River Cruises

River cruises are a type of travel and leisure experience that involves travelling on a small ship along inland waterways, such as rivers and canals, rather than on the open sea or ocean. ?These cruises offer a unique way to explore various destinations, allowing passengers to enjoy scenic views of the surrounding landscapes, visit towns and cities along the riverbanks, and experience the culture and history of the regions through which they travel.

Here are some key features of river cruises:

1. Smaller vessels: River cruise ships are typically smaller and more intimate than their ocean cruise counterparts. This allows for a more personalised and immersive experience.
2. Scenic routes: River cruises often navigate through picturesque landscapes, passing by charming villages, historic sites, and natural beauty. ?Popular river cruise destinations include the Rhine, Danube, Nile, Mekong, Douro and many more.
3. Port stops: River cruises make regular stops at various ports and cities, allowing passengers to disembark and explore the local culture, cuisine, and attractions. These stops are often a highlight of the journey.
4. Inclusive packages: Many river cruise companies offer all-inclusive packages that cover accommodations, meals, drinks, guided tours, and entertainment, making for a hassle-free holiday experience.
5. Cultural enrichment: River cruises often provide onboard enrichment programs, such as lectures, cooking classes, and musical performances, to help passengers better understand the regions they're visiting.
6. Varied itineraries: River cruises cater to a wide range of interests. You can find cruises that focus on history, art, wine, wildlife, or other specific themes.
7. Comfort and luxury: River cruise ships offer comfortable and well-appointed cabins, as well as amenities like dining options, bars, lounges, and fitness facilities.
8. Accessibility: River cruises are generally more accessible to a wider range of travellers because they don't involve long periods of open-sea navigation and the potential for seasickness.
9. City Breaks:? Great for a City break where you will be able to see several different Cities during the course of the cruise.
10. Christmas:? A lovely way to see the Christmas Markets whilst sampling gingerbread and spicy mulled wine.

River cruises can be a relaxing and enjoyable way to explore diverse destinations, and they appeal to those who prefer a more leisurely and cultural travel experience. The experience can vary greatly depending on the river, cruise company, and itinerary chosen, so there are options for a wide range of tastes and budgets.

Here are some photos that I recently took whilst having a look around two River Ships on the Douro in Portugal. The Ships are Emerald Cruises, Emerald Radiance and Uniworld's S.S. S?o Gabriel. They were both truly amazing, I would have loved to stay on either of these Ships and sail along the Douro.

Have you ever been on a River Cruise, if so which one, or is a River Cruise on your "To Do" list?