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
OCY210827-29 - Grand Journey: Western Europe to North America
From $12,839.00 (USD)
Destination: Transoceanic
Ship: Crystal SerenityOCY210827-21 - Grand Journey: Epic Atlantic Crossing
From $9,139.00 (USD)
Destination: Transoceanic
Ship: Crystal Serenity2020 : Legendary Danube : 7-Night Cruise : Nuremberg to Budapest : ms AmaViola
Destination: Europe
Ship: ms AmaViola
OverviewLegendary DanubeCRUISE FROM : Nuremberg to BudapestDelve into Europe's history starting in the perfectly preserved medieval city...2020 - Tulip Time : 7-Night Cruise with 2 Nights Pre-Cruise : Amsterdam to Amsterdam : ms AmaSerena
From $2,609.00 (USD)
Destination: Europe
Ship: ms AmaSerena
OverviewCRUISE FROM : Amsterdam to AmsterdamCelebrate spring in the Netherlands and Belgium when the Keukenhof Gardens and Floralia com...2020 : Rhine Getaway - Basel to Amsterdam
From $2,799.00 (USD)
Destination: Europe
Ship: Viking Vidar
Explore castles & cathedralsExplore one of Europe's best-loved rivers, the Rhine.2021: Mekong Discovery (Southbound) (WSH) - Saigon
From $4,039.00 (USD)
Destination: Asia/Far East
Ship: Saigon
On this unique and inspiring Southeast Asia river cruise through Cambodia and Vietnam, you'll be immersed in the cultures and ancient ...2020 - 18 Day Mystical Myanmar: Yangon to Yangon aboard Scenic Aura (Combo)
From $8,895.00 (USD)
Destination: Asia/Far East
Ship: Scenic Aura
Flight OffersYES230129-07 - Seychelles Yachting Serenade
From $5,649.00 (USD)
Destination: Africa
Ship: Crystal EspritThe Rhine, Swiss Alps & Amsterdam - Northbound Aboard ms Inspire
From $5,490.00 (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...2020 : Europe's Rivers & Castles : 7-Night Cruise : Luxembourg to Nuremberg : ms AmaDante
From $2,449.00 (USD)
Destination: Europe
Ship: ms AmaDante
Overview Europe's Rivers & CastlesCRUISE FROM : Luxembourg to NurembergTwo iconic cities, Prague and Paris, bookend this perfect journey...2020 - 18 Day Jewels of Europe with Prague: Amsterdam to Prague aboard Scenic Jade (Cruise)
From $8,795.00 (USD)
Destination: Europe
Ship: Scenic Jade
Flight Offers2020 - 18 Day Black Sea Explorer with Turkey: Istanbul to Budapest aboard Scenic Jade (Combo)
From $7,395.00 (USD)
Flight Offers
2020 : Iconic Christmas Markets : 7-Night Cruise : Budapest to Nuremberg : ms AmaLea
From $2,449.00 (USD)
Destination: Europe
Ship: ms AmaLea
OverviewIconic Christmas MarketsCRUISE FROM : Nuremberg to BudapestTravel back through centuries as you walk along cobblestone streets thr...OCY211003-08 - Skyscrapers & Fortresses
From $3,749.00 (USD)
Destination: Canada/New England
Ship: Crystal Serenity2020 : Rhine & Moselle Splendors : 7-NIGHT CRUISE : Luxembourg to Basel : ms AmaSiena
From $2,749.00 (USD)
Destination: Europe
Ship: ms AmaSiena
OverviewRhine & Moselle SplendorsCRUISE FROM : Luxembourg to BaselExpand your imagination in fairytale villages-enchanting Cochem where ...YES211003-07 - Yachting Harbors of Croatia
From $7,199.00 (USD)
Destination: Europe
Ship: Crystal EspritRDB210802-07 - Legendary Rhine
From $5,799.00 (USD)
Destination: Europe
Ship: Crystal DebussyThe Rhine and Moselle - Northbound Aboard ms Inspire
Destination: Europe
Ship: ms Inspire
Explore two of Europe's most scenic rivers on a 12-night cruise between Basel and Amsterdam aboard one of Tauck's premium riverboats.Budapest to Amsterdam by Riverboat - Northbound Aboard ms Esprit
Destination: Europe
Ship: ms Esprit
Take an amazing journey past ancient castles and soaring cathedrals, taking in great cities including Vienna, Koln, Nurnberg and Bratislav...2020 - 8 Day Idyllic Rhone: Avignon / Tarascon to Lyon aboard Scenic Sapphire (Cruise)
From $4,995.00 (USD)
Destination: Europe
Ship: Scenic Sapphire
Flight Offers