After Dinner on a European River Cruise?
European river cruise ships differ significantly so keep in mind that some of the content below may not always apply.
River cruise ships are very different to large ocean going cruise ships.
Firstly, river cruise ships are a lot smaller in size . They don’t have the large multiple bars, clubs, discotheques, casinos, ballrooms, cinemas etc. So if all night partying is your thing maybe European river cruising is not for you.
I would with respect suggest that if you want to enjoy the delights of the river and the various stop over destination all night partying is not to be recommended.
The day time on a European river cruise can be busier than on an ocean cruise ship. The distances between stop over’s on the river are relatively short so you may find yourself docking at a minimum of one new destination every day. Along with your stop over, you will be disembarking and partaking in an excursion of some sort. So to enjoy these daily excursions to their fullest a pain free head and healthy body is recommended.
The river cruise ship bars and restauraunts tend to be more intimate and casual than the large ocean cruise ships.
Having said that there is plenty of opportunity to meet others in the bar and have fun on a European river cruise.
One advantage of the smaller vessel is that you tend to get to know the cruise ship staff better. You will probably be on a first name basis with the bar personnel before your cruise is over and enjoy a chat with them each evening.
There is usually an on board pianist or keyboard player that will provide music in the bar after dinner. Most of the lounge bars have a small dance area so you can burn off any last remaining energy before heading for bed.
Sometimes, the cruise companies will have local talent organised to come on board to provide some interesting cultural acts. Possibly local music and dance acts etc.
If the bar does not tempt you after dinner you can always take a night cap up on deck and sip it slowly as you drift along the river. (My personal favourite is an Irish Black Bush whiskey on the rocks watching the river drift in to darkness. So peaceful, so quiet!)
Of course there will be evenings when your boat will be moored for the evening so you can disembark and explore some of the local on shore hostelries.
So thats it, after dinner on your European river cruise. Relaxation and some soft music with a little drop of your favourite beverage. What more could you want?
Tags: after dinner river cruise, europe river cruise vacations, european river cruises