This article is for those women who hate packing, cannot fit into their formal clothes, and / or get sick at the thought of waves. I refer to most of the 55+ women I know (minus the seasick bit). The solution might be to try a river cruise and one with no formal evenings. (And see my special offer at the end.)

A river cruise is in a smaller ship. It follows the course of a major river. Rivers are mainly in Europe: the Danube, Rhine, Moselle, Rhone etc. There are a few elsewhere: Colombia, China, Africa.  In Europe, except for the Danube, they do not have significant waves. (On the Danube, you might feel slight movement). River cruising started with barges in the late 1960’s. In the 1990’s some European companies began sailing larger ships for mainly European passengers. The US company, AMA Waterways opened in 2002; the owners studied the US market and created what I experienced, is the best cruise for Americans and I think for women.

The basics:

River cruises leave and return to river ports. Most, but not all ports, are near major airports. Amsterdam is a short train to the Rhine; Basel is a 15-minute transfer to the Rhine. As you sail along, your ports are adjacent to towns. This means mobility:  you can walk back into town before dinner? after dinner? or do your own tour without the whole bus and guide thing?

Here is the huge difference: an ocean going ship is docked in an often industrial port, After daytime tours, you return to your ship and sail.  Distances can be lengthy. Example:  Livorno is 75 miles from Florence. As a woman if you choose to do your own thing, it can be hard to find a taxi in a large port. Uber does not operate everywhere.  For women, a river port as a neighborhood of a town, is safer.. You are steps away from the main plaza or major museum.

The ship: Unlike ocean going ships, river cruises usually have less than 100 cabins. The ones I traveled on had 80+. Cabins are a good size: 160-300 sq ft. and include everything to be comfortable, connect electronically, sleep well and manage bathroom needs easily. With a US company, TV will be in English. Announcements are in English only. This means no interruptions  in 3 languages when the captain speaks. For women, language also means you can chat with everyone and read anything in the library or tell housekeeping to leave you more of xxx.

River boat spaces are built so that you never feel enclosed: dining room, library, expansive walking deck, living room style public spaces. For women a living room decor offers friendly seating. You can meet others easily. This is crucial if you are a solo woman traveler.You do not feel space as the moving shore is your horizon.  I booked the lowest price cabin on one cruise: the windows were above my bed. Surprisingly views on shore were positioned perfectly. When we sailed past a Rhine castle or medieval church steeple or hill side vineyards, I watched the shore from the pillow.

The itinerary:

Rivers offered the safest and quickest transportation in ancient times, leaving a legacy of medieval towns.  In France, you might travel back to Roman times and cathedrals; in Germany to UNESCO heritage sites and WW2 battles, in Hungary to imperial cities and fortresses. Some sights like UNESCO honored Strasbourg in Alsace, are easy to reach on a Rhine cruise; harder on the road. You are too active for a cruise? When I went on the Rhone, I wanted to walk the ancient Roman areas, do some shopping and return to the ship whenever. We were docked a few minutes from 300AD  Roman amphitheater.  I skipped the tour, walked around myself then did personal shopping for French spices and herbs.

The dress:

Here is the best part if you choose AMA Waterways, our option, you do NOT dress for dinner. You can enjoy the fine dining in day clothes. Most North Americans value comfort over heavy packaging. For women, casual dress especially at dinner translates into a friendlier dining atmosphere. Included wines relieve everyone of the worry of who pays for what.

Tipping: Relax, you can add $175-200 onto your bill at the end and voila, you have tipped the staff. No fumbling with cash at each meal. Again, for women there is no big tipping person who gets the best table. On the river cruises we offer, everyone gets to eat with the Chef at least once.

Climate and river cruises: Be aware that climate change might have a future effect on river cruises. Less snow, lower rivers. And all cruising has an effect on the environment; so do planes, buses, and less so trains.

So conclusion, if you have not tried a river cruise, go for it. We posted several with special single rates plus one covering Christmas and Jan 1, 2025.

SPECIAL OFFER.

Good until Dec 31 2023

AMA Waterways Special Single Supplement on 2 Women’s Travel Group Cruises

Inclusive of meals, tours, welcome party

Airfare from any US City $899

Danube July 2024

Rhine Christmas Markets and New Year’s  2024

Plus a $250 Credit Gift from Women’s Travel Group.

Visit Women’s Travel Group or reach out to Phyllis directly call 646-309-5607 or email her.