River Cruise
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
Belgium & Holland in Spring - Northbound Aboard ms Joy
From $5,790.00 (USD)
Destination: Europe
Ship: ms Joy
Historic windmills and flower gardens, world-famous art museums, inside looks at medieval architecture, and an exclusive dinner with live mus...Christmas on the Rhine : Amsterdam to Basel
Destination: Europe
Ship: Viking Hlin
'Tis the season to be joyfulImmerse yourself in the spirit of Christmas as you journey through storybook villages.2024: Grand France (Southbound) (WPL) - Tapestry II and Poetry II
From $7,298.00 (USD)
Destination: Europe
Ship: Tapestry II
On this France river cruise vacation, enjoy wine, cheese, beautiful views, and stops in the most charming and historical parts of France...2025: Balkan Discovery with 1 Night in Budapest & 1 Night in Bucharest (WBOQ) - Passion
From $4,277.00 (USD)
Destination: Europe
Ship: Passion
See the highlights of Eastern Europe on this Danube River cruise adventure through the beautiful Balkans!Exploring the Douro, plus Lisbon & Madrid - Eastbound Aboard ms Andorinha
From $7,790.00 (USD)
Destination: Europe
Ship: ms Andorinha
Join us for an enchanting 12-day journey through one of the oldest wine regions in the world...2024: Danube Dreams with 2 Nights in Prague (Westbound) (WBDE) - Envision
From $3,888.00 (USD)
Destination: Europe
Ship: Envision
Cruise along the peaceful Danube River through Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, and Germany-stopping at some of Central Europe's most splendid c...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!Grand Mississippi Voyage : New Orleans, Louisiana to St. Paul, Minnesota
From $15,999.00 (USD)
Destination: United States
Ship: Viking Mississippi
Americana sights, sounds & flavorsRevel in the charm of America s Great River as you set sail along the Mississippi.The Black Sea to Budapest - Westbound Aboard ms Savor
From $6,990.00 (USD)
Destination: Europe
Ship: ms Savor
On this lower Danube cruise Budapest is your destination as explore westward from Bucharest through Central Europe's ancient heart.2024: A Taste of the Danube with 2 Nights in Vienna (Eastbound) (WVBQ) - View
From $2,318.00 (USD)
Destination: Europe
Ship: View
Arrive in Vienna to enjoy your Avalon YourWay vacation before your Danube River cruise begins.2025: From the Inca Empire to the Peruvian Amazon (WAM) - Delfin III
From $6,039.00 (USD)
Destination: South America
Ship: Delfin III
From its amazing archaeological treasures and gastronomic delights to its scenic beauty and melting pot of cultures, Peru offers v...The Blue Danube - Westbound Aboard ms Joy
From $6,990.00 (USD)
Destination: Europe
Ship: ms Joy
Wind your way past medieval landscapes aboard Tauck's ms Savor or ms Joy to explore five European countries, visit castles and cathedrals, em...Rhine Enchantment, Amsterdam to Milan - Southbound Aboard ms Inspire
From $7,790.00 (USD)
Destination: Europe
Ship: ms Inspire
Our popular journey along the River Rhine explores five countries and features a seven-night cruise from the Netherlands to Switzerland, ...The Rhine, Swiss Alps & Amsterdam - Northbound Aboard ms Grace
From $7,590.00 (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...2025: Tulip Time in Holland & Belgium with 1 Night in Amsterdam (WAXQ) - Imagery II
From $3,758.00 (USD)
Destination: Europe
Ship: Imagery II
Begin your vacation in Holland and Belgium your way with a one-night stay in Amsterdam!Romantic Capitals: Paris to Prague - Eastbound Aboard ms Savor
From $11,790.00 (USD)
Destination: Europe
Ship: ms Savor
Our newest river cruise begins and ends in the heart of Europe's most romantic capital cities – Paris, France and Prague, Czech Repub...Magnificent Mekong : Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City
From $7,499.00 (USD)
Destination: Asia/Far East
Ship: Viking Tonle
Explore unique places & culturesShop Old Hanoi's markets. See the Khmer temple complex of Angkor Wat.2024: Christmastime from Basel to Vienna (WMV) - Tranquility II and Envision
From $8,147.00 (USD)
Destination: Europe
Ship: Tranquility II
Step aboard your Avalon Suite Ship festively decorated and beautifully dressed in Christmas colors of the season.2024: From the Black Sea to the North Sea (WOAB) - Impression
From $12,647.00 (USD)
Destination: Europe
Ship: Impression
This enchanting European river cruise from Bucharest to Amsterdam is truly an adventure.Rhine Enchantment, Milan to Amsterdam - Northbound Aboard ms Grace
From $8,790.00 (USD)
Destination: Europe
Ship: ms Grace
Our best-selling journey along the River Rhine explores five countries and features a seven-night cruise from Switzerland to the Netherland...