Changing Tides - River Cruising

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Where there’s a river, there’s a voyage of discovery. roderick eime reports on the lure of cruising the world’s great waterways.

cean cruisers may be getting ever bigger and more luxurious, but not everyone is beating a path to the behemoths of the sea.

More and more vacationers are opting for smaller, more exclusive vessels that ply the world’s mighty rivers. In fact, name any famous waterway and it is likely to have at least one premium river cruise operator pouring champagne and serving canapes to patrons soaking up the sights and culture. Typically carrying less than 200 passengers, with some accommodating as few as a dozen, travellers are assured of a cosy experience with a touch of indulgence.

While river cruising has been with us for decades, the levels of comfort and sophistication of today’s vessels (left) are shooting to new highs, with the inclusion of features such as private balconies, gyms, bath tubs and fine dining. Operators are also launching itineraries to more locations. Borneo, Myanmar, Peru, Russia, India and Portugal are just a few of the new frontiers for intrepid inland cruisers looking to expand their repertoire.

Rivers of Wonder Waters that float your boat.

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Dinkum Danube Australian company Scenic Cruises has six five-star vessels offering exclusive touches such as butler service along the Danube River (above).

Whether it’s waltzing in Vienna or yodelling in Salzburg, guests can do it all without having to contend with inter-city traffic. A coach follows the ship, providing transport to nearby attractions. Bicycles are supplied as another option. scenictours.com.au

Amazing Amazon Aqua Expeditions has two vessels cruising Maranon River, from the port of Iquitos in Peru to the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve in the rainforest where the Maranon flows into the Amazon, the world’s largest river by volume. Activities include village visits, monkey and bird watching, and piranha fishing, after which guests retire to staterooms with panoramic windows (above) and king-size beds. aquaexpeditions.com

Meandering Mekong The Mekong River (above) is abuzz with vessels from several companies, including Trails of Indochina’s Jayavarman. The modern retro-styled cruiser plies the waters from the delta in Vietnam to Siem Reap in Cambodia, making stops at destinations like Phnom Penh and the temples of Angkor in Siem Reap. Traditional cuisine and Asian hospitality from the local crew are other highlights. trailsofindochina.com