River Cruises: Enjoy a Luxurious River Trip
As the landscape glides by, inner peace comes almost naturally: River cruises are the rediscovery of leisureliness.
August 23, 2024
Built in 1921, the SS Sudan is the oldest and best-known passenger ship on the Nile. © Jerome Galland
People were already out and about on the water more than 8,000 years ago - as evidenced by a dugout canoe found in 1955, the manufacture of which has been dated to around 6,300 years before Christ. However, these excursions were probably not for pleasure. Rather, their purpose was probably to obtain food. Over the centuries, boat building improved. Watercraft became lighter and larger, followed by important inventions such as rowing techniques and sails. Hieroglyphs indicate that the Egyptians undertook longer voyages on the sea from as early as 3000 BC.
The SS Sudan served as the filming location for the movie adaptation of Agatha Christie's Death on the Nile. Jerome Galland
This was followed by the trading ships of the Phoenicians, the warships of the Romans, Greeks and Vikings and with them came a rapid development of technology. However, it was not until the middle of the 19th century that people began to travel by ship purely for pleasure. That was until the middle of the 19th century, when Thomas Cook invented the first package tour. His understanding of the needs of travelers meant that by 1874, 17 Nile cruise ships were sailing on the world's longest river in his name. Cook also ensured that the tourist infrastructure was expanded all around. He also invented the concept of guided shore excursions.
During a Nile cruise, excursions to the Temple of Amun in Luxor and the Temple of Karnak are a must. © Getty Images
Its passengers - mainly well-heeled Britons - were already able to see Aswan and Luxor as part of organized tours. In the interwar period, driven not least by spectacular discoveries in the Valley of the Kings, a kind of "Egypt boom" developed. In addition to adventurers, archaeologists, treasure hunters and even grave robbers, there were many artists among the travelers.
The route of the Belmond barge Fleur de Lys leads from Dijon to Saint-Léger-sur-Dheune in Burgundy. © provided
The latter also included Agatha Christie, who wrote the very successful novel Death on the Nile during her trip in 1936 and thus created a literary monument to the luxurious river cruise of the first half of the 20th century. The charm of a Nile cruise remains unbroken to this day - above all because the magic of days gone by lingers over many ships and hotels. But of course, the Nile is not the only river that can be easily traveled by ship. Tours along European rivers, for example in France, are also particularly popular.
The Belmond fleet currently comprises seven ships sailing in France. Above: the cabin of the Lila. Richard James Taylor
Among them, a river cruise on the Fleur de Lys is considered a special feature - and an insider tip for discerning travelers. The barge belongs to the Belmond luxury brand and lives up to it in every respect: it offers three extremely spacious cabins, all equipped with their own bathroom, large panoramic windows, heavenly beds, embroidered fabrics from India and modern amenities. For socializing, you can meet in the large living room. Or enjoy relaxing hours by the heated outdoor pool while the wonderful landscape of Burgundy slowly drifts by.
© Getty Images
The Fleur de Lys is just one of a total of seven luxurious ships that belong to the Belmond fleet. Five of the barges are exclusively available for private charter. This means you travel with maximum privacy, luxury and attention, including your own private chef.
The blind visionary
Built by Grand Mughal Shah Jahan, the 17th century Red Fort is a must-visit in Delhi. © provided
The Mekong is considered the lifeline of Southeast Asia. Its economic importance as a trade route, for power generation, fishing and agriculture is enormous. But the river, which is over 4000 kilometers long, is also attracting more and more attention as a tourist attraction. Heritage Line is a pioneer in the luxury river cruise segment in the region. The company owned by Vietnamese John Tue Nguyen sent its first ship, the Jayavarman, on the Mekong back in 2009. It was the first luxury cruise ship to operate in the lower Mekong Delta between Saigon in Vietnam and Siem Reap in Cambodia. Two years later, The Jahan joined the fleet; more ships and destinations followed. These include river cruises on the Irrawaddy in Myanmar and the maiden voyage of the boutique ship Anouvong in 2023, which travel to Thailand and Laos. With just eight cabins and two suites, the Anouvong is particularly exclusive. The few guests can look forward to exceptional service, outstanding cuisine and a kaleidoscope of adventures.
Positioned at the front of the upper deck, The Jahan's suites are 51 square meters in size. © provided
Nevertheless, even years after its launch in October 2011, the true star of the shipping company is The Jahan. The elegant ship with its iconic red and white exterior is home to large cabins with French balconies and lavish furnishings. A Jacuzzi, a gentlemen's club, the finest cuisine and exciting routes between Vietnam and Cambodia await passengers when boarding. The visionary power with which Nguyen created his business from nothing is remarkable. During the two years before founding his high-end travel company (the first of its kind in the whole of Vietnam), he was completely blind. However, the 29-year-old didn't give up and his portfolio now includes high-end restaurants and art galleries as well as luxury river cruise ships. Around 600 people work for him worldwide.
The Ganges Voyager II travels between New Delhi, Kolkata and Mumbai. © provided
As different as the individual cruise companies and destinations are, they all have one thing in common: since the beginning of river cruising, this type of travel has lost none of its fascination. On the one hand, this has to do with the relaxed way of getting around - as the shore is always in view, you can feel the leisurely pace. The surroundings glide past you and life automatically slows down. Then there's the nostalgic flair that is somehow always on board: you almost expect to meet Hercule Poirot on deck in a fine suit, smoking a pipe and pondering a problem. At the same time, the river cruise has always had its finger on the pulse of the times, as modern amenities are also hidden in the historic-looking ships.
© Daniel Bernard
The much more intimate atmosphere, the possibility of exclusive charters for entire ships and the shorter itineraries are also ideal arguments for discerning travelers. And one last small detail, but very important for many a troubled soul: as a rule, you don't get seasick on a river.
This article appeared in the Falstaff TRAVEL issue Summer 2024.
