Top river cruises

Stilt houses on Tonle Sap Lake

From the great Egyptian empires of old to the modern-day villages that cluster on the banks of the Mekong, cultures through history (and prehistory) have been defined by their relationships to their rivers. Including a river cruise on your trip enables you to unlock an ancient and important perspective on your destination, whether it’s a multi-day meandering along the Hugli or a one-day jaunt to a local wine estate on the Douro. Here, our specialists have chosen the top river cruises to add to your next trip.

The Nile — Egypt

When the pharaohs themselves wanted to survey their lands, they took to the Nile. Today, the river remains a vital waterway and an essential part of any visit. Not only is it the most comfortable and efficient way to travel, exploring on the Nile reveals the essential perspective of those who built Egypt’s temples, tombs, and monuments.

Most of the Nile cruises take you between Luxor and Aswan, stopping at the major sights for expert-led tours. And you’ll be able to choose from a wide array of different ships, from small, two-masted dahabiyas that haven’t changed much in centuries (or even millennia) to thoroughly contemporary luxury ships.

Get me there: This suggested Egypt trip combines time in Cairo with a classic Nile cruise.

The Mekong — Thailand, Cambodia & Vietnam

Forming the “rice bowl” of Asia, the mighty Mekong is the lifeblood of the many countries it runs through — the fertile fan of the delta, in particular, supports a thriving community. A cruise along the Mekong is a great way to explore these cultures, which are tied together by the river’s flow.

A cruise is valuable here because much of the local life happens literally on the Mekong. In Vietnam's Cai Rang floating market, farmers and traders come to hawk their wares on wooden boats propelled by bamboo poles. And on Tonle Sap Lake, you can still see villages built on stilts — during the rainy season, they appear to float on the lake.

Get me there: Spend eight days on the river, as well as time in Ho Chi Minh City, Phnom Penh, and at the temples of Angkor on this suggested trip.

The Amazon — Brazil & Peru

The far reaches of the Amazon rainforest are known more for creatures than for creature comforts, but a river cruise offers the most luxe way to experience the wilderness. Plying the quiet tributaries of the big river, these ships are like floating boutique hotels. In particular, the options around Iquitos have well-appointed rooms that might include the option of a private Jacuzzi.

Get me there: This suggested trip in Peru includes an Amazon cruise as well as time in Cuzco and Machu Picchu.

The Kerala backwaters — India

A sprawling network of canals and rivers, the backwaters of Kerala wind their way through the forests, spice plantations, fishermen, and rice paddies of the Indian state. Life continues here at a relaxed pace, as it has for centuries, and a cruise on a local houseboat gives you a front-seat tour of the rural people and landscapes.

You can easily opt for a simple day cruise, but an overnight tour gives you the opportunity to really settle into the slow rhythm of the region.

Get me there: Spend the night on the backwaters as part of a suggested trip that also includes time on Kerala’s beaches and in the brightly painted temples of Tamil Nadu.

The Douro — Portugal & Spain

Home to one of the oldest demarcated wines in the world, the Douro Valley, with its steep, schist banks, has been hand-carved into terraces over the millennia. Today, its sunny shores are home to historic wine estates known as quintas. A cruise along the Douro gives you a chance to explore this storied region in a leisurely manner.

You can opt for a simple day sail to take in the snaking canyons and corrugated hillsides, enjoying a regional meal and stopping in for tastings. Or, for a more thorough exploration of the region, choose a multi-day cruise that stops in at quintas as well as various villages and palaces in Portugal and Spain.

Get me there: In addition to the Douro Valley, this suggested trip also takes in Lisbon, Porto, and Madrid.