River cruising isn't the typical holiday that many people conjure upon hearing the word 'cruise'. A slowly moving painting of scenery and sights, stops at inland cities in Europe and America, and fine-dining without the rocking: that's the stuff of river cruising.
Some companies do it better or differently than others. Here's a list of our favourites and why you should think of them the next time you start dreaming of a river cruise.
Cruise past historic castles and undulating landscapes in Europe
APT
APT is a third-generation family company that prides itself on boutique cruise offerings. When you cruise with APT you can be assured of an intimate experience, with no more than 212 passengers per cruise.
What isn’t limited is the range of gourmet food and wine on board, along with modern interiors and state-of-the-art facilities.
Top 5 reasons to sail with APT
- Boutique ships
- Private balconies
- Variety of dining options
- Modern interiors
- Intimate lounges
Travelmarvel
Travelmarvel specialises in offering a range of cruises through iconic destinations such as Europe, Asia, India, South America and Russia. Over the past 20 years the company has built a reputation for providing travellers with great value-for-money holidays.
This diverse company offers a number of cruise styles from a paddle steamer on the Mississippi River to petite vessels exploring remote regions of Asia accessible only by water.
Top 5 reasons to sail with Travelmarvel
- Value for money
- Diversity
- Iconic destinations
- Numerous inclusions
- Free leisure time
Dock in at St Louis along with other iconic American cities while cruising the Mississippi (Image: Getty)
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Scenic Tours
Scenic is an Australian-owned tour company that cares about hospitality along the world’s most exquisite waterways. Scenic Tours has worked tirelessly to earn a world-recognised rating as one of the most spacious and comfortable river cruise fleets in Europe.
Following the launch of their exclusive Scenic "Space-Ships" in 2008, Scenic Tours has been taking Europe's waterways by storm.
Top 5 reasons to sail with Scenic Tours
- First-class dining and drinks
- FreeChoice on-land activities
- Europe's best destinations
- Rhine river cruising
- Luxury
Avalon Waterways Cruises
Avalon combines a modern fleet of ships with a focus on outstanding shore excursions and unforgettable dining experiences.
With one of the youngest fleets on the water and the company’s emphasis to detail and luxury, a cruise with Avalon means comfort is guaranteed. Offering 38 distinct global itineraries, Avalon cruises depart from a multitude of ports worldwide.
Top 5 reasons to sail with Avalon Waterways Cruises
- Panorama Suites
- Themed cruises
- Delicious dining
- Personalised itineraries
- Expansive coverage
Immerse yourself in Eastern cultures while cruising the Yangtze River (Image: Getty)
Uniworld River Cruises
Uniworld has worked for more than four decades to show off the natural beauty of waterways throughout 20 countries in Europe, Russia, Egypt, Vietnam, Cambodia and China.
With a 98 per cent guest satisfaction rate, the company is one of the most popular choices when it comes to river cruising.
Top 5 reasons to sail with Uniworld Boutique River Cruises:
- Onboard luxury
- "Six-Star" service & style
- Award-winning experiences
- Numerous itineraries
- Epicurean dining
