Think you’re not a cruise person? Maybe you’ve sworn off the big ships, endless buffets, or that “trapped at sea” feeling. I get it, but let me introduce you to something completely different: small ship river cruising in Europe. This is not your typical cruise. Picture docking right in the heart of a charming European city, stepping off into a Christmas market, or sipping local wine in a centuries-old cellar. If you’ve never thought of yourself as a cruiser… this just might be your perfect match.
Why River Cruises Are Nothing Like Ocean Cruises
Let’s clear this up right away river cruising is a whole different world from those massive floating cities you might be picturing. We’re talking ships that hold maybe 150 guests (not 4,000 or even 8,000), a calm and peaceful pace, and the ability to step off your ship right into the middle of a storybook town.
*No tender boats.
*No hours wasted getting ashore.
*No “lost at sea” days (unless you’re lost in a dreamy European café, which I fully support).
River cruising feels more like a floating boutique hotel than a cruise ship. And yes, there’s still delicious food, beautiful staterooms, and plenty of wine… but without the crowds or chaos.
📖 Related reading: Small Ship vs Mega Cruise
All-Inclusive Done Right
If you’ve ever been on a cruise and felt like you were being nickel-and-dimed, prepare to breathe a sigh of relief.
On most all-inclusive river cruises, you’ll have:
- Wine, beer, and soft drinks with lunch and dinner
- Complimentary excursions in every port, sometimes up to 4 to choose from!
- Wi-Fi (no $30/day “special internet package” nonsense)
- Complimentary coffee drinks (can we say espresso all day long)
- Daily Happy Hour with cocktails
And here’s my favorite part: the service. By Day 1, the crew will know your name, your coffee order, and maybe even your favorite dessert. That’s just how it works on a ship this size.
📖 Related reading: River vs Ocean Cruise
Immersive Local Experiences
This is where river cruising shines for the “I’m not a cruise person” crowd. It’s not about staying on the ship, it’s about using the ship as your base to explore.
Some of my favorite experiences have been:
- Cooking classes with local chefs
- Wine tastings in family-owned vineyards
- Guided bike rides along the Danube
- Visiting local Breweries in Germany along with local sausage tastings
- Exploring a real life castle and meeting the Prince who lives there!
- Wandering medieval streets and tiny Christmas markets
You’re not being herded around in a crowd of thousands, you’re actually living the destination.
📖 Related reading: Best Christmas Market River Cruises in Europe
Comfort Without Crowds
If you’ve ever waited in a line for an hour to get on a tender boat… you’ll love this: there are no lines on a river cruise.
No lines for dining. No waiting to get off the ship. No elevator traffic jams. You just… walk off.
The staterooms? Bright, airy, and often with floor-to-ceiling windows or French balconies so you can sip coffee while you float past castles.
Oh, and speaking of magical moments, my upcoming Christmas Market River Cruise is the perfect way to test the waters (pun fully intended) if you’re new to river cruising. Join me and my hubby on this magical Hallmark-ish Cruise!
Who Should Try a River Cruise
River cruising is perfect for:
- Ocean cruisers ready for something new
- All-inclusive resort lovers who want to visit multiple destinations without repacking
- Travelers who love history, culture, and a slower pace
- People who love to visit many different countries in Europe
- Fan of land tours
- Busy professionals who want someone (hi, that’s me 🙋♀️) to handle all the details
If that sounds like you, I’d love to chat about how to make your first river cruise a reality.
Final Thoughts:
You don’t have to be a “cruise person” to love a river cruise. In fact, most of my clients who said “I’m not into cruises” end up falling head over heels for the experience. Once you’ve walked off your ship and straight into a vineyard, Christmas market, or charming European café… you’ll get it.
✨ Ready to explore your first river cruise? Let’s talk. And while you’re here, check out my other river cruise blogs for more tips and inspiration:
What’s Included in a River Cruise
