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Top 10 river cruises around the globe
River cruising is experiencing a surge of interest on storied waterways
 | The 12th largest river in the world, the Mekong is the lifeblood of Southeast Asia, snaking through China, Burma, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam before emptying into the South China Sea. |
Pandaw Cruises |
Travelers looking to truly know the soul of a city or region oftentimes needn't look further than its lifeline — the flowing waters of its river, from which nourishment, trade, transport, recreation, and more nods to cultured civilization have all sprung forth. River cruising, long popular with Europeans, is today experiencing a surge of interest on storied waterways around the globe, thanks to the intimate and enriching destination approach it provides on routes simply impossible to replicate by any other means. Leave the over-the-top Las Vegas megaships out at sea, and parking and traffic headaches back on land, and instead opt to cruise the meandering waterways of a region’s heartland aboard small ships ranging from luxury riverboats to vintage paddle-wheelers, with every river bend revealing a destination’s new face courtesy of a constantly shuffled deck of quaint riverside towns, historic monuments, and pristine countryside.
1. Amazon
Sections of the wild waters of the Peruvian Amazon (like the portion that courses through the five-million-acre Pacaya Samiria Reserve) are so remote that they can only be reached by plane or by ship, but the pristine region's ecological riches (think mammoth Victoria Regia water lilies, pink dolphins, sloths, and capuchin monkeys) have long lured veteran travelers. Getting there is no longer a tedious task thanks to Aqua Expeditions' new luxury cruiser, the M/V Aqua. Conceived by Peruvian architect Jordi Puig, the über-modern, 12-suite vessel is designed for maximum comfort on 3-to 7-night jungle expeditions, which embark via Iquitos (airport transfers to the port are provided). Guests appreciate perks like the onboard master chef and plush, 230-plus-square-foot suites all the more after a full day of fishing for piranha, trekking through the jungle, and paddling through creeks. Ships sail between February and December.
2. Danube
Set sail on the well traveled “Blue Danube” whose beauty inspired one of Johann Strauss’ Viennese waltzes. Used for centuries as a route between eastern and central Europe, the river stretches from the Black Forest to the Black Sea. The M/V ‘River Cloud II,’ operated by Abercrombie and Kent, offers the opportunity to voyage a portion of the river on seven-night cruises. As one of the maximum of 88 passengers aboard this luxury vessel, keep your eyes on the banks, where a montage of castles, vineyards, and modern cities compose the changing river scenery. While there is plenty to see from the deck, the charm of the ship will not go unnoticed, from its lounge centered on a Steinway grand piano to its Northern European and Mediterranean-inspired restaurant. The M/V ‘River Cloud II,’ boasts several different itineraries, the most popular of which runs between Budapest, Hungary and Vilshofen, Germany while passing through Vienna, Austria (from June to September).
3. Hudson and St. Lawrence Seaway
American Canadian Caribbean Line’s 12-day “Northeastern Fall Foliage” itinerary combines sailings along New York and Canada’s most scenic waterways. Embarking from the cruise line’s homeport in Warren, Rhode Island, the Grande Mariner and Grande Caribe each sail past Manhattan and up the length of the Hudson River towards the St. Lawrence Seaway. En route, the itinerary calls for an overnight stop at the Erie Canal, a visit to West Point's U.S. Military Academy campus, and a wander through romantic Boldt Castle in Alexandria Bay. Once past the Canadian border, guests may visit the art museums of Montreal, before disembarking to stroll the cobblestone streets of Quebec City. Designed to navigate through the narrow watercourses and low bridges, both ships feature a dining hall, auditorium lounge, and several cabin options for passengers. And while a voyage on these waterways is beautiful any time of year, the eye-popping colors of these autumn (September and October) sailings make it downright breathtaking.
4. Mekong
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5. Mississippi
Steamboats have been a symbol of the American South since they were invented in the 18th century. Modernity may have replaced them with larger, more efficient vessels, but Majestic America keeps the tradition alive with its ships like the Delta Queen, a gracious ode to an earlier era with its stained-glass windows, teak decks, and 176 state rooms. The dignified craft (which has hosted the likes of Presidents Hoover, Truman, and Carter) plies the waters of the Mississippi, passing cotton fields, colonial mansions, and historic landmarks like the picturesque Oak Valley plantation as it winds its way from New Orleans to Memphis. Taking over some of the Delta’s workload, the American Queen offers 222 staterooms and suites with modern luxuries and claims the title of the world’s largest river cruise ship. Seven-day cruises operate between May and November. (Book your journey soon — after 81 years of service, the Delta Queen is scheduled to retire in 2009.)
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