.
Vacation Mode… With My Advisor Hat On
What will I be watching for as a travel advisor?
This is a vacation, and I plan to enjoy every minute of it. But I can’t turn off the travel advisor in me, and truth be told, I don’t want to. I’ll be paying attention to the details that matter when you’re deciding whether a river cruise is right for you:
- The stateroom. How much space is there, where does everything go, and does it feel comfortable for a full week?
- Port days. How easy is it to get from the ship into each town, and how much walking is involved? Cobblestones are charming until they aren’t.
- The pace. How much time is spent cruising versus exploring? Is it relaxing or rushed?
- Who’s on board. What kind of travelers choose this sailing in November, and would I feel comfortable recommending it to someone traveling solo or with a friend?
- The included experiences. What’s covered, what’s extra, and what’s worth adding?
- How it compares. How does river cruising feel next to small-ship ocean cruising like Azamara, or the all-inclusive ease of Regent?
An Honest Note
A river cruise isn’t for everyone, and that’s exactly why I want to experience one myself. Some travelers will love unpacking once and waking up in a new town every morning. Others will miss the sea days, the bigger ships, or the variety of an ocean itinerary. My job isn’t to sell you on river cruising. It’s to help you figure out whether it fits the way you actually like to travel.
Follow Along
I’ll be sharing photos and first impressions on Facebook and Instagram while I’m on board. When I’m home, I’ll write a full, honest recap right here, including what I’d tell a friend before booking.
Have you been thinking about a river cruise, or wondering how one compares to an ocean cruise? Let’s talk. Book a complimentary consultation and we’ll figure out what fits you best.
Cheers,
Kari
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