Riverboat Cruises?

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We're thinking of taking a riverboat cruise this year, as we've heard they're a little less rowdy than the big oceanliners. We went on a Royal Caribbean cruise a couple years ago and had a good time, but it wasn't exactly romantic what with the loud pulsating music at night and customs checks at 7 am. We're looking for something a little more - old fashioned, I guess. Where the dancing under the stars is to Blue Danube and not "Who let the dogs out". Don't get me wrong, I'm not looking for all mellow all the time, but having an option of at least one evening being really romantic would be nice. And I'm thinking riverboat would be great, since there's no crossing international borders, so no getting buzzed out of bed to present your credentials.

Has anyone ever been on a riverboat cruise? And is it anything like I'm hoping? Any input is appreciated.

[scubasam]

I haven't cruised on a riverboat as a paid passenger but I used to work in sales for a riverboat cruise co so traveled on it w/ clients a few times. It is a definitely a different experience than a big cruise ship and it's a lovely way to travel. I truly enjoyed our cruises but I also traveled for free. I'm not sure that as a paying passenger it would have been my first choice....at this point, being in my 30's. I say that only b/c the "typical" traveler on American riverboats are seniors. 95% of the passengers we had were 65 and older and I know that is also the case for some other co's. In that sense, yes, you'll surely have an "old fashioned" experience but I'm not sure that is your vision of old fashioned.

As far as the daily activities go, I can't speak for other co's but ours was pretty jam packed w/ daily tours, most of historical nature as the itinerary followed the footsteps of Lewis & Clark (now there is an Alaskan cruise as well). Evenings consisted of Frank Sinatra type singers, big bands, etc. and lots of scrumptious food! The staterooms are decked out w/ quality antique replica furnishings and are quite spacious compared to other cruiselines. Even though there weren't many people my age, I always had a great time and looked forward to going back w/ other clients.

This is the company I worked for: http://www.columbiarivercruise.com/ (American West Steamboat Company)

Other companies to look at are:

Delta Queen Steamboat Company
Great American Journeys (actually started by our old GM - essentially the same itinerary as the Lewis & Clark w/ Amer. West Steamboat)
American Cruise Lines
CruiseWest

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Thanks for the information - I'm off to look at the links now. Being a bit of a history buff, this sounds great for a change of pace vacation.