River cruise ships are relatively small in size – usually limited to fewer than 200 passengers. The shipshave to be designed this way so that they can sail along narrow waterways and under low bridges.Compared to ocean ships, which can carry over thirty times as many passengers on board each ship,river cruise ships don’t have as many facilities on-board.
On river cruise ships, there’s no room for climbing walls, surfing simulators and zip-lines. But thatdoesn’t mean that your time on-board is limited to sitting and watching the world go by. Far from it.Some of today’s modern river cruise ships have some really exciting facilities on-board.
1. Swim-up bar
Many river cruise ships have hot tubs on board and an increasing number have swimming pools too.Some of the best river cruise ship swimming pools can be found on AmaWaterways’ ships. Thesebeautiful pools feature swim-up bars so that you can relax and enjoy a co*cktail without leaving thewater.
2. Indoor swimming pool
Unfortunately, the weather in Europe isn’t always favourable to relaxing in the pool, which is whysome river cruise ships also now feature indoor pools. Emerald Waterways’ Star Ships haveretractable roofs – offering the ideal place to cool off on hot summer days as well as to enjoy a fewlengths when the weather isn’t so favourable. Luxury cruise line, Crystal River, also offers an indoor pool with panoramic window to watch the passing scenery as you relax.
3. Cinema
Emerald Waterways really make the most of the space on-board their star ships. In the evenings, theindoor pool can be transformed into a cinema. Rather than covering the pool, the floor of the pool israised to become part of the deck. Popcorn, comfortable loungers and battery-powered candles areprovided to create a wonderfully relaxing ambience.
4. Electric bikes
Many river cruise ships carry bicycles which passengers can use when they are ashore, either to skipthe coach and make their own way to the planned excursions or to explore on their own. It’s evenpossible to cycle alongside the ship and meet it at the next port of call. The pedal bikes you’ll find on-board Emerald Waterways Star Ships also have batteries, so if your legs are getting tired you cansimply turn on the electricity and have a rest! They also have sat-nav which is pre-loaded withinteresting landmarks to visit.
5. Silent disco
A silent disco involves each person wearing a set of headphones which they can switch to a numberof different music channels. This fun activity is popular with youngsters and trendy river cruise line Uby Uniworld has been the first to introduce silent discos on its modern ships.
6. Herb garden
River cruisers sailing with Viking River Cruises may be interested to spot a herb garden on the sundeck. More than just a decoration, the on-board chefs snip cuttings of the organic herbs tocomplement the dishes they prepare.
7. Deck games
Many river cruise ships feature deck games on the sun deck such as shuffleboard, giant chess andeven giant noughts and crosses. It’s a great way to entertain yourselves for an hour in the afternoon.
8. Mini golf
Mini golf also makes an appearance on several river cruise ships. Whilst you can’t expect to play 18holes, or even nine, these small putting greens are always popular with golf enthusiasts who can alsovisit full-size courses on some of the shore excursions on offer.
9. Cookery classes
One of the best things to do on-board a river cruise is to enjoy enrichment activities such as lectureswith guest speakers, port talks and even cookery classes. At Viking River Cruises’ cookery lessonsguests can learn how to make regional specialities such as Austrian apple strudel and Rudesheimcoffee. Scenic River Cruises also offers gastronomy cruises where you can experience the chefs’ passion and expertise first hand with cooking lessons.
In conclusion, despite the relatively small size of river cruise ships, you’ll still find some reallyinteresting features on-board. Were you surprised by any of the facilities you’ve found on a rivercruise ship? Or what do you think would make a good addition to a cruise ship? Let us know in thecomments below.
Updated 30.01.2023
