River and Barge Cruises

There are many ways to travel, but none compare to the luxury, comfort, and convenience of a river cruise. Imagine having your favorite hotel follow you around wherever you go. Unpack your bags once , and you're done. Wake up at your leisure, and stroll to the dining room for a made-to-order omelet while enjoying glorious views of the passing countryside. With so few guests, the attention and personal touch provided on a river cruise ship is truly impressive. There are no large crowds onboard ; you feel a deep sense of connection with your fellow travelers, your crew and your surroundings. There is a sense of peace and excitement at the same time.

You have access to inland areas of countries that big ships can't get to. You sail along the serene waterways, rather than congested highways. You stop in villages, towns and vineyards along the way. There's no waiting in a long line to get on or off the ship ; no need to tender into ports. And there's always something amazing to see, be it a mountain, a castle, or a wonder of the world, on either side of the ship.

Journey along the rivers of Europe, China and Russia and explore these fascinating destinations all in the comfort of a river cruise. Experienced travelers agree that a river cruise is one of the most enjoyable and hassle-free ways to explore the castles, cathedrals, vinyards and picturesque villages of the world.

There are two principle categories here: Barge and River.

Barges float on human-constructed canals that have no current, covering just 30 to 50 miles in a week. They move so slowly that passengers can literally step off the barge, walk or bike into town, and catch up again with the barge. Generally, barges accommodate 4 to 24 passengers, which makes them ideal for families or friends who want to occupy the entire vessel. The cuisine and local wines are usually of high quality, but entertainment is minimal. And don't let the word "barge" fool you. These are first-class floating hotels typically equipped with a sun-deck, lounge and dining room. Accommodations include staterooms and suites, many with full-sized beds and private baths. Since passenger capacity is low and the pace is slow, barge cruises exude intimacy and relaxation.

River cruises, on the other hand, sail at a faster speed and can traverse one or several countries in a week, stopping in the heart of cities like Cologne or Budapest. A river cruise ship really is a cruise ship, just smaller than the big ships that cruise to Alaska and the Caribbean. They have all the amenities - a restaurant, lounge, perhaps a library, and entertainment in the evening. They have a big deck and some may have a swimming pool. They generally accommodate 100 to 180 passengers.

Luxury Cruise Professional

Barge Cruising

French Country Waterways, Ltd.

Orient-Express Hotels, Trains and Cruises

River Cruising

Majestic Amercia Line

Peter Deilmann Cruises

Uniworld Grand River Cruises

Viking River Cruises