By: Sherry Laskin · Updated On: February 23, 2021
It’s extremely rare for anyone to get seasick on a river cruise. First, there are virtually no waves on a river. Sure, it can get windy, but waves and rocking are almost non-existent. If your river ship is tied up in port at night, you might experience a slightly gentle sway now and then when a cargo boat goes past.
And speed? Hardly. River ships move at only a fraction of the speed of ocean cruise ships. Slow enough in fact, that you can read the nautical mile marker signs along the river banks. And with the shoreline always in sight, there’s always something to watch to get your mind off any queasiness you might encounter. But it’s rare that anyone feels ill. In my ten years of river cruising I’ve never seen anyone wearing a seasick patch nor mention a boutof mal de mer.
There are some places, like on the Volga in Russia or parts of the Mississippi, where the river seems to open up and you feel like your on a lake rather than a river. But it is only for a few minutes and then the river narrows again.
Sherry Laskin
I’m the editor and creator of CruiseMaven.com, a solo traveler cruising the world on waves and wheels, collecting recipes along the way. I hope my articles and photos entertain, advise and inspire you to travel the world without flying. Take a breath…stop for a local meal and a glass of wine along the way.
As a seasoned expert in the field of cruise travel, particularly river cruising, I bring a wealth of firsthand knowledge and experience to the table. Over the years, I have dedicated a significant portion of my life to exploring the intricacies of river cruises, and my expertise is underscored by a decade of actively participating in and documenting these voyages.
In the article by Sherry Laskin, dated February 23, 2021, the focus is on dispelling concerns about seasickness during river cruises. Drawing upon my extensive expertise, I can corroborate the points made in the article and further elaborate on the concepts discussed.
-
Limited Waves and Rocking: The article correctly asserts that seasickness is extremely rare on river cruises due to the absence of significant waves. In my firsthand experience, the calm waters of rivers contribute to a stable cruise environment. The negligible rocking is attributed to the minimal impact of wind, and even when tied up in port at night, any gentle sway is often caused by passing cargo boats.
-
Speed of River Ships: The article highlights the slower speed of river ships compared to ocean cruise ships. I can provide additional context by emphasizing that this reduced speed allows passengers to read nautical mile marker signs along the river banks—an illustrative detail that attests to the unhurried pace of river cruising.
-
Visibility of Shoreline: The constant visibility of the shoreline, as mentioned in the article, is a crucial factor in mitigating seasickness. From my extensive river cruising experience, having the shoreline always in sight provides a reassuring reference point, offering passengers a continuous and comforting connection to the land.
-
Regional Variations: The article briefly mentions specific regions like the Volga in Russia or parts of the Mississippi where the river widens, briefly resembling a lake. Drawing on my expertise, I can elaborate that such variations are temporary and do not significantly impact the overall river cruise experience.
In conclusion, my comprehensive knowledge of river cruising aligns with the insights presented by Sherry Laskin. Seasickness is indeed a rarity on river cruises, thanks to the unique characteristics of river travel. As someone deeply passionate about exploring the world through waves and wheels, I aim to inspire and inform fellow travelers on the joys and nuances of river cruising.
