River cruising offers a unique and intimate way to explore the heart of a destination, meandering through picturesque waterways and immersing passengers in the rich tapestry of local culture. Unlike ocean cruises, river cruises navigate inland water routes, allowing travelers to witness the charm of historic towns, lush landscapes, and iconic landmarks along the riverbanks. The more modest size of river cruise vessels fosters a sense of community among passengers, creating a social and relaxed atmosphere on board. River cruises often feature personalized excursions that delve into the cultural nuances of each port of call, providing a deeper understanding of the regions traversed. Whether sailing along the Rhine, Danube, or Mekong, river cruises offer a front-row seat to the scenic beauty and cultural treasures of the destinations, making them an appealing choice for those seeking a more immersive and tranquil travel experience.
The appeal of river cruising extends beyond the landscapes and cultural exploration to the convenience and comfort of the journey. River cruise ships are designed with a focus on elegance and efficiency, offering cozy cabins, panoramic lounges, and open decks for passengers to enjoy the ever-changing scenery. The unhurried pace of river cruising allows travelers to savor the moments and enjoy a more relaxed itinerary, with the option to explore charming towns and cities at a leisurely pace. Gourmet dining experiences featuring regional cuisine, onboard lectures, and entertainment tailored to the destinations visited contribute to the overall enrichment of the river cruise experience. This mode of travel is well-suited for those seeking a refined and intimate journey, where the emphasis is on cultural immersion and a deeper connection with the landscapes and communities along the riverbanks.
They are an all inclusive vacation that include gourmet meals with wine and beer and most shore excursions. Dining is single or open seating and the dress is country club casual. Amenities typically include fitness centers, internet cafes and spas. Some ships even have pools. Onboard entertainment can be local music, wine tasting or lectures by local experts.
A big advantage is that the small ship size allows you to dock in the heart of some of Europe’s most famous cities or small villages in Vietnam and allow you to engage in some of the best game viewing in Africa.
When you cruise with AmaWaterways, you don’t simply visit a destination, you experience it. That experience begins from the moment you step on board, when you are greeted by courteous, professional crew. Enjoy a champagne welcome as you meet your fellow guests and local wines, as well as beer and sodas which are included with each open-seating dinner. Dinners consist of regional cuisine with special local selections as well as foods that are familiar.
AmaWaterways is the premier river cruise line on Europe’s Danube, Rhine, Main, Mosel and Rhône rivers. Known for its custom-designed ships, extensive complimentary amenities and personalized service levels, AmaWaterways consistently leads the way in river cruising. With destinations traveling through Europe, Russia, Vietnam and Cambodia, and new voyages to Africa and Portugal.
In addition to the European destinations, AmaWaterways offers the separate and distinct Ama Voyages to Vietnam and Cambodia and is the only cruise line offering a luxury safari river cruise in Africa.
Avalon Waterways invites travelers to experience the views they deserve when sailing the world’s rivers. Because unlike other cruise ships, Avalon Waterways has designed its staterooms so beds face the window* and the incredible sights river cruising is famous for. In fact, on two full decks of every Suite Ship® in Europe Avalon Waterways offers travelers a unique point-of-view: One where the view is the whole point.
AWARD WINNING: Uniworld is the world's ONLY authentic boutique luxury cruise line™ offering a five-star luxury experience. Consistently recognized by Condé Nast Traveler and Travel + Leisure, Uniworld delivers an unparalleled luxury cruise experience with uncompromising value.
Unique: The unique partnership with the five-star Red Carnation Hotel Collection means Uniworld is able to offer a luxury boutique hotel experience onboard our ships. That, combined with an average ship capacity of just 130 guests, makes Uniworld the world’s ONLY authentic boutique cruise line.
Stylish Luxury: Lavishly appointed ships are individually designed and decorated with the finest furnishings, inspiring art, and modern conveniences.
Top Dining: Uniworld—the world’s ONLY river cruise line recognized by the Zagat® Cruise Lines Survey for “Top Dining”—features meals flawlessly prepared using the freshest ingredients, which are often brought onboard from local farmers’ markets.
Genuine Hospitality: Uniworld’s staff is trained with the philosophy “No request too large, no detail too small.”
Exquisite Riverview Staterooms: Uniworld— the world’s ONLY river cruise line recognized by Zagat® Cruise Lines Survey for “Top Cabins”—provides the perfect private retreat with handcrafted Savoir® of England beds—bedmakers to the finest hotels— draped in sumptuous linens, and an array of pillow options. Our gleaming marble-clad bathrooms offer every convenience, including L’Occitane bath amenities, plush towels, soft robes, and slippers.
Expertise: Uniworld handles all aspects of our nautical, hospitality, and hotel management, as well as our onshore programs, so nothing is ever left to chance.
Personalized Excursions: With Uniworld’s included “Choice Is Yours,” “Go Active,” and “Gentle Walking” programs, you can customize your travel experience even more.
Enriching Experiences: Through integrated onboard and onshore programs, Uniworld provides a 360º encounter with each exciting port of call. Signature Lectures, intriguing onboard entertainment, and exclusive excursions available only to Uniworld guests immerse you in the history, tradition, and culture of each stop on your itinerary.
Unparalleled Value: Uniworld provides you with a value-packed, all-inclusive trip of a lifetime to Europe, Russia, Egypt, China Vietnam & Cambodia.