River cruises are changing. More and more people are discovering how practical, affordable and relaxing cruising on a beautiful waterway can be, and shipyards around the world have responded in kind by producing an armada of new ships to meet demand. This is a great thing in many ways, but it also means that many of the most popular routes are now more congested than ever before.
But there’s a bright side: As a result, many cruise lines are now expanding their offerings, looking at more unusual rivers in less-visited areas and curating fascinating, adventurous itineraries that go well below the surface.
If you’ve been ticking off your usual haunts and dreaming of diving into (almost) uncharted waters, the sails below might be right upstream.
Gambia
West Africa
Sailing 250 miles up a West African river on an A-list mega yacht is a unique experience, to say the least. Islands made of oyster shells and mysterious stone cemeteries that are thousands of years old are among the wonders waiting in Gambia. Rarely visited small villages and towns dot the riverbanks, allowing travelers to experience the pace of daily life there, while canoe trips along shallow riverbanks offer opportunities to get up close to the rich wildlife.
Variety Cruises (0208 324 3117; seafarercruises.co.uk) has a 10-day promotion Rivers of West Africa Trips start from £3,167 per person. The price includes flights, transfers and two nights accommodation in Dakar. We are looking for Dakar, Banjui, Kantaur, Gambia River National Park, Kaur, Tendaba and Jannanbureh. It departs on January 16, 2025.
Rio Napo
Ecuador
If the idea of going on an adventure in nature appeals but you don’t want to give up your comfort, the Ecuadorian jungle may unexpectedly be the place for you. This trip visits Yasuní National Park, the most biodiversity-rich place on Earth, a record-breaking World Biosphere Reserve that is home to almost 600 species of birds and 150 species of amphibians. Grab your binoculars and kayak for one of the Amazon Rainforest’s most spectacular displays as macaws, budgies and parrots gather to put on a show.
Rainforest Tours (00 1 888 215 3555) eight days Anaconda Napo River Trips start from £5,195 per person. The price includes domestic flights, transfers, overnight accommodation in the jungle, Wi-Fi, tips and port fees. We are looking for Quito, Coca, Providencia, El Retiro, Pañacocha, Torino, Tiputini and Rocafuerte. Leaving on November 13, 2024.
Chobe River
South Africa
This cruise offers the chance to see Africa’s “Big Five” in the comfort of a private boat safari. As you leisurely drift down the Chobe River, you’ll likely see elephants coming to drink while hippos and crocodiles bask in the sun on the riverbanks. Includes a private picnic and safari within Chobe National Park, a visit to Kruger National Park and a two-night stay at the majestic Victoria Falls.
Panache Cruises (0800 520 2250; panachecruises.com) offers 12-night accommodation Wildlife and Waterfalls Trips start from £11,492 per person. Includes flights, some excursions, lunch and dinner plus beer and wine, daily cocktail hour, and Wi-Fi. We are looking for Johannesburg, Chobe River, Chobe National Park, Victoria Falls, Kruger National Park. Leaving on November 10, 2024.
Potomac River
United States of America
Covering the “Historic Triangle” of Williamsburg, Yorktown, and Jamestown on a round-trip sailboat from Washington, D.C., this journey is a wonderful opportunity to grasp the historical significance and natural beauty of the area.
You’ll visit the capital’s must-see attractions, plus George Washington’s home at Mount Vernon, Arlington National Cemetery, and Harriet Tubman’s Underground Railroad exhibit, as well as sail on an authentic “jumping boat” (a traditional fishing boat) along the Blackwater you will open it. National Wildlife Refuge.
American Cruise Lines (0800 021 3172; americancruiselines.com) has a duration of 11 days American Revolution Trips start from £6,499 per person. The price includes flights, international transfers, a one-night hotel stay in Washington before the cruise, lunch and dinner with beer and wine, Wi-Fi, tips and port fees. Calling Washington DC, Annapolis, St Michaels, Cambridge, Norfolk, Williamsburg/Yorktown and Mount Vernon. Leaving on October 9, 2024.
Vltava
czechia
Often referred to as the “Czech National River”, the Viltava flows through Bohemia and the Czech capital Prague, offering the opportunity to explore cobblestone streets, Prazsky hrad (Prague Castle) and the magnificent Old Town Square. Home of the 15th-century masterpiece the Astronomical Clockhe century science and technology.
From there, you will head towards the market town of Stechovice; Here you will visit the art nouveau-style Church of St. John the Baptist, built in 1911, then head towards Melnik to tour one of Bohemia’s most beautiful Renaissance castles. . Finally the ship floats slowly towards Dresden, the Florence of the Elbe.
CroisiEurope (01756 691269; croisieurope.co.uk) seven-day Prague, Dresden and Bohemian Castles Trips start from £1,414 per person. The price includes return flights, all meals, drinks and port fees. Prague, Stechovice, Melnik and Dresden. From 31 July 2024
Brahmaputra River
Tibet, India and Bangladesh
Sailing just below the Himalayan mountain range of the Kingdom of Bhutan, this journey begins in the vast Indian city of Guwahati, where you will have the chance to visit ancient Hindu temples before stopping at three separate National Parks in search of tigers and Indian Rhinos. Watch out for the nearly blind Brahmaputra River Dolphins on the way to Majuli Island, famous for its colorful manuscript paintings and masks; The waterfalls and botanical gardens of Jeypore, the “City of Freshwater Lakes”, perfectly showcase the crazy lush nature of India. natural side.
Fred Holidays (0800 988 3369; fredholidays.co.uk) has 10-night accommodation Full Brahmaputra Trips start from £4,321 per person. The price includes round-trip international flights, general transportation and domestic flights from Jaipur to Kolkata. We are looking for Guwahati, Silghat, Kaziranga, Majuli, Dibru Saikhowa, Jeypore and Dibrugarh. Leaving on October 14, 2024.
magdalena
Colombia
On this journey, you will dive deep into Colombian culture, absorb colonial architecture in Cartagena, one of South America’s oldest cities, then explore Mompox, the historic Unesco World Heritage center that grew from the Conquistadors’ bullion gold and silver depositories. You’ll finish in Barranquilla, home to musicians, writers and painters and therefore full of fascinating museums and cultural venues. If a week doesn’t seem long enough, you’re in luck; This sailing cruise comes with the option to add a pre-cruise excursion to Medellín and Cartagena or a post-cruise excursion to Panama City.
AmaWaterways (0800 520 2250; amawaterways.co.uk) seven-day Wonders of Colombia Trips start from £5,240 per person. The price includes round-trip flights, Wi-Fi and Wellness program, calls to Cartagena, Mompox, Magangue and Barranquilla. It departs on January 18, 2025.