River cruises often elicit a lukewarm response, conjuring up images of slow-moving ships filled with family reunion T-shirts, cattle slaughterhouses, and stereotypical accommodations. But take a closer look and you’ll be surprised to find that a number of river cruise lines offer a unique blend of luxury, adventure, and cultural experiences. And the food is pretty great, too. Here are six cruises along the Mississippi, Amazon, Danube, and beyond, all of which provide solid (but fluid) evidence that river cruises offer some of the most dreamed-about journeys out there.
Viking River Cruises: Heart of America
Visit QC
This 12-day journey stretches from the Twin Cities to St. Louis and includes nine guided tours along the way. While the urban ports are definitely the highlights, expect to fall in love with under-the-radar gems like La Crosse, WI (and its cheese); Hannibal, MO (the port town where Mark Twain grew up); and Iowa's postcard-worthy agricultural paradise, the Quad Cities.
Other recent itineraries on the Mighty Mississippi include America’s Great River, a 15-day voyage from St. Paul, MN, to New Orleans, and the supercharged, 22-day Grand Mississippi Voyage, which covers the same area. Whichever you choose, your home away from home will be the newest and most modern ship on the Mississippi, with rooms with private verandas, plenty of spacious common areas, and Viking’s signature Scandinavian design. Book early, as many of these cruises are fully booked months in advance.
Lindblad Expeditions: Upper Amazon with Delfin II
Courtesy of Lindblad Expeditions
With year-round trips planned through December 2025, Lindblad is guiding river adventurers through Peru’s famous rainforest on 10 unforgettable days along the Amazon. Get up close and personal with nature as you glide through jungle waterways by kayak or canoe (keep your eyes peeled for wildlife), or enjoy a quiet moment as you gently glide past large lily pads and gaze up at towering ceiba trees at sunset on the lake’s edge. Interact with local ribereños (river people) supported by visits from the outfitter, and take solace in the fact that you’re on a boat dedicated to conservation efforts.
If you’re looking for a domestic river cruise, the company’s eight-day Columbia and Snake Rivers Journey is an epic experience, with spectacular peaks of Mt. Hood and Mt. Adams, local wine tastings, and rugged terrain touring by foot, kayak, Zodiac (a heavy-duty inflatable boat) and more. Insights and insights from the naturalists, historians, and geologists who joined the trip are also included.
Aqua Expeditions: Ambon and the Spice Islands
Courtesy of Aqua Expeditions
Aqua Expeditions is a leader in luxury small ship cruises. Its carefully crafted itineraries of three to 14 nights take guests to some of the world’s most biodiverse and culturally significant destinations, all with a 1:1 crew-to-guest ratio and a maximum of 16-40 guests per ship. Aqua’s river cruises include luxury sailing on the Mekong River in Cambodia and Vietnam and cruising the Peruvian Amazon.
Our top pick—not technically a river cruise, but similar to those in eastern Indonesia’s island-studded Banda Sea—is a seven-night floating expedition that begins in the historic port city of Ambon and travels around the seven major islands that make up the archipelago. You’ll see well-preserved Dutch architecture, coconut plantations (hence: the Spice Islands), and the tiny island of Banda Run, which the Dutch sold to the British in exchange for Manhattan (formerly New Amsterdam) in 1667. Travelers can enjoy the natural splendor of the sandy beaches of Molana and Palau Run, and take in twice-daily scuba dives around coral-rich Banda Neira. This private tour operates in October and November.
Ponant: A Voyage Along the St. Lawrence River
Courtesy of Ponant
Are you someone who loves to read endless books about the places you explore? This 12-day Canadian adventure with Ponant along the St. Lawrence River, taking in Montreal, Quebec, Nova Scotia, and more, is for you. Onboard, you’ll learn from two Smithsonian Journeys experts as you cruise past famous cosmopolitan centers, sleepy villages, rugged coastlines, and geological wonders.
One of the standout stops is Cap-aux-Meules, a charming Acadian fort in the Magdalen Islands that preserves the enduring legacy of the 17th-century settlers who established their roots here and maintained their autonomy against both English and French forces. Sailing on October 18, 2024, this luxury cruise (with onboard spa) will show you our lovely northern neighbors in a whole new light.
Emerald Cruises/VBT Bike Holidays: Danube Bike and River Cruise—Prague to Budapest
Courtesy of VBT Bicycling Adventures
Most Danube cruises are limited to the lower reaches of the legendary river. This magnificent, 11-day boat and bike excursion from Emerald Cruises (in partnership with VBT Bicycling Vacations) covers the entire length, including stops in four countries and three cultural capitals of Central Europe. The tour leaders will guide you along sections of the Danube Bike Path as you pedal past historic villages and picturesque castles and other classic sights, and will lead you on guided tours of Schloss Hof, Passau, and Vienna. When night falls, you’ll return to the elegantly appointed Emerald cruise ship and dine on first-class cuisine. Passengers can choose between cycling and walking tours throughout the cruise. Either way, you won’t want to miss out on some great excursions, such as a special concert in Vienna featuring works by Mozart and Strauss.
Uniworld Boutique River Cruises: India's Golden Triangle and the Holy Ganges
Discover the inner brilliance of India in comfort and style on the Ganges Voyager II. With an average of just 120 passengers per ship, it offers a 2.4 to 1 staff-to-guest ratio and five-star dining. Along the way, you’ll learn all about India’s historical and religious significance, visit the Taj Mahal at both sunrise and sunset, and venture into small Ganges River villages visited by few foreigners. Uniworld’s signature wellness program includes a dedicated professional yogi for one-on-one yoga and meditation lessons. Flights between Jaipur and Kolkata are included on the 13-day cruise, which also includes stays at several luxury hotels.