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Mississippi Cruise Activities Galore
October 28th, 2009 by John Howard, under Travel and Leisure. No Comments
The river cruise has become a very trendy kind of vacation today, and especially so on the Mississippi. Whether it is just for a short few hours, for a week or even a month, a boat cruise can be a very exhilarating as well as tranquil holiday.
There are loads of different things that one can do on a cruise on a river as varied as the Mississippi, and this is reflected in the great number of options that exist for Mississippi cruises. Whether for a day or for a whole month, you’ll never be bored.
Mississippi cruises, which take place on the United States’ second longest river, which is also one of the world’s longest rivers, are rife with alternatives and different things to do for all sorts of leisure travelers.
The river’s variety is also reflected in the different kinds of waterborne vessels that can be found on it. As for your floating accommodation, it is probably going to be a comfortable and modern purpose-built ship, but at the higher end of the Mississippi cruise offer there are also beautiful restored steamboats.
Possible activities on a Mississippi cruise range from the most obvious, such as going to places of interest in the local cities and other sights, and tasting the local cuisine, to the more special, such as learning to play an instrument the Bluegrass way while gliding ahead on the river.
Often Mississippi cruises are used to organize specific happenings, such as a high school reunion, a marriage celebration or a business event. If you are planning to organize such an event, your guests will be delighted and will assuredly hold the experience forever in their memories.
Sometimes, entire cruises are dedicated to a single event, often with lectures or reenactments aboard. For instance, there are some that concentrate on Civil War events near the river, others looking at the history of steamboats, and also events that relate to the passengers, such as floating veterans’ reunions.
There are several ports of departure along the river, and while the shorter Mississippi cruises tent to be on a return trip from the same port, longer ones are usually one way, with the boat then going back with another cargo of passengers.
Pricing for a Mississippi cruise varies enormously, mainly depending on the kind of trip (luxury, midrange or budget) but of course also no the length, on the included extras, and on the overall package. Often discounts can be had for groups such as families.
Te Internet will provide you with a lot of additional details on different Mississippi cruise options, including from impartial third parties as well as from the organizers themselves. Once you have all the info that you need, you just need to book and go.
MississippiCruiseGuide.com covers all your Mississippi cruise needs, with tips and information. Whether you want to book a cruise or make the most out of the trip, click on a link to start.
European River Travel: Where To Go?
August 20th, 2009 by John Howard, under Travel and Leisure. No Comments
If you’re considering going on a cruise, river travel is a good way to go. River cruises let you explore many of the most fascinating rivers and cities worldwide, and especially so in Europe with its wealth of diverse history, culture, and cuisine.
Regardless of whether you will be cruising by yourself, as a couple, or with a group of people, you will find that European river travel has something special, and that every cruise that you will take on the continent’s waterways will be a trip to remember.
River travel allows you to see the interior of the continent from an angle that few tourists experience to the fullest. You will be far from the crowds, travelling with your floating hotel. and will never risk being stuck in traffic or having to wait for hours at airports and train stations.
Also, don’t think that riverboats are devoid of comfort just because they are smaller then seagoing vessels. You will find that the rooms are functional but spacious, and that your cruise boat will also feature comfortable common areas such as eating and lounging spaces, as well as viewing spaces to soak in the scenery, of course.
Before looking at the boating companies that you may want to book your trip with, it would make sense to decide on the length of your voyage, as well as on the location that interests you and on the amount of amenities that you would expect to come with your package.
Concerning the length, one or two weeks is standard but there are also short break offers for a weekend, and on the other end of the scale, six week Rhine-to-Danube extravaganzas for people with a lot of leisure time.
There are several great locations that you can choose from. Major countries for European river travel are Austria-Hungary-Romania (Danube river), Germany (Rhine, Elbe, and their tributaries), Holland (Rhine delta), France (Seine and Rhone), Spain-Portugal (Douro), Italy (Po and the Venice laguna) and Russia (Volga and the lakes around Petrograd)
Make sure that you also choose the season well. Areas such as the South of France and the Netherlands are more suited to a trip in the warmer months, due to the bloom in vegetation that you will experience.
As for the winter, Germany and Austria are great cruising spots because of the snow, the renowned winter markets, and also because of the cakes and cookies! And don’t worry, European river boats are all well heated.
Concerning the level of comfort, you will find that there are a great number of alternatives, from Spartan drive-your-own houseboat hires to luxury cruse ships that have a lot in common with high-end hotels, but that retain an individual character.