For many travelers, a cruise conjures up images huge liner, which runs from one tropical island to another. However, there is another more intimate type of cruise that is just as popular with tourists - the river cruise.

The boats for these cruises are usually much smaller than giant ocean liners and they mostly travel down the river from one interesting city to another. Let's take a look at the most popular river cruises in the world:

The Douro River may not be as famous or as popular as some other European cruise destinations, but that's not because it's not interesting. This is a wonderful little cruise that takes tourists wishing to travel through Portugal and Spain, among picturesque vineyards and medieval villages and towns. This cruise is especially suitable for those who like to take risks in the Douro wilderness. The river cruise itinerary usually starts at the outlet of the river in Porto and may include visits to local vineyards, castles and cathedrals.

The mighty Mississippi, the fourth longest river in the world, cuts through the heart of America and through some of this country's most beautiful landscapes. Many of the ships that ply this river look old-fashioned with steamer wheels, which give the traveler the feeling that they are in the last century, when life was more leisurely. Depending on the itinerary, travelers on the Mississippi River can float past quaint towns as well as major cities such as St. Louis and Louisville. Again, depending on your itinerary, the sightseeing tour may include a visit to a plantation as well as the battlefields of the New Orleans battle. Mississippi cruises can range from just a few hours to three weeks or more.

Travelers desiring to experience the beauty and charm of India should book a cruise through India's amazing region of Kerala. Traveling through the canals of this region and the beautiful lakes that form the backwaters of Kerala, cruisers can enjoy the vibrant life. The Kerala region boasts a unique ecosystem with fresh water from rivers mixing with salt from the Arabian Sea. Travelers can choose from several types of boats that use rowers or motorized thatched boats.

The Volga River is the longest in Europe and is often considered the national river of Russia. Depending on the itinerary, Volga cruise travelers can visit St. Petersburg and Moscow or the cities of the Golden Ring. A trip along the Volga River is a great way for the traveler to experience both modern and old Russia. Again, depending on the itinerary, the Volna river cruise may offer excursions to a ballet, a circus, or a visit to one of Russia's magnificent palaces.

It's no surprise that a trip on the Rhine River is one of the most popular cruises in Europe. Rhine river leisurely through a number of countries being popular tourist destinations, including Switzerland, France, Germany and Holland. Many consider the part between Koblenz to Bingen in Germany the most beautiful part of the Rhine River. Here travelers can see some of the most beautiful landscapes in Europe and great places, including medieval castles, lush vineyards and pass through picturesque cities that look like they came straight out of a fairy tale. Trips down the Rhine can range from half a day to 11 days or longer.

The Mekong River passes through China, Burma, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand. While traveling down the picturesque Mekong, travelers will find an interesting mix of modern towns and villages of the past. Depending on your itinerary, your cruise may include visits to places such as the stunning ancient temple complex Angkor Watt in Cambodia or a visit to the floating villages and colorful markets in the Mekong Delta South Vietnam. The Mekong river cruise is one of the better ways experience and see the real Asia.

For many, a cruise on the Danube is a dream. The Danube, which is the second longest river in Europe, passes through nine different countries, Austria, Bulgaria Croatia, Germany, Hungary, Romania, Slovakia, Serbia and Ukraine. Depending on the itinerary, which can last from one day to a week or longer, traveling along the majestic rivers of the Danube can keep the traveler busy seeing castles and fortresses, and some of the most beautiful cities Europe. For example, some Danube river cruises visit three European capitals, Budapest in Hungary, Vienna in Austria, and Bratislava in Slovakia.

The Yangtze River is the third longest river in the world and also the longest in Asia. The cruise passes along interesting and famous places, including the stunning Three Gorges (Qutang, Wu and Xiling Gorge). On the Yangtze River, travelers will sail through some of the most beautiful scenery of this vast country of China, and may also have the opportunity to take shore excursions to various points of interest, including ancient temples and ancient ghost towns. The Yangtze River is home to a number of this country's endangered species, including the Chinese alligator and river dolphin. The Yangtze River cruise is very long, usually taking between four and thirteen days.

The wild and untamed Amazon River has long captivated explorers who yearned to discover the secrets hidden in the dense jungle. In the past, only the bravest would visit these lands and swim in the Amazon, but fortunately, this hidden world has become accessible to travelers. Some boats have cabins that even boast large panoramic windows so travelers can view their surroundings with their comfort and air conditioning. Although the Amazon covers eight countries South America, the routes of most large vessels, are limited to the section between the Brazilian ports of Manaus and Belem. Smaller cruise ships can sail further upriver to Iquitos in Peru, including stopping in the more undeveloped regions of the Peruvian Amazon.

A cruise is one of the best ways to see Egypt and all of its glorious ancient monuments, including the Pyramids and the Sphinx. It is believed that there are over 400 cruise ships plying the mighty river Nile, thus, travelers will have a lot of choice among the boats. Some of these cruise ships offer amenities such as swimming pools, baths and spas. Meals and some excursions are usually included in the price of the cruise. The average Nile cruise lasts three to seven days, and runs between Luxor and Aswan.

Mississippi river cruise

Thrilling trip down the Mississippi, bring a lot unforgettable experience even the most sophisticated travelers!

Cruise itinerary:

	New Orleans
	oak alley
	baton rouge
	Saint Francisville
	Vicksburg

Mississippi cruise program:

Day 1. New Orleans
The city of Great Freedom, where you can feel the incredible atmosphere of carelessness and ease of perception of the surrounding world. The French Quarter is the oldest in the city; the spirit of French antiquity reigns here. The famous Bourbon Street is a real jewel of the French Quarter, where you can enjoy good music, art and a variety of Louisiana cuisine. In the heart of the French Quarter of New Orleans is famous area Jackson, designed by architects inspired by the Place des Vosges in Paris. Various "witch objects" are considered a characteristic local element, such a cult place and the grave of the Voodoo queen - Mary Laveau in the Saint-Louis cemetery. In essence, Marie Laveau is the spirit of New Orleans. It was here that the most powerful interpenetration of African and European cultures took place.
Welcome cocktail from the captain and introduction to the crew. Dinner.

Day 2. Oak alley
Plantation "Oak Alley" is located on the banks of the Mississippi River, between New Orleans and Baton Rouge. Oak alleys are often referred to as the "Great Lady of the Great River Road". A quarter mile of overhanging giant oak trees with 300 summer history grow together with their knotty crowns and branches, forming an amazing living arch. The resulting sensations will make you return to the film "Gone with the Wind". Explore the history of the Big House and taste the mint julep (cognac or whiskey drink with water, sugar, ice and mint), which is a traditional drink in the region.

Day 3. Baton Rouge
Arrival in Baton Rouge, the capital of Louisiana. An introduction to the rich southern way of life, with the peculiarities of celebrating the Mardi Gras carnival and the lifestyle of the Creoles and Cajuns.

Day 4 St. Francisville
Arrival in the town of Saint Francisville, which is located in the Mississippi Delta. the main street Royal Street is reminiscent of the French colonial era, with its old markets, unique hand-made shops and, of course, music records. Visit to the old covered market and shopping street where art objects and precious products are presented.

Day 5. Nanchez
Natchez is the city of Pilgrimage, where there is no fuss and haste. Natchez in the pre-war period was very popular among wealthy people. Their mansions have survived to this day, such as the magnificent and luxurious Stanton Hall, the least damaged during civil war. Melrose Plantation, a brick mansion on the river bank, the former headquarters of the US troops during the Civil War - Rosalia Manson, the home of William Johnson. Visit Yeola Hotel for shopping.

Day 6. Vicksburg
Vicksburg is a city with a unique blend of local culture, character, art, adventure and Southern hospitality. Inspection of the significant pre-war mansion Anchuka, which in the language of the Indians of the Choctaw tribe means "happy home". Coca-Cola, known to everyone, was bottled in Vicksburg, at that time the process of its production began. Now there is a museum here. Departure to the Battlefield Museum, dedicated to a major military operation of the American Civil War.

Day 7. On board

Day 8. Memphis.
Memphis was founded on May 22, 1819 and is considered a very young city. One of the streets of the city called Beale Street W.K.Handy sang in one of his songs, so many music lovers consider Memphis the birthplace of the blues. Hotel Lorraine is one of the most amazing places: M. L. King was killed in one of his rooms. Open here today interesting museum, which is entirely dedicated to the famous fighter for the rights of all African Americans. Other popular city attractions include the Brooks Art Gallery, Confederate Park, Chucalissa Indian Village Museum, Museum of Natural History and Industry, the Victorian Quarter, and the Memphis City Museum.

Mississippi cities retain their colonial flavor

Mississippi Cruises Online

The Mississippi is the main cruise river in the United States, a legendary waterway that crosses a dozen states. The Mississippi River serves as a natural boundary for Arkansas, Missouri, Tennessee, and Wisconsin. Shores of the Mississippi - here you can find historical monuments Civil War era, blues birth towns, and landmarks featured in classic American literature, including famous novel Mark Twain "On the Mississippi".

For the past few years, cruises on the Mississippi have been considered a rather rare and fickle phenomenon. Because of a large number natural disasters, chief among which was the devastating Hurricane Katrina in 2005, as well as the global financial crisis, the river cruise industry on the great American river fell into decline. However, since 2009, cruise traffic on the Mississippi has shown signs of recovery.

And 2012 generally promises to be a landmark year for cruises on the Mississippi. This year, the first cruise of the steamship American Queen is planned after large-scale reconstruction work. This ship was built in 1995, and in 2011 it was completely modernized. Today the American Queen is known as the largest river steamer in the world. Mississippi cruises on American Queen start at $990 for a three-day trip.

Another ship that is, in some ways, namesake of American Queen, the Queen Of The Mississippi, will set sail on her debut Mississippi cruise in 2012. This ship is half the size of the American Queen. It will offer seven-day cruises.

A distinctive feature of Mississippi cruises is the abundance of vintage ships on the routes and small family businesses that are cruise operators. Among the companies that offer unique signature Mississippi cruises in 2011 are Cruise West from Seattle and Blount Small Ship Adventures, formerly known as the American Canadian Caribbean Line.

The main ports on the Mississippi are the cities of the traditional American South, where the most striking are the "Elvis city" of Memphis, the capital of country music, the city of Nashville and the famous port at the mouth of the river, carnival New Orleans.

The word "cruise" for many travelers is associated with huge ocean liners sailing from one tropical island to another. However, there is another type of cruise, almost as popular among tourists - a river cruise. The ships that make such cruises are usually much smaller than the giants that ply the expanses of the sea and oceans. They are better adapted to traveling along rivers, from one interesting sight (or city) to another. Review of the best river cruises in the world:

Cruise on the Duero River

The banks of the Duero River are not as famous or as popular among tourists as some of the other "cruise" destinations in Europe, but this is not at all because they are not worthy of attention. The route of a wonderful, albeit not very long, cruise passes through and past picturesque vineyards and medieval villages. This option is a good choice for those who like to travel away from the "tourist mainstream". River cruises usually start in the Portuguese city of Porto, at the mouth of the Duero (Douro) River, and include stops on the shore with excursions to local vineyards, castles and churches.

Mississippi river cruise

The Mississippi River is the fourth longest in the world. It flows through the very heart of America, and on its banks you can see some of the most picturesque natural landscapes in the country. Many ships cruising the Mississippi are styled after vintage paddle steamers, giving many tourists the feeling that they are traveling back in time to a time when life was more leisurely and measured. Depending on the itinerary of a particular cruise ship, stops may be made in various towns and cities, including St. Louis and Louisville. Excursions during the tour also depend on the route. The excursion program may include visits to plantations and trips to historical places associated with the Battle of New Orleans. The duration of river trips also varies, ranging from a few hours to three-week (or even longer) tours.

River cruise in the Indian state of Kerala

Travelers who want to get closer to the beauty and charm can book a tour of Kerala with a river cruise. Floating along the numerous channels and charming lakes of the region, passengers of small cruise ships can easily feel how they live locals. As a result of the mixing of fresh river water and water coming from the Arabian Sea, a unique ecosystem has formed in the state of Kerala. There are several types of boats at the disposal of travelers, including the famous traditional boats "ketuwalam" (owners hire local rowers) and thatched boats equipped with motors.

River cruise on the Volga

Volga is the most long river Europe. Many consider her national river Russia. Depending on the tour, during a cruise along the Volga, you can visit St. Petersburg and Moscow, or take a trip to the cities of the Golden Ring. Traveling down the Volga, tourists get a unique opportunity to compare modern Russia with what it was many centuries ago. The excursion program of the cruise (also depends on the chosen tour) may include trips to the ballet and the circus or visits to the palaces of Peterhof.

Rhine river cruise

Rhine cruises are one of the most popular river cruises in Europe. And this is not surprising, because the Rhine flows through the territory of several countries, each of which, in turn, is popular among tourists. Among these countries, and. Many people believe that the most beautiful Rhine landscapes are located in Germany, between Koblenz and Bingen am Rhein. There are many sights on this site, including the famous medieval castles, famous vineyards and picturesque towns, looking at which you get the feeling that you have landed on the pages of a fairy tale book. Among the Rhine river cruises offered by tour operators, there are both very short, literally half a day, and longer ones, the duration of which reaches eleven days or more.

Mekong river cruise

The Mekong River flows through Burma, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand. During a cruise on the Mekong, you will find an interesting "mix" of modern cities and "floating villages" that have not changed in recent centuries. Depending on the itinerary, the cruise may include visits to amazing sights such as the temple complex of Angkor Wat in Cambodia or the "floating villages" and lively markets in the Mekong Delta ( southern part Vietnam). Cruises on the Mekong River are one of the best ways to get to know Southeast Asia.

River Cruise on the Danube

For many, a cruise on the Danube has already become a dream come true. The Danube, the second longest river in Europe, flows through the territory of nine states: Germany, and Ukraine. Depending on the tour, the trip can last from one day to a week or more. During this time, cruise ship passengers can see medieval castles and impressive fortresses, as well as some of Europe's most beautiful cities. For example, the program of some tours includes stops in the Hungarian Budapest, the Austrian Vienna and the Slovak Bratislava.

Yangtze river cruise

The Yangtze is the third longest river in the world and the longest river in Asia. Its channel passes close to many interesting and world-famous Chinese attractions, including the famous "Three Gorges" (Qutang, Wu and Xiling Gorges). While traveling along the Yangtze, cruise ship passengers have the opportunity to see some of the region's most picturesque landscapes and take part in excursions to interesting places on the coast, such as ancient temples and ancient "ghost towns". The Yangtze and its environs are also home to a significant number of critically endangered plant and animal species. On the river itself, these include, first of all, Chinese alligators and river dolphins. The duration of cruises is, as a rule, from four to thirteen days.

Amazon river cruise

Wild and practically unspoiled by human civilization, the Amazon River has attracted the attention of travelers for centuries. This "water artery" allowed the explorers of the past to penetrate into the most remote corners of the dense tropical jungle, which are almost impossible to reach by land. In those days, only the most daring and desperate dared to go on such journeys, but, fortunately, today it has become much easier to follow in their footsteps. There are many cruise ships on the Amazon River. Accommodations on board range from the most modest to the most luxurious. The walls of the cabins of some ships are made almost entirely of glass so that travelers can admire the beauties of nature without leaving the air-conditioned room on deck. The Amazon River flows through eight countries in South America. The routes of larger vessels are limited by the section of the channel between the Brazilian ports of Manaus and Belem. Small boats and boats go much further, often reaching the Peruvian city of Iquitos lost in the jungle and making stops in the little-studied areas of the Peruvian Amazon.

Nile river cruise

It makes sense to go on a manual cruise on the Nile, if only because the Egyptian civilization was born and grew on the banks of this river. Not surprisingly, there are so many historical sites in the immediate vicinity of the river, including the Great Pyramids and the Sphinx. With over 400 cruise ships on the Nile, travelers have plenty to choose from. Some ships even have swimming pools, sun decks and spas. Meals and some excursions are usually included in the price of the tour. On average, cruises on the Nile last from three to seven days. The most popular area is between