Bon Jour First name / friend!
I am writing this week from the gorgeous Avalon river ship Poetry II on the Rhone River in France.
I just had coffee and shared a croissant with a swan that swam over to check out my cabin.
If you have been reading my weekly travel missives you probably know that I was NOT a cruise person. I was actually pretty snobby about cruises. (lingering PTSD from my senior high school cruise to the Bahamas)
I have to say, this is my third cruise in less than a year ( ocean, expedition and now river) and hands down, river is my new favorite. The Poetry II is a floating boutique hotel.
But let's talk about some options beyond the Danube and the Rhone.
From the Amazon to Egypt, river cruises offer a unique way to explore some of the world’s most breathtaking destinations—without the hassle of packing and unpacking. I had no idea how much of a difference this makes when you travel. And just stepping off a small boat, right in the town you are visiting…super cool.
Here are my top three reasons they’re a great way to explore ⤵️
✅ Effortless Exploration: Unpack once and wake up in a new destination each day, with excursions that bring you closer to history, local culture, and nature. Want to go for a run, just step off the boat. Bike? There are plenty on board, grab one and go.
✅ Intimate & Immersive: Unlike the big ships, river cruises offer a boutique experience with smaller ships, fewer crowds, and ports that the big guys can’t reach.
In Arles, we tied up at the exact spot that is depicted in Van Gogh's “Starry Night Over The Rhone”. And the view at night has not changed since Van Gogh's days in Arles.
✅ All-Inclusive Ease: river cruises include really good dining and great guided tours so you can focus on the vacation, not the logistics. Want to be independent and explore on your own? Super easy, you are docked right where you want to be.
Scroll on for some river cruise ideas to add to your travel wish list. All of these are on mine!
