I’ve said before that exploring the world via small ship is a relaxing and rewarding way to travel—and judging by the number of emails I’ve received from travelers who’ve joined us recently on our River Cruise vacations, it’s clear that countless others share this sentiment!
I’ve selected a few emails to share with you that, to me, do a great job of explaining why our small ship itineraries remain so popular—but first, I want to answer a timely question from Larry W., a 6-time traveler and Inner Circle member from Roseland, Texas:
Next year is the Passion Play in Oberammergau, Germany. Since this only comes around once every 10 years, my wife and I really want to attend. Will Grand Circle be offering any tours or trip extensions featuring this event? We have found other travel agencies offering trips including Oberammergau and the Passion Play. Our first choice would be to see it with you, but we want to make our reservations before they are all gone for this historic event.
Great question, Larry—and I’m happy to report that, as I type this, Grand Circle staff members are hard at work creating a special 2010 land vacation featuring the celebrated Oberammergau Passion Play. (For those unfamiliar with the event, it’s a dramatic reenactment of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ—one that residents of the Bavarian town of Oberammergau have been performing once every decade since 1634. You can find more information online at the event’s official website: http://www.oberammergau-passion.com/.)
Since we’re still in the planning stages, I don’t have many details to report … but I can tell you that we’re looking at including an extended stay in Munich, Germany, and plan to offer May-September 2010 departures. Be sure to check our website in the coming weeks for more up-to-date information.
Dear Harriet: My husband and I are definitely “hooked” on river cruising, as opposed to big ship ocean cruising. Here are just a few reasons why:
- The ships are smaller and much more convivial.
- Small groups have their own tour directors.
- There is a spirit of “community” when traveling aboard that leads to passengers behaving like a family. Information, trip discoveries, supplies (from Band-Aids to over-the-counter medications), travel tips, etc.—are all eagerly shared.
- Most importantly, why Grand Circle? Easily explained: You have the best Program Directors, the most luxurious ships, the friendliest and most competent crews, top-notch food, interesting itineraries, lots of choices, and everyone at Grand Circle treats us like treasured guests.
Looking forward to reading your blogs.
Linda D.
2-time traveler
Pottstown, PA
Harriet,
Growing up where I did—in the heartland of the U.S.—I never thought I would enjoy any kind of cruise. Then my husband, Jesse, and I discovered Grand Circle. Our first cruise was The Great Rivers of Europe.
We ran into problems with high water and a low bridge, and I wondered what would happen next. Never fear: As the river continued to rise, Grand Circle’s Program Directors had buses lined up to take us to the places we thought we would be cruising to. We got to see a few places that were not on our itinerary, as, quietly and behind the scenes, the Program Directors and Grand Circle staff in Europe continued to work on the problem. Within a couple of days, we disembarked and headed for Nuremberg. As if by magic, we experienced two nights in a lovely hotel, extended, historic sightseeing tours of Nuremberg, and then embarked on a different company’s “borrowed” river ship to complete our journey to Amsterdam.
We discovered that GCT river ships are much nicer than those of other companies, but since part of our crew from the M/S River Aria joined us on our new ship, we continued to receive the incredible care that continues to be a hallmark of our experiences with Grand Circle.
One day, I hope to take the Great Rivers cruise again—to see what (if anything) we missed the first time around. Since that cruise, we’ve joined you for your Christmas Markets along the Danube, Christmas Markets along the Rhine, Romance of the Rhine & Mosel (my favorite of all!) and Cruising Burgundy & Provence to the Cote d’Azur vacations.
Thanks for making this company the best travel company we have encountered.
Kathy B.
5-time traveler & Inner Circle member
Omaha, NE
Linda, Sally, and Kathy—on behalf of the Grand Circle staff and crew members who work hard to ensure you enjoy every minute of your time with us, thank you for your kind words. I also want to say kudos to you, Kathy, for your glass-half-full approach to unforeseen itinerary changes: While we strive to deliver the advertised experience on all of our River Cruise departures, sometimes Mother Nature intervenes—so I’m always happy to hear from travelers like you who not only understand why we may be forced to change our plans, but view them as opportunities for unexpected discoveries.