A Jewish vacation option that has rapidly grown in popularity over the past few years is the kosher river cruise. But it is a mode of travel that hasn't only become a trend among Jewish travelers. More people, Jews and non-Jews alike, are seeing riverboat cruises as a way to spend their holiday breaks. 

Europe still has the distinction of having the most booked river trips, but waterways in Africa and Asia are seeing a rise in cruises as well. So what has led to the continuing rise of river cruises around the world?

The fact that many cities cannot be visited through ocean cruises is a bitter pill that many avid cruise line travelers have to swallow. Fortunately, this is where river cruises can step in. They can provide ocean cruisers with another option that is still well within their preferred style of vacationing.

Those who have already been to a country before—or a continent, in some cases—tend to go on a river cruise on their second or third time visiting. In Europe, for example, many cities are designed with their rivers in mind. This means that river cruises allow its passengers to witness some towns and regions at their best. At times, it gives even the most experienced tourists a chance to see an aspect of a place that they normally would not be able to.

Another big reason why river cruises have become popular is the level of comfort and convenience that they provide. For instance, they give travelers who are used to luxurious accommodations a way to travel to locations that they would not go to if they did not find, say, the lodgings to their standards. They can head to rural areas, rain forests, and other far-flung locations without having to worry about where they will be staying for the night. 

And like their ocean-faring cousins, luxury riverboats also have a wide range of amenities, though to a smaller degree. They can still have gyms, spas, lounges, and restaurants. Bigger boats can even have swimming pools as well. 

But the convenience they can offer isn't just limited to their onboard facilities. Some cruise lines cater to certain demographics to make their travels easier. 

Jewish globetrotters have benefited greatly from cruise lines such as KRC and Kosherica, which offer kosher river cruises to various countries worldwide. Their riverboats not only serve kosher meals but usually also have a synagogue aboard, complete with rabbis, and religious services. They also take the observation of Shabbat into consideration in their itineraries. 

Jewish travel has never been made this easy before. With all the convenient options now available to Jews, the only thing left to do is book a trip with their cruise line or tour group of choice!

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