If you really want to see and experience a region and get to know what makes it tick, a river cruise
may be perfect for you.
River cruise ships are smaller than ocean-going cruise ships, typically holding
a few dozen passengers or a few hundred, although there are exceptions at either
extreme. Due to their smaller size and low draft, river cruise ships can go where
ocean cruise ships cannot, and sometimes to where no other transport is practical:
Rivers are an excellent way to reach some attractions in Egypt, Russia or China,
for example, although river cruises in Europe are the most popular.
During river cruises, which are usually extended itineraries lasting one week and
longer, the countryside is almost always in view, which is comforting to some travelers.
While some of these ships are simple, almost Spartan, you can find river ships outfitted
with the amenities of a resort, with sun decks, dining rooms, lounges, fitness facilities,
and other features.
Accommodations, meals onboard, entertainment and some special activities are usually
included in the cruise price while bar expenses, sauna, massage, laundry and cleaning,
and phone calls are not. Most cruises have a variety of onboard and offboard activities,
with easy and informal access to cities and countryside.
The latter include guided tours to historic and cultural sites, and other points
of interest. Guides often will provide a running commentary while sailing past noted
attractions.
Popular river cruises include trips along the Nile, the Willamette, the Mississippi,
the Yangtze, the Mekong, the Danube, the Rhine, the Seine and the Volga. There are
several dozen river cruise companies with fleets of one to 20 ships.