River Cruises
River cruise ships are smaller than ocean-going cruise ships, typically holding 90-240 passengers (though there are ships that take only 5 passengers, and others can carry 1,000 passengers). Due to their smaller size and low draft, river cruise ships can go where ocean cruise ships cannot, and sometimes to where no other transport is practical: rivers are an excellent way to reach some attractions, for example in Russia, China and the Peruvian Amazon.
During river cruises the countryside is usually in view, so they are especially relaxing—and interesting—to those who prefer land nearby. River cruises usually last from 7 to 15 days, although some can last 3 weeks or longer.
Some river ships resemble 5-star hotels, with sun decks, dining rooms, lounges, fitness facilities, swimming pools, casinos and other entertainment. Accommodation, meals on board, entertainment and special events (holidays, festivals, contests, concerts, etc.) are usually included in the cruise price, while bar expenses, sauna, massage, laundry and cleaning, and phone calls are not.
Most cruises have a variety of onboard and onshore activities. The latter include guided tours to historic and cultural sites, visiting local attractions, museums and galleries, and other points of interest. Guides give a running commentary while sailing.
A river cruise provides travelers a unique way to travel. According to Douglas Ward, "A river cruise represents life in the slow lane, sailing along at a gentle pace, soaking up the scenery, with plentiful opportunities to explore riverside towns and cities en route. It is a supremely calming experience, an antidote to the pressures of life in a fast-paced world, in surroundings that are comfortable without being fussy or pretentious, with good food and enjoyable company."
Mr. Ward continues: "A river cruise is very different from an ocean cruise. For a start, you are in almost constant sight of land and stops are far more frequent than they are at sea. The vessels are like small, friendly, floating inns, whereas ocean-going ships tend to be bigger, flashier, busier and livelier, the crew practised in the art of moving up to 4,000 people from one port to another and getting them on and off the ship. In contrast, when your river cruise vessel docks you simply walk up the gangway and into the town or city—in many cases the dock is located right at the heart of things. Despite these differences, however, most people who enjoy ocean cruising and the relaxing rhythm of life afloat are attracted to river cruises as well."
Popular river cruises include trips along the Nile, the Amazon, the Mississippi, the Yangtze, the Mekong, the Danube, the Loboc River, the Rhine, the Seine, the Volga, the Douro or the Po river in Italy. There are several dozen river cruise companies ranging from single-ship businesses to large shipping companies operating dozens of river cruise ships.
Cruises
2024: Active & Discovery on the Danube with 1 Night in Budapest (Westbound) (WBLQ) - Tranquility II
From $4,178.00 (USD)
Destination: Europe
Ship: Tranquility II
Whether you're an art lover, a foodie, a history buff, or an energetic adventurer, your Active & Discovery cruise on the Danube River...Heart of the Danube: Bavaria to Budapest - Eastbound Aboard ms Savor
From $4,590.00 (USD)
Destination: Europe
Ship: ms Savor
Experience the scenic, romantic soul of old-world Europe on this river cruise along the Danube.The Rhine and Moselle - Northbound Aboard ms Grace
From $7,990.00 (USD)
Destination: Europe
Ship: ms Grace
Explore two of Europe's most scenic rivers on a 14-night cruise between Basel and Amsterdam aboard one of Tauck's premium riverboats.Cruising the Dutch Waterways Aboard ms Treasures
From $4,890.00 (USD)
Destination: Europe
Ship: ms Treasures
The Dutch cultural landscape comes to life on this 8-day, 7-night riverboat cruise through The Netherlands' inland waterways that begin...Danube Reflections featuring Oberammergau - Eastbound Aboard ms Joy
From $6,990.00 (USD)
Destination: Europe
Ship: ms Joy
Glide through the scenic, romantic soul of old-world Europe on this idyllic 11-day trip featuring a 7-night Munich to Vienna river cruise alo...Rhine Enchantment, Amsterdam to Milan - Southbound Aboard ms Inspire
From $6,590.00 (USD)
Destination: Europe
Ship: ms Inspire
Our popular journey along the River Rhine explores five countries and features a seven-night cruise from the Netherlands to Switzerland, ...The Blue Danube - Westbound Aboard ms Joy
From $5,990.00 (USD)
Destination: Europe
Ship: ms Joy
Wind your way past medieval landscapes aboard Tauck's ms Savor or ms Joy to explore five European countries, visit castles and cathedrals, em...The Romantic Rhine: Basel to Amsterdam - Northbound Aboard ms Inspire
From $5,690.00 (USD)
Destination: Europe
Ship: ms Inspire
Discover the heritage and beauty of The Rhine aboard one of our intimate riverboats.Autumn Along the Rhine... Munich's Oktoberfest Aboard ms Inspire
From $6,590.00 (USD)
Destination: Europe
Ship: ms Inspire
Just two September departures of our new 10-day trip combine a 7-night river cruise on the Rhine with a 2-night land stay in the heart of...The Rhine and Moselle - Northbound Aboard ms Esprit
From $8,490.00 (USD)
Destination: Europe
Ship: ms Esprit
Explore two of Europe's most scenic rivers on a 14-night cruise between Basel and Amsterdam aboard one of Tauck's premium riverboats.The Blue Danube - Eastbound Aboard ms Joy
From $6,390.00 (USD)
Destination: Europe
Ship: ms Joy
Wind your way past medieval landscapes aboard Tauck's ms Savor or ms Joy to explore five European countries, visit castles and cathedrals, em...The Rhine, Swiss Alps & Amsterdam - Northbound Aboard ms Inspire
From $5,590.00 (USD)
Destination: Europe
Ship: ms Inspire
Follow the romantic river on a seven-night cruise from Switzerland to the Netherlands through France and Germany, plus two nights at an h...Heart of the Danube: Budapest to Bavaria - Westbound Aboard ms Joy
From $4,290.00 (USD)
Destination: Europe
Ship: ms Joy
Experience the scenic, romantic soul of old-world Europe on a river cruise along the Danube.The Romantic Rhine: Basel to Amsterdam - Northbound Aboard ms Grace
From $4,890.00 (USD)
Destination: Europe
Ship: ms Grace
Discover the heritage and beauty of The Rhine aboard one of our intimate riverboats.Rendezvous on the Seine Aboard ms Sapphire
From $5,690.00 (USD)
Destination: Europe
Ship: ms Sapphire
Follow your Parisian rhapsody on a 10-day journey that's sure to impress on a river cruise aboard ms Sapphire.The Rhine and Moselle - Southbound Aboard ms Inspire
From $8,490.00 (USD)
Destination: Europe
Ship: ms Inspire
Explore two of Europe's most scenic rivers on a 14-night cruise between Amsterdam and Basel aboard one of Tauck's premium riverboats.Christmas Markets Along the Danube - Westbound Aboard ms Joy
From $3,290.00 (USD)
Destination: Europe
Ship: ms Joy
Celebrate the magic of the season along the Danube from Vienna to Nürnberg aboard ms Savor or ms Joy, filled with exclusive Tauck extras...The Romantic Rhine: Basel to Amsterdam featuring Oberammergau - Northbound Aboard ms Grace
From $6,990.00 (USD)
Destination: Europe
Ship: ms Grace
Discover the wonders of the Rhine on an 11-day journey, including a 7-night river cruise from Basel to Amsterdam and 3 nights ashore to exp...The Romantic Rhine: Amsterdam to Basel featuring Oberammergau - Southbound Aboard ms Inspire
From $7,690.00 (USD)
Destination: Europe
Ship: ms Inspire
Discover the wonders of the Rhine on an 11-day journey, including a 7-night river cruise from Basel to Amsterdam and 3 nights ashore to e...Impressions from the Seine: Paris to Normandy Aboard ms Sapphire
From $4,790.00 (USD)
Destination: Europe
Ship: ms Sapphire
Enjoy a riverboat cruise from Paris along the River Seine to the coast of Normandy and back, featuring art and daily life in Paris, smal...