A deep sea cruiser will often regard the river cruise as either a poor relation of their ocean going adventure, or something that they will regrettably be reduced to once they are no longer capable of travelling further afield. But in fact the truth is that the two experiences are very different, and a river cruise is probably far more akin to that Wind in the Willows favourite pastime of ‘messing about in boats’. The appeal of a river cruise is that you are right there, by the water. In fact if you have a lower deck cabin, you may well see a duck swim past your window. And you can pass many happy hours, even in chilly weather, up on the top deck wrapped in a blanket, just watching the world go by. The pace of life slows to bicycle speed when you travel on one of these great European highways, just as generations and generations have done before you. Tying up right in the centre of picturesque and historic towns and cities, you understand better then ever before how the whole history of Europe has been dominated by the great waterways of this fascinating continent.

The problem for a potential river cruiser is to work out which vessel to choose. There is no Berlitz Guide to river cruisers, and the vessels, at a glance, tend to look very similar. Therefore price differences relate very closely to the intangible ‘quality’ of the product, from bedding and toiletteries, to service levels and food. Therefore it is in the realm of river cruising more than anywhere that the company name counts for everything – the reassurance of buying from a known and trusted brand is more important here than anywhere. Our chosen partners are Peter Deilmann – arguably the best in Europe, and with a very European style – and Viking, with a wonderful range of product and a high level of American passengers.

The Peter Deilmann 2009 programme has just been launched, with some excellent enhancements we know will interest our customers. Every booking includes a complimentary shore excursion every day, with an English speaking guide: you can choose from a mouthwatering selection, at no additional cost.

Generous early booking savings of up to £300 are available when you book by 30th September – and it is in any case well worth booking early as many sailings sell out well in advance, so you can secure the date and cabin of your choice, and save money as well!

If you have not taken a river cruise before, or if you are travelling alone, you may like the idea of an escorted cruise – and what’s more, these are very good for those who prefer not to fly, as they have been combined with travel by rail. You can choose from an Amsterdam round trip in late March, a Rhone cruise from Lyon in July, a Seine cruise in August or September, or a Rhine cruise in October. Music lovers will be tempted by three music cruises on the Danube.

Returning guests are welcomed back with a 3% loyalty bonus, and in these times of rising fuel prices and widespread surcharges, Peter Deilmann have made a very welcome no fuel supplement guarantee – the price you see is the price you pay.