Discover the comfort, convenience, and cultural diversity that can only be found along the world's most famous waterways.

The intimate alternative to ocean cruising, river cruising offers travelers access to an enormous array of unusual destinations – destinations that simply can't be reached by larger cruise ships. Huge ocean liners visit mainly coastal areas (their significant size prohibiting passage to interior regions), but river cruising's svelte crafts are capable of sailing almost anywhere. Their flat-bottom designs ensure a safe, smooth journey plus effortless entry into the smaller villages, towns, and city centers that are an essential part of any vacation experience.

Smaller cruise ships also allow for lots of warm and cozy atmosphere, not to mention an extra emphasis on personal service. River cruises tend to be truly all-inclusive, too (shore excursions, to name but one example, are typically included in your fare). And when it comes to convenience, a river cruise is hard to beat. You'll unpack just once, and disembarking is a breeze. Simply step off your ship – almost immediately, you'll find yourself surrounded by the abundant scenery, local charm, and historical attractions that are the hallmarks of any river cruise.

Here at Cruise411, we recommend Uniworld's Boutique River Cruise Collection and Viking River Cruises to customers seeking the ultimate river cruising experience. Both are long-time industry leaders.