09/22/2025
It's Myth-Busing Monday!
Todays Myth - Only old people go on river cruises! (3 min read)
I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but us Gen Xers are now officially part of the targeted demographic for river cruises! But even outside of that, more and more young people are taking to the rivers for a more upscale European experience. With Millennials and Gen Z’s not giving into the pressures to repopulating the planet, that wonderful discretionary funds jar tends to go towards travel. And once you get to a certain point in your life where staying in a youth hostel sounds like a punishment rather than an adventure, you start looking for more inclusive, upscale experiences. Insert river cruising.
Here are some common myths about river cruising.
-I don’t want to travel with all those people!
River cruise ships are all similar in size. They can only be so long and so wide. That means there are WAY less people on a river ship, fewer than most hotels! The average number of passengers is about 160, give or take a few. It encourages you to get to know your fellow explorers, and it allows for some unique experiences both onboard and ashore.
-Food on a ship is subpar at best!
The food! Oh my gosh the food! I have travelled a lot; not as much as some (or as much as I’d like) but more than many! There are 2 meals I still remember and dream of, and both were on a river cruise! (Hungarian Goulash on AMA and Lamb Chops on Uniworld) With fewer people, it’s easier for the chefs to keep the quality of the dishes at the highest levels. The cooking staff often get off the ship and hit-up local farmers’ markets to get ingredients for what you’ll be having for dinner. And the meals are always regional dishes. Going through Bavaria, you’ll have brats and beer. Going through Vienna, they’ll serve Wiener Schnitzel. Guess where I was when I had the Goulash? It really is a culinary delight.
-It will be boring
There are several active options on river cruises for exploring the cities you visit. You can hikes to castles, bike ride through wineries, or take a fast-paced walking tour through historical sites. You are in a different port every morning with the majority of your sailings done at night to get the most of your days. You can do as little or as much as you’d like once you’ve docked. Not really interested in touring a city with 20 other people? Go off and explore on your own! There are no rules, you just need a sense of adventure!
-Unpack once, need I say more?
When I was younger, I spent a month traveling through Europe. I visited 4 countries and changed locations every few days. I can speak from experience and say, that was a royal pain in the arse! If you want to see multiple countries, take the river cruise, you’re welcome!
-I’ve been to Europe and seen it all!
Well, La-De-Dah, look who’s so fancy! Did you know you can take a river cruise down the Nile? Or how about the Mekong? And very recently, AMA Waterways has started sailing down Colombia’s Magdalena River! And if you want something a little different in Europe, take a Christmas Markets cruise or sail the Rhine during Tulip Season!
Have I changed your opinion on river cruising? Best way to be completely sold is to take one! It truly is one of my favorite ways to travel! When you’re ready to book your next river cruise, I happen to know a gal! It’s me, I’m the gal! Give me a call or shoot me an email and we’ll get some items checked off that bucket list!
