Ask Endora

Dear Cruise Curious,

Darling I love river cruising. Just like an ocean cruise, a river cruise is an "unpack-once vacation" - no more early morning wake-up calls for long coach rides from hotel to hotel! A cruise along one of Europe's many rivers and canals permits you to enjoy the panorama of the surrounding countryside which is always in view. River Cruise ships, in contrast to their larger ocean going cousins, are smaller vessels generally accommodating between 100 to 200 passengers in comfort. These vessels cruise on the age-old waterways of Europe, - "the Danube, Rhine, Moselle, Elbe, Seine, Rhone, Po, Duoro and Volga". Aboard river ships you will find elegant dining rooms, spacious sun decks, comfortable lounges, fitness facilities, and sometimes swimming pools. Limited laundry service is available on most river ships. All meals on board are included in the cruise price, but your bar tab is charged to your shipboard account. Some include the shore excursions while on others they are optional at a supplemental cost. The purpose of a river cruise is not to rush from Point A to Point B, but to relax in a stress free environment to enjoy the delights of the countryside you are passing through, and get to know the "soul of the country".

Happy planning,
   Endora

Dear JC

Yes it is becoming easier and easier to stay connected nowadays – gone are the days where you could not call back home!

   Endora