River cruising is changing. More and more of us are discovering how practical, affordable and relaxing a journey across a beautiful waterway can be, and the world’s shipyards have responded in kind, launching an armada of new ships to meet demand. This is great in many ways, but it also means that many of the most popular routes are now busier than ever before.
But there is a silver lining: as a result, many cruise lines are now expanding their offerings, looking to more unusual rivers in less-visited regions and creating fascinating, adventurous itineraries that delve far below the surface.
If you’ve checked off the usual spots and are itching to venture into (almost) uncharted waters, the sailings below might be just what you’re looking for.
Gambia
West Africa
Sailing 400 kilometers up a West African river in an A-list megayacht is a unique experience, to say the least. Islands made of shellfish and mysterious stone burial grounds thousands of years old are among the wonders that await you in Gambia. The river’s banks are lined with rarely visited small villages and towns, allowing passengers to experience the pace of daily life here, while canoe trips deep into the shallow tributaries offer the opportunity to get up close to the abundant wildlife.
Variety Cruises (0208 324 3117; seafarercruises.co.uk) has the 10-day Rivers of West Africa cruise from £3,167 per person. The price includes flights, transfers and two nights in Dakar. We visit Dakar, Banjui, Kantaur, Gambia River National Park, Kaur, Tendaba and Jannanbureh. Departure on January 16, 2025.
Rio Napo
Ecuador
If the idea of an adventure in nature appeals to you, but you’re reluctant to give up all the comforts, then perhaps, somewhat unexpectedly, the Ecuadorian jungle is just the place for you. This cruise visits the most biodiverse place on earth, Yasuní National Park, a record-breaking World Biosphere Reserve that is home to nearly 600 species of birds and 150 species of amphibians. Grab your binoculars and take to the canoes for one of the Amazon rainforest’s most spectacular shows, where macaws, parakeets and parrots come together to put on a show.
Rainforest Cruises (00 1 888 215 3555) has the eight-day Anakonda Napo River cruise from £5,195 per person. The price includes domestic flights, transfers, night glamping in the jungle, WiFi, tips and port fees. Visiting Quito, Coca, Providencia, El Retiro, Pañacocha, Turín, Tiputini and Rocafuerte. Departure on November 13, 2024.
Chobe River
South Africa
This cruise offers a chance to see Africa’s “Big Five” from the comfort of a private boat safari. As you make your way down the Chobe River, you are likely to see elephants coming to drink, while hippos and crocodiles bask in the sun on the riverbank. There’s an exclusive picnic and safari in the Chobe National Park itself, and a visit to the Kruger National Park, plus a two-night stay at the majestic Victoria Falls.
Panache Cruises (0800 520 2250; panachecruises.com) has the 12-night Wildlife and waterfalls cruise from £11,492 per person. Includes flights, some excursions, beer and wine with lunch and dinner, daily cocktail hour and WiFi. We visit Johannesburg, Chobe River, Chobe National Park, Victoria Falls, Kruger National Park. Departure on November 10, 2024.
Potomac River
United States
This cruise takes in the “Historic Triangle” of Williamsburg, Yorktown and Jamestown on a roundtrip flight from Washington DC and is a wonderful opportunity to get to grips with the region’s historical significance and natural beauty.
You’ll visit the capital’s must-see sites, plus George Washington’s home at Mount Vernon, Arlington National Cemetery and Harriet Tubman’s Underground Railroad exhibit, and cruise the Blackwater on an authentic skipjack (a traditional fishing boat) National nature reserve.
US Cruise Lines (0800 021 3172; americancruiselines. com) has the 11-day American Revolution cruise from £6,499 per person. The price includes flights, transfers abroad, one night hotel stay before the cruise in Washington, beer and wine with lunch and dinner, WiFi, gratuities and port fees. We visit Washington DC, Annapolis, St Michaels, Cambridge, Norfolk, Williamsburg/Yorktown and Mount Vernon. Departure on October 9, 2024.
The Vltava
Czech Republic
Often called the “Czech National River”, the Viltava meanders through Bohemia and the Czech capital Prague, where this cruise offers the chance to explore the cobbled streets, Prazsky hrad (Prague Castle) and the beautiful Old Town Square, home to the astronomical clock, a masterpiece of 15e century science and technology.
From there it continues to the market town of Stechovice, where you will visit the Art Nouveau-style Church of Saint John the Baptist, built in 1911, and then on to Melnik, for a tour of one of the most beautiful Renaissance castles in all of Bohemia. . Finally, the cruise gently sails into Dresden – the Florence of the Elbe.
CroisiEurope (01756 691269; croisieurope.co.uk) has the seven-day Prague, Dresden and the castles of Bohemia cruise from £1,414 per person. The price includes return flights, all meals, drinks and port fees. Calling in Prague, Stechovice, Melnik and Dresden. Departs July 31, 2024
Brahmaputra River
Tibet, India and Bangladesh
Sailing just below the Himalayan mountain kingdom of Bhutan, this cruise begins in the sprawling Indian city of Guwahati, where you’ll have the chance to visit ancient Hindu temples, before stopping at three separate national parks to look for tigers and the Indian rhino. Look out for the nearly blind Brahmaputra river dolphins on their way to Majuli Island – known for its colorful manuscript paintings and masks – while the waterfalls and botanical gardens of Jeypore, “The City of Freshwater Lakes”, perfectly capture the hectic, lush, Indian natural side .
Fred Holidays (0800 988 3369; fredholidays.co.uk) has the 10-night Complete Brahmaputra cruise from £4,321 per person. The price includes round trip international flights, transportation anywhere and internal flights from Jaipur to Kolkata. We visit Guwahati, Silghat, Kaziranga, Majuli, Dibru Saikhowa, Jeypore and Dibrugarh. Departure on October 14, 2024.
The Magdalena
Colombia
On this cruise, delve deep into Colombian culture, take in the colonial architecture in Cartagena, one of South America’s oldest cities, and then explore the historic UNESCO World Heritage Center of Mompox, which was created from the gold- and silver storage of the Conquistadors. You’ll end in Barranquilla – home to musicians, writers and painters and therefore awash with fascinating museums and cultural attractions. If a week doesn’t seem long enough, you’re in luck: on this sailing trip you can add a pre-cruise trip to Medellín and Cartagena, or a post-cruise excursion to Panama City.
AmaWaterways (0800 520 2250; amawaterways.co.uk) has the seven-day Wonders of Colombia cruise from £5,240 per person. The price includes return flights, Wi-Fi and wellness program, calls to Cartagena, Mompox, Magangue and Barranquilla. Departure on January 18, 2025.