A cruise for many tourists means a big boat that goes from one tropical island to another. River cruises, on the other hand, are just as popular with tourists today because they are smaller and more personal.
Usually, the boats for these cruises are much smaller than the huge ships that travel the sea. They are great for getting from one interesting city or site to another by river. A review of the world’s best river cruises:
1. Mekong River Cruise
A river called the Mekong flows through China, Burma, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand. When travelers take a boat ride down the beautiful Mekong, they will see a mix of new towns and old floating villages.
Depending on your cruise route, you might see beautiful places like the Angkor Watt temple complex in Cambodia or the Mekong Delta in South Vietnam, where you can see floating villages and colorful markets. One of the best ways to see and experience the real Asia is to go on a trip down the Mekong River.
2. Rhine River Cruise
It’s no surprise that a cruise down the Rhine is one of the most popular things to do in Europe. With its slow flow, the Rhine River goes through several famous tourist spots, such as Switzerland, France, Germany, and the Netherlands. A lot of people think that the part of the Rhine river in Germany between Koblenz and Bingen is the most beautiful.
People who come here will see some of Europe’s most beautiful scenery and landmarks, such as castles from the Middle Ages, lush vineyards, and cute towns that look like they belong in a fairy tale. For people who don’t have much time, trips down the Rhine can last as little as half a day, or they can go on for 11 days or even longer.
3. Volga River Cruise
The Volga is Europe’s biggest river, and many people think of it as Russia’s national river. Volga River cruises may take people to St. Petersburg, Moscow, or the cities in the Golden Ring, depending on the schedule. Taking a cruise down the Volga River is a great way to see both classic and current Russia. Additionally, a Volga River cruise might include visits to the ballet, the circus, or one of Russia’s beautiful palaces, based on the schedule.
4. Kerala Backwaters Cruise
A cruise through India’s beautiful Kerala area is the best way to see the backwaters and enjoy their beauty.Cruisers can enjoy living like the locals as they move through the canals and beautiful lakes that make up Kerala’s Backwaters.
There is a unique environment in Kerala because the fresh water from the rivers mixes with the salt water from the Arabian Sea. People who want to see this area can choose from a number of different types of boats, such as the famous kettuvallams, which are rowed by natives, or powered thatched-roof boats.
5. Mississippi River Cruise
The Mighty Mississippi is the fourth-longest river in the world. It flows through the middle of America and some of the most beautiful scenery in the country. A lot of the ships that go down this river are made to look like old-fashioned paddle-wheel steamboats. This can make travelers feel like they’ve gone back in time to a more relaxed time of life.
Depending on the route, people on a Mississippi River cruise might see both small towns and big places like St. Louis and Louisville. Again, tour trips may include stops at both plantation homes and Battle of New Orleans battle sites, based on the schedule. The length of a Mississippi cruise can run from a few hours to three weeks or even longer.
6. Douro Cruise
Some other European cruise spots are more well-known and famous than the Douro River, but that doesn’t mean it’s not a good place to go. This delightful small cruise goes through Portugal and Spain, passing lovely vineyards and towns from the Middle Ages.
This cruise is great for people who like to go to places they haven’t been before. A typical itinerary for a Douro River cruise trip starts at the river’s mouth in Porto and might include stops at nearby vineyards, castles, and churches.
7. Amazon River Cruise
Explorers have long been drawn to the Amazon River, which flows through thick jungles. They want to find the secrets that are hidden in the jungles that line its banks. Before, only the bravest people would have tried to go into the Amazon Basin. Luckily, these days it’s a lot easier for tourists to get to this secret world.
The Amazon is traveled by many tour ships. There are a range of rooms on these boats, from simple to fancy. There are cabins on some boats with big picture windows so that visitors can see what’s going on around them while staying cool in their room.
The Amazon river flows through eight South American countries, but most big ships only go on trips along the parts of the river between the Brazilian ports of Manaus and Belém. However, smaller tour ships can go further upriver to Iquitos, Peru, making stops in less developed parts of the Peruvian Amazon.
FAQ’s
Q1. What makes the Danube River Cruise iconic?
The Danube River Cruise takes you through several European countries, including Germany, Austria, Slovakia, and Hungary. It features stunning landscapes, historic cities like Vienna and Budapest, and UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Q2. Why is the Nile River Cruise special?
The Nile River Cruise offers a journey through ancient Egyptian history, with stops at iconic landmarks such as the temples of Luxor and Karnak, the Valley of the Kings, and the Aswan High Dam. It provides a unique glimpse into one of the world's oldest civilizations.
Q3. What can I see on an Amazon River Cruise?
An Amazon River Cruise explores the heart of the Amazon Rainforest, offering opportunities to see diverse wildlife, including monkeys, pink dolphins, and exotic birds. It also includes visits to remote villages and indigenous communities, showcasing the region's rich biodiversity and culture.
