uniworld rhone river cruise 2024

Fall 2024 Rhine River Cruise

Basel, Switzerland

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About this trip

PLEASE CALL JENI AT OUR OFFICE AT 480-345-6630 TO BOOK THIS TOUR OR SEND AN EMAIL TO [email protected].

FIND INSPIRATION IN THE ROMANTIC, SOUL-STIRRING BEAUTY OF THE FABLED RHINE.

10% Deposit by Oct. 31, 2023 for additional discounts up to $600 off standard public rates.

Flights and pre- or post-arrangements are available upon request.

Download flyer here . Please make sure that the participant(s) passport is valid for the passport requirements of all countries your tour will be visiting. Visit http://travel.state.gov for information, type in the country in question, then scroll down to the Quick Facts section for passport information.

Final payment deadline: 5/21/2024

Price is for cruise fare and port taxes. Airfare is not included. All fares are per guest and based on double occupancy unless otherwise noted. Fares are for cruise or cruise/tour only for travel in the lowest category stateroom on select itineraries and departure dates. Fares do not include airfare. All fares, itineraries, shore excursions and policies are capacity controlled and are subject to change at any time without notice. Availability of all suite categories cannot be guaranteed. Uniworld is not responsible for errors or omissions. Additional restrictions may apply. For complete details, general information and terms and conditions applicable to all Uniworld voyages, please contact your travel agent. CST #2075415-20

Trip Specifics

Watch this space 1-2 months before travel for specific flight, hotel and final itinerary information. Be sure to send us a copy of the 1st page of your passport before 90 days before departure. 

Have a wonderful tour! 

What’s included

• Cruising & Excursions 7 nights cruising, 6 days of excursions, including "Choice Is Yours" options, all fully hosted by English-speaking local experts
• Sites Visits to 3 UNESCO World Heritage Sites
• Meals 19 meals including 1 Welcome Dinner and 1 Farewell Dinner (5-star farm-to-table cuisine), unlimited beverages, including many premium spirits and wines
• Amenities All gratuities on-board, all scheduled airport transfers (restrictions apply)
• Excursions Choice of excursions curated exclusively for Uniworld guests
• Service Outstanding service with one of the highest staff-to-guest ratios of any cruise line, in-suite butler service
• Suites Elegant and well-appointed riverview staterooms and suites, with the finest linens, towels and Savoir(R) beds
• Fitness Center On-board fitness center, plus exercise and wellness classes
• Internet Shipwide internet and Wi-Fi access
• Entertainment On-board entertainment and enrichment
• Extras Bicycles and Nordic walking poles for on-shore use

Available Packages

PLEASE CALL JENI AT OUR OFFICE AT 480-345-6630 TO BOOK THIS TOUR OR SEND AN EMAIL TO [email protected].  

Final payment deadline: May 21, 2024 (limited availability)

Breisach is your gateway to the Alsatian wine road and your launching point for an excursion along the celebrated Route des Vins, which hugs the foothills of the Vosges mountain range.

This morning, enjoy leisure time as you sail the scenic Upper Rhine to Breisach. 

A special Captain’s Welcome Reception and Dinner will be prepared for you this evening.

See Strasbourg on foot with an insightful local expert, where this historic town with its cobbled lanes, half-timbered homes, giant stork nests and impossible-to-resist pastry shops will win your heart. Kehl, directly across the river from Strasbourg, will be your ship’s base while you explore the Alsatian capital. If you’re feeling adventurous, take advantage of Uniworld’s bicycles or Nordic walking sticks and explore the banks of the river.

You have the entire afternoon to see more of Strasbourg on your own.

Speyer—“spire” in English—is well named, since the four red towers of the Romanesque cathedral dominate the Old Town. 

Experience Germany’s fabled Rhine River in the towns of Rüdesheim and Boppard. Enjoy a private tasting of estate-grown Rieslings at Castle Vollrads, take a stroll through beautiful Boppard, or hike through some of the most beautiful landscapes that line the Rhine.

This morning, you’ll cruise out of Rüdesheim and into the sublimely beautiful and romantic Upper Middle Rhine Valley.

Get to know Koblenz, a historic town with a colorful past and eclectic architecture, and enjoy a visit to the stunningly medieval Marksburg Castle. As you come upon picture-perfect Koblenz, you’ll sail past Deutsches Eck (German Corner) with its historic monument to Kaiser Wilhelm I. 

History buffs will enjoy an expertly led tour through Cologne’s Old Town, where three medieval gates remain standing, as does the old city hall with its Renaissance façade. Wander through the city’s historical center and take in its charming atmosphere, narrow alleyways flanked by old houses and countless breweries. No matter how you choose to explore Old Town, you’ll also have ample free time to explore on your own.

In the evening, a special Captain’s Farewell Reception and Dinner will be prepared for you.

Disembark the ship. If your cruise package includes a group departure transfer or if you have purchased a private departure transfer, you will be transferred to Amsterdam Airport Schiphol for your flight home. Alternatively, you may continue your adventure with our optional post-cruise Amsterdam extension. 

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7 of the best river cruises around the world for 2024

Take a tour of the world’s most famous waterways on your next holiday, article bookmarked.

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A cruise holiday isn’t always about setting sail across vast oceans. For an alternative type of break on the water, winding your way inland might sound similar but it’s a vastly different experience.

From crossing deep into the untouched areas of the Amazon rainforest to exploring some of Europe ’s finest cities, the river cruise experience is one that allows tourists to get to grips with the history, culture and tradition of a destination in a slow, immersive fashion.

This could be in the form of sampling Creole cuisine in Mississippi or discovering historic sites in Vietnam , but whatever it is, there’s plenty of choice across Europe , Asia , South America and North America .

Read on for a selection of the best cruises, from the Mississippi to the Mekong.

Europe’s second longest river – and arguably its most famous – river takes you through amazing capital cities and host of charming towns, as well as plenty of scenic countryside in Austria , Hungary , Slovakia and Romania. Cruises along the Danube can vary from a handful of days to almost three weeks, giving you time to explore the elegance of cities like Vienna , Budapest, Bratislava or Belgrade.

Emerald Cruises lets you see the best of the Danube with the addition of a hefty dose of traditional German culture in Munich. Leaving the Bavarian capital, you’ll travel to Passau before a quick cross-border trip to the Unesco-listed Czech city of Cesky Krumlov. Vienna is the next city, replete with opulent architecture, before a quick overnight stay in Bratislava on the sixth night. Guided tours and hikes around the castle are included, before you get three nights to explore Budapest, the Hungarian capital that is blessed with picturesque buildings, relaxed thermal baths and a buzzing nightlife scene. 

From £1,999pp, including nine nights’ accommodation, full board, tours of Vienna, Bratislava and Budapest and airport transfers. Departing 7 May 2024 to 20 October 2024.

Read more on Europe travel :

• The lesser-known Croatia destinations you may not have considered
• The best spas in Eastern Europe for an affordable, yet luxurious, break
• Lisbon travel guide: Where to eat, drink, shop and stay in Portugal’s vivacious capital

This famous river runs for over 4,000 miles throughout South America and is a major part of the eponymous rainforest, one of the most biodiverse and important natural areas on the planet. A river cruise remains the best way to reach deeper into the jungle, with many cruises beginning in the northern Brazilian city of Manaus or in the Peruvian city of Lima.

Start in Peru’s enchanting capital with the Peruvian Rivers and Rainforest Discovery cruise from Uniworld. You’ll fly to Iquitos, the largest city in the Amazon as your next stop, before delving into some of the most remote areas in the world as you take to the waters. From here, nature takes centre stage, with a variety of experiences – including jungle walks and kayaking on a lake – added to the enjoyment of natural features such as giant lilies, towering barrigona trees and around 10 per cent of the world’s known animal species.

From £8,799pp, including 10 nights’ accommodation, full board, return flights from London, domestic flights and various excursions. Departing regularly from 17 January until 6 November 2024.

Start in  Cairo  and make your way down to Aswan over a few days (though many shorter routes operate between  Aswan and Luxor  only). For a relaxing way to take in riverside scenery and some of Egypt’s most important historical sites, a river cruise is the ideal choice.

AP Touring’s  Egypt Discovery  trip takes you on a round trip from Cairo. You’ll cross thousands of years of history, starting with West Bank the Valley of the Kings, before a short flight to Aswan to explore Abu Simbel and a sighting of the landmark Pyramids of Giza near the Egyptian capital. The scenery along the route is exceptional, too, with palm trees, green spaces and mini oases dotted in between the yellow-hued rock.

From £6,995pp, including 12 nights’ accommodation, 30 meals (including unlimited local beer and wine) return flights from London Heathrow, domestic flights within Egypt and activities in each of the 10 destinations. Departing regularly from September 2024 to April 2025.

Exploring this land of castles and fairytales is a worthwhile European trip, with tours often starting in the pretty Dutch capital of Amsterdam and weaving across the German and French countryside, with the route broken up by cities such as Cologne, Dusseldorf and Strasbourg. Many of the towns located on the banks of the Rhine, such as Koblenz, are incredibly picturesque, with a range of medieval castles and natural sites like the Black Forest also featuring.

Ama Waterways provide a seven-night cruise that runs from Basel to Amsterdam. Get your cultural fix at either end of your trip in either of these two cities, before admiring the vistas around the Rhine Valley, the medieval castles that loom over towns like Heidelberg and the timber-framed buildings that line the streets of Riquewihr and Strasbourg. Stops in both Freiburg and Dusseldorf are also included, as well as an optional excursion to Cologne.

From £2,399pp, including seven nights’ accommodation, full board and tours in each destination. Departing regularly between 18 February and 28 December 2024.

The views around the Douro Valley are some of the best in Portugal , whether you’re sitting by the banks in Porto or admiring the verdant hills and vineyards around Pinhao. This region, well-known for its port production, has cruises lasting roughly one week that usually begin and end in Porto – where the river meets the Atlantic Ocean – with a brief crossing over into Spain and Salamanca.

The Riviera Travel package offers an affordable eight-day Douro option starting and ending in Porto , with two nights to explore Portugal’s magnificent second city (and to go on a guided tour of a well-known port producer). Days three and four take you to sleepy Castelo de Rodrigo and the historic Spanish city of Salamanca (with guided tours and time to explore at your leisure) before traversing the cascading vineyards of the valley on your way back to Porto via the beautiful Peso de Regua (and a local wine tasting).

From £1,599pp, including seven nights’ accommodation, full board, flights from a London airport, one excursion one each day and airport transfers. Departing regularly from 7 April 2024.

The Mississippi

Discovering the Deep South is often done by car, but with new routes recently from Viking Cruises, exploring Louisiana, Mississippi, Minnesota and Tennessee has never been more idyllic. The famed cities of New Orleans and Memphis can bookend your tour, with lesser-known locations such as Baton Rouge, Natchez and Darrow making up the other stops.

Opt for Viking’s ‘Heart of the Delta’ cruise to if you really want to immerse yourself in the Deep South. The cruise begins with a few days exploring the French influences and Creole cuisine of New Orleans , before moving on to Baton Rouge – a haven of Creole and Cajun culture – and then onto Natchez, the oldest city on the river. You’ll travel through other towns on the Mississippi – complete with walking tours or excursions to the Atchafalaya Swamp basin – before reaching Memphis, the atmospheric home of blues music.

From £6,545pp, including 12 nights’ accommodation, full board, return flights from London and one excursion per destination. Departing weekly from March 7 until 13 June, with additional departures on 7 November and 13 November.

The Mekong flows through a host of Asia’s most fascinating countries, including Vietnam , Thailand , China and Cambodia. Most cruises only take in parts of Vietnam and Cambodia , though this mix of floating fishing villages, traditional markets and the two capitals of Ho Chi Minh City and Phnom Penh will be enough for most travellers. With Avalon Waterways , you’ll combine energetic, modern cities with some of the most vibrant culture in Asia and a history that is equal parts sobering and fascinating.

It starts in Siem Reap, site of the Angkor Wat temple, before moving on to the Cambodian capital, where you can learn about the dictatorship of Pol Pot and visit several must-see landmarks. After this, Vietnam beckons, with a visit to the dizzying Ho Chi Minh City to see its admirable architecture. Visits to markets, old Vietnam War tunnels, temples and cooking classes are dotted in between these city trips for good measure, with stops at characterful towns like Vinh Long, too.

From £4,229pp, including seven nights’ accommodation, full board and activities on each day of the trip. Departing regularly from 15 January to 11 March and from 12 August to 2 December 2024.

Read more: Best hotels in Europe: Where to stay for a city, beach or retreat break

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Cruise with Paso Wineries Around the World

By Jessica Locklin

May 22, 2024.

From the sun-drenched hillsides of Spain to the rolling vineyards of the Rhine Valley and icy beauty of Alaska, winery cruises offer a taste of some of the most enchanting settings. Whether you’re a wine connoisseur or simply someone who appreciates the finer things in life, these cruises are sure to delight all who come aboard. Join these great Paso Robles wineries for an unforgettable journey through Spain, France, Germany, Hungary, Tahiti, or Alaska, where every sip tells a story, and every moment is filled with magic.

But it’s not just about the breathtaking scenery – it’s also about the wine. Guests onboard will have the chance to participate in exclusive wine tastings led by the owners and winemakers, where they can sample a variety of wines from the host winery and learn about the unique characteristics of each varietal. For those looking to elevate their experience even further, onboard winemaker dinners provide the perfect opportunity to enjoy gourmet cuisine expertly paired with exceptional wines, all while cruising through some of the world’s most stunning landscapes.

Check out the list below to discover some of the Paso Robles wineries hosting a cruise between 2024-25. With a variety of options available, there’s something for everyone!

Lone Madrone: Rhine River through Germany, France, and Switzerland

Immerse yourself in history, and take a stroll through beautifully preserved medieval towns and visit stunning imperial palaces… Sample the fruits of the Rhine’s famously excellent wineries, the superb crisp white varieties such as Riesling, Sylvaner, and Gewürztraminer, and enjoy traditional delicious local treats such as Sauerbraten, waffles, Halver Hahn, Himmel und Erde, and Spekulatus. Explore the lush environment of this verdant river valley, with active nature excursions including a canoe ride through the Mainschleife nature reserve. Plus, partake in the sophistication of cosmopolitan cities like Frankfurt, Strasbourg, and Basel.

Set sail July 17-24, 2024

View full itinerary and purchase tickets here

Turtle Rock Vineyards , Riise Wine, Hawks Hill Ranch Winery : Rhône River

Join Turtle Rock Vineyards , RIISE Wine , and Hawks Hill Ranch Winery on an epic seven-night cruise along France’s picturesque Rhône River. Winemakers Don Burns, Juan Mercado, Kit Kuyper and Where Wine Takes You podcast host Adam Montiel will be onboard with you for this remarkable voyage, with daily stops at charming historic vineyard towns along the route. Experience captivating land excursions, exquisite pairing dinners, breathtaking scenery, and intimate tastings of some of the finest wines in the world.

Set sail August 1-8, 2024

Brecon estate : spain and portugal.

Join Damian and Amanda on this “bucket list” trip to Spain and Portugal. Embark from charming Porto and cruise the wild Douro River for seven nights to the Spanish border. Then spend two nights in delightful Penafiel, staying in a 12th century monastery converted to a deluxe, five-star hotel and spa. We’ll also visit the Roman city of Segovia and conclude the program with two nights in Madrid visiting the renowned Prado Museum.

On board will be an ample provision of Brecon Estate wines , along with local Iberian vintages. This exclusive holiday is dedicated to great food, fine wines, and plentiful sunshine. Join Brecon for this once-in-a-lifetime wine experience.

Set sail August 13-24, 2024

Justin vineyards & winery : rhine river.

Enjoy a JUSTIN cruise personally hosted by Justin Baldwin, founder of JUSTIN, and Rachel Haggstrom, executive chef, aboard Uniworld’s new S.S. Victoria.

Discover Alsace, whose dual French and German heritage has given it fabulous food and a winemaking tradition that goes back to the Romans. Marvel at castles that were once mighty fortresses and get an insider’s look at one of the only castles on the Rhine that has never been destroyed, Marksburg Castle. Visit historic cities, including ancient Cologne and picturesque Strasbourg; stroll through the fairytale town of Rüdesheim; and taste delightful white wines in the villages where the grapes are grown.

While cruising the Rhine you will be treated to exclusive JUSTIN events with your hosts and enjoy impeccable JUSTIN wines.

Set sail September 14-22, 2024

Peachy Canyon Winery : Seine River

This program is an 11-night Seine River cruise and tour, starting in the village of Chantilly and visiting the Champagne city of Epernay. Visit the extraordinary caves of Moet Chandon, then on to Paris for two nights before voyaging for seven nights down the Seine River Valley through Normandy. The deluxe 148-passenger ship AmaLyra will be our home for seven nights as we cruise down and up the placid and beautiful Seine River.

On board, enjoy two private tastings and a paired dinner with the best wines from Peachy Canyon , contrasting our Central Coast wines with those of France. More importantly, explore together the charming villages and chateaux of Normandy. This is an incredibly historic region. If you enjoy great art, history, wine, and food, this is a fabulous experience.

Set sail October 20-31, 2024

Hearst ranch winery: danube river to budapest.

Cruise the enchanting Danube from Passau to Budapest on a culinary, wine-filled, and breathtaking tour through the heart of Europe aboard Uniworld’s luxurious S.S. Maria Theresa. This perfectly composed journey provides an immersive cultural tasting menu of four equally beguiling countries—ideal for first-time river cruisers as well as seasoned travelers seeking to experience yet another dimension of these much-loved destinations. The ship is anticipated to sell out fast due to this limited availability. Jim and Debi Saunders of Hearst Ranch Winery invite you to join them in discovering incomparable wine, exquisite cuisine, and breathtaking sights. Pre-cruise in Munich July 3-5 and a post-cruise in Prague will be offered July 13-15.

Set sail July 6-13, 2025

For further information or to book your trip please contact Joelle Cliff of Frosch Travel at [email protected]

Eberle Winery: Rome to Venice

Join Winemaker Chris Eberle of Paso Robles family-owned Eberle Winery for an unforgettable journey offering culture, natural beauty, and regional cuisine through Italy, Greece, Croatia, and more. The ten-day cruise aboard Oceania Cruises’ intimate ship – Nautica the perfect blend of magnificent ports of call appealing to the wine-lover in all of us!

Set sail July 7–17, 2025

Harmony cellars: alaska.

Immerse yourself in the best of the 49th state – calving glaciers, breathtaking fjords, fascinating wildlife encounters and lively historic gold-mining towns – all while enjoying hand-selected wines during exclusive onboard events with your hosts, Harmony Cellars Proprietors Chuck and Kim Mulligan.

Set sail July 8-17, 2025

Midnight Cellars : Bordeaux

Rich and Michele Hartenberger are hosting an unforgettable wine cruise in Bordeaux. This exclusive journey, organized by Food & Wine Trails aboard Uniworld’s S.S. Bon Voyage , will take you through Bordeaux’s diverse terroirs, historic sites, and world-renowned wines.

During this exceptional voyage, you will explore the iconic wine regions of Bordeaux, including visits to Bordeaux, Fort Médoc, Cadillac, Blaye, Libourne, St. Émilion, and more. You’ll delve into the nuances of Left Bank Cabernet Sauvignon wines and Right Bank Merlot wines, experiencing the unique terroirs that produce these exceptional varietals.

Onboard, you will be treated to exclusive events featuring Midnight Cellars wines alongside Midnight’s owner and winemaker, Rich Hartenberger who is celebrating his 30th year in business. From informative wine tastings to gourmet dining experiences, every moment of this cruise promises to be a delight for wine enthusiasts and connoisseurs alike.

Set sail August 3-10, 2025

Cass winery : lower danube.

Join Steve and Alice Cass on a river cruise through Lyon, Macon, Vienne, Avignon, Arles, and Nice. Treat yourself to the regional sights, culinary experiences, cultures, and more.

This weeklong excursion is a chance to dive deeper into the culture of wine, great cuisine, and the balance of world adventure.

Set Sail October 15-22, 2025

View the full itinerary and purchase tickets here

Tobin James Cellars: Danube River

Come join winemakers and owners Tobin James, Lance and Claire Silver and your wine loving friends on a complete takeover cruising down the Danube River. Enjoy a free flowing array of Tobin James Wines and amazing cuisine!

Set Sail May 5-12, 2025

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Love Exploring

Beautiful River Cruises That Will Take Your Breath Away

Posted: January 2, 2024 | Last updated: January 2, 2024

River adventures

There are trips especially for solo travelers

Finding alone time is increasingly easy on river cruise ships, many of which are going all out to cater to solo travelers. Take Riviera Travel River Cruises – every year the line operates a number of sailings designed specifically for solos. On these cruises, all cabins are single-occupancy only and there are no single supplement charges. In 2023, Riviera’s solo-friendly cruises include sailings along the Danube, Douro, Rhine, Rhône and Seine.

Ganga Vilas offers the world’s longest river cruise

Does disembarkation day always come too soon? Consider opting for one of the growing number of longer cruises. Ganga Vilas currently offers the world’s longest river cruise – a 51-day sailing along 27 rivers in India and Bangladesh onboard the luxurious 18-suite Ganga Vilas riverboat. The downside? These cruises don’t come cheap – prices start at around $32,000 per person.

CroisiEurope offers paddlewheel cruises on two European rivers

Paddlewheel ships aren’t just found on US rivers. CroisiEurope is the only cruise line to run paddlewheel cruises on two European rivers – the Elbe and the Loire. Other boats are few and far between – these rivers are notoriously shallow but the latest paddlewheel technology means CroisiEurope’s boats can sail these stretches of water year-round.

A-ROSA SENA is one of Europe’s most family-friendly ships

River cruises are often seen as the preserve of couples, but change is afoot. In 2022, A-ROSA River Cruises launched A-ROSA SENA , the only river cruise ship in Europe to have a dedicated kids’ club room. AmaWaterways’ AmaMagna has a theater area where children (and big kids) can watch movies and play games consoles, and Uniworld’s Generation Collection cruises offer kid-friendly activities and excursions.

Viking Cruises’ fleet has both ocean and river boats

If you’re a fan of cruising, what could be better than pairing a river cruise with an ocean one? For example, combine a sail along the Douro, which cuts across Spain and Portugal and finishes at the Atlantic coast, with an ocean-going cruise sailing out of Porto. Doing so is easy, especially if you sail with a line like Viking Cruises , which has a fleet including both ocean and river boats.

Viking holds the record for launching the most new ships in a single day

AmaWaterways’ Color of Provence cruise focuses on Black heritage in Paris

Europe’s rivers are lined with ancient cities and landmarks, but several cruise lines are delving deeper in Europe’s history by tackling a more diverse range of subjects. AmaWaterways is a great example – in 2023 its Color of Provence cruise includes a three-night visit to Paris which focuses on the city’s Black heritage, while another AmaWaterways cruise along the Rhône river includes a Black heritage tour of Marseille.

Excursions are varied, with smaller groups

Because river cruising ships are smaller, the chances of having to join tour groups the size of a Glastonbury crowd are slim, and excursions are more intimate. A case in point is European Waterways , known for their passion for slow travel. Excursions include a tour of the Château de la Motte led by the resident Baroness and visits to the Dalwhinnie whisky distillery, which you’ll travel to in an air-conditioned Mercedes-Benz minibus.

You can explore the Amazon Basin with Seabourn

More river cruise lines are heading to remote rivers. One example is Seabourn . In 2023 the line launches a 14-day Wild Guianas To The Amazon Basin cruise, which sails along Brazil’s Guajará River, a tributary of the Amazon. Excursions include a trip to meet local Indigenous groups – a reminder that Amazon river cruises are great options for getting off the beaten path.

Avalon Waterways has some of the largest windows on a river cruise

River cruise ships make excellent use of space, and we’re increasingly seeing this applied to windows. If you don’t manage to bag a balcony suite, don’t panic – it’s highly likely that you’ll have floor to ceiling windows. If you’re a stickler for a fantastic view, consider sailing with Avalon Waterways – their windows are some of the largest on a river cruise ship, and their Panorama Suites have the widest opening, wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows in river cruising.

American Queen Voyages has launched exciting new itineraries

American river cruises have become incredibly popular in recent years, and in 2023 the American Queen Voyages launches the longest itineraries offered by this historic cruise line. The 23-day itineraries (the first one departs in July) will sail along the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers and take in lesser-known destinations such as Maysville in Kentucky, Madison in Indiana, Point Pleasant in West Virginia and Marietta in Ohio.

You might meet your hero onboard an AmaWaterways ship

River cruising companies are going all out to provide deeper insights into the places their ships sail through. One example is National Geographic Expeditions, which recently announced that it will join forces with AmaWaterways and launch several National Geographic Expeditions-chartered departures in 2024. Onboard experts – all of whom will be familiar with itinerary destinations – will include photographers, authors and explorers.

You can sail along the Hudson River with American Cruise Lines

Fancy sailing past the Empire State Building? Now you can – kind of. American Cruise Lines is the only cruise line that offers sailings along the mighty Hudson, along with several other lesser-known rivers, including the Napa and San Joaquin Rivers in California.

You can combine rail and water with Uniworld

In 2022 Uniworld launched cruises combining Danube River sailings with trips on Golden Eagle Luxury Trains. These rail and river cruise packages offer guests the chance to take a five-day train journey through central Europe before boarding the ship. Expect more cruise lines to combine these modes of transport in the coming years.

Experts will join passengers onboard Ponant ships

Uniworld’s decision to combine sailing with luxury railway trips onboard Golden Eagle’s trains is a sign of the times – we’ll see more collaborations designed to enhance guests’ experience. In 2023 Ponant is collaborating with Smithsonian Journeys to offer sailings with onboard experts, such as world-renowned climate specialist Steve Paton, who will provide further insight into areas such as the San Blas archipelago.

Riverside Luxury Cruises is the new kid on the block

River cruising might sound like a crowded market, but the launch of Riverside Luxury Cruises in April 2023 proves that there’s always room for more. This new line launched with one ship – Riverside Mozart – and offers cruises starting in Vienna, Budapest and Passau. The ship’s rooftop bar looks pretty special, although we’re equally excited about the cuisine, inspired by regions the ship sails through.

Even the busiest rivers have quiet spots

The landscape is fabulously diverse

Some river cruise companies cover lakes too

CroisiEurope is the only river cruise line operating on Lake Kariba in Southern Africa. There are two cruise ships to choose from – African Dream and Zimbabwean Dream. Both ships accommodate 16 passengers in eight cabins, and there’s a rooftop bar and restaurant from which guests can soak up the views.

Most river cruises are truly all-inclusive

We’ve all come across cruise lines which claim to be all-inclusive but are actually anything but. These days, more cruise lines are going all out to offer passengers better value for money by including everything from premium drinks to excursions. Scenic River Cruises is a great example – cruise prices include flights from the UK, transfers, premium drinks, all meals (including fine dining ones) and excursions.

You’re unlikely to feel seasick on a river cruise

River cruises will take you to the end of the world (almost)

River cruises can take you to some of the world’s most remote places, as well as waterways which simply aren’t explored very often. CroisiEurope, for example, is the only operator to offer cruises on Spain’s Guadalquivir River (pictured at Seville), while the Heritage Line’s new Upper Mekong cruise, which sets sail in August 2023, will focus on remote areas of Laos.

You can cruise the world’s longest river

The views are better

There are no interior cabins on river cruise ships – all cabins face outwards and most have floor-to-ceiling windows. Cruise lines make the most of the space in innovative ways, too. On several Uniworld vessels, for example, mirrors are actually concealed televisions. The cabins at the rear of riverboats are often the cheapest – but if you’re a light sleeper, remember that this is because the engines are located here. 

Cruise lines are investing in air-filtering technology

One example is Amadeus River Cruises . In May 2023 the line launched Amadeus Riva, which has a hi-tech air filtration system with a two-stage purification system capable of removing aerosols – including any containing microscopic virus particles – from interior spaces.

The added extras are getting better

It's easier to avoid the crowds

There are no (or at least fewer) boring transfers

On ocean cruises, the excitement about seeing the local landmark/record-breaking attraction/ancient site quickly dissipates when there’s a one-hour bus journey between you and the site in question. Not so with river cruising, simply because of the increased accessibility. A great example is the iconic arch in St Louis, Missouri (pictured) –  this feat of engineering is just a 10-minute walk from the dock used by river boats.

Now check out the world's oldest man-made structures still in use today

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