As we start afresh in 2019, it’s the ideal time to reflect on the past 12 months. Is there somewhere you wish you visited? Was there a sailing you regretted not booking before it sold out?
There’s never a better time to devote some thought to what you would like to achieve in 2019, particularly in travelling the world and seeing new and exciting places as you do.
Take a look at some of our top New Year’s resolutions below, which are ideal for new and returning river cruisers.
Sail on new adventures
With so many destinations on our doorstep, it’s easy to limit yourself to only sailing in Europe. But there are more destinations you can explore further afield.
Asia is home to the Mekong, where you can encounter the exotic mystique of Cambodia and Thailand; the Irrawaddy, which courses through Myanmar; and the Yangtze which explores top regions such as Chongqing, the Three Gorges Dam and Shanghai.
Meanwhile, Russia offers you the chance to witness the unique architecture of St. Petersburg and Moscow with a cruise along the Volga River.
Sail and save with loyalty programmes
River cruise lines offer a number of loyalty programmes with their sailings, including exclusive benefits and offers you can’t find elsewhere. Many automatically enrol cruisers on their first booking, so you just need to enrol your details following your first sailing.
If you’re looking to sail a few times over the next few years, it definitely worth considering when you come to book – making this year one to save!
Sail on shorter breaks
River cruises are often compared to lots of city breaks in one, allowing you the chance to visit multiple destinations in one, easy trip. With plenty of long-term sailings available for river cruising, there is also a variety of shorter river cruises for those looking to enjoy a mini break or two.
Recent studies have shown that the average UK resident spent 10.2 nights abroad, which is only 50% of basic holiday entitlement. Why not spend a few nights exploring Budapest along the Danube? Or visit the vineyards of the Douro for a short sip of the wines of the world?
Sail to new experiences
There are a number of themed cruises which you can enjoy to ignite old passions or start new hobbies. Uniworld’s Floating Art Workshops cruises offer the chance to be mentored by renowned portrait and landscape artist, Mr Larry Aarons.
Avalon Waterways culinary-themed sailings allow you to indulge your inner foodie with cooking demonstrations, visits to farms, dairies and orchards, as well as the chance to enjoy local specialities. Guests on-board can also learn how to pair wine and food in a dinner hosted by a Master of Wine.
Also, Crystal River Cruises combines river cruising with a celebration of wine along the Danube, where you can visit the top wine-producing regions. Learn of wine-making traditions, the many varieties of wine and the art of wine pairing from industry experts.
Sail on your own
It may seem a daunting thought, but solo travel is becoming a popular choice for holidaymakers looking to cruise. Most cruise lines offer single cabins with a reduced single supplement so you needn’t worry about having to pay over the odds for a room.
Riviera Travel recently launched its For Solo Travellers collection, which is reserved exclusively for solo travellers and has no single supplements at all. Many other cruise lines host cocktail receptions for those travelling alone who want to mingle. River ships are also much smaller than ocean cruise lines, meaning you will soon get to know others as you sail.
Have you made any resolutions for the New Year? Would you like to try a new cruise line, or visit a new destination? Let us know in the comments below!
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