If you find yourself wondering about booking a cruise for your next vacation, then you should read our list of the most popular and exotic river cruises. Each of the options we feature on this list is a fantastic opportunity for you to experience outlandish sceneries first hand and create some unforgettable memories. Here are our recommendations:
1) The Amazon River
The Amazon River cruise is the most famous one in the world, and for an excellent reason. If we told you that you would have the possibility to see flora and fauna that no other place on the planet can offer, it would still be considered as an understatement. The biodiversity of the Amazon is spectacularly known across the globe, and if you’re lucky, you can even see a pink dolphin. There are approximately 3000 known species of fish and over 40000 plant species that live in the Amazon Rainforest. For example, the legendary anacondas live in the shallows of the Amazon Basin. Almost all Amazon cruises start in Manaus, Brazil, which is the largest city on the Amazon River.
2) The Mekong River
The Mekong cruise route takes you through parts of Vietnam and Cambodia, where you’ll see contrasts in nature and man-build architecture every day. From a Buddhist temple to a fully developed city. The biodiversity is magical, similar to the Amazon, and the Mekong River is home for over 20,000 species of plants, 430 of mammals, 1,200 of birds, 800 of reptiles and 850 of fish, and that’s only the ones that were discovered so far. If you want to see nature in all its glory, you should consider this cruise.
3) The Nile River
There is so much to share about Egypt and the Nile River cruise, but let’s start with the most exciting information of all, the pyramids and the great Sphinx. Imagine this scenario, you’re enjoying the breath-taking panoramas from the balcony on the cruise ship, and you stop this indulgence just to step into the tombs of long lost Egyptian pharaohs. That’s not all, during your cruise you can also visit the Temples of Karnak, Luxor, Dendera, Hatshepsut, Rameses III, Horus, Kalabsha and Isis. Not to mention, the beauty of the distinctly blue water of the Nile that will lull you into a different place and time, while you’re enjoying local delicates on the ship. Why not feel like Cleopatra for a day or a week?
4) The Ayeyarwady River
If you’re fond of Asia, then perhaps you should consider a cruise down Ayeyarwady River, and stop to take in the incredible cultural gorgeousness of Myanmar. The cruise itself can offer you spectacular views, and profound insights into the inner workings of nature. You can marvel at colonial-era buildings or book lessons to learn traditional fishing. If you’re a spiritual person that loves adventures, and exotic sceneries, then this is the perfect fit. Don’t forget to visit the Shwedagon Pagoda, it will take your breath away!
5) The Danube River
You do know about Napoleon, right? The great French emperor. Once upon a time, he called the Danube River, “Queen of Europe’s Rivers.” The title is more than fitting, because it’s Europe’s second-longest river, spreading across ten different countries. You’ll be able to see different cities, ruins of ancient castles, opulent vineyards and varied architectural styles from one country to the next.
6) The Yangtze River
The Yangtze River is the longest river in Asia and the third-longest in the world, and it flows all through China. The Yangtze cruise has so much to offer for any world traveler. You can admire the exotic natural scenery, and at the same time enjoy your exclusive view of the Great Wall. During this cruise, you can stop in Beijing and Shanghai and experience the Chinese culture and cuisine as a local.
7) The Mississippi River
If you’re a history lover, then the Mississippi River cruise might be your best idea yet! Almost all Mississippi cruises are booked on Victorian-era styled boats called paddle wheel steamboats, which will give you the chance to relive the history of that time sprinkled with modern amenities. You can even book a special themed cruise that includes the heart of Dixie and Civil War battlefields from New Orleans for extra excitement.
8) The Chobe River
Are you a fan of African safari? The Chobe cruise takes you to Botswana, in southern Africa, where you can find the most densely populated area of wildlife. It’s an amazing experience to be able to gaze down from the deck of the ship upon elephants, gazelles, buffaloes, leopards, lions, birds and other wild animals in their natural habitat. This river cruise takes you to ports in Cape Town, Victoria Falls, Kasane, Pretoria, Johannesburg, and you can even book a classic African safari tour.
9) The Volga River
The Russian fairy-tale cruise down Volga River starts in Moscow and ends in the Royal St. Petersburg. You will get to explore the magic of the Russian capital, and the most beautiful city in all of Russia, St. Petersburg. From the Red Square to the Hermitage Museum, the historical sites to see around these cities are almost endless. There is history written on every corner, and the cruise itself is magical. You’ll be able to experience the beauty of Russia in its purest form, while you’re looking at the picturesque villages built on the river’s shore.
10) The Rhine River
Have you ever heard about the tale of Lorelei? Lorelei was a beautiful maiden who drowned because of love and thus became a mermaid after death. That’s just one of the many legends centering around the Rhine River. Everything from ancient castles, lush vineyards to Medieval European cities is on the table with this cruise. Give Europe and Germany a chance to dazzle you!
Additionally, there are some brilliant Europe-based river cruises you can book that include the charming Bordeaux or the delightful Bucharest. No matter which cruise you decide to take, it can be an experience of a lifetime that transforms the way you perceive nature.
