River Cruises

When the subject of taking a cruise is broached, it normally involves talk of which Caribbean islands to visit. But did you know you can take river cruises, too? That’s right, the world’s interior waterways are open for business, just as its oceans are. River cruises can take place in a variety of settings, from the steamy jungles of the Amazon, to the Ohio River. However, the Mississippi river is undisputedly America’s most popular destination for river cruises.

River cruises are much like their ocean-going counterparts in the options they offer. You can sail for 2 days or twenty, in luxury, or in an old-fashioned steamboat. What better way is there for a lover of books than to spend a while inside their favorite Mark Twain story? On the other hand, some ships are so well-appointed as to boggle the mind. Length, type, and pretty much all other options are, as with any other cruise, up to you.

For the cruising traditionalists out there, all the normal cruising activities are present: Casinos, shows at night, pool & dance parties, and midnight buffets are just a few of the things you can expect to enjoy during your trip. Themes are also available (Big Band would be a personal favorite).... you can even have your wedding aboard ship!

Popular ports of call for river cruises, at least where the Mississippi is concerned, include Memphis, New Orleans, and Galveston. You can choose to make your river cruise a round-trip affair, or go from Point A to Point B - it’s up to you.

As with all other cruises, price, duration, and virtually every other option you can think of, will vary. Prices usually won’t exceed $4,000 USD, and there are often substantial discounts for groups, matrimonial parties, etc. If you would like to know more, just pick up the phone and call your favorite travel agent. They will be happy to assist you!

Obviously, the Mississippi River isn’t the only place river cruises can occur - the Ohio River is also a popular route, along with the Amazon in South America & the Nile in Egypt. A particularly adventurous variant of the river cruise involves an inner-tube, a river in Cambodia, and more beer than is probably prudent. This ode to debauchery is simply called “the Booze Cruise”.

Clearly, river cruises can be a great way to break from the normal routine. If this sounds like something you’d enjoy (and isn’t a vacation all about enjoying yourself?), call your travel agent! Just don’t forget your camera!