1. When most people hear the word “cruise,” they probably picture a large ocean ship with pools, waterslides, entertainment, and thousands of passengers. But there is another way to cruise that offers a completely different experience: river cruising.

AmaWaterways specializes in river cruises that take travelers directly into the heart of the destinations they visit. Instead of spending days at sea, you can wake up to a new view outside your window, step off the ship and find yourself close to historic cities, charming villages, vineyards, and cultural landmarks.

So, What Exactly Is a River Cruise?

A river cruise is a smaller-scale cruise that travels along inland waterways rather than across the ocean. Because the ships are designed specifically for rivers, they can travel through the heart of destinations that large ocean ships cannot reach.

One of the biggest differences is the pace. River cruises are generally focused on the destinations themselves. Rather than spending most of your time enjoying the ship between ports, much of the experience revolves around exploring the towns, cities, and countryside along the river.

With AmaWaterways, many itineraries offer guided excursions in each port, with choices ranging from traditional sightseeing to biking, hiking, wine tasting, and other experiences.

What Is an AmaWaterways Cruise Like?

AmaWaterways offers river cruises in destinations around the world. In Europe, travelers can explore famous rivers such as the Rhine, Danube, Rhône, Saône, and Douro. The cruise line also offers journeys on rivers including the Nile, Mekong, and Magdalena.

That means there is quite a bit of variety depending on what interests you.

Want to explore European castles and historic cities? There are itineraries along the Rhine and Danube.

Interested in wine and beautiful scenery? The Rhône, Saône, Douro, and other European waterways offer plenty of opportunities to experience local food and wine.

Looking for something farther from home? AmaWaterways also offers itineraries in destinations such as Egypt, Vietnam and Cambodia, Colombia, and Africa.

What Is Included?

One of the appealing parts of river cruising is how much is included in the cruise experience.

AmaWaterways includes all meals on board, beer and wine with lunch and dinner, a daily Sip & Sail cocktail hour, Wi-Fi, and guided shore excursions in every port. Exact inclusions can vary by ship and region, so it is always important to look at the specific itinerary when planning.

Excursions are also a major part of the experience. Depending on the itinerary, travelers may be able to choose between different activity levels and types of tours, including walking tours, hikes, bike rides, culinary experiences, and cultural activities.

What About the Ships?

River cruise ships are much smaller than the ships you may be used to seeing at an ocean cruise terminal. That creates a more intimate atmosphere and allows the ships to travel along narrower waterways.

AmaWaterways’ ships vary by itinerary, but many feature balconies designed to give guests scenic views as they travel. Ships also offer restaurants, lounges, sun decks, and other spaces where guests can relax between excursions.

And don’t assume smaller means boring. The focus is simply different. Instead of waterslides and huge entertainment venues, river cruise ships are designed around comfortable spaces, good food, beautiful views, and the destinations outside your window.

Is River Cruising Only for Older Travelers?

This is one of the biggest misconceptions about river cruising.

While river cruises can be a wonderful option for mature travelers, they are not exclusively for them. AmaWaterways welcomes multigenerational families and offers a variety of activities, including walking tours, biking, hiking, and other excursions.

The bigger question is what kind of vacation you enjoy.

If you love exploring historic destinations, trying local food and wine, learning about different cultures, and visiting several places without constantly packing and unpacking, river cruising could be worth considering.

If your favorite part of a cruise is spending the day at the pool, riding waterslides, or enjoying a huge selection of onboard entertainment, an ocean cruise may feel more like your style.

Neither experience is better or worse. They are simply very different ways to travel.

Could River Cruising Be Right for You?

River cruising offers a way to combine sightseeing and relaxation without having to change hotels every few days. You unpack once, settle into your stateroom, and let the ship take you from one destination to the next while you enjoy the scenery along the way.

And with so many itineraries available, choosing the right river cruise is about more than simply picking a ship. The river, destination, season, excursions, length of the trip, and overall travel style can all make a difference.

That is where working with a travel advisor can be especially helpful. We can help you compare the different options and find a river cruise that fits the kind of vacation you actually want.

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