Discover the Magic of River Cruising

Welcome to the world of river cruising, a unique and intimate way to explore the heart of a destination. Unlike ocean cruises, a river cruise offers a relaxed pace, stunning scenery, and effortless access to charming towns and iconic cities, all without the worry of seasickness. Unpack just once and let your floating boutique hotel transport you through the world's most beautiful waterways.

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Who Goes on a River Cruise?

While river cruises are fantastic for everyone, they typically attract a certain type of traveller. The average age of a river cruise passenger is often quoted as being around 55-70 years old, but this can vary greatly by cruise line and itinerary.

Active and Curious Travellers: River cruises are perfect for those who want to immerse themselves in culture, history, and local life. You’ll be exploring a new port almost every day, with a focus on guided tours, walking, and cycling.

Couples and Friends: The intimate atmosphere and open-seating dining make it easy to meet like-minded people. It's a wonderful way to travel with a partner or a group of friends while enjoying shared experiences.

Solo Travellers: Many river cruise lines are becoming increasingly solo-traveler friendly, offering special fares and a social environment where it's easy to connect with others without feeling like you're intruding.

Families (with older children): While most river cruise lines do not have extensive children's facilities like water slides or kids' clubs, some lines offer dedicated family-focused itineraries during school holidays. These are best suited for more mature children who enjoy cultural immersion and historical sites.

First-Time Cruisers: If you're new to cruising and are nervous about large ships or open seas, a river cruise is an ideal introduction. The smooth sailing and constant views of land make for a very comfortable journey.

River cruises sail on major waterways around the world. Here are some of the most popular and scenic itineraries:

Europe

Europe is the undisputed capital of river cruising, with a vast network of rivers connecting historic cities and charming villages.

The Danube: The "Blue Danube" is arguably the most famous river cruise route. Sail through multiple countries, from Germany to Hungary, visiting magnificent cities like Vienna, Budapest, and Bratislava. You can see medieval castles, lush vineyards, and stunning architecture.
The Rhine: Known for its fairytale castles and dramatic gorges, the Rhine is a classic itinerary. The most popular routes sail between Amsterdam and Basel, offering a journey through Germany's picturesque landscapes and charming towns like Cologne and Strasbourg.
The Douro: Explore the heart of Portugal's wine region on a cruise along the Douro River. This route offers stunning terraced vineyards, traditional villages, and the vibrant city of Porto.
The Seine & Rhône: Discover the romance of France! Sail along the Seine to explore Normandy and Paris, or cruise the Rhône and Saône rivers through the beautiful Burgundy and Provence regions, famous for their food and wine.
Moselle & Main: These smaller, more intimate rivers connect to the Rhine and Danube, offering a deeper dive into the wine regions and idyllic countryside of Germany and Luxembourg.

Asia

Experience the vibrant culture and ancient history of Southeast Asia on a river cruise.

The Mekong: This is a truly immersive journey through Vietnam and Cambodia. Sail from Ho Chi Minh City to Siem Reap, exploring bustling markets, floating villages, and the awe-inspiring temples of Angkor Wat.
The Yangtze: China's mighty Yangtze River offers a spectacular journey through the Three Gorges, with magnificent landscapes and modern cityscapes like Shanghai and Chongqing.
The Ganges: Embark on a spiritual and cultural journey along India's sacred Ganges River, witnessing daily life and ancient traditions along its banks.

North America

Discover the history and landscapes of the USA and Canada from a unique perspective.

The Mississippi: Explore the heartland of America, from the jazz-filled streets of New Orleans to the historic towns of the Upper Mississippi.
The Columbia & Snake Rivers: Follow in the footsteps of explorers Lewis and Clark, sailing through dramatic gorges and stunning wilderness in the Pacific Northwest.
The St. Lawrence River: Cruise through charming towns and spectacular scenery in Canada and New England.

South America

The Amazon: Explore the world's largest rainforest on a small expedition vessel. These cruises offer a truly wild adventure, with opportunities for wildlife spotting and cultural encounters with remote communities in the Peruvian Amazon.
The Magdalena: Colombia's "River of a Thousand Rhythms" offers a journey into the heart of the country's history and culture.

Main Rivers

Sail into the Heart of a Destination

Frequently asked Questions

What is included? River cruises are often praised for their all-inclusive value. Your fare typically includes:

* Accommodation in a comfortable stateroom.
* All meals on board, often with regional specialities.
* Complimentary wine, beer, and soft drinks with lunch and dinner (and often all day).
* A choice of daily guided shore excursions in each port.
* Wi-Fi access.
* Onboard entertainment and enrichment programmes (e.g., local performers, cultural lectures).
* Port charges and taxes.
* Some lines even include gratuities!

What are the ships like? River cruise ships are much smaller than ocean liners, typically holding 100-200 passengers. They are designed to fit under low bridges and through narrow locks. This means no casinos, large theatres, or multiple swimming pools. Instead, you'll find elegant lounges, a main dining room, a sun deck, and a calm, intimate atmosphere.

Is there a lot of walking? Yes. A key feature of river cruising is docking right in the heart of towns and cities. This means you can often walk straight off the ship and start exploring. While daily excursions are included, many lines offer different activity levels (e.g., gentle, moderate, active) to suit all fitness levels.

Are there days at sea? No. On a river cruise, you are almost always sailing with land in sight. The ships often sail at night to arrive at a new port each morning, maximizing your time for exploration.

Why Book a River Cruise with a Travel Broker?

Navigating the world of river cruises can be overwhelming. With numerous cruise lines, itineraries, and inclusions, how do you know which one is the perfect fit for you? This is where your dedicated Travel Broker comes in.

Expert Advice: We have firsthand knowledge of the different cruise lines, ships, and itineraries. We can match your travel style, interests, and budget to the perfect cruise line, whether you want an active adventure or a relaxed, luxurious journey.
Save Time & Hassle: The booking process can be complicated. We handle all the details for you, from choosing the right cabin to arranging flights, pre- and post-cruise stays, and transfers.
Unlock Exclusive Perks: We often have access to special deals, bonus onboard credit, or complimentary amenities that you won't find by booking online. We can also advise you on the best promotions and booking times to get the most value.
Peace of Mind: In the event of unexpected issues like low or high river levels, we are your advocate. We can assist with any changes, re-bookings, or cancellations, saving you the stress of dealing with multiple vendors yourself.
Personalised Service: We take the time to understand your needs, including any dietary requirements, mobility concerns, or special celebration plans, ensuring your cruise is tailored just for you.

"YOU HAVE TO GET LOST BEFORE YOU CAN BE FOUND."