17 River Cruises To Take In 2017

17 River Cruises to Take in 2017

Cruises are a hassle-free way to see a few incredible places in one vacation. But river cruises are quite different than those at sea or the ocean, which some people may never want to take. You probably won't get sea-sick because there are no waves; you always see land on the horizon, which is comforting; and you get to be on land in a different city almost every day. Also, the ships are usually smaller, which means there are fewer tourists on them.

Volga River

Volga River is the longest river in Europe. If you like art, you will appreciate cruises along the Volga. Ships sail from Moscow and St. Petersburg. Add rustic scenery with forests and lakes to the urban centers' contrast, and you get a trip worthy of a spot on your bucket list, which should include these adventure destinationsVolga Dream, a luxury liner and Russian River Cruises, a more affordable company, offer several deals.

Rhine River

A year ago Disney announced that it will start offering cruises along the Rhine River in 2017. Sailings have been popular for years. That is not surprising considering that it begins in the southeastern Swiss Alps. You can travel from Basel and Amsterdam on a ship and explore World War II history, ancient town and medieval masterpieces along the way. Tauck and Viking River Cruises offer various options.

Ganges River

This is considered the holiest river in India. It's a fairly new destination in the river cruise industry. But it's proving popular. Travelmarvel offers a trip on its RV Rajmahal ship that was custom-designed and built specifically to traverse the waters of the Ganges. Accommodating just 40 guests, a personalized experience is guaranteed. Assam Bengal Navigation and G Adventures also offer various cruise options.

Danube River

Danube, Europe's second-longest river, is among the most famous in the world for cruising. Depending on how long your trip is, you can get a chance to spend time in Austria, Romania, Bulgaria, Slovakia, Hungary, Ukraine, Croatia, Germany, Serbia and Moldova – each with its unique history, architecture and cuisine. AmaWaterways and Viking River Cruises offer variety of packages to suit your time and budget. Book your summer vacation now to save money. 

Ural River

Starting in the southern Ural Mountains and ending at the Caspian Sea, the 1,500-mile Ural River flows through Russia and Kazakhstan in Eurasia. You can't cruise the river in the winter because it freezes. Ural has a strong flow in the summer. You won't pass well-known or famous cities along the way, but this is part of the charm of such trip.

Chobe River

Why go on a traditional safari when you can add a cruise element to it? As one person wrote on Trip Advisor about cruising the Chobe River: "If you want incredible, go to Chobe in Botswana. You want superlatives, you can find them in abundance. [...] Think of every one and then double and redouble them. And then you haven't even scratched the surface." You can see lions, giraffes, elephants and many more from your balcony. Zambezi Queen offer luxurious cruises; the Chobe River Houseboat Adventure Package is more affordable.  

Dnieper River

Flowing from Russia through Belarus and Ukraine to the Black Sea, the Dnieper River is the fourth largest river in Europe. You can go on an 11-day Viking River Cruises trip from Kiev, Ukraine, to the Black Sea. This is an ancient trade route along which you'll get to see rich cultural treasures, magnificent churches and rural folkways that recall the days of Vikings, Tatars and Cossacks.

Elbe River

This major river in Central Europe often gets overshadowed by its more famous counterparts such as the Danube or the Seine. But you won't make a mistake going on a cruise to explore its beauty. Along the way you will sail between Berlin and Prague and see the historic landmarks of Wittenberg. You won't miss the popular and picturesque sandstone cliffs of Germany's "Saxon Switzerland." Viking River Cruises, Grand Circle Cruise Line and Noble Caledonia offer alternatives.

Irrawaddy River

Irrawaddy River in Myanmar is becoming more and more popular. Cruising it is an unconventional way to explore the Buddhist land's leisurely pace. The chance to see centuries-old pagodas and some of the world's most amazing temples embellishing the scenes is another reason to go on such a trip. AmaWaterways will take you on cruises days or weeks to explore the country's golden treasures and hidden wonders. Pandaw also offers many deals. Scenic Cruises' 44-passenger Scenic Aura was custom-built for the river.

Don River

This is the fifth longest river in Europe. Imperial River Cruises offers a 12-day Moscow – Rostov-on-Don (m/s Stravinsky) trip with stops in Uglich, Yaroslavl, Kostroma, Nizhni Novgorod, Kazan, Samara, Crusing, Volgograd, and Volga-Don Canal. The Volga–Don Canal links the lower Volga with the Don. You'll learn a lot about the history of the river which has been an important route in Russian past since the days of Peter I the Great.

Nile River

The Nile River is the longest river in the world at 4,258 miles. Most cruises' routes are around Cairo, Egypt's capital, and include lots of time on land. That's because of the famous history and antiquities many visitors want to see. Many itineraries include a trip to the pyramids and ancient temples in Luxor and Aswan. A cruise along the Nile should definitely be on your bucket list. Sonesta, Sanctuary Retreats and Nile Cruising are just a few of the many companies offering voyages.  

Mekong River

The river passes through Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, China, Myanmar and Vietnam. It's one of the most famous ones in Southeast Asia for boat trips. Avalon Waterways offers 8- or 13-day cruises so you'll have plenty of time to immerse yourself in the fascinating cultures and ancient traditions of the region. All routes eventually lead to Siem Reap, which is a must-see adventure destination. Mekong River Cruises offer many other alternative destinations.

Douro River

Douro, the name of which means "river of gold" in English, spans for about 200 miles. Don't miss a chance to explore rugged wilderness on the Spanish frontier all the way to the old city of Oporto and the Atlantic beyond. Bonus: The Douro Valley is one of the oldest established wine regions in the world. Riviera Travel offers an 11-day to explore Europe's most undiscovered river, dotted with charming villages. AmaWaterways and CroisiEurope offer nice alternatives.

Dordogne River

If you ever want to explore the southwest of France, cruising the 300-mile Dordogne River is a great option. The region has beautiful fertile farmland and fine vineyards. The mixture of village charm and picturesque landscapes will leave you breathless. CroisiEurope has two ships that cruise stunning river. France Cruises will take you on a 4-night exotic Land Tour in the Dordogne region.

Amazon River

Who wouldn't want to explore one of the most famous and exotic rivers in the world? It's also the largest river by discharge of water – 7.381 million cubic feet per second. The cruise options are endless. You can embark on a quest to see remote regions, rich rainforests, jungle treks and wildlife. You can find trips lasting from three nights to two weeks. Anakonda Amazon Cruises sail year-round. Other options include Abercrombie & Kent Amazon and Pantanal Adventure, International Expeditions, or Rainforest Cruises.

Yangtze River

The Yangtze River in China is the longest river in Asia and the third-longest in the world. Cruises include enjoying time in famous cities such as Shanghai, Yangzhou and Nanjing. Tourists like the Three Gorges area and the Dam the most. You will enjoy about 80 miles of stunning scenery. The ancient pagodas along the banks are worth the trip as well. Century Cruises' twin ships Paragon and Legend are the largest, most luxurious ships on the river.

Mississippi River

Explore the most famous river in the U.S. and see why it's one of the world's major river systems in size, habitat diversity and biological productivity, according to NPS. American Cruise Lines will take you on a luxurious history and culture trip through Mississippi and Ohio aboard two paddlewheeler river boats. USA River Cruises also offer different trips. There are plenty of variations, including going from Memphis to Nashville on a ship.