A GUIDE TO THE BEST WAY TO EXPLORE THE WORLD’S WATERWAYS
River cruising is a fantastic way to discover the culture, history, and natural beauty of some of the most fascinating regions in the world.
Whether you want to sail along the majestic rivers of Europe, Asia, Africa, or the Americas, there is a river cruise line that suits your style, budget, and preferences. Explore top river cruise lines, destinations, and insider tips for an unforgettable river cruising experience.
A river cruise is a type of cruise that takes place on a small and intimate ship that navigates inland waterways, such as rivers, canals, and lakes. Unlike ocean cruises, river cruises offer a more relaxed and immersive way of exploring the destinations, as they stop at a new port almost every day, sometimes even more than one. You can enjoy guided tours, cultural activities, and scenic views from your ship, as well as have plenty of free time to wander around on your own.
River cruise ships are much smaller than ocean vessels, typically carrying between 100 and 200 passengers. This means that you can enjoy a more personalized service, a cozy atmosphere, and a chance to mingle with fellow travelers. River cruise ships also have fewer amenities than ocean ships, such as casinos, theatres, or multiple restaurants. However, they still offer comfortable cabins, elegant dining rooms, spacious lounges, sun decks, and sometimes even pools or spas.
River cruising is suitable for travellers of all ages and interests, as there is something for everyone on board and ashore. Whether you are looking for romance, adventure, culture, or relaxation, you can find it on a river cruise.
There are many river cruise lines to choose from, each offering different itineraries, ships, services, and experiences. Some of the factors that you should consider when choosing a river cruise line are:
The destination: Where do you want to go? What are the places that you want to see? Do you prefer a classic route or an exotic one? Do you want to visit multiple countries or focus on one region?
The itinerary: How long do you want to cruise? How many ports do you want to visit? What are the activities and excursions that interest you? Do you want to extend your stay before or after your cruise?
What kind of ship do you prefer? Do you want a modern or a traditional one? Do you want a balcony or a French balcony? What are the amenities and facilities that you need?
The service: What level of service do you expect? Do you want an all-inclusive or an à la carte package? Do you want a casual or a formal atmosphere? Do you want a large or a small group of passengers?
What is your budget? How much are you willing to spend on your river cruise? What are the inclusions and exclusions in your fare? Are there any discounts or promotions available?
To help you narrow down your options, here are some of the best river cruise lines and their destinations:
Viking River Cruises is the largest and most popular river cruise line in the world, with more than 70 ships sailing on rivers across Europe, Asia, Africa, and North America. Viking is known for its elegant Scandinavian-style ships, its cultural enrichment programs, its destination-focused itineraries, and its excellent value for money.
Viking offers cruises on some of the most iconic rivers in Europe, such as the Rhine, the Danube, the Seine, the Rhone, and the Douro. You can explore the medieval castles, charming villages, and vineyards of Germany and Austria; the romantic cities and countryside of France; the historic landmarks and scenic landscapes of Portugal; and more. Viking also offers cruises on exotic rivers in Asia and Africa, such as the Mekong in Cambodia and Vietnam; the Yangtze in China; the Nile in Egypt; and the Chobe in Botswana.
Viking’s ships are designed to maximize comfort and convenience for passengers. They feature spacious cabins with floor-to-ceiling windows or balconies; elegant dining rooms with regional cuisine and complimentary wine or beer; cozy lounges with panoramic views; sun decks with pools or hot tubs; libraries with books and games; spas with massages and treatments; and fitness centers with exercise equipment.
Viking’s cruises include guided tours at every port of call, led by local experts who share their knowledge and insights about the culture and history of each destination. You can also enjoy lectures, demonstrations, workshops and performances on board that showcase the local traditions and customs. Additionally, you can choose from optional excursions that cater to different interests and preferences such as hiking biking cooking wine tasting and more.
Viking’s fares are all-inclusive meaning that you don’t have to worry about any extra charges for meals drinks tours gratuities or Wi-Fi. You can also take advantage of Viking’s special offers and discounts such as early booking savings airfare deals past guest benefits and referral rewards.
If you are looking for a river cruise line that offers a high-quality cultural and affordable experience Viking River Cruises is a great choice for you.
AmaWaterways is another leading river cruise line that operates on rivers in Europe Asia and Africa. AmaWaterways is known for its innovative and luxurious ships its award-winning cuisine and service its active and adventurous itineraries and its partnership with Disney.
AmaWaterways offers cruises on some of the most scenic and diverse rivers in Europe such as the Danube the Rhine the Moselle the Main the Seine the Rhone and the Garonne. You can discover the cultural and natural wonders of countries like Hungary Slovakia Austria Germany Switzerland France Spain and more. AmaWaterways also offers cruises on exotic rivers in Asia and Africa, such as the Mekong in Cambodia and Vietnam; the Irrawaddy in Myanmar; and the Zambezi in Zimbabwe.
AmaWaterways’ ships are among the most modern and spacious in the industry, featuring cabins with twin balconies (a French balcony and an outside balcony); multiple dining venues with gourmet cuisine and complimentary wine or beer; lounges and bars with live entertainment; sun decks with pools or hot tubs; wellness areas with spas, fitness centers, and hair salons; and libraries with computers and books.
AmaWaterways’ cruises include guided tours at every port of call, led by local guides who provide interesting and informative commentary. You can also enjoy a variety of activities and excursions that suit your level of fitness and adventure, such as hiking, biking, kayaking, golfing, and more. Additionally, you can choose from special interest cruises that focus on themes such as wine, art, music, history, or Christmas markets.
AmaWaterways’ fares are mostly inclusive, meaning that you only have to pay extra for some optional excursions, spa treatments, or premium drinks. You can also take advantage of AmaWaterways’ special offers and discounts, such as early booking savings, group discounts, solo traveller deals, and loyalty rewards.
If you are looking for a river cruise line that offers a luxurious, active, and diverse experience, AmaWaterways is a great choice for you.
Uniworld Boutique River Cruises is a premium river cruise line that operates on rivers in Europe, Asia, Africa, and South America. Uniworld is known for its unique and elegant ships, its personalized and attentive service, its exquisite cuisine and amenities, and its exclusive excursions and experiences.
Uniworld offers cruises on some of the most enchanting and historic rivers in Europe, such as the Danube, the Rhine, the Moselle, the Main, the Seine, the Rhone, the Po, and the Douro.
You can experience the charm and beauty of countries like Italy, France, Portugal, Spain, Germany, Austria, Hungary, Romania, and more. Uniworld also offers cruises on exotic rivers in Asia, Africa, and South America, such as the Ganges in India; the Nile in Egypt; the Yangtze in China; and the Amazon in Peru.
Uniworld’s ships are one-of-a-kind, each reflecting the style and spirit of its destination. They feature cabins with handcrafted furniture, antiques, artworks, and marble bathrooms; dining rooms with fine china, crystal, and silverware; lounges with fireplaces, pianos, and chandeliers; sun decks with pools or hot tubs; wellness areas with spas, fitness centers, and yoga studios; and boutiques with souvenirs and gifts.
Uniworld’s cruises include guided tours at every port of call, led by certified guides who share their passion and expertise about each destination. You can also enjoy a range of activities and excursions that cater to your interests and tastes, such as cooking classes, wine tastings, museum visits, castle tours, concerts, and more. Additionally, you can choose from special interest cruises that focus on themes such as family, Jewish heritage, art, or wellness.
Uniworld’s fares are truly all-inclusive, meaning that you don’t have to pay extra for anything on board or ashore. You can enjoy unlimited meals, drinks, tours, gratuities, Wi-Fi, and transfers. You can also take advantage of Uniworld’s special offers and discounts, such as early booking savings
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