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
The Blue Danube - Westbound Aboard ms Savor
From $6,990.00 (USD)
Destination: Europe
Ship: ms Savor
Wind your way past medieval landscapes aboard Tauck's ms Savor or ms Joy to explore five European countries, visit castles and cathedrals, ...The Blue Danube - Westbound Aboard ms Joy
From $5,590.00 (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...Christmas Markets Along the Rhine - Northbound Aboard ms Inspire
From $3,290.00 (USD)
Destination: Europe
Ship: ms Inspire
Exclusive Tauck experiences, special holiday events, much yuletide cheer... and of course, Tauck's uncommon access ashore...Musical Magic Along The Blue Danube Aboard ms Savor
From $5,990.00 (USD)
Destination: Europe
Ship: ms Savor
Join Tauck's “maestros” to walk in the footsteps of Mozart, Beethoven, Barto and others on a melody-filled adventure including ...The Romantic Rhine: Basel to Amsterdam - Northbound Aboard ms Grace
From $4,890.00 (USD)
Destination: Europe
Ship: ms Grace
Discover the heritage and beauty of The Rhine aboard one of our intimate riverboats.Rhine Enchantment, Amsterdam to Milan - Southbound Aboard ms Inspire
From $5,990.00 (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, ...Cruising the Dutch Waterways Aboard ms Inspire
From $4,690.00 (USD)
Destination: Europe
Ship: ms Inspire
The Dutch cultural landscape comes to life on this 8-day, 7-night riverboat cruise through The Netherlands' inland waterways that begins ...The Black Sea to Budapest - Westbound Aboard ms Savor
From $6,690.00 (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.Autumn Along the Rhine... Munich's Oktoberfest Aboard ms Inspire
From $6,590.00 (USD)
Destination: Europe
Ship: ms Inspire
Just two September departures of our new 10-day trip combine a 7-night river cruise on the Rhine with a 2-night land stay in the heart of...Budapest to Amsterdam by Riverboat - Northbound Aboard ms Esprit
From $6,990.00 (USD)
Destination: Europe
Ship: ms Esprit
Take an amazing journey past ancient castles and soaring cathedrals, taking in great cities including Vienna, Köln, Nürnberg and...French Escapade: Paris to the Riviera - Northbound Aboard ms Emerald
From $7,290.00 (USD)
Destination: Europe
Ship: ms Emerald
From Cannes on the Mediterranean, travel to Arles...Exploring the Douro, plus Lisbon & Madrid - Eastbound Aboard ms Andorinha
From $6,590.00 (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 Grace
From $4,890.00 (USD)
Destination: Europe
Ship: ms Grace
Discover the heritage and beauty of The Rhine aboard one of our intimate riverboats.The Blue Danube - Eastbound Aboard ms Joy
From $5,590.00 (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...Yuletide Spirit: Amsterdam to Brussels - Southbound Aboard ms Grace
From $3,290.00 (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...Rhine Enchantment, Milan to Amsterdam - Northbound Aboard ms Grace
From $5,990.00 (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...Budapest to Amsterdam by Riverboat - Northbound Aboard ms Treasures
From $6,990.00 (USD)
Destination: Europe
Ship: ms Treasures
Take an amazing journey past ancient castles and soaring cathedrals, taking in great cities including Vienna, Köln, Nürnberg ...Danube Reflections featuring Oberammergau - Westbound Aboard ms Joy
From $6,890.00 (USD)
Destination: Europe
Ship: ms Joy
Glide through the scenic, romantic soul of old-world Europe on this idyllic 11-day trip featuring a 7-night Budapest to Munich river cruise a...Amsterdam to Budapest by Riverboat - Southbound Aboard ms Treasures
From $7,390.00 (USD)
Destination: Europe
Ship: ms Treasures
Take an amazing journey past ancient castles and soaring cathedrals, taking in great cities including Vienna, Köln, Nürnberg ...The Blue Danube featuring Oberammergau - Eastbound Aboard ms Joy
From $7,890.00 (USD)
Destination: Europe
Ship: ms Joy
Wind your way past medieval landscapes on this classic Danube River cruise discovering historic cities like Munich, Salzburg, Vienna, Bratisl...