Imagine yourself leisurely floating down the river on a intimate river cruise ship.  These ships, pass slowly by the ever changing landscapes, including vineyards, castles, historic cathedrals, and charming villages.  Since many of Europe's historic cities are located directly on navigable rivers, cruising makes an excellent way to move between them without packing and unpacking. Most lines include at least one tour per day, and as choices expand, some lines are even staying overnight. The difference between lines can be seen in crew to passenger ratio, included amenities, number of included excursions, and choices of excursions, fit and finish of the vessels, and ambiance onboard.  

On occasion water level (either too much or too little) can be an issue for river cruise ships. Each line has a different method of dealing with the problem, some bussing clients between ships, others move guests to hotels at their expense, and still others cancel the trip entirely. This does not happen in any particular season, and is weather dependent. This link gives an overview of current conditions: http://rivercruiseinfo.com/content/river-levels  However, just because conditions are low or high, does not necessarily mean that ships are being effected, so you would want to check with your particular cruise line of choice.  Of the lines some of AMA Waterways ships are designed to sail in the lowest water.

River cruising can be broken down into two markets; deluxe and luxury. ​The deluxe market include some features, and amenities like Viking, AMA Waterways Avalon, Amadeus, Emerald and Riviera. The premium market include Scenic, Tauck, Uniworld and Crystal. Typically the premium market will have less guests, and more included amenities like alcohol and gratuities.

Try cruising the historic rivers of Europe, or the exotic waters of China or Cambodia, spot wildlife in Africa, marvel at palaces in Russia, discover the pyramids in Egypt, or even discover the Ganges Triangle in India. Cruise lines include: 

RIVER CRUISE LINE COMPARISON

In the USA take the slow boat down the marvelous Mississippi, or perhaps the Snake River in Oregon. There’s a river cruise that’s right for you, including:

American Queen Steamboat, American Cruise Line, Blount Small Ship Adventures, Un-Cruise Adventures, Pearl Sea Cruises , Victory Cruise Line and soon even Viking River Cruises as well.