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 : Danube Waltz : Budapest to Passau
From $2,299.00 (USD)
Destination: Europe
Ship: Viking Tor
Cruise to enchanting destinationsSoak up soothing steam at a Budapest thermal bath. Learn to waltz at a Viennese dance school.2024: The Blue Danube Discovery with 2 Nights in Budapest (WBNQ) - Passion
From $4,098.00 (USD)
Destination: Europe
Ship: Passion
This timeless European vacation begins with two nights in vibrant Budapest, Hungary, before your Danube River cruise with exciting stops in ...2023: Active & Discovery on the Lower Danube (WOKY) - Passion
From $3,879.00 (USD)
Destination: Europe
Ship: Passion
Begin your Active & Discovery river cruise vacation with an overnight stay in Bucharest-the 'Paris of the East.2024: Taste of Egypt (WUAY) - MS Farah
From $3,879.00 (USD)
Destination: Africa
Ship: MS Farah
Join us for an adventure to ancient Egypt, as well as its modern enjoyments on a Nile River cruise for the ages.Impressions from the Seine: Paris to Normandy Aboard ms Sapphire
From $4,990.00 (USD)
Destination: Europe
Ship: ms Sapphire
Enjoy a riverboat cruise from Paris along the River Seine to the coast of Normandy and back, featuring art and daily life in Paris, smal...The Rhine and Moselle - Southbound Aboard ms Grace
From $8,290.00 (USD)
Destination: Europe
Ship: ms Grace
Explore two of Europe's most scenic rivers on a 14-night cruise between Amsterdam and Basel aboard one of Tauck's premium riverboats.Villages and Vintages: Cruising the Douro River Valley Aboard ms Andorinha
From $5,490.00 (USD)
Destination: Europe
Ship: ms Andorinha
An 8-day riverboat cruise on Portugal's Douro River!Christmas Markets Along the Danube - Eastbound Aboard ms Savor
From $3,690.00 (USD)
Destination: Europe
Ship: ms Savor
Celebrate the magic of the season with a special cruise between Nurnberg and Vienna aboard ms Savor or ms Joy, filled with exclusive Tauck ...Grand European Cruise - Westbound Aboard ms Treasures
From $13,990.00 (USD)
Destination: Europe
Ship: ms Treasures
Explore stunning European landscapes like never before on this river cruise between Bucharest and Amsterdam!Impressions from the Seine: Paris to Normandy Aboard ms Sapphire
From $4,990.00 (USD)
Destination: Europe
Ship: ms Sapphire
Enjoy a riverboat cruise from Paris along the River Seine to the coast of Normandy and back, featuring art and daily life in Paris, smal...The Romantic Rhine: Amsterdam to Basel - Southbound Aboard ms Grace
From $4,990.00 (USD)
Destination: Europe
Ship: ms Grace
Discover the heritage and beauty of The Rhine aboard one of our intimate riverboats.Cruising the Seine, plus Paris & London Aboard ms Esprit
From $7,790.00 (USD)
Destination: Europe
Ship: ms Esprit
Travel from London to Paris to experience these great cities as never before.The Rhine and Moselle - Northbound Aboard ms Esprit
From $8,990.00 (USD)
Destination: Europe
Ship: ms Esprit
Explore two of Europe's most scenic rivers on a 14-night cruise between Basel and Amsterdam aboard one of Tauck's premium riverboats.Yuletide Spirit: Amsterdam to Brussels - Southbound Aboard ms Grace
From $3,890.00 (USD)
Destination: Europe
Ship: ms Grace
Experience the magic of Holland and Belgium during Winterfest, when friendships, fun and holiday cheer are celebrated with heartwarming fes...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...Exploring the Douro, plus Lisbon & Madrid - Westbound Aboard ms Andorinha
From $7,190.00 (USD)
Destination: Europe
Ship: ms Andorinha
Join us for an enchanting 12-day journey through one of the oldest wine regions in the world… including a culturally rich 7-nigh...The Romantic Rhine: Amsterdam to Basel - Southbound Aboard ms Joy
From $5,690.00 (USD)
Destination: Europe
Ship: ms Joy
Discover the heritage and beauty of The Rhine aboard one of our intimate riverboats.Autumn Along the Rhine: Munich's Oktoberfest Aboard ms Inspire
From $7,490.00 (USD)
Destination: Europe
Ship: ms Inspire
Along the river Rhine...Three Rivers: Danube, Main & Rhine - Southbound Aboard ms Joy
From $6,390.00 (USD)
Destination: Europe
Ship: ms Joy
View Cologne Cathedral towering over the Rhine, explore ancient Nijmegen, and learn about modern-day warfare at the Dutch National Military F...Rhine Enchantment, Amsterdam to Milan - Southbound Aboard ms Savor
From $6,990.00 (USD)
Destination: Europe
Ship: ms Savor
Our popular journey along the River Rhine explores five countries and features a seven-night cruise from the Netherlands to Switzerland, pl...