The world’s waterways have long acted as lifelines to human civilization, as our grandest rivers have advanced agriculture, trade and ultimately, great empires. That’s why today’s river cruises are among the best ways to travel. These small vessels, with their luxurious suites and intimate feel, allow travelers to explore important world heritage sites, untouched ecosystems and astounding architecture as they glide down rivers that often pass through several countries.
It’s a pleasurable way to check off travel bucket list items left and right. Here are some of the best routes to take along five continents’ most notable waterways.
Africa: The Nile River
The Nile is one of the most famous rivers in the world, thanks to its importance to ancient Egypt. The fertile soil along the Nile’s banks and the convenience of its pathway for trade allowed Egypt to become a powerful empire that lasted more than 3,000 years. Cruising it today lets visitors explore a fascinating civilization and its ancient wonders.
Cruises typically begin in Cairo and include options for pre- and post-cruise stays in the city. Adding a stay in Cairo is a must for travelers, as they’ll spent up to three days seeing some of Egypt’s most iconic attractions like the Great Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx; Old Cairo, home to one of world’s the largest concentrations of Islamic architecture; and the Egyptian Museum, with its 120,000-plus artifacts, including Hatshepsut and other royal mummies. After their stay in Cairo, travelers take a short flight to Luxor, some 300 miles down the Nile, to board their river vessel.
In Luxor, they can see the Karnak complex, the giant pillars of the Temple of Amun Ra and the Luxor Temple. Then, they’ll glide along the Nile to the city of Edfu to see the Valley of the Kings and the Valley of the Queens, where 63 royal burials have been discovered. From there, the cruise stops in Kom Ombo and Aswan for more tours of ancient temples and lectures by Egyptologists. The cruise then returns to Luxor and passengers fly back to Cairo. Popular packages are offered by Avalon Waterways, Viking Cruises and AmaWaterways. Egyptian cruise lines also offer packages.
South America: The Amazon River
Winding approximately 4,345 miles through South America, the Amazon River is either the longest or second-longest river in the world — its competition for this title is the Nile. Although the river’s headwaters are in Peru’s Andes Mountains, most of the Amazon is in Brazil, where it flows through the world’s largest rainforest. Cruise itineraries typically focus on Brazil or Peru, and both are rewarding experiences. Voyages on the Peruvian Amazon offer a glimpse of remote beauty, including an impressive array of wildlife and indigenous tribes.
Itineraries for the Peruvian Amazon typically begin and end in Iquitos. As the ship glides south, travelers can enjoy excursions into smaller rivers aboard skiffs and canoes, where they can watch sloths, colorful songbirds, spider monkeys, pink river dolphins and other wildlife. They’ll see the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve and visit the nearby town of Nauta and its local village markets and take guided hikes through the lush rainforests, where flora and fauna of extraordinary colors dazzle. Many of these cruises end with a stop at the Manatee Rescue Center near Iquitos.
Some of the most comprehensive Amazon packages include a pre-cruise trip to the Sacred Valley of the Incas with hiking to the breathtaking ruins of Machu Picchu, the 15th-century Incan citadel and Peru’s biggest tourist
attraction. Passengers fly into Lima and then Cusco before traveling to Iquitos by train. Popular vendors for Peruvian Amazon River cruises are Aqua Expeditions, Rainforest Cruises and Delfin Amazon Cruises.
Europe: The Rhine River
Europe’s many waterways are bordered by old cities and bustling tourist stops, which can make it hard to choose one route to explore. European cruises can be a great way to see multiple countries in a short period of time, and seasonal events and attractions add even more interest. One of the most popular routes and an excellent starting point for cruises in Europe is the Rhine River, which begins in the Swiss Alps and flows north along the border of Germany and France and through Germany before it drains in the Netherlands.
Cruises along the Rhine either begin in Basel, Switzerland, or in Amsterdam, the capital of the Netherlands. Pre- and post-cruise add-ons allow passengers to spend time in either of these Old World cities. Passengers embarking in Basel will see where Germany, Switzerland and France meet; view stunningly intricate and historic architecture; and visit some of the city’s more than 40 arts and cultural museums.
The cruise makes several stops in Germany and France, including Breisach, with excursions to the Black Forest; Strasbourg, home to Renaissance architecture and one of Europe’s most impressive Gothic cathedrals; and Cologne, home to another notable Gothic cathedral and a lively beer scene. As they travel down the river, passengers will see the verdant countryside’s vineyards and many medieval castles on the Middle Rhine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Tours end in the Netherlands, with visits to the village community of Kinderdijk, with its old-fashioned Dutch windmills from the 18th century, and Amsterdam, known for its picturesque canals and museums.
Viking Cruises, Avalon Waterways, AmaWaterways and Uniworld offer Rhine cruise itineraries from 7 to 11 days.
North America: Columbia and Snake Rivers
While the best-known river cruises in North America are along the Mississippi River, there’s another route that’s gaining popularity thanks to the Pacific Northwest’s breathtaking scenery. A river cruise package along the Columbia and Snake rivers focuses on the region’s natural beauty, Lewis and Clark Expedition history, and wine and cuisine.
Cruises typically begin or end in Portland, Oregon, with optional pre- or post-cruise add-ons to explore the city. Some cruises include sailing under 12 electric bridges on the Willamette River in Portland. Astoria, where Meriwether Lewis first glimpsed the Pacific Ocean, is at the river’s mouth; here, travelers can stop at the maritime museum and visit shops and restaurants. Then, the river takes groups east, for excursions that include hiking on popular trails and sites like Multnomah Falls in the Columbia River Gorge, one of the largest national scenic areas in the country.
In Washington, a stop in Walla Walla can include historic monuments, charming local shops, Palouse Falls and Hells Canyon, the deepest river gorge on the continent. Passengers disembark in Clarkston and can then fly from nearby Lewiston, Idaho, or Spokane, Washington.
Throughout the cruise, there are stops at local wineries, storytelling about the American West from historians and fine local food onboard. Major cruise companies include Lindblad Expeditions (in partnership with National Geographic) and American Cruise Lines. Voyages typically run from April to November.
Asia: The Mekong River
From its starting point in the Tibetan Plateau to the South China Sea, the Mekong River stretches more than 3,000 miles and passes through China, Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam. The river has different names in different countries, but no matter what it’s called, one thing remains true across borders: this massive river and its floodplains are essential to the communities and the natural world that surrounds it.
Mekong cruises typically explore the stretch of the river that runs through Vietnam and Cambodia. Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam, commonly referred to as Saigon, is a popular departure point with its mix of colonial buildings, traditional temples with pagodas and skyscrapers. A historic walking tour gives passengers time to shop and take in the blended French and Asian cultures. Some longer cruises, such as those offered by Viking, keep travelers in the city for three days before departing for other Vietnamese or Cambodian cities.
While excursions to small towns and villages vary, another city that’s almost always on a Mekong River itinerary is Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia. Here, travelers can tour the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda, as well as the Wat Phnom Daun Penh, a Buddhist temple. Excursions to a silversmith village and a monastery are often offered. Another Cambodian city on many itineraries is Siem Reap, home to UNESCO World Heritage Site Angkor Wat, the best preserved and most significant Angkor temple.
On some itineraries, passengers disembark at Siem Reap to fly home, but others include a post-cruise adventure in the city or a return flight to Hanoi, Vietnam. Tours range from four to 15 days, and popular vendors include Viking, Avalon Waterways, Aqua Expeditions and Mekong River Cruises.
