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
Amsterdam to Budapest by Riverboat - Southbound Aboard ms Joy
From $9,790.00 (USD)
Destination: Europe
Ship: ms Joy
Take an amazing journey past ancient castles and soaring cathedrals, taking in great cities including Vienna, Koln, Nurnberg and Bratislava -...Budapest to Amsterdam by Riverboat - Northbound Aboard ms Esprit
From $8,790.00 (USD)
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...2025 : Christmas Markets on the Rhine : 7- Night Cruise With 4 Nights Pre-Cruise : Zurich to Amsterd
From $5,659.00 (USD)
Destination: Europe
Ship: ms AmaLucia
Overview CRUISE FROM : Luxembourg to NurembergFrom the meandering Main to the UNESCO-designated Upper Middle Rhine Valley with its mult...Rhine Getaway : Amsterdam to Basel
Destination: Europe
Ship: Viking Sigrun
Castles & cathedralsExplore one of Europe's best-loved rivers.2024: Romantic Rhine (Southbound) (WAZ) - Panorama
From $3,599.00 (USD)
Destination: Europe
Ship: Panorama
One of Europe's most legendary rivers takes you across Germany and touches in Holland, France, and Switzerland!2024: Mekong Discovery (Southbound) (WSH) - Saigon
From $4,429.00 (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 ...2025 - 8 Day Gems of the Danube: Munich to Budapest aboard Scenic Crystal (Cruise)
From $5,007.00 (USD)
Destination: Europe
Ship: Scenic Crystal
Flight Offers2024 - 15 Day Jewels of Europe: Budapest to Amsterdam aboard Scenic Pearl (Cruise)
From $8,618.00 (USD)
Destination: Europe
Ship: Scenic Pearl
Flight Offers2025 - 8 Day Rhine Highlights: Amsterdam to Zurich aboard Scenic Crystal (Cruise)
From $5,107.00 (USD)
Destination: Europe
Ship: Scenic Crystal
Flight Offers2025 - 19 Day Romantic Rhine & Moselle with Switzerland: Amsterdam to Zurich aboard Scenic Ruby (Cruise)
From $13,468.00 (USD)
Destination: Europe
Ship: Scenic Ruby
Flight Offers2024 - 21 Day Gems of the Seine & Iberian Grandeur: Paris to Madrid aboard Scenic Gem (Combo)
From $19,405.00 (USD)
Destination: Europe
Ship: Scenic Gem
Save $$ Per Couple2024 - 11 Day Gems of the Danube with Prague: Prague to Budapest aboard Scenic Opal (Cruise)
From $5,617.00 (USD)
Destination: Europe
Ship: Scenic Opal
Flight Offers2024 - 15 Day Jewels of Europe: Amsterdam to Budapest aboard Scenic Jewel (Cruise)
From $8,418.00 (USD)
Destination: Europe
Ship: Scenic Jewel
Flight Offers2024 - 8 Day Charming Castles & Vineyards of the Rhine & Moselle: Frankfurt to Zurich aboard Scenic Jewel (Cruise)
From $5,257.00 (USD)
Destination: Europe
Ship: Scenic Jewel
Flight Offers2024 - 15 Day Romantic Rhine & Moselle: Amsterdam to Basel aboard Scenic Jasper (Cruise)
From $8,918.00 (USD)
Destination: Europe
Ship: Scenic Jasper
Flight Offers2024 - 13 Day Passage through Melanesia: Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands & Vanuatu: Cairns to Nadi aboard Scenic Eclipse II (Combo)
From $15,493.00 (USD)
Destination: South Pacific/Australia/New Zealand
Ship: Scenic Eclipse II
Flight Offers2025 : Grand Danube Cruise : 14- Night Cruise : Vilshofen to Giurgiu : ms AmaMagna
From $7,199.00 (USD)
Destination: Europe
Ship: ms AmaMagna
OverviewCRUISE FROM :Vilshofen to GiurgiuJourney along paths forged by conquerors, crusaders and kings through Romania, Bulgaria, Serbia...2025 - 10 Day Gems of the Danube with Nuremberg: Nuremberg to Budapest aboard Scenic Crystal (Combo)
From $5,847.00 (USD)
Destination: Europe
Ship: Scenic Crystal
Flight Offers2024 - 27 Day Grand Indochina & Luxury Mekong: Hanoi to Bangkok aboard Scenic Spirit (Combo)
From $15,038.00 (USD)
Destination: Asia/Far East
Ship: Scenic Spirit
Save $$ Per Couple2024: The Legendary Danube (WNB) - Envision
From $3,799.00 (USD)
Destination: Europe
Ship: Envision
From the rich history of Germany to the unique culture of Hungary, this Danube river cruise takes you to three countries, and the scenic be...