Done the Danube and the Douro? Try these rivers for size
These exotic alternatives to Europe’s well-sailed waterways deliver the gentle pleasures of river cruising with a dose of adventure.
These exotic alternatives to Europe’s well-sailed waterways deliver the gentle pleasures of river cruising with a dose of adventure.
1 Chobe River, Botswana
A three-night safari-style cruise on the Chobe River is paired with Cruise Traveller’s package holidays to Botswana and Zimbabwe. Embark on the 16-passenger Zimbabwean Dream or African Dream on Lake Kariba, witnessing sunset before dinner on board. At sunrise, set out on a private boat to Matusadona National Park and get ready to see the Big Five: observe elephants on the riverbanks having a drink, while hippos and crocodiles bask nearby, and watch the antics of black herons and yellow-billed storks. Learn about local dam construction and the effects of the rising floodwaters. Various land-to-cruise journeys are available, departing from Cape Town or Johannesburg, and conclude with a one-night stay at Victoria Falls, where the Zambezi River plummets over a cliff.
2 Magdalena River, Colombia
One of cruising’s most anticipated new destinations is Colombia’s Magdalena River, which flows between the Andes and the Caribbean Sea. After a few delays in building its ship, AmaWaterways will become the first mainstream cruise line to sail on this scenic waterway, in partnership with a local tour operator. The maiden voyage on the 60-passenger AmaMagdalena has been pushed back to March next year. A second ship, AmaMelodia, is expected to join it in June. Both vessels are scheduled to offer itineraries year round from Cartagena to Barranquilla, exploring the culture through live performances of cumbia and vallenato music in island towns and tours of stilt-house villages, plus birdwatching and walks accompanied by history and wildlife experts. Colombian cuisine will be served on board, with trips culminating in a special Carnaval de Barranquilla celebration.
3 Jamuna River, Bangladesh
Antara Cruises specialises in the rarely sailed rivers of Bangladesh. An 11-night cruise travels in both directions between the capital, Dhaka, and Kolkata, India. Cultural attractions include the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Sixty Domed Mosque, several Hindu temples and cremation grounds, floating fruit markets, a potters’ colony and the Oxford Epiphany Church. A smaller boat brings guests to the Karamjol Forest Reserve, which protects a vast range of mammals, birds, reptiles and insects. Royal Bengal tigers, Gangetic River dolphins and crocodiles can also be spotted at Sundarbans National Park, the world’s largest delta mangrove forest. The 36-passenger Antara Ganga Vilas is the newest vessel in the fleet, with floor-to-ceiling windows to admire the passing views from your cabin.
4 Brahmaputra River, India
This massive waterway stretches 2900km from Tibet through the Assam Valley to the Ganges River. With little human activity on these riverbanks, the wildlife and birdlife flourish. The showpiece of this section is Kaziranga National Park, home to the world’s largest populations of the Indian one-horned rhinoceros and wild water buffalo. The 430sq km site also has an abundance of native species such as tigers, elephants, bison, sloth bears, hog badgers, mongoose, pangolin, leopards and golden jackals. Assam Bengal Navigation starts the day with a morning jeep safari, lunch at Diphlu River Lodge then bird-spotting in the Burapahar Range. Among other highlights on the seven-night itinerary from Guwahati to Silghat are visits to silk-weaving workshops, monasteries and the 6th-century Da Parbatia temple ruins.
5 Napo River, Ecuador
Amazon cruises are most commonly conducted in Peru but travellers can also venture to the Ecuadorean and Brazilian sides. Micro-Cruising sells trips along the Napo River on the luxurious 40-passenger Anakonda and the 30-passenger Manatee. These expeditions explore one of the world’s most biodiverse rainforests with opportunities to go hiking, kayaking and swimming. See legendary pink dolphins, piranhas, sloths, howler monkeys, white caiman and the fascinating sight of parrots and macaws that gather daily to lick the clay in the soil. At night, join torchlit walks and listen to the nocturnal sounds of the jungle. Guests can also travel by canoe to meet families in remote communities, learning about the indigenous way of life. In Brazil, the 24-passenger Jangada is available for chartered cruises with fishing, hiking and a hunting experience with the Matis people.
6 Elbe River, Czech Republic
One of the least known European river routes combines the Elbe and the Vltava. CroisiEurope is the only line that operates cruises between Prague and Berlin on the 77-passenger paddle-steamer Elbe Princess II. From its mooring in the heart of Prague, walk along the cobbled streets to find the old town’s 15th-century astronomical clock. Spend the afternoon exploring castles, palaces and cathedrals. In Bohemia, visit the Renaissance-style Nelahozeves Castle and its art collection of Dutch Old Master paintings. At Konopiste Castle, see the medieval weapons and armour that belonged to its former resident, Austrian Archduke Franz Ferdinand. In Germany, take a guided tour of the Green Vault in Dresden’s Royal Castle, which contains the largest collection of Baroque treasures in Europe. During a two-night stay in Berlin, enjoy a city tour or an optional visit to the gardens at Sanssouci Palace, the home of 18th-century Prussian King Frederick the Great.
7 Gambia River, Gambia and Senegal
Gaining popularity among seasoned cruisers, West Africa’s rivers are opening up to give easy water access to the interiors of Gambia and Senegal. On Variety Cruises’ new Gambia River itinerary, travellers can explore wetlands and World Heritage sites. Get an up-close view of chimpanzees in River Gambia National Park. Go birdwatching in the Sine Saloum Delta, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Keep an eye out for more rare birdlife, Guinea baboons, warthogs and marsh mongoose at Kiang West National Park. See the sacred burial ground of Wassu and its mysterious stone circles. Take a city tour of Dakar, Senegal, visit fishing villages, and stroll along an island made of clamshells. The seven-night adventure is aboard the 44-passenger Harmony G.
8 Hudson River, US
American Cruise Lines is the only company to offer multiple-night cruises on New York’s Hudson River. After this year’s debut of the week-long Hudson River Summer Classic, the number of 2025 departures has been tripled. The itinerary will run from June to August, in addition to the ever-popular Fall Foliage cruises in September and October. Sailing round-trip from Manhattan, the 100-passenger American Eagle heads upstate to the Hudson River Valley, stopping at Catskill, Albany, Kingston, Hyde Park, West Point and Sleepy Hollow. Guided excursions go to the 9/11 Memorial, the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library, West Point Military Academy and the 50-room Vanderbilt Mansion, built in 1898 for the richest man in America at the time.
9 St Lawrence River, Canada
Every summer, ocean cruise ships navigate the St Lawrence River, which connects the North Atlantic Ocean to the Great Lakes region. For a chillier alternative, Ponant has an exclusive expedition during the Canadian winter. The polar-class Le Commandant Charcot will cut through the icy sections of this epic seaway lined with snow-covered conifer forests. Snowshoeing, dogsledding and ice-fishing are just some of the activities. In Quebec, experience the world’s largest winter carnival, where sculptures and lights create a magical spectacle. Accompanied by photographers Mike Louagie and Ian Dawson, guests can attend workshops to improve their skills. The 13-night voyage from St Pierre Island, off the Newfoundland coast, departs January 17, 2025.
10 Hawkesbury River, Australia
For a country with more than 400 rivers, Australia severely lacks cruising options. APT is launching a new paddle-wheeler, Australian Star, on Victoria’s Murray in June 2025. Lesser known is a one-of-a-kind cruise on the Hawkesbury, NSW. The annual four-night cruise is aboard True North, a 36-passenger yacht usually based in the Kimberley. This starts in Sydney Harbour and sails to secluded coves along the Hawkesbury. Enjoy front-row seats for the start of the Sydney-Hobart yacht race on Boxing Day, join a walk to Barrenjoey Lighthouse in Pittwater and take a helicopter to the Hunter Valley for wine-tasting. Wake up in Jerusalem Bay and go swimming under waterfalls around Cowan Creek, before lunch in Bantry Bay. The cruise departs Christmas Day evening, if you’re looking for a quick getaway – in both senses of the word.
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