River Cruises: Reducing the Environmental Footprint & Helping Others

Hi Everyone, Sailor here.   Hope you’re having a flea-free day! 

Herb Garden on the Viking Odin

Speaking of environmental pests (well, I guess fleas have their purpose in the eco-system, though for the life of me I can’t figure out what it is) I’m proud of the efforts many of the river cruise lines are making to soften their environmental impact and even to help the people of the countries that they visit.  Two of the most visible sustainable cruising efforts river cruise lines have demonstrated are the solar panels on the top decks of Viking River Cruises new "Longships", and the herb gardens Viking has planted aboard the same ships to provide fresh, organic herbs for their fantastic cuisine.  

Several cruise lines are joined in "The Sustainable River Cruising Project” a concerted effort which focuses on developing measures to reduce water and energy use, and waste generation in the river cruising industry.  Many of the newer ships utilize diesel-electric hybrid engines specially designed for low vibration and minimal environmental impact.  They also encourage passengers to do their part by minimizing usage of air conditioning and turning appliances and lights off when leaving a cabin. 

Taking a “pay it forward” approach, Uniworld Cruises has also announced “Pack with a Purpose” – a new initiative that encourages passengers traveling on their “Timeless Wonders of Vietnam, Cambodia and the Mekong” river cruise and tour to leave room in their suitcases to bring needed educational and medical supplies to children in Siam Reap, Cambodia.  Things like books and crayons, pencils, vitamins, toothbrushes, clothing, sports equipment, even musical instruments!  And AMA Waterways is also helping in Siam Reap with their financial support of the ODA Free Village English School in association with the Orphans and Disabled Arts Association.  They also encourage passengers on their Vietnam, Cambodia and Mekong Delta voyages to bring things like notebooks, erasers, pencils, pens and highlighters, to donate to the school.

As you know, I was an orphan until my Dorothy came along and adopted me, so I’m a big fan of helping orphanages and innocent children who simply need someone to give them an opportunity.  I'm also pretty fond of the environment, getting close to mother nature every day.  So if you’re thinking about a river cruise, think of not only yourself and the great time you’ll have, but of the good you can do and how you can pay it forward by helping out wherever you go. 

Meanwhile, keep your nose to the wind and all four paws on deck!

Dorothy Flannery is president of Top Sail Journeys, Sailor C. Flannery is Director of Public Relations and all around dogsbody.  If you would like to learn more about European river cruises, check out their sites at http://cruisethedanube.com and http://cruisetherhine.com or for special event cruises go to http://eventcruises.co. 
 

Your Favorite Ship

Sailor again, hi everyone!  I had this great idea about what I would write, but then I got a phone call and now I’ve forgotten.  Let’s see if I can dig it up.

Oh right, got it.  You know, as I walk my Dorothy around the neighborhood we frequently get asked “What’s your favorite ship?”  Well, I’m a dog, and being a dog, everything is my favorite.  Walking is my favorite thing!  Sleeping – my favorite thing!  Dinner, my favorite thing!  Going for a ride in the car – my favorite thing!  That’s just how dogs are. 

Dorothy, is a bit like me in that all cruise ships are her favorite, because whatever cruise she’s on, she’s having a great time and while she’s on board, the ship she is sailing on is her favorite one!   But there’s really no “favorite”  ship that she can recommend to someone else because everybody has different tastes and requirements.  If you like mega-ships with casinos, Broadway shows and Las Vegas revues  then she is not going to recommend a river cruise ship.  If you want to sail with other passengers who are mostly American, she might recommend AMA Waterways, Uniworld or Viking River Cruises; and if you love being with Australians then you’d be barking up the right tree by choosing Scenic Cruises.

Then there’s the food (my favorite thing!).  Dorothy is no gastronome.  Her eating habits are hopeless, with Diet Coke figuring very prominently on her menu.  So she’s really not one to advise when it comes to the “best food”.  I have to say though, that food on board the river cruises – all river cruises,  is outstanding.  Chefs aboard the ships shop locally for fresh vegetables and produce and on some of Viking River Cruises’ new ships they even grow their own herbs on the top deck!  There are even “food and wine cruises” that focus on regional specialties and on which you can watch demonstrations and go to the market with the chef.  

Your favorite cruise ship is the one that meets the requirements for YOUR vacation: your budget, your timing, your destination.  Even narrowing it down by those three factors you may still have several ships to choose from.  Ask my Dorothy, she can help.

Until next time, keep your nose to the wind and all four paws on deck!

Dorothy Flannery is president of Top Sail Journeys, Sailor C. Flannery is Director of Public Relations and all around dogsbody.  If you would like to learn more about European river cruises, check out their sites at http://cruisethedanube.com and http://cruisetherhine.com or for special event cruises go to http://eventcruises.co. 
 

Oh the Things You Will See!

Hi all, Sailor here.  Came across this photo on Facebook and I want to assure you that this guy is not related to me in any way and you will not see this on a river cruise (the embarrassing things some dogs will do just to get publicity)! 

But let’s talk about the things you WILL see!  The Chain Bridge in   

Budapest – uniting the cities of Buda and Pest, St. Steven’s Cathedral – home of Europe’s largest pipe organ, The Fisherman’s Memorial in Budapest, the Justice Palace in Nuremberg where the War Crimes Tribunal sat in 1946, the Vienna Opera House (originally considered by the Viennese to be an eyesore, leading to the suicide of the architect) and Schonbrunn Palace –seat of the Hapsburg dynasty – all on the Danube.

Cruising the Rhine?  On the Rhine you will see Cologne Cathedral – which took more than six centuries to be completed, and maybe visit the world’s oldest fragrance factory, picking up some Eau de Cologne to take home with you.  Of course you’ll cruise through the legendary canals of Amsterdam, and you may take an excursion to the famous Ann Frank’s house.  You’ll enjoy the scenery of the Black Forest, and sail past the famous Lorelei Rock – said to lure fishermen to their destruction (note: we haven’t lost a single ship here). 

And these are just a few highlights; on a river cruise you get to watch history unfold as you glide along the calm waterways, spotting the red roofs of ancient villages and the centuries-old vineyards and castles on the Rhine;  you may cruise past Europe’s Continental Divide, celebrate the heritage of Mozart in Salzburg or dance to a waltz by Strauss or Schubert.  (If you’ve got four left feet (like me)  maybe you’d just like to tap your paws to Hungarian folk music!

The easy pace sets a soothing atmosphere where you retreat into history and, although your ship is equipped with all the modern conveniences (Wi-Fi, flat screen TV’s, heated marble floors in the bathrooms, etc.) you may just take a much needed break from the hustle and bustle of modern society. 

Picture yourself sipping a glass of regional wine and taking a deep breath …  I’m getting sleepy just thinking about it.

 ‘til next time keep your nose to the wind and all four paws on deck!

Dorothy Flannery is president of Top Sail Journeys, Sailor C. Flannery is Director of Public Relations and all around dogsbody.  If you would like to learn more about European river cruises, check out their sites at http://cruisethedanube.com and http://cruisetherhine.com or for special event cruises go to http://eventcruises.co.