By Gloria Hanson, Senior Cruise Consultant, The Cruise Web.

From the time you board a river cruise, you begin a journey like no other. The ships are small and intimate, your scenery changes constantly and the easy access to the inner areas of towns and villages make river cruising an ideal way to enjoy a multi-destination adventure.

In the last five years, river cruise travel has grown up to 60% annually according to the Travel Trade reports. As a matter of fact, some river cruise companies are growing at double digit rates. Considering the rapid growth of river cruising, maybe it’s time to ask if river cruising is right for you…

Why Choose a River Cruise Adventure?

River cruises are ideal for first time and experienced travelers alike – it’s simply the best way to see many of the world’s most fascinating destinations. It’s a trip of a lifetime at a relaxed pace where you never miss a moment. You get to see places that you could not possibly get to on an ocean cruise. As a river cruise passenger, you also get in depth exposure to the rich culture and history of each town you visit. You enter into the heart of the city and get off your floating hotel just steps from historic sites and sought after landmarks. Since you dock so close to the city center (in most cases), you see the true culture and get a real epicurean delight with authentic foods and wine from the region you are in. [Read more →]

By Sherry Jefferson, Senior Cruise Consultant, The Cruise Web.

Having cruised on many a large cruise ship, it was with great anticipation that I looked forward to my first small ship experience this past December on Silver Sea’s Silver Spirit.

It’s funny how when you see the ship by itself, it doesn’t seem very small at all. But then you see it next to one of the larger vessels and the “small ship” label starts to make sense. However, don’t let the smaller size fool you — cruising aboard a small ship has many BIG advantages.

First off, the ships are very easy to navigate with a lot less walking. The smaller size advantage also allows for docking in less used ports and often times you can dock where other ships may have to tender (when a smaller vessel ferries passengers between the ship and the shore). The ships themselves offer many of the same amenities you would find on the larger ships, but on a smaller scale. You’ll usually still have your casino, spa, gym, theater and library and there is a daily schedule of events from morning till night with lectures, live shows, trivia, games and karaoke. [Read more →]

By Brandon Biss, Senior Cruise Consultant, The Cruise Web.

My First Luxury Experience: Part 1

Onboard Ambiance:  The Peace of Mind of All-Inclusiveness
Many myths exist in the luxury cruising world:  very formal, stuffy, snobby, only the high-society of life books on them, etc.  This is not the case.  Dress aboard Silversea vessels is very similar to most cruise lines.  Attire ranges from country club casual to formal depending on the night.  I noticed that the average age of the guests was younger than my recent cruises on the larger lines.  Many were very friendly, well educated, and very well traveled.  I found that most people were intrigued and interested in my “story” as opposed to “snubbing” me because I was younger.  I received a guest manifest at disembarkation and noticed that only half were from North America.  This resulted in a diverse and enriching guest interaction experience.

The benefit of an all-inclusive, luxury cruise experience isn’t in the cost.  You will never drink enough alcohol, eat enough lobster, or save enough on gratuities to make up the price-difference over a contemporary cruise line.  The benefit is in the mindset.  I can’t remember a decision I had to make besides which entrée or drink to order.  There were no costs for a lobster or steak upgrade.  If you consume wine, the pairings were included and an important addition to the meal.  I indulge in a fine meal once or twice per month.  Aboard the Silver Cloud, it was a nightly occurrence. [Read more →]

By Brandon Biss, Senior Cruise Consultant, The Cruise Web.

Wow…I’ve been with The Cruise Web six years!  During that time, I have traveled quite extensively.  Because of the opportunities The Cruise Web provides, I have cruised on most of the cruise lines that our company sells.  However, I have not traveled on any of the luxury lines (Silversea, Seabourn, or Regent) until this past cruise.  I selected this specific cruise for two main reasons:  The Cruise Web’s excellent relationship with Silversea and my wish to visit the Baltic capitals:

Cruise Line: Silversea
Cruise Ship: Silver Cloud Voyage 1914
Itinerary: Stockholm Roundtrip
Sail Date: June 25 – July 4,  2009
Stateroom: Midship Verandah Suite 540 [Read more →]

By Arthur Balin, Senior Cruise Consultant, The Cruise Web.

Nowadays there are so many cruise options to choose from. There is a tremendous amount of pressure to make sure you choose the cruise that best fits your needs and wants – this does not always mean least expensive. People always ask me what is my favorite cruise, and even though I do have some favorites, what is right for me might not be right for you. So, how do you get the best value for your money while making sure that you and your family have the best possible cruise vacation? [Read more →]