River Cruises Offer More Scenery, Fewer Crowds
Considering a vacation on the water? River cruises provide a calmer, more intimate experience than mega-liners.

If you’d rather drift through quiet gorges with a small band of travelers than island-hop in the Caribbean on a packed mega-liner, consider a river cruise. At first glance, these calmer, more intimate voyages appear costlier than an ocean cruise. But river cruises are often less expensive overall. The savings start when you board: Even ships not designated as all-inclusive often include wine and beer, shore excursions, and more in the sticker price.
It’s easy to find a river cruise that suits your tastes. Themes range from jazz and beer to opera and Jewish heritage. Family-oriented trips are increasing, and surcharges for singles on some lines are disappearing. Seasoned cruise passengers will appreciate the choice of more-exotic destinations, such as Myanmar and the Mekong Delta. Interest is also increasing in American waterways, including the Mississippi River and the Columbia and Snake rivers in the Pacific Northwest.
Expect a more engaging experience than you’d get on an ocean liner. You’ll often dock in the heart of town and spend the day touring. “Excursions might take you to a castle or wine tasting, then you can come back and bike along the river,” says Colleen McDaniel, of CruiseCritic.com.
From just $107.88 $24.99 for Kiplinger Personal Finance
Be a smarter, better informed investor.

Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
For help narrowing the choices, read reviews on CruiseCritic.com, or consult a travel agent accredited by the Cruise Lines International Association (this is generally free). Save money by scheduling your cruise during the region’s more affordable shoulder season (early spring and late fall in Europe; the height of summer in Southeast Asia). Seek ways to cut costs without sacrificing too much. For example, choosing a window cabin instead of a balcony can save hundreds of dollars.
Profit and prosper with the best of Kiplinger's advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and much more. Delivered daily. Enter your email in the box and click Sign Me Up.

-
S&P, Nasdaq Hit New Highs: Stock Market Today
A late-day rally wasn't enough to lift the Dow into the green as its six-session winning streak came to an end.
-
Five Things to Consider Now If You Want to Retire in 2026
To retire with confidence in the year ahead, tackle these essential tasks right now.
-
Noctourism: The New Travel Trend For Your Next Trip
"Noctourism" is a new trend of building travel and vacations around events and plans that take place at night. Take a look at some inspiring noctourism ideas.
-
My Husband and I Retired at 67 With $3.2 Million, But He's Frugal About Travel. How Can I Convince Him to Loosen Up?
We asked financial planning experts for advice.
-
Cruise Lines Sue to Block Hawaii’s New Climate Tourism Tax
State Tax Your vacation to the Aloha State could come at a higher price tag next year. Here’s why.
-
How to Find the Best Alternatives to Popular Travel Destinations
You don’t have to bust your budget or battle big crowds to enjoy pristine natural beauty, rich culture, authentic cuisine and more.
-
Seven Golf Course Destinations to Vacation Away from the Crowds
Beat the growing crowds of new golfers at these golf course destinations off the beaten path.
-
Amazon Resale: Where Amazon Prime Returns Become Your Online Bargains
Feature Amazon Resale products may have some imperfections, but that often leads to wildly discounted prices.
-
The United and JetBlue Partnership: Everything We Know About Blue Sky So Far
DOT approves Blue Sky, the United and JetBlue partnership that will give frequent fliers more ways to earn and use miles. Here's what you need to know.
-
Struggling with How to Plan a Trip? These Companies Will Help
Travel Plans Sit back, relax and let the professionals handle the logistics.