The Best River Cruises: Here Are the Most Beautiful Routes
You don't have to be on the high seas to enjoy a luxury cruise - here are some of the most beautiful river cruises.
August 27, 2024
The Jahan, Heritage Line
Southeast Asia
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Named after the celebrated 16th century Indian conqueror and patron of the arts Shah Jahan, the Jahan is an opulent and beautiful ship reminiscent of the splendor of times gone by. All cabins are extremely spacious, offer private balconies and plenty of luxury. Onboard amenities include a sun deck and Jacuzzis, a club lounge, reminding you of a British gentlemen's club and a spa, as well as entertainment in the form of expert lectures and daily changing à la carte menus that combine Orient and Occident. Three nights from Vietnam to Cambodia from € 1,100 per person.
Web: heritage-line.com
Belmond
France
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Belmond's seven French ships are among the most luxurious of their kind in Europe. They sail on various routes between April and October in Champagne, Burgundy and Provence. Privately charterable for up to eight people, they offer shore excursions to the most beautiful cities, the best vineyards and imposing castles. On board, a private chef takes care of your culinary wishes and excursions are highly customizable. Seven-day Privat charter on the "Fleur de Lys" from approx. € 70,000 on an all-inclusive basis.
Web: belmond.com
The Oberoi Zahra
Luxury Nile Cruiser
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The elegant nautical vessel is one of around 300 passenger ships currently operating on the Nile. It claims that no other ship offers its passengers more spacious cabins and suites. The excursions also promise a journey you won't forget any time soon: they take you to the wonders of ancient Egypt, through 5,000 years of Egyptian culture and history as well as to temples and ancient sites. On board, guests are pampered with cultural performances and culinary highlights in the various restaurants or with treatments in the spa. Cabins from € 850.
Web: oberoihotels.com
Riverside LUXURY cruises
Europe
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It is not only the talented chefs on board who surprise the passengers of Riverside Luxury Cruises anew every day. The entire crew stands for exceptionally high service standards and play their part in ensuring that the cruises on Europe's most beautiful rivers are unforgettable experiences. After all, two crew members look after four guests at a time and your butler will be available at all times. Whether it's booking a spa appointment or unpacking your suitcase, nothing is left to chance here. The organization of excursions can be tailored to individual interests, so that architecture and design fans get their money's worth just as much as those interested in nature or history. Guests stay in tastefully and elegantly furnished suites with plenty of space. Five-day cruise from Vienna to Budapest from € 2,535.
Ponant
France
© Nicolas Matheus
Bienvenue dans le monde! Anyone looking for French-style luxury on the world's oceans and rivers can no longer ignore PONANT. The cruise line transports the lifestyle of the Central European country on its routes around the world. It relies on ships with a yacht character as well as larger vessels, all of which inspire with a French touch in design, service and fine cuisine from the pen of star chef Alain Ducasse. River cruise tip: an expedition on the St. Lawrence River in September 2024. Eleven nights in a superior cabin including full board from €8,830 per person.
Web: ponant.com
Antara
India
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Here, you'll find luxury wherever you look and the most breathtaking river cruises on the Indian subcontinent: this is the claim with which the Antara shipping company sends its fleet on the Ganges. On board, passengers enjoy comprehensive service and an all-inclusive package that includes farm-to-table cuisine as well as onboard entertainment and curated excursions. The two largest ships, Ganges Voyager and Ganges Voyager II, offer 28 suites with French balconies, high-end amenities, sun decks and a spa. Seven nights on the Ganges Voyager from € 3,300 per person.
Web: antaracruises.com
Read more: River cruises: Luxury on the river
This article appeared in the Falstaff TRAVEL issue Summer 2024.