Escape the fast lane of life and board stylish cruise ships that ply the great rivers of the world. Holidaying while on a river cruise will open up new relaxation realms and change your perspective on your destination – for the better. Compiled by Grace Cameron

River cruising in Europe — a gentle way to see the sights.

Inland river cruising is one of the oldest and most leisurely forms of travel in the world. Just channel the voices of Cleopatra, the ancient Kings of Siam, the Viking marauders or the Mississippi card sharks – they will all tell you the joys of cruising along the great rivers of the world.

If you are a seasoned traveller but are in a quandary as to where to go next, ask yourself ‘do I like to travel in comfort?’, ‘do I want to see more of a country’s region rather than the precinct surrounding the hotel?’, ‘do I want good meals all day long, not just at dinner time?’.

If ‘yes’ is your answer then it’s a river cruise for your next holiday, no doubt.

Inland cruising or the gentle, coast-hugging waters offer an up close and personal perspective of a region, both culturally and geographically.

River cruising is rarely action-packed; it’s a sedate way of travelling with many benefits. You can see a lot of different places and cover vast distances without having to live out of your suitcase – you only have to unpack once; you also get the best bits of cruising – good company, stylish surrounds, fine cuisine and wines and there will be no seasickness. The diverse range of itineraries offer traditional trade and leisure routes through Europe as well as the unusual waterways of Portugal, Vietnam and the Ukraine.

The river ships are purpose-built and usually only cater for between 30 and 230 passengers, who can enjoy intimate surroundings and an exceptionally friendly ambience. Full board is included and dining is like being at your favourite restaurant, but the view keeps changing.

Ships vary in length but facilities are similar. Typically, there are one or two restaurants, a bar and a lounge, sometimes a small shop, fitness centre or pool and there’s the sun deck for fair weather sailing.

There aren’t flashy casinos or glitzy shows but you can be assured of entertainment, sometimes the ship’s band or local musicians invited onboard. Cabins are a little more compact than ocean-going liners but they have big windows or balconies that invite the view in.

Travelling on the water puts you in easy reach of a region’s best towns and cities and you will often find the vessel moored in the heart of town. Explore the town or village at your leisure or take a tour with local guides to architectural attractions or wine-tasting areas.

In essence, river cruising is a happy way to admire magnificent landscapes, visit a host of fascinating places, move at a leisurely pace, enjoy great food on and off ship, make genuine friendships and perhaps catch a glimpse of the golden age of travel ­– the way it was and as it is now.

Following are some suggestions of sensational river cruises to be enjoyed all around the world:

The mother of Africa, the mighty Nile is an extraordinary ‘living history’. Cruise Egypt’s Nile with a perfectly paced itinerary and discover the ancient cities and sites of the river. Stop along the way at Edfu, Komombo and the Temples of Karnak. The Land of the Pharaohs has much to divulge.
Visit: www.insightvacations.com

Portugal’s Douro River enters the sea at Porto, where the cruise begins. Discovering the timeless beauty of the Douro Valley by ship is a splendid experience. The cruise stops along the way at Regua and Pinhao, the epicentre of the port winemaking area. It also moors at Vega de Terron and stops for a visit to the mediaeval town of Castelo Rodrigo. Portugal is one of Europe’s best kept secrets – whoops, I can’t keep a secret – enjoy the Douro now.
Visit: www.uniworldcruises.com.au

Spend Christmas and New Year visiting regional festivals and traditional Christmas markets onboard a scenic ‘Space Ship’. Cruise from Amsterdam to villages on the Rhine, Main and Danube Rivers. The flights are free with this 16-day cruise (just pay taxes). Stops along the way take in palaces, Christmas carols, sightseeing in mediaeval towns and the best Christmas shopping.
Visit: www.scenictours.com.au

Parts of Australia’s most famous river are ailing because of the drought in South Australia that has been sucking the life out of the state. But the good news is that much of the river where the river boats/cruise vessels ply their trade is open and ready for visitors. Beginning in Mannum, cruises along the river can be for a couple of nights, a day or an afternoon tea cruise. The vessels stop and rest of an evening when passengers can eat and play onboard or take one of the many excursions offered. There are walks to ancient Aboriginal sites, nature strolls, wildlife experiences and bush barbecues.
Visit: www.captaincook.com.au

The fascinating tapestry of life along the mighty Mekong River is close by when travelling between the bustling Mekong Delta and the tranquillity of Cambodia. A cruise takes you past the port of Saigon, through the delta, to the main channel into the countryside of Cambodia. The Pandaw colonial-style vessel offers the only luxury cruise vacation on the Mekong River.
Visit: www.pandaw.com and contact: australia@pandaw.com

Beginning in the canals of Amsterdam, travelling on the Rhine River through the charming and elegant cities of Germany, then motorcoaching to Vienna, Budapest and into the historic cities of Austria is a splendid way to see Europe. The climax of the Splendours of Europe River Cruise and Oberammagau Alpine Dream package is to see the famous play. Performed every ten years, The Passion Play at Oberammergau is the highlight of the decade.
Visit: www.evergreentours.com

A river cruise bookended by China’s best known cultural assets is the most relaxing way to experience this mystical river and its mighty country. There are many companies that cruise the river and there are stops at Shanghai, Wuhan, Yueyang, Xiling Gorge, the Three Gorges Dam and Chongqing. Cruising the Yangtze now is being part of China’s changing history, with the building of the Three Gorges dam – see as much of this part of China as possible before it’s too late.
Visit: www.myplanetaustralia.com.au; www.helenwongstours.com.au

Combine the delights of cosmopolitan Paris with visits to quaint villages dotted along the Seine in one relaxing river cruise. The voyage delves into France’s rich history with visits to Auvers-sur-Oise, where Van Gogh lived and died, Rouen, forever linked with Joan of Arc, and the WWII landing beaches of Normandy. Don’t miss a chance to taste the specialities of the region ­– camembert cheese and calvados, an apple brandy ­– ­ ooh la yum!
Visit: www.avalonwaterways.com.au

Cruise deep into the heart of Burgundy, France, passing Chablis, Avalon and Vézelay to Clemency through 35 locks. Pass a succession of pretty, stone-built villages along a waterway once used for floating timber and wine to Paris. Outdoor Travel’s hotel barge Luciole departs from Auxerre each week, accommodating up to 14 guests in eight individually air-conditioned cabins with private bathroom. Meals are prepared by the onboard chef. 
Visit: www.outdoortravel.com.au