How a voyage across Europe surrounded by American retirees changed my mind about cruises

I love a good ramble in the sticks. The fauna, the birdsong, zero traffic, free blackberries. What I love most, though, is that people who’d ordinarily blank you on the street, smile and say “good morning”. And with the biggest grin, you say “good morning” back. Even when it’s afternoon, everyone still says good morning. All that fresh air getting to our giddy heads. What’s this got to do with going on a cruise?

Well, having returned from my first river cruise, I’ve learned it brings out the same heartwarming socialness among strangers too.

It helps that around 95 percent of my fellow passengers were from the States – a nation so hospitable, they’ll introduce themselves and invite you to stay…