European river cruising is coming into a world of its own and consultants from Travel Associates are answering questions in response to passenger demands.
Travel Associates’ David Lovelock said while it’s an exciting time for river cruising, many would-be passengers are faced with the challenge of deciding which kind of river cruise best suits them.
Travel Associates has rounded up its most experienced river cruising consultants to answer some of the most frequently asked questions about river-cruising.
“From when is the best time to book to questions on health and fitness, special dietary requirements, family friendly river cruising and even questions about on board butlers; Travel Associates’ consultants have got all the answers for would-be river cruisers,”
David Lovelock, Travel Associates
1. When Is The Best Time To Go?
Summer (June to August) is the most popular European river cruise season; passengers can make the most of the ship’s sun deck, walking and cycling tours and towns and cities. Spring and autumn generally mean milder days, lower prices and fewer crowds. Those dreaming of a White Christmas should enquire about the winter river cruises – with traditional festive markets open from late November to mid-December.
— Alan Reis, Reis & James Travel Associates, Manuka ACT
2. When Is The Best Time To Book?
The biggest river ships only accommodate 190 guests and fill up quickly which is why it’s best to book at least 12 months ahead to ensure the preferred dates and itinerary are locked in. Most cruise lines offer earlybird deals including fly-free, reduced airfares or pay-in-full discounts 12 – 18 months out.
Waiting for last-minute specials can pay off with generous savings, but it’s a roll of the dice with ship, stateroom and itinerary choices.
— Kerrie Fellowes, Maria, Fellowes & Turner Travel Associates, Penrith NSW
3. Are Shore Excursions Included?
Melk Abbey
Shore excursions are often an ocean cruising extra, but they’re almost always included in Europe river cruising and it’s the sheer range, personalisation and exclusivity of shore excursions that makes river cruising so exciting.
All of the operators are trying hard to woo would-be passengers with included, one-of-a-kind experiences which are sure to please even the most experienced traveller.
— Bryan Wye, Wye & James Travel Associates, Turramurra NSW
4. Is All-Inclusive The Best Option?
The great news is that river cruising has become so competitive that the baseline of inclusions (Russia aside) for most companies represents great value, with the battle waged largely in the beverage and shore excursion arenas.
There’s no denying the allure of not having to open your wallet after arriving, but the more inclusions the higher the price.
— Matthew Chisholm, Chisholm & Turner Travel Associates, Camden NSW
5. What About Bicycles and Fitness?
Most river ships carry bicycles so passengers can make their own discoveries and offset all the local beer, wine and bratwurst. Companies like Avalon who don’t carry bicycles on board organise local rentals so passengers can join guided cycling tours.
Newer ships have small fitness centres, most have pools on the sun deck and Uniworld’s Super Ships have heated indoor pools with daily poolside fitness classes. We have a great option for avid cyclists who can join 11-time Tour de France yellow jersey wearer Phil Anderson on an exclusive European river cruise departing next year, and of course, bikes will be provided on this journey.
— Greg Ashmore, Ashmore & James Travel Associates, Canterbury VIC
6. Are All Beverages Included?
Since 2013 and 2014 respectively, Tauck and Scenic have included complimentary beverages and remain the most inclusive for passengers who want to have a tipple. APT and Uniworld offer almost the same on their Europe river cruises, with the key exclusion of premium wines and spirits which incur a charge.
Avalon offers beer, wine and soft drinks with dinner only. Sparkling wine and juices are served with breakfast, and soft drinks with lunch. Regular coffee and tea is also available free throughout the day from self-service stations.
— Kirsty Peckham, Scarfe & Turner Travel Associates, Darwin NT
7. Can I Get A Private Butler?
Scenic’s International Butler Academy-trained butlers provide such things for all guests on European river cruises (except Russia).
APT and Uniworld offer butlers for guests staying in suites and, like Scenic, offer a sliding scale of personal services depending on the suite you book.
— Lisa Connelly, Connelly & Turner Travel Associates, Malvern VIC
8. Is WiFi Available Onboard?
Free WiFi is available on almost all river ships in Europe. For 2016 river cruises, Uniworld, Tauck, Scenic, Avalon and APT offer complimentary WiFi throughout their staterooms, suites and public areas.
Passengers should bring their own devices rather than relying on the limited and varied internet facilities.
— Josh Thorpe, Thorpe & Turner Travel Associates, Hobart TAS
9. What Nationalities Will I Meet?
With the primary river cruise market in Australia’s own backyard, and enlisting Australian star power like Luke Nguyen and Catriona Rowntree, APT and Scenic cruises are the two perennial favourites with Australian travellers who make up the majority of guests Avalon, Uniworld and Tauck also attract Australian and New Zealand travellers, but they are also very popular with Americans and Canadians – generally a wonderful mix of well-travelled, English speaking guests.
— Lex Noller, Noller & Turner Travel Associates, Rosalie QLD
10. What About Special Diets?
Passengers can find vegetarian, low-kilojoule, low-carb or low-fat options available for meals on board and others included in the fare. Other dietary needs, like gluten free or vegan options, might require special preparation.
Notifying the company at the time of booking, or simply discussing the requirements with the maître d’ on board, varies between company. Scenic requires special dietary requests in writing before departure, so it’s important to check when booking and be prepared to discuss this with the Tour Director on day one.
The exception is an exclusive gluten friendly river cruise launching next year in partnership with Travel Associates and Avalon Waterways that caters to gluten-intolerant guests at no additional charge aboard the popular Magnificent Europe itinerary.
— Lisa Clarke, Clarke & Turner Travel Associates, Tununda SA
11. Should I Take The Family?
While river ships do not have facilities or activities for young children, companies are starting to respond to the growing trend in multi-generational travel and a Europe river cruise can make for an unforgettable holiday for families with older children.
Uniworld and Tauck have introduced a few family-friendly itineraries; and we’ve seen exciting discounts like 50 per cent off for children between four and 18 on select cruises for a limited time. Children under 12 are not encouraged on Scenic, with the exception of Christmas cruises; and must be over eight for APT and Avalon.
— Amy Raats, Raats & Turner Travel Associates, Cottesloe WA
12. What About Travelling Solo?
Most river cruise companies offer deals on a selection of cruises that waive, or reduce, the single supplement payable but there are very few dedicated single cabins.
The best company for solo cruisers is Tauck, which offers single fares for its smallest cabins on all its Europe cruises, plus discounts on other categories. Beyond that, Avalon and Uniworld currently offer the greatest number of cruises that waive the single supplement.
— Meaghan Wolf, Wolf & Turner Travel Associates, Blackburn VIC
