Both river cruises were short preview sailings, but were long enough for us to get a taste of river cruising. Not surprising, our river cruises included many features we have only found on high end premium or luxury cruise ships.
As 2014 comes to a close, we take a look back at the similarities and differences between this fast growing cruise style and traditional ocean cruises.
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While ocean-going ships usually dock at major seaside ports, your river vessel generally docks right in small towns located inland on rivers or waterways. Complimentary guided excursions on river cruises are often walking tours, although you may find yourself taking a coach to a nearby city or village before the walking starts. There are sometimes other for-a-fee excursions offered.
Our river cruises began with a safety meeting that included a demonstration on how to don and secure the life vests located in every stateroom. However, there are no life boats on river vessels as they are always close to land and emergency assistance if it is needed. It was noted that fire is the most serious problem on a river boat (as on an ocean cruise ship) and smoking is limited to only outdoor spaces. Smokers were warned to be careful when extinguishing smoking materials and NOT to throw anything overboard.
As a rule, children are not banned from river cruises, but parents must think carefully about bringing them along. Driven by Baby Boomers, river cruises have boomed in popularity and passengers are older as a rule. Many of them look askance at the presence of young children, although if they are well-behaved that's not a problem if your chosen river travel company allows them.
While river vessel generally have no beauty shop or medical center, helpful attendants at the reception desk can arrange for those services to be available ashore when docked.
One thing we noted on our river cruises that would never happen on a large cruise ship was that we were able to come and go from our vessel without being checked on and off with an electronic boarding pass. When questioned, an officer told me that such stringent security was not necessary on river vessels. Even though we didn't have an electronic boarding pass, we were issued a boarding pass when we turned in our room key at reception before leaving the ship for shore tours. Reception always knew who was on tour and, seemingly, who was on board. However, Mel and I left the vessels several times independently without a boarding pass. Procedure on other lines might vary.
All in all, we enjoyed the camaraderie aboard both vessels—we met many interesting fellow passengers and liked the ease of making friends and joining one another for meals that were all open seating. The single aspect that Mel found lacking was food, specifically that there were stretches between scheduled meal times when only fresh fruit or cookies were available in the main lounge. Of course, cafés were nearby in port. On the other hand, we both appreciated the always-available coffee stations with a variety of complimentary coffees, teas, and hot chocolate, as well as the convenient self-service ice machines.
Our river cruises began with a safety meeting that included a demonstration on how to don and secure the life vests located in every stateroom. However, there are no life boats on river vessels as they are always close to land and emergency assistance if it is needed. It was noted that fire is the most serious problem on a river boat (as on an ocean cruise ship) and smoking is limited to only outdoor spaces. Smokers were warned to be careful when extinguishing smoking materials and NOT to throw anything overboard.
While river vessel generally have no beauty shop or medical center, helpful attendants at the reception desk can arrange for those services to be available ashore when docked.
One thing we noted on our river cruises that would never happen on a large cruise ship was that we were able to come and go from our vessel without being checked on and off with an electronic boarding pass. When questioned, an officer told me that such stringent security was not necessary on river vessels. Even though we didn't have an electronic boarding pass, we were issued a boarding pass when we turned in our room key at reception before leaving the ship for shore tours. Reception always knew who was on tour and, seemingly, who was on board. However, Mel and I left the vessels several times independently without a boarding pass. Procedure on other lines might vary.
All in all, we enjoyed the camaraderie aboard both vessels—we met many interesting fellow passengers and liked the ease of making friends and joining one another for meals that were all open seating. The single aspect that Mel found lacking was food, specifically that there were stretches between scheduled meal times when only fresh fruit or cookies were available in the main lounge. Of course, cafés were nearby in port. On the other hand, we both appreciated the always-available coffee stations with a variety of complimentary coffees, teas, and hot chocolate, as well as the convenient self-service ice machines.
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The Rangers Legends Cruise offers a unique vacation package that offers a lot of value, including unprecedented access to Rangers stars, as well as exclusive events on board and on land including meet-and-greet events; Complimentary Classic beverage package for two including beer, wine, and spirits; an Exclusive Shore Excursion on July 30, 2015 Tobacco Bay "Fun in the Sun" Beach Package including drinks (Alcoholic, Non-Alcoholic, or Frozen Drinks), lunch, and unlimited use of non-motorized water sports; Snorkeling Equipment, Paddleboards, Kayaks, Zayaks, and more; complimentary parking at Cape Liberty; $50 to spend on board toward amenities, shore excursions, spa treatments, dining, private receptions, and more. This package is valued at over $1,000.
