River Cruise
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 : Medieval Treasures (Christmas) : 7- Night Cruise : Basel to Nuremberg : ms AmaPrima
From $3,599.00 (USD)
Destination: Europe
Ship: ms AmaPrima
CRUISE FROM : Basel to NurembergWalk through thousands of years of history in the medieval towns of Rothenburg, Bamberg and Miltenberg.2025: Fascinating Vietnam, Cambodia & the Mekong River (Southbound) (WSHI) - Saigon
From $6,439.00 (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 ...2024: Danube Dreams with 2 Nights in Prague (Westbound) (WBDE) - Imagery II
From $4,488.00 (USD)
Destination: Europe
Ship: Imagery II
Cruise along the peaceful Danube River through Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, and Germany-stopping at some of Central Europe's most splendid...2025: Rhine & Rhone Revealed (Southbound) (WAL) - View and Poetry II
From $7,198.00 (USD)
Destination: Europe
Ship: View
Immerse yourself in French and German culture on this fabulous Europe river cruise vacation along the Rhine, Saone, and Rhone Rivers.2024: Romantic Rhine with 1 Night in Amsterdam (Southbound) (WAZQ) - View
From $4,358.00 (USD)
Destination: Europe
Ship: View
One of Europe's most legendary rivers awaits you on this exciting journey along the Rhine River, which takes you across Germany-and touches in ...2023: Romantic Rhine with 2 Nights in Paris & 2 Nights in London (Northbound) (WZA4) - Panorama
From $4,863.00 (USD)
Destination: Europe
Ship: Panorama
Your stunning Rhine River cruise begins in Basel, Switzerland, with stops in France, Germany, and Holland.2025: Christmastime from Basel to Vienna (WMV) - Envision
From $8,147.00 (USD)
Destination: Europe
Ship: Envision
Step aboard your Avalon Suite Ship festively decorated and beautifully dressed in Christmas colors of the season.2023: Magnificent Europe (WAB) - Impression
From $6,499.00 (USD)
Destination: Europe
Ship: Impression
From Amsterdam to Budapest, and in many exciting stops along the way, experience the culture of Central Europe in a unique way on this ti...2024: A Taste of the Danube with 2 Nights in Budapest (Eastbound) (WVBE) - Envision
From $2,298.00 (USD)
Destination: Europe
Ship: Envision
Experience your Danube River cruise your way with two nights in Budapest after your cruise.2023: Christmastime on the Danube with 2 Nights in Prague (Westbound) (WVNE) - View
From $3,248.00 (USD)
Destination: Europe
Ship: View
This Christmastime river cruise begins in Austria's magical capital of Vienna, home to the sounds of Mozart, Strauss, and the Vienna Boys' Choi...2024: Fascinating Vietnam, Cambodia & the Mekong River with Hanoi, Ha Long Bay & Bangkok (Southbound
From $7,649.00 (USD)
Destination: Asia/Far East
Ship: Saigon
This inspiring Southeast Asia river cruise takes you to Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand.2023: Rhine & Rhone Revealed with 2 Nights in Nice & 3 Nights in Barcelona (Southbound) (WAL2) - Exp
From $8,622.00 (USD)
Destination: Europe
Ship: Expression
This European river cruise vacation begins on the Rhine River and then continues on the Saone and Rhone Rivers.2024: The Blue Danube Discovery with 2 Nights in Budapest (WBNQ) - Envision
From $4,198.00 (USD)
Destination: Europe
Ship: Envision
This timeless European vacation begins with two nights in vibrant Budapest, Hungary, before your Danube River cruise with exciting stops in...2025: Tulip Time Cruise (WAA) - Imagery II
From $3,199.00 (USD)
Destination: Europe
Ship: Imagery II
This springtime river cruise gets underway in Holland's colorful capital of Amsterdam.2025: The Danube from Romania to Budapest with 1 Night in Bucharest (WOBB) - Expression
From $4,648.00 (USD)
Destination: Europe
Ship: Expression
Begin your exciting European vacation with one night in Bucharest, Romania, before embarking on your river cruise along the beautiful Dan...