“River cruising is expensive.” I hear that often.

But compared to what?

A boutique hotel in the heart of Vienna, Paris, or Budapest — every single night. Cycling past castles along the Rhine River. Truffle hunting in Provence along the Rhône River. Walking through Schönbrunn Palace. Standing before Monet’s Water Lilies at the Musée de l’Orangerie. Sailing past the Eiffel Tower at sunset.

All while unpacking once.