BOB GREEN’S TRAVEL TIPS

June, 2006

What about River Cruises

This is the fastest growing, most popular vacation trip.

In Europe there are at least five companies offering these trips. There are also cruises in

China which are both river cruises with land portions to the best known China attractions.

We took the China trip and found it to be excellent; far more than we expected.

River boats only have 10 to 150 people so you have an opportunity to meet everyone on

board. The cruise lines do not take young children, in fact they discourage all children

since they do not have special programs for them. These trips are most attractive to the

mature traveler.

Similar to the ocean cruises, you have your own modern cabin with private bath. You

unpack one time and then relax and enjoy the trip as you are waited on by excellent staff.

The cruise lines boast that all of their crew speak English taking the language stress out

of traveling with them. Meals are gourmet but there are not quite as many choices for the

entrée as you find on the large ocean liners.

There are no sea days. You are in a different port each day. The ships dock in the heart

of town allowing you easy access. You can walk into town and even go in on your own

during leisure time. There are also very few land excursions that require a fee. Each port

has one or more fully-guided shore excursion covered by your fare.

Entertainment is also unique. The river cruises offer many entertaining speakers and

local talent which are not only entertaining, but help you experience the area. There are

games and, of course, music and dancing in the lounge. And you can’t beat the scenery

as you float along the historic villages and towns. River cruisers are soon hooked and

look forward to next river and her villages and people.

SLAC Member Bob Green
480/664-7354