Confessions of River Cruise Experts: What the Brochures Don’t Tell You

We have a confession to make.

After working in travel since 1988, we still love a beautiful travel brochure.

Perfect blue skies. Gorgeous ships. Impossibly photogenic castles. Not a cloud — or badly dressed tourist — anywhere in sight.

But after nearly four decades in a brick-and-mortar travel agency and years specializing in river cruising, we’ve learned that some of the most important things about choosing a river cruise aren’t in the pretty pictures.

For starters, the cruise line matters more than many first-time cruisers realize.

River ships are restricted by the rivers, locks and bridges they navigate, so from the outside they can look relatively similar. Step aboard, however, and the experiences can be worlds apart.

One line might emphasize five-star luxury and include almost everything. Another may feel younger, more casual and active. Excursions, dining, beverages, gratuities, entertainment and what’s included in the fare can vary considerably.

Scenic and Emerald Cruises are a perfect example. They are sister companies sailing many of the same rivers, yet Scenic offers a more ultra-luxury, highly inclusive experience, while Emerald has a contemporary, relaxed personality with an emphasis on active exploration and value.

Another secret? The most expensive cabin isn’t necessarily the key to the best vacation.

We’ve met travellers who agonize over cabin categories but spend very little time thinking about how they actually like to travel. Would you rather cycle through a village or tour a castle? Do you enjoy dressing for dinner or keeping things casual? Do you want everything included upfront? Do you prefer a packed day or time to wander independently?

Those answers can tell us far more than whether you want a balcony.

And here’s perhaps the biggest thing brochures don’t tell you:

The cheapest river cruise isn’t necessarily the least expensive one.

Compare what’s actually included. Drinks? Gratuities? Transfers? Excursions? Special experiences? By the time the extras are added, that tempting price can tell a very different story.

Travel has changed dramatically since we first opened our doors in 1988. We went from handwritten airline tickets and walls of brochures to a world where thousands of vacations can be booked with a few clicks.

But one thing hasn’t changed.

Sometimes the best way to plan a vacation is still the simplest: sit down together and have a conversation. Tell us what matters to you, how you like to travel, what you love, (and perhaps what you don’t)  and let us help you sort through all those choices to find the river cruise that truly fits.

Because after nearly four decades of creating amazing travel experiences, we’ve learned that the secret to a great vacation isn’t finding the “best” one.

It’s finding the one that’s best for you.

Elaine Simpson is a Travel Manager and Cruise Counsellor at Algonquin Travel and Cruise Centre.