by River cruising is changing. More and more of us are discovering how practical, affordable and relaxing a trip down a beautiful waterway can be, and the world’s shipyards are responding in kind, churning out an armada of new vessels to cope with the demand. This is great, in many ways – but it also means that many of the most popular routes are now more crowded than ever.
But there is a silver lining: as a result, many cruise lines are now expanding their offerings, exploring more unusual rivers in less-visited regions, and compiling interesting, adventurous itineraries that go well under surface.
If you’re ticked off by the ordinary and fancy venturing out into (almost) uncharted waters, the sailings below might be right up your alley.
The Gambia
West Africa
Sailing 250 miles up a west African river in a megawatt is an A-list worthy experience to say the least. Among the wonders that await in The Gambia are islands made of clam shells and mysterious stone cemeteries thousands of years old. Villages and small towns on the banks of the river are rarely visited, allowing passengers to experience the pace of everyday life here, while canoe trips deep into the shallow rivers offer opportunities to get close to wildlife. abundant
Variety Cruises (0208 324 3117; seafarercruises.co.uk) has 10 days Rivers of West Africa cruise from £3,167 per person. The price includes flights, transfers, and two nights in Dakar. Calling at Dakar, Banjui, Kantaur, Gambia River National Park, Kaur, Tendaba and Jannanbureh. Event January 16, 2025.
Rio Napo
Ecuador
If you like the idea of having an adventure in nature, but don’t want to leave your creature comforts, the Ecuadorian jungle might unexpectedly be the place for you. This cruise visits the most biodiverse place in the world, Yasuní National Park, a record-breaking World Biosphere Reserve with nearly 600 species of birds and 150 types of amphibians. Bring your binoculars and take in one of the most spectacular shows of the Amazon Rain Forest when macaws, parakeets and parrots gather to put on a show.
Rainforest Cruises (00 1 888 215 3555) is the eight day Anaconda River Napo cruise from £5,195 per person. The price includes domestic flights, transfers, overnight glamping in the jungle, WiFi, gratuities and port fees. Calling Quito, Coca, Providencia, El Retiro, Pañacocha, Turin, Tiputini and Rocafuerte. Expires November 13, 2024.
Chobe River
South Africa
This cruise offers the opportunity to see Africa’s “Big Five” from the comfort of a private safari boat. As you float leisurely down the Chobe River, you are likely to see elephants coming to drink, and crocodiles and alligators basking in the sun on the banks of the river. There is an exclusive picnic and safari within Chobe National Park itself, and a visit to Kruger National Park, as well as a two-night stay at the majestic Victoria Falls.
Panache Cruises (0800 520 2250; panachecruises.com) has 12 nights. Wildlife and the Falls cruise from £11,492 per person. Including flights, some tours, beer and wine with lunch and dinner, daily cocktail hour and wifi. Calling at Johannesburg, Chobe River, Chobe National Park, Victoria Falls, Kruger National Park. Expires November 10, 2024.
Potomac River
United States
Introducing the “Historic Triangle” of Williamsburg, Yorktown and Jamestown on a round-trip sailing from Washington DC, the tour is a great opportunity to take in the region’s historical significance and natural beauty.
You’ll visit must-see sites in the capital, including George Washington’s home at Mount Vernon, Arlington National Cemetery and the Harriet Tubman’s Underground Railroad exhibit, as well as sailing an authentic “scipjack” – a traditional fishing boat – through the Blackwater. National Wildlife Refuge.
American Cruise Lines (0800 021 3172; americancruiselines.com) is the 11-day The American Revolution cruise from £6,499 per person. Price includes flights, overseas transfers, one night pre-cruise hotel stay in Washington, beer and wine with lunch and dinner, WiFi, gratuities and port fees. Calling at Washington DC, Annapolis, St Michaels, Cambridge, Norfolk, Williamsburg / Yorktown and Mount Vernon. Expires October 9, 2024.
The Vltava
Czech
The Viltava is often called the “National River of the Czech Republic”, passing through Bohemia and the Czech capital, Prague, where this cruise offers the opportunity to explore cobbled streets, Prazsky hrad (Prague Castle) and Square the wonderful Old Town. , home of the Astronomical Clock, masterpiece 15th century science and technology.
From there, it is to the market town of Stechovice that you will visit the art nouveau Church of St. John the Baptist, built in 1911, and then to Melnik, for a tour of one of the most beautiful Renaissance castles in Bohemia. . Finally, the cruise floats gently into Dresden – the Florence of the Elbe.
CroisiEurope (01756 691269; croisieurope.co.uk) has seven days Prague, Dresden and Bohemian Castles cruise from £1,414 per person. The price includes return flights, all meals, drinks and port charges. Calling at Prague, Stechovice, Melnik and Dresden. Expires July 31, 2024
Brahmaputra River
Tibet, India and Bangladesh
Sailing just below the Himalayan mountain Kingdom of Bhutan, this cruise begins in the sprawling Indian city of Guwahati, where you’ll have the chance to visit ancient Hindu temples, before stopping at three distinct National Parks to see tigers and Indian rhinos. to search. Look out for near-blind Brahmaputra River Dolphins on the way to Majuli Island – famous for its colorful manuscript painting and masks – while the waterfalls and botanical gardens of Jeypore, the “City of Freshwater Lakes”, perfectly showcase the flora of frenetic India. , natural side.
Fred Holidays (0800 988 3369; fredholidays.co.uk) has 10 nights. Full Brahmaputra cruise from £4,321 per person. The price includes return international flights, round-trip transport, and internal flights from Jaipur to Kolkata. Calling at Guwahati, Silghat, Kaziranga, Majuli, Dibru Saikhowa, Jeypore and Dibrugarh. Expires October 14, 2024.
The Magdalena
Colombia
On this cruise, you’ll delve deep into Colombian culture, soaking up colonial architecture in Cartagena, one of the oldest cities in South America, and then exploring the historic center of the Unesco World Heritage Mompox, which grew from storage gold and silver bullion of the Conquistadors. You will end up in Barranquilla – a place of musicians, writers and painters and, therefore, interwoven with museums and interesting cultural sites. If a week doesn’t seem long enough, you’re in luck – this sailing comes with the option of adding a pre-cruise trip to Medellín and Cartagena, or a post-cruise trip in Panama City.
AmaWaterways (0800 520 2250; amawaterways.co.uk) has seven days Wonders of Colombia cruise from £5,240 per person. The price includes return flights, Wi-Fi and Wellness program, Calls at Cartagena, Mompox, Magangue and Barranquilla. Expires January 18, 2025.
