River cruises offer a wonderful opportunity to explore multiple countries while enjoying the charm of picturesque and historic rivers. Exciting new itineraries have been introduced for the 2023-2024 season, making it worthwhile to explore these amazing destinations. So, read on to discover more about these fascinating itineraries!
Magdalena River Cruise with AmaWaterways
Sail down the beautiful Magdalena River in Colombia with AmaWaterways, the first major river cruise line to offer this incredible itinerary. Departing from Barranquilla and Cartagena, this 7-night expedition in 2024 promises an exclusive experience. With a limited capacity of 60-64 guests, the intimate ship provides a luxurious boutique experience. Your cruise fare includes exciting excursions such as guided walking tours, scenic boat tours, live music, bird watching, and much more. To secure your spot, book today at www.AmaWaterways.com.
Emerald Cruises
Experience unforgettable family adventures (ages 10+) with Emerald Cruises, as they offer an array of exotic itineraries for 2023-2024. Discover the enchanting Danube Explorer, which travels to Germany, Austria, Slovakia, and Hungary. Alternatively, cruisers can embark on Jewels of the Rhine, which offers guests a captivating journey through the Netherlands, Germany, France, and Switzerland.
Viking Cruises’ Mississippi River Itineraries
You don’t have to travel to Europe to enjoy a river cruise! Viking Cruises offers its very first American itineraries through the iconic and historic Mississippi River. This noteworthy voyage stops in New Orleans, Memphis, and St. Paul. To celebrate their 25th anniversary, Viking Cruises is offering its guests reduced airfare, special fares, and a $25 deposit on certain itineraries.
Viking Cruises’ Nile River Itineraries
Viking Cruises offers an extraordinary 12-day Cairo-to-Cairo river cruise encompassing 11 remarkable once-in-a-lifetime tours. Whether you possess a deep appreciation for history or simply harbor a fascination with the many marvels of Egypt, this itinerary holds immense appeal. Prepare to be captivated by the following incredible tours:
- The Pyramids and the Sphinx
- Cariro’s Museum of Egyptian Antiquities (which includes some of King Tutankhamen’s riches)
- The Karnak Temple complex at the Luxor
- The Luxor Temple
- Exclusive entry into the tomb of Nefertari
- The Temple of Hatshepsut
- The Temple of Hathor at Dendera
- Aswan’s souk
- The Nubian village and school tour
- The Temple of Isis at Philae
- A horse-drawn celèche tour to Edfu’s Temple of Horus
Viking Cruises is offering a $25 deposit as a limited-time sale to celebrate its anniversary.
AmaWaterways’ Black History Sailing
Aboard AmaWaterways’ AmaKristina, travelers can anticipate a profound exploration of Black history and heritage as they cruise through the scenic landscapes of the South of France, visiting numerous destinations renowned for their Black writers, artists, and entertainers. This incredible journey unfolds along the Rhône River and ends in the vibrant city of Lyon. With a large array of enriching activities to choose from, this itinerary offers an unforgettable experience. Prepare to immerse yourself in the following diverse range of activities:
- A full-day Black Heritage Tour in Marseille
- An evening cruise to Pont d’Avignon
- A choice between a walking tour and Papal Palace, Tastes of Avignon Pont Du Gard experience, Avignon bike tour, or an evening jazz performance
- Truffle farm and Grignan excursion
- A choice between a steam train ride, red wine and chocolate experience, or Hermitage hike and wine tasting
- Evening jazz performance
- A choice between a walking tour of the Roman ruins, Mount Pipet hike, or ViaRhôna bike tour
- A choice between a Lyon city tour, Les Halles market tour, or Lyon bike tour
- Exclusive Josephine Baker excursion
- “Black History of Paris” tour
The Amazon River with Seabourn Cruise Line
Seabourn Cruise Line offers a unique sailing experience through the Amazon River and Boca dos Botos channel. Cruisers will learn about the ecosystem through a series of lectures given by the expedition teams onboard. Seabourn Cruise Line offers guests a choice between three itineraries: Flooded Forests and Blackwater Tributaries; The Frontier Amazon; and The Peruvian Amazon. Whichever itinerary you choose, you will be amazed by the beauty and mystique of the Amazon!
Cruise For the Holidays in Europe
Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours is offering a series of Christmas-themed itineraries around Europe. Guests have their pick between several gorgeous itineraries:
- Danube Christmas Markets (Budapest to Munich)
- Rhine Christmas Markets (Amsterdam to Zurich)
- Christmas Markets (Budapest to Amsterdam)
- Christmas Markets with Prague (Prague to Amsterdam)
- Christmas & New Year (Amsterdam to Budapest)
- Christmas Wonderland with Paris (Paris to Budapest)
The Douro River in Portugal with Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours
In 2024, Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours will offer an 11-day sailing from Porto to Madrid aboard the stunning Scenic Azure. This all-inclusive cruise covers every aspect of indulgence, from personalized butler service to captivating excursions. There will be five different tours that will stop in Lisbon, Porto, Madrid, and Salamanca.
Embarking on a river cruise offers an unparalleled and distinctive experience for vacationers.
Picture yourself leisurely gliding along the Nile, marveling at the crocodiles swimming by, or immersing yourself in the vibrant Colombian culture while enjoying the comforts of your suite. Any of these extraordinary itineraries is sure to create memories that last a lifetime.
Have you taken a river cruise before? We’d love to hear about your experience! Share your stories in the comments section below.
By Danielle Morris