Many experienced deep-ocean cruisers might initially be surprised to learn that not all river cruise ships feature an elevator for passenger use. After all, with most spanning a maximum height of three decks, there’s little need for one – unless you happen to need that elevator.

AmaWaterways' AmaDolce features an elevator that traverses two decks. Photo © 2011 Aaron Saunders

Guests with mobility issues depend on passenger elevators to transport them between decks, narrowing the options for those dependent on scooters or wheelchairs to get around. Fortunately, the vast majority of river cruise lines seem to understand this, and most newly-built river cruise ships feature passenger elevators.

While I was sailing onboard AmaWaterways’ AmaLyra this past December, a reader with mobility issues emailed me to ask how someone who requires a scooter to get around would fare on a river cruise. As it turns out, the necessity of a scooter didn’t seem to be an issue at all for one guest on my sailing. She was able to traverse the ship using the passenger elevator, and was helped ashore with her scooter, where it was loaded into the storage bay of the motorcoach for touring.  It was then removed at every stop by the bus driver, and she scooted off to explore places like Nuremberg, Melk and Vienna with the rest of us.

Now, this lady was able to walk with some assistance, which I would imagine is a necessity in ports with low tides and steep gangway inclines. It is always important to gauge your own level of comfort, particularly in Europe where uneven cobblestone streets can be the norm.

The vast majority of newly-built river cruise ships feature passenger elevators. Photo © 2011 Aaron Saunders

In order to better assist our readers, we’ve put together the following list of river cruise lines and have noted where applicable those ships lacking a passenger elevator.  Thankfully, most do include one, making river cruising a highly accessible and enjoyable mode of exploration for everyone.

AmaWaterways

• Every AmaWaterways ship includes a passenger elevator.

Avalon Waterways

• Avalon Tranquility, Avalon Imagery, and Avalon Tapestry do not have passenger elevators.

Tauck River Cruises

• Every Tauck River Cruises vessel includes a passenger elevator.

Uniworld Boutique River Cruises

• River Ambassador and River Baroness lack passenger elevators.

Viking River Cruises

•  Viking’s newest vessels, as well as their recently-refitted Russian fleet, offer passenger elevators.

For more information on each of the river cruise lines listed above, be sure to click their name for our full fleet and line overviews!

I will admit it: Before I had taken my first river cruise, I had my doubts. Would I enjoy it? Would I be bored? Would it be too laid back? Even though I have 25+ deep ocean cruises under my nautical belt, I still wondered about river cruising and whether it was right for me.

I shouldn’t have worried.

From start to finish, the entire experience left me spellbound. It was every bit as entertaining as the best deep-ocean cruise, and just as infectious. And the ability to visit some of the most beautiful and historic cities in Europe was just the icing on the cake.

If you’re reading this and you’re a seasoned river cruiser, you’ll know exactly what I’m talking about. But if you’re pouring over this site and are on the fence about river cruising in general, let us show you the way as we take you through Five Reasons to River Cruise in 2012:

1. New Ships

The beautiful new S.S Antoinette is the crown jewel of the Uniworld fleet. Photo courtesy of Uniworld.

We’ve touched on this here before: 2012 is poised to be an unparalleled year for river cruising, thanks to a number of new ships coming online. And more ships means more choices than ever before, both onboard and off. Gone are the days of river cruise ships with cramped staterooms and a lack of amenities; these new high-tech vessels are giving even the most brilliant deep-ocean cruise ships a run for their money.

2. New Itineraries

Ever wanted to sail through China? There's a river cruise for that. Photo courtesy of Wikipedia.

Have you ever wanted to Africa? How about Portugal’s Douro Valley? Or the mighty Mekong, which traverses Vietnam and Cambodia? River cruises are no longer offered only along the waterways of Europe; today, you can sail to all of the above destinations in addition to sailings that explore Russia, the Black Sea, Egypt, and even China. Looking for adventure? Look no further: Many of these sailings can be combined with pre-and-post cruise overland journeys. Our favorites for 2012: AmaWaterways‘ new adventures in Africa, and Viking River Cruises‘ stunning 16-day Roof of the World itinerary that includes an overland journey to historic Lhasa.

3. Convenience

River cruise ships typically dock within walking distance of most towns. Tauck's Swiss Jewel and AmaWaterways' AmaLyra are shown here in Passau, Germany. Photo © 2011 Aaron Saunders

The best reason to river cruise, in my opinion, is the same reason deep-ocean cruises are such an amazing vacation choice: You arrive, unpack once, and sleep in the same bed for seven days. There’s no changing hotels at 6am, or hopping onto or off of motorcoaches at inhumane hours. Instead, all you have to do is sit back, relax, and let the crew of your river cruise vessel do the work. Every day is like a new adventure as you wake up to “magically” find yourself somewhere else.

4. Europe is cooling

Because of the falling Euro, this €5 cocktail will take less from your wallet than before. Photo © 2011 Aaron Saunders

I’m not talking about temperature; the recent challenges within the European Union have seen the Euro drop to new record lows against the United States and Canadian dollars. Australians too are getting a bargain in Europe, and while that can spell trouble for the European Union, for the meantime it means river cruising through Europe – where onboard accounts are charged in Euros – has never been more accessible for non-Europeans.

5. Unprecedented Deals

Cruising during the off-summer months can save you money and hold some surprises, too - like Vienna decorated for Christmas! Photo © 2011 Aaron Saunders

We want you to river cruise because we believe it’s one of the absolute best ways to see Europe. River cruise lines want you to come to Europe for exactly the same reason – that, and they would like to fill their ships. With the additional capacity coming on-line this year, coupled with the falling Euro, expect to see some great deals on river cruises this year, particularly if you can participate in off-peak runs.

It’s been an exciting decade for river cruising, and 2012 is poised to be the year it all breaks wide open!

When people think of the legendary waterways of Europe, often the most famous one that springs to mind is the Danube. The second-longest river after Russia’s Volga, the Danube stretches from the Black Forest in Germany and continues until it reaches the Black Sea. Besides being an important trade and transportation route, the Danube has captured the imagination of citizens and travelers for centuries. It even boasts its own “theme song” composed by Austrian Johann Strauss, On the Beautiful Blue Danube, or more commonly just The Blue Danube.

Launched in August 2011, MS Treasures is the newest member of the Tauck fleet. Photo courtesy of Tauck.

If you’ve always wanted to explore this fascinating region of the world, Tauck offers a compelling reason to do so next year by combining a spectacular itinerary operated by it’s newest vessel, the elegant MS Treasures.

Christened just this past August, the MS Treasures carries just 118 fortunate guests aboard a ship that is as comfortable as it is attractive. A full 85 percent of all staterooms feature full floor-to-ceiling windows with French balconies, and all cabins boast a new modular design for bedding that allows two single beds to be transformed seamlessly into a fully integrated king size bed. Four-hundred thread count Egyptian cotton sheets and luxurious Hungarian down-filled pillows help ensure that your time aboard will be as comfortable as it is adventurous..

Luxurious bedding and French balconies await you aboard MS Treasures. Photo courtesy of Tauck.

On board MS Treasures, Tauck has chosen amenities from the refreshing L’Occitane toiletries found in the staterooms. Weather also need not play a factor in your cruise enjoyment: MS Treasures has an attractive Lido Bar located at the stern of the vessel that features a remarkable 180-degree glass wall that opens to create an indoor/outdoor cocktail lounge when weather permits.

The sweeping atrium aboard the new MS Treasures. Photo courtesy of Tauck.

Guests looking for a little more space will obviously be delighted to learn there are 14 suites measuring 300-square feet and equipped with marble baths, flat-screen televisions, walk-in closets, and floor-to-ceiling windows with French balconies.

Complementing the nautical beauty of the MS Treasures is the natural beauty of the legendary Danube and the historic sights of some of Europe’s most fascinating cities. Departing May 10, June 7, July 1, August 16, September 13, and September 27, 2012, this itinerary includes time to expore both Prague and Budapest in-depth. But it’s also noteworthy for combining port calls in cities like Vienna alongside smaller ports like Durnstein, which are sometimes passed over on other itineraries.

The beautiful town of Cesky Krumlov is almost storybook in appearance. Photo © 2011 Alicia Saunders

Be sure to take part in the journey to storybook-like Cesky Krumlov; it is an experience you won’t soon forget!

The full itinerary, offered aboard MS Treasures and the equally elegant MS Swiss Jewel:

Aboard Tauck, all gratuities are included in the price of the river cruise, along with all Tauck shore excursions and two nights in both Prague and Budapest. Three Tauck Exclusive experiences are also included on this itinerary: in Vienna, a private evening at an imperial palace features dinner and Viennese performers; while guests are treated to a private aperitif and dinner at Lobkowicz Palace in Prague. Guests are also treated to a private tour of Prague’s Baroque libraries and the Strahov Monastery.

The beautiful MS Treasures enjoys a European evening. Photo courtesy of Tauck.

Frankly, this is one itinerary that has us humming The Blue Danube and daydreaming a little. What about you?

For more information about Tauck, its fleet of four elegant river cruise ships and itineraries, be sure to read our Tauck River Cruises profile right here on River Cruise Advisor.