Discover the Unique Charm of River Cruising

Embarking on a river cruise offers an unparalleled way to explore some of the world’s most beautiful and culturally rich destinations. Unlike traditional ocean cruises, river cruises provide an intimate and immersive experience, allowing you to connect deeply with each locale. Here are a few compelling reasons why a river cruise should be your next travel adventure:

Access to Hidden Gems

River cruise ships are smaller, allowing them to navigate narrow waterways and dock in the heart of cities and towns. This means you can explore hidden gems and lesser-known destinations that are often inaccessible to larger ocean liners. Enjoy the charm of small ports and the convenience of docking right in the city center.

Cultural Immersion

River cruises are designed to immerse you in the local culture and heritage of the regions you visit. From guided tours of ancient ruins and historic cities to cooking classes and wine tastings, each excursion is an opportunity to engage with local traditions and history. You’ll return home with a deeper understanding and appreciation of the places you’ve visited.

Intimate and Relaxed Atmosphere

River cruises offer a serene and laid-back environment with fewer passengers compared to ocean cruises. This intimate setting allows for personalized service and a closer connection with fellow travelers. With no crowds to contend with, you can enjoy a peaceful journey, getting to know the staff and other passengers on a more personal level.

Exquisite Culinary Experiences

River cruises are renowned for their exceptional cuisine, featuring fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Each meal is a celebration of regional flavors, prepared by talented chefs who are passionate about showcasing the culinary heritage of the destinations you visit. This focus on local and fresh ingredients ensures that you enjoy authentic and high-quality dishes that reflect the true essence of each region.

Constantly Changing Scenery

One of the most captivating aspects of river cruising is the ever-changing landscape. As you glide along tranquil rivers, you’ll witness picturesque villages, historic castles, and lush vineyards pass by. Every day brings a new destination to explore, ensuring that there’s always something fresh and exciting to look forward to.

Here are a few of my favorite river cruise itineraries...

Stars of Africa

AmaWaterways

3 nights in Cape Town, 4-night safari cruise, 2 nights in Victoria Falls, 2 nights in Johannesburg, 3 nights in Greater Kruger National Park

Your journey begins with a three-night stay in picturesque Cape Town. Next, fly to Kasane, Botswana to begin your Zambezi Queen safari cruise on the Chobe River.

Explore Chobe National Park, home to one of the densest populations of wildlife on the African continent.

Spend two nights at the legendary Victoria Falls before flying to Johannesburg for two nights that includes a visit to the township of Soweto.

Then fly to Hoedspruit, located in the game-rich country of Greater Kruger National Park. Spend three nights at a luxurious game lodge in this premier eco-tourist destination, known for some of the best “Big Five” viewing in Africa.

Experience the thrill of daily game drives, while evenings bring you breathtakingly clear skies.

What I love about AmaWaterways

AmaWaterways has curated a diverse menu of shore excursions included as part of your cruise fare. Their roster of options caters to a range of interest and activity levels, including tours for gentle and active walkers as well as late risers. Enjoy city tours, guided hikes, exhilarating bike rides, and tastings of local specialties—all on one itinerary!

Magnificent Mekong

Viking

15-day land and cruise from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City with options for pre and post-cruise extensions in Ha Long Bay and Bangkok.

Shop Old Hanoi’s markets. See the Khmer temple complex of Angkor Wat. Behold the haunting beauty of Ta Prohm Temple, where jungle vines embrace ancient ruins. Explore Phnom Penh by cyclo rickshaw. Discover silk towns, fishing villages, monasteries and local river life. With hotel stays in Hanoi, Siem Reap and Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) bracketing your eight-day Mekong cruise, this cruisetour reveals the beauty and grace of a land we have only begun to know.

About the ship: Built in 2022, The Viking Saigon, was designed to navigate the Mekong River. Carrying a maximum of 80 passengers, this ship blends understated elegance with the clean, Scandinavian design principles for which Viking is known.

What I love about Viking

With Viking, guests journey with like-minded travelers on "The Thinking Person's Cruise," designed to help them explore their destination through enlightening shore excursions, informative lectures, engaging performances and delicious regional cuisine.

Rhine Holiday Markets

Uniworld Boutique River Cruises

8-day cruise from Basel to Cologne

Discover the roots of our Christmas traditions as you explore some of Europe’s most charming towns. Browse for unique ornaments in Basel’s Christmas Market. Sip vin chaud as you stroll to Place Kléber to behold the enormous, brilliantly lighted tree of Strasbourg. See how the baroque town hall of Koblenz is transformed into an Advent calendar and find unexpected treasures in the stalls clustered around Cologne’s magnificent cathedral.

Savor tantalizing once-a-year treats with Uniworld’s “Taste of Christmas” program, including gingerbread and warm spiced wine. Revel in brightly painted carousels and handmade ornaments, medieval squares illuminated by twinkling lights, life-sized Nativity figures, and joyful brass choirs. Sail through castle-strewn hillsides and visit charming towns decked in festive finery for a holiday season you will never forget.

The luxurious décor of the 443-foot, 152-passenger S.S. Antoinette features fine Brazilian marble on the walls and floors, a 19th-century Venetian glass mirror, a stylish Bar du Leopard with full-service bar, and an onboard cinema. The two-story foyer boasts a 10-foot blue Strauss Baccarat chandelier with huge sapphires—a stunning piece that once hung in New York’s famous Tavern on the Green—and a collection of original artwork is displayed throughout the ship.

What I love about Uniworld

Each ship is unique, impeccably designed to reflect the rivers on which they sail. Each element, from the decor, to the excursions, to the service has been thoughtfully curated, and flawlessly executed, creating an unmatched experience of luxury.