Is a river cruise for me?

River cruising has so much to offer the discerning traveller and with so many itineraries to choose from, you’re guaranteed to find a holiday that floats your boat. A river cruise is for you if…

River cruises are an exceptional way to explore multiple countries and cities. Many of the world’s rivers traverse through several continents, allowing you to explore towns and cities on the riverbanks of lots of countries. In Europe, the Danube River flows through 10 countries and the Rhine River winds through 6. Over in Asia, the mighty Mekong River runs through 6 countries while the Yangtze River is an exception as it is the largest river in the world flows entirely through one country – China.

For those new to cruising, river cruises are a fantastic introduction to life on the water. There are hundreds of itineraries on offer, ranging from weekend breaks to seven-day cruises meaning there’s something for everyone, newbies or otherwise.

River cruising offers the much-loved novelties of ocean cruising but in a much more intimate setting. Expect fine dining establishments, sleek lounge bars and terrific entertainment without compromise. Those seeking a relaxed experience alongside like-minded will enjoy the frequent stops in towns and cities, plenty to do during shore excursions and a more toned-down experience.

Cruising, in general, is a super easy way to travel – with all your travel arrangements made for you, dining options readily available, bespoke excursions and the need to only unpack once. In particular, river cruising is often even easier as you disembark in city harbours and ports with fewer people. What could be better than having nothing to worry about?

Ocean cruising certainly has its moments, with unrivalled sunsets and unique views when approaching remote islands, but river cruising can take you closer to some of the world’s lesser-known sights. Get a unique view of Asia on a cruise through the Mekong Delta, and a new perspective of Porto’s magnificent bridges on the Douro River.