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
2023: German Grandeur with 2 Nights in Munich (Eastbound) (WZNE) - Tranquility II
From $4,698.00 (USD)
Destination: Europe
Ship: Tranquility II
Your picturesque Rhine River cruise begins in Basel, Switzerland.2024 : Grand European Tour : Amsterdam to Budapest
From $3,999.00 (USD)
Destination: Europe
Ship: Viking Baldur
Travel through the heart of EuropeAdmire Rhine Valley vistas from a 900-year-old castle.22414 - Saba, the Grenadines & Beyond
Destination: Caribbean
Ship: SeaDream II22310 - Leeward Islands Explorer
Destination: Caribbean
Ship: SeaDream II12527 - Istanbul, Ephesus & the Greek Isles
Destination: Europe
Ship: SeaDream I2024 : Rhine Getaway : Amsterdam to Basel
From $2,599.00 (USD)
Destination: Europe
Ship: Viking Vidar
Castles & cathedralsExplore one of Europe's best-loved rivers, the Rhine.8-Day Riviera Romance
Destination: Europe
Ship: Seabourn Quest12423 - Greek Journey to Ephesus
Destination: Europe
Ship: SeaDream I2023: Romantic Rhine with 1 Night in Amsterdam & 2 Nights in Lucerne (Southbound) (WAZ5) - Panorama
From $4,460.00 (USD)
Destination: Europe
Ship: Panorama
Your 11-day river cruise vacation includes stays in Holland, Germany, France, and Switzerland-all beginning with an overnight stay in Amste...12406 - Virgin Islands Explorer
Destination: Caribbean
Ship: SeaDream IThe Rhine, Swiss Alps & Amsterdam - Northbound Aboard ms Grace
From $5,990.00 (USD)
Destination: Europe
Ship: ms Grace
Follow the romantic river on a seven-night cruise from Switzerland to the Netherlands through France and Germany, plus two nights at an his...2023: Taste of Egypt with Jordan (WUAE) - MS Farah
From $5,293.00 (USD)
Destination: Africa
Ship: MS Farah
Take an extraordinary journey on this escorted tour of Egypt, beginning and ending in Cairo, followed by a 4-night stay in Jordan.2023: The Blue Danube Discovery with 2 Nights in Budapest & 2 Nights in Prague (WBNY) - Artistry II
From $4,287.00 (USD)
Destination: Europe
Ship: Artistry II
This timeless European river cruise vacation begins with two nights in vibrant Budapest, Hungary before sailing along the Danube River w...2023: The Heart of Cambodia & Vietnam with Bangkok (Northbound) (WISB) - Saigon
From $7,599.00 (USD)
Destination: Asia/Far East
Ship: Saigon
This inspiring Southeast Asia river cruise vacation begins in vibrant Bangkok, Thailand.2023 : Pharaohs & Pyramids : Cairo to Cairo
Destination: Africa
Ship: Viking Aton
Discover Egypt, ancient & modernUncover the ancient secrets of Egypt amid the welcoming culture of today.2024: Enchanted Europe (Eastbound) (WZB) - Impression
From $8,648.00 (USD)
Destination: Europe
Ship: Impression
Your breathtaking river cruise begins on the Rhine River in Basel, Switzerland.12520 - French Riviera Dream
Destination: Europe
Ship: SeaDream I2024: Tulip Time Highlights with 1 Night in Brussels (WXAQ) - Tranquility II
From $3,798.00 (USD)
Destination: Europe
Ship: Tranquility II
Make your visions of tulip season in Holland and Belgium come into view!2024 : Danube Christmas Delights : Budapest to Passau
From $2,499.00 (USD)
Destination: Europe
Ship: Viking Vilhjalm
Sail to enchanting destinationsPass through Europe's most enchanting countries, stopping to explore cultural capitals and fairy-tale...2024 : Romantic Danube : Regensburg to Budapest
From $2,999.00 (USD)
Destination: Europe
Ship: Viking Idi
Sail to charming cities & villagesVisit Budapest's Castle District and cross the famous Chain Bridge.