River Cruises

Discover the Heart of a Destination by Water

River cruises offer a seamless blend of comfort, culture, and connection. Unlike ocean voyages that navigate between distant ports, river cruises flow through the very heart of cities, towns, and rural landscapes—delivering travelers directly into the soul of a region. From the castles of the Rhine to the rice fields along the Mekong, river cruising provides a refined and enriching way to experience a destination up close.

At Small Ship Travel, we specialize in highly curated river cruise itineraries that emphasize cultural depth, exceptional service, and relaxed exploration. Whether you’re drawn to Europe’s storied waterways, Asia’s ancient trade routes, or emerging rivers in South America and Africa, we work exclusively with river cruise lines that prioritize guest experience, regional expertise, and thoughtful design.

What Defines a Small Ship River Cruise

River cruises offer an intimate scale and a high level of personalization. Most vessels accommodate between 30 and 190 guests, with all-suite or stateroom accommodations, open-seating dining, and shore excursions included in each port of call. The pace is unhurried, the service attentive, and the access unparalleled.

Key features include:

• Centrally docked moorings in major cities and towns
• All-inclusive onboard experience with fine dining, beverages, and excursions
• Daily guided tours, cultural performances, and immersive experiences
• Floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows, balconies, or French balconies in most staterooms
• Quiet, smooth sailing with no seasickness and easy access to land-based activities

River cruises are ideal for travelers seeking history, architecture, art, cuisine, and local connection—all without the logistics of constant packing or overland travel.

Global River Destinations

River cruising offers access to some of the world’s most scenic and historically significant waterways, including:

Europe

• Rhine, Main, and Moselle – Fairytale towns, vineyards, and Gothic cathedrals
• Danube – From the Black Forest to the Black Sea via Vienna, Budapest, and Bratislava
• Seine and Rhône – Monet’s gardens, Burgundy vineyards, and Roman ruins
• Douro – Portugal’s port wine region and dramatic river valleys
• Po and Venetian Lagoon – Renaissance cities and culinary immersion

Asia

• Mekong – Vietnam and Cambodia’s spiritual heritage and floating markets
• Ganges and Brahmaputra – India’s sacred rivers, temples, and cultural festivals

Africa

• Nile – Egypt’s ancient temples and tombs aboard modern river yachts
• Chobe – Wildlife and water safaris in Botswana aboard boutique vessels

South America

• Amazon – Jungle exploration, biodiversity, and indigenous culture

Each itinerary is shaped by the rhythm of the river and the cultural richness of its banks.

River Cruise Operators We Feature

Small Ship Travel partners with premier river cruise lines that emphasize regional immersion, refined design, and elevated guest service. Our featured operators include:

• AmaWaterways
• Avalon Waterways
• Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection
• Viking River Cruises
• Tauck River Cruises
• Aqua Expeditions (Amazon & Mekong)
• Scenic and Emerald Cruises
• Belmond (luxury barges and classic river vessels)

Each line offers a distinct personality—from contemporary elegance to baroque-inspired décor—while maintaining high standards of culinary quality, guided exploration, and guest comfort.

Planning with Small Ship Travel

Our team works closely with travelers to select the right cruise line, itinerary, and season to match individual interests, travel goals, and special occasions. We offer:

• Personalized recommendations for solo travelers, couples, and families
• Private charters and group departures upon request
• Coordination of pre- and post-cruise land programs, hotels, and transfers
• Expert guidance on seasonal river conditions and regional highlights

Begin Your River Cruise Journey

River cruises offer one of the most elegant and enriching ways to explore a destination. Whether floating past the vineyards of the Wachau Valley or docking steps from an Egyptian temple, these journeys deliver cultural depth, scenic beauty, and effortless travel.