by Andrew Kunesh, Senior Reporter, Cards & Loyalty
Imagine cobblestone streets that twist and turn, landing you at a cozy cafe where you can spend an afternoon sipping coffee. Picture ancient castles nestled on lush mountains, or lights glittering as you explore a nighttime Christmas market.
Curious how river cruises differ from ocean sailings? For starters, they’re generally pricier than ocean cruises, but even the least expensive offer a more luxurious and amenity-inclusive experience than what you’d find on a typical ocean ship. Wi-Fi, some shore excursions, and beer and wine with meals are usually rolled into the fares.
Due to size restrictions along the rivers they sail, the ships — even the newest ones — are smaller and more intimate than most oceangoing vessels out of necessity. The number of passengers on board is usually no more than about 200.
What you won’t see are onboard theaters, casinos or jaw-dropping top-deck attractions. Instead, you’ll experience an upscale but laid-back atmosphere, perhaps with onboard lectures and a musician who takes up residence in the main lounge.
River voyages are also more destination-intensive than ocean cruises. Because ports along the rivers are often close together, there are few, if any, days where you’re just sailing. You’ll spend less time underway and more time immersing yourself in the food, history and culture of the region you’re visiting, whether you’re taking in the storied castles of the Rhine, music of the Danube, art and architecture of the Seine, or the crisp white and full-bodied red wines produced along the Douro.
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Disney offers a four-tiered loyalty program for frequent cruisers that brings such perks as early access to onboard activities and free specialty dining.
If you have missing statement credits from American Express, here's how you can claim them to get reimbursed for charges related to your credit card's perks.
More than 5,000 combined workers are on strike at hotels affiliated with Marriott, Hyatt, Hilton and Omni in Boston, Honolulu, San Francisco and Seattle.
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