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: The Legendary Danube with 2 Nights in Prague (WNBQ) - Tranquility II
From $4,488.00 (USD)
Destination: Europe
Ship: Tranquility II
From Prague to vibrant Budapest, this Danube River cruise vacation takes you to four countries-each with its own beauty, history, and...2024: Rhine & Rhone Revealed (Southbound) (WAL) - Tranquility II and Poetry II
From $7,498.00 (USD)
Destination: Europe
Ship: Tranquility II
Immerse yourself in French and German culture on this fabulous Europe river cruise vacation along the Rhine, Saone, and Rhone Rivers.2024: Christmastime from Budapest to Vienna (WBT) - Passion
From $2,399.00 (USD)
Destination: Europe
Ship: Passion
Make your holiday wishes come true with special departures for the festive season to experience Europe's most beautiful Christmas markets an...2023: Christmastime from Basel to Nuremberg (WMN) - Imagery II
From $4,398.00 (USD)
Destination: Europe
Ship: Imagery II
Experience the holiday season like never before with a Christmastime cruise through Germany and France.2024 : Rhine Getaway : Basel to Amsterdam
From $2,399.00 (USD)
Destination: Europe
Ship: Viking Alruna
Castles & cathedralsExplore one of Europe's best-loved rivers, the Rhine.2024 : European Sojourn : Amsterdam to Bucharest
From $7,299.00 (USD)
Destination: Europe
Ship: Viking Lofn
Explore 3 rivers & 8 countriesCruise Amsterdam's canals. See castles on the Rhine. Behold the grandeur of Vienna.22546 - Leeward Islands Adventure
Destination: Caribbean
Ship: SeaDream II12513 - French West Indies & the Grenadines
Destination: Caribbean
Ship: SeaDream I12446A - Virgin Islands Explorer
Destination: Caribbean
Ship: SeaDream I22524 - Trollfjord & the Lofoten Islands Journey
Destination: Scandinavia/Russia
Ship: SeaDream II12434A - Western Mediterranean Explorer
Destination: Europe
Ship: SeaDream I22521 - Western Europe & the Kiel Canal
Destination: Scandinavia/Russia
Ship: SeaDream II12408 - Leeward Islands Discovery
Destination: Caribbean
Ship: SeaDream I2025: The Rhine & Moselle: Canals, Vineyards & Castles with 2 nights in Paris (WRAQ) - Imagery II
From $4,848.00 (USD)
Destination: Europe
Ship: Imagery II
Begin your Avalon YourWay river cruise vacation with two nights in romantic Paris before your cruise.2025: Ecuador & Its Galapagos Islands with the Amazon (WBGE) - Treasure of Galapagos
From $8,559.00 (USD)
Destination: South America
Ship: Treasure of Galapagos
This exciting cruise vacation lets you sample the natural wonders of Ecuador and its Galapagos Islands.The Rhine and Moselle - Southbound Aboard ms Inspire
From $8,290.00 (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.2024: Tulip Time Cruise with 1 Night in Amsterdam (WAAQ) - Imagery II
From $3,658.00 (USD)
Destination: Europe
Ship: Imagery II
Begin your Tulip Time vacation your way with a one-night stay in Amsterdam!12532 - Greek Odyssey
Destination: Europe
Ship: SeaDream I2025: From the Inca Empire to the Peruvian Amazon (WAM) - Delfin III
From $6,039.00 (USD)
Destination: South America
Ship: Delfin III
From its amazing archaeological treasures and gastronomic delights to its scenic beauty and melting pot of cultures, Peru offers v...Holland & Belgium in Spring - Southbound Aboard ms Esprit
From $4,990.00 (USD)
Destination: Europe
Ship: ms Esprit
Historic windmills and flower gardens, world-famous art museums, inside looks at medieval architecture, and an exclusive dinner with live ...