Steamboating On The River - The Best Way To Cruise
Ocean cruising has been popular for many decades, and it is a great way to get from one destination to another. The ships have grown over the years, and hold several thousand travelers at once. While an ocean cruise is a good way to get from point A to point B, I have never been a fan of these huge cruise liners.
I prefer river cruises, because they are much smaller than the ocean liners. And steamboat cruises along the river are the very best, because they move at such a slow pace. As you cruise down the river, you get a chance to see the scenery as it drifts slowly past you. I prefer this much more than a wide, empty ocean!
There are a number of other reasons that steamboating on the river is the best way to cruise, and below, I'll tell you why:
I prefer river cruises, because they are much smaller than the ocean liners. And steamboat cruises along the river are the very best, because they move at such a slow pace. As you cruise down the river, you get a chance to see the scenery as it drifts slowly past you. I prefer this much more than a wide, empty ocean!
There are a number of other reasons that steamboating on the river is the best way to cruise, and below, I'll tell you why:
Inclusive Pricing
On an ocean cruise, your room, most meals, drinks with dinner, and shows are included. If you don't keep track of what you are doing on an ocean cruise, you may end up with a huge bill at the end!
A river cruise is much more inclusive, which makes it a better value. On your steamboat cruise, the following are included in the price:
A river cruise is much more inclusive, which makes it a better value. On your steamboat cruise, the following are included in the price:
- Your accommodations - staterooms are quite luxurious and homey
- All meals - breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks and sandwiches. Meals are available 24 hours a day at a variety of dining venues.
- Complimentary bottled water and soft drinks throughout the day; and wine and beer with dinner
- Evening entertainment - Bands, local music and cabaret-style shows are offered nightly
- On select steamboat cruises, such as "The Great American Steamboat Company", you'll receive a one-night stay in a hotel either before or after your cruise, plus transfers to and from the boat
- Select tours in each destination, such as a visit to Oak Alley Plantation and museums
Getting On & Off The Boat
Embarking & Debarking Procedures
One of the best things about taking a steamboat cruise is embarking and debarking the boat. Steamboats simply cruise up next to a dock, and you walk the gangplank to get on and off. Many of the docks are located in the center of town, saving you time when visiting a destination. You won't have to take a taxi, and that saves you money!
One of the best things about taking a steamboat cruise is embarking and debarking the boat. Steamboats simply cruise up next to a dock, and you walk the gangplank to get on and off. Many of the docks are located in the center of town, saving you time when visiting a destination. You won't have to take a taxi, and that saves you money!
Tours & Excursions
Things to do in port
Another great reason to take a steamboat cruise is that you have more time in port. Normally, you'll arrive early in the day, and have several hours to explore the destination. Tours are offered in conjunction with your cruise, and some of them are included in the price.
For example, on one cruise I had the opportunity to visit Oak Alley Plantation. Located on the Mississippi River, this plantation is reached by walking through giant oak trees, believed to be over 300 years old. At the end of the 1/4 mile walk, you'll find an historic plantation house. Guided and self- guided tours are available every day, with prices starting at $18.00 for adults. This tour was included in the price of my cruise, so I did not have to pay anything additional.
Other tours can include shopping, touring naval vessels and museums, and visiting the sites of Civil War battles. In Baton Rouge, I took a tour of the USS Kidd, a Navy destroyer that cruised in the Pacific during World War II, and then recommissioned for the Korean War.
If none of the tours are of interest, then you have ample time to venture out on your own. Sightseeing can be free, if you take time to research your destinations before heading out.
Another great reason to take a steamboat cruise is that you have more time in port. Normally, you'll arrive early in the day, and have several hours to explore the destination. Tours are offered in conjunction with your cruise, and some of them are included in the price.
For example, on one cruise I had the opportunity to visit Oak Alley Plantation. Located on the Mississippi River, this plantation is reached by walking through giant oak trees, believed to be over 300 years old. At the end of the 1/4 mile walk, you'll find an historic plantation house. Guided and self- guided tours are available every day, with prices starting at $18.00 for adults. This tour was included in the price of my cruise, so I did not have to pay anything additional.
Other tours can include shopping, touring naval vessels and museums, and visiting the sites of Civil War battles. In Baton Rouge, I took a tour of the USS Kidd, a Navy destroyer that cruised in the Pacific during World War II, and then recommissioned for the Korean War.
If none of the tours are of interest, then you have ample time to venture out on your own. Sightseeing can be free, if you take time to research your destinations before heading out.
Meals
The food is great on a river boat cruise! Most of the ingredients are brought in daily from whichever port you are visiting. The food is fresh, and reflects the local cuisine. For example, on one steamboat cruise I took, we had a crawfish boil. While not everyone is fond of sucking on a crawfish, I truly enjoyed the exeperience!
Food is available 24 hours a day in at least one restaurant. There are buffets, sit-down meals, and Hors d'Oeuvres, plus midnight suppers. Snacks and sandwiches are available when you want something quick to eat!
Food is available 24 hours a day in at least one restaurant. There are buffets, sit-down meals, and Hors d'Oeuvres, plus midnight suppers. Snacks and sandwiches are available when you want something quick to eat!
Dining Memories
Meals aboard steamboat cruises are extraordinary, and you'll wish later you had requested the recipe! Just purchase this book when you get home, and you'll be able to cook up your favorite steamboating dishes.
Included in "The Delta Queen Cookbook" are more than 125 recipes taken from cruises along the Mississippi River with the Delta Queen Steamboat company. Each bite of these tasty foods will remind you of your cruise down the river
Included in "The Delta Queen Cookbook" are more than 125 recipes taken from cruises along the Mississippi River with the Delta Queen Steamboat company. Each bite of these tasty foods will remind you of your cruise down the river
More Benefits of Steamboat Cruising
There are many more reasons to enjoy a steamboat cruise on the river, rather than cruise ship on the ocean. Following are more reasons you should take a steamboat cruise:
- You will not get sea sick! This is a big reason for me, as I tend to get sick on the ocean liners. While I always take bonine with me on an ocean cruise, I do not have to pack it for a river cruise! Steamboats move at a leisurely pace, and the rivers are smooth and calm
- No passport needed! Steamboats cruise along the rivers of North America, so all you need is your drivers license if you are a US citizen!
- You'll get better service than on the big cruise lines. Because there are a smaller number of travelers, you'll get much better service from the staff. They will learn your names and preference quickly, and you'll benefit from their attentive service
- You can bring your cell phone along, and not be charged high fees for calls. Out in the ocean, it's possible that your cell phone won't receive a signal. On the river, it's highly unlikely that you'll lose touch. Unless you turn off your phone... and that's what I recommend!
I hope the next time you take a cruise vacation that you will consider a river cruise aboard a steamboat. Luxury accommodations, excellent food, and a wide variety of tours and entertainment will ensure you have the best vacation ever.
________________________________________________
Copyright 2012-2015 Fantastic Voyages
Originally posted on Squidoo / Hubpages June 4, 2012
________________________________________________
Copyright 2012-2015 Fantastic Voyages
Originally posted on Squidoo / Hubpages June 4, 2012
________________________________________________