Sail Iconic Rivers While Visiting Distinctive Corners of the World

How can travelers leisurely explore sev­eral countries and discover multiple cultures in a matter of days? The answer is sailing on an iconic river aboard a river cruise. According to Cruise Lines International Association’s (CLIA) 2016 State of the Cruise Industry Outlook, the demand for the river cruise experience is at an all-time high; as of 2015, there were 169 river CLIA member cruise ships on the water.

“These intimate voyages allow passengers to experience multiple, memorable destinations in a short amount of time all while travelling the world’s most famous, historic rivers,” said Cindy D’Aoust, president and CEO, CLIA. “As the demand for river cruising grows, there are now more experiences and destinations than ever before. In addition to cruising through Europe on the Rhine or Danube rivers, pas­sengers can take river cruises through South America, Asia, Africa and even the U.S., offer­ing access to some of the most authentic and treasured travel destinations in the world.”

From Egypt to Asia, following are six iconic rivers around the world made easily accessi­ble by river cruising:

The Magic & Mystery of the Nile: One of the world’s most famous waterways, spanning more than 4,000 miles, the Nile River offers unbelievable sights of ancient temples, lush rainforests and impressive mountains. Avalon Waterways offers a 9-day river cruise from Cairo that takes cruisers on a voyage through 5,000 years of history, visiting temples built in the time of Cleopatra, the famed Sphinx and the Great Temples of Giza.

The Battles & Beauty of the Mekong: Stretching through thousands of miles of authentic Asian rice paddies and fish farms, the Mekong River’s beautiful deltas have been site to famous battles, specifically during the Vietnam War. Now, the peaceful waterways provide the perfect atmosphere for cruising. New options in Vietnam and Cambodia include AmaWaterways’ 15-night Mekong upstream and downstream itineraries. The voyage takes cruisers along the fabled Mekong River for an unforgettable authentic experience exploring rural villages, floating markets, and a Buddhist monastery. The itin­erary includes Ho Chi Minh City with addi­tional stops in Siem Reap, Hanoi and Ha Long Bay.