Have you ever dreamed of a romantic cruise on one of the great rivers of the world? River cruising is fast becoming the best way to see many cities in Europe and Asia, as well as in the Medeterranian region and South America.

River cruising encompases a voyage along inland waterways, often stopping at multiple ports along the way.  Since cities and towns often grew up around rivers, river cruise ships frequently dock in the center of cities and towns.

River cruise ships are smaller than ocean-going cruise ships, typically holding 90 to 240 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 Europe, Russia, China, Medeterranian regions and South America.

Popular river cruises include trips along the Rhine, Danube, Douro, Seine and Volga Rivers as well as the Nile, Amazon, Mekong Rivers.

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 onboard, 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 may not be.

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.  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

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.

If we’ve kindled an interest in you about river cruising, click here for our river cruising guide and check out the many options that are available to you.

Thanks, 

Scott