There’s something about river cruising that’s just so irresistible. You get intimate access to the hearts of cities and historic regions. You sail right through some of the world’s most spectacular landscapes, getting a different perspective from the water. And you get to experience it all from your own private, luxury vessel. It’s safe to say river cruises are as popular as ever in 2025, so we’ve rounded up some of the best cruises and itineraries to book this year, from the iconic Danube to the mighty Nile.

1. The Danube, Europe

Experience the dreamy Danube River on a cruise through Central and Eastern Europe. You’ll waltz through historic cities like Vienna, Budapest, and Bratislava, soaking up rich history and stunning architecture. Expect musical evenings, wine tastings, and guided tours that bring the regions’ stories to life.

Cruise the Danube on: Harmony of Central Europe

2. The Nile, Egypt

A journey back in time along the mighty Nile River remains one of the greatest river cruises in the world. You’ll sail from Luxor to Aswan and beyond, exploring ancient Egyptian temples, tombs, and the Valley of the Kings. As you watch daily life go by on the lush river banks, you’ll get a deeper insight into the significance of the world’s longest river and how it brings life to the region.

Cruise the Nile on: Elegance of the Nile

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3. The Mekong, Southeast Asia

As the longest river in Southeast Asia, the Mekong is the lifeblood of the region. You can sail its waters through Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia, learning how communities live on the water, with floating markets, restaurants and homes. Stop off in tranquil villages and ancient temples like Angkor Wat, or head to the bustling cities of Ho Chi Minh, Phnom Penh and Luang Prabang.

Cruise the Mekong on: Cambodia & Vietnam in Style

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4. The Seine, France

The Seine stretches for almost 500 miles through France, but it’s best known for its gorgeous stretch in Paris. A Seine River cruise remains a rite of passage for any traveler to France, as it’s a great way to see the famous monuments like the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame, the Louvre and the Grand Palais. Kick back with a glass of bubbles and soak up the City of Lights from the water.

Cruise the Seine on: Ultimate France

5. The Mississippi, United States

A cruise along the Big Muddy is one of the classic experiences of the United States. You’ll get into everything here, from the New Orleans jazz scene to the deliciously soulful cuisine. Visit Civil War historical sites and discover the unique culture of small bayou towns on your Mississippi River cruise.

Cruise the Mississippi on: Southern Grace

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6. Venetian canals, Italy

The waterways of Venice need no introduction. The historic canals have inspired countless artists and travelers over the decades, and they’ll always be one of the world’s most coveted spots for cruising. When in Venice, you can take a romantic gondola ride to see the iconic sites like Doge’s Palace and Rialto Bridge. Or learn more about the traditions of the Venetian waterways, like the glassblowing artists of Murano.

Cruise the canals of Venice on: Ultimate Italy

7. The Amazon, South America

As the lifeline of the world’s largest rainforest and the longest river in the Americas, a cruise down the Amazon is a very special experience. Here you’ll have the chance to spot rare and unique plants and animals, including sloths, monkeys, and even pink river dolphins, and learn how Indigenous communities live along this remarkable river.

Explore South America on: Classic South America

8. The Ganges, India

The Ganges River is an important pilgrimage site and one of the most sacred rivers in India. A cruise on the Ganges will take you on a voyage through ancient cities, temples and spiritual traditions and rituals. Bask in the pink sunrises and witness daily life on the Ganges as locals bathe in the sacred water and worship the rising sun.

Explore India on: Essence of India

9. The Rhine, Europe

 

Sail through the heart of Europe on the Rhine, famed for its riverbanks dotted with fairy-tale castles, vineyard-clad hills, and medieval towns. The river begins in the Swiss Alps and continues to run through Germany and the Netherlands. With stops in cities like Cologne, Strasbourg and Basel, a Rhine River cruise dishes up the perfect blend of history, culture and scenery, making it one of the best river cruises in Europe.

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10. The Murray, Australia

As the longest river in Australia, a cruise along the Murray offers a glimpse into the unique ecosystems and communities of the region. From the arid landscapes of the Outback to the lush vineyards and historic riverside towns, the Murray is a fascinating journey. You can learn more about the Indigenous cultures and explore nature reserves to see local wildlife like kangaroos, koalas and turtles.

Explore Australia on: Inspiring Australia

11. The Douro, Portugal

Cruise through Portugal’s pastoral wine region along the Douro River. Famed for its centuries-old tradition of wine production, the Douro is flanked by breathtaking hills blanketed in terraced vineyards. You can start by tasting the locally-grown grapes in the renowned cellars of Porto on the Atlantic Coast and journey all the way to Vega de Terron, the golden city of Salamanca in Spain.

Explore Portugal on: Spain & Portugal in Style

12. Rio Serrano, Chilean Patagonia

Venture to the ends of the earth with a cruise down the Rio Serrano in Chilean Patagonia. You’ll pass by the most breathtaking natural wonders including the Southern Icefield as the river takes you to Seno Ultima Esperanza (Fjord of the Last Hope). Here you’ll see pristine rainforests and if you continue through the fjord by boat, you’ll also see the dazzling Balmaceda and Serrano Glaciers.

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13. The Loire, France

If you’re looking for the quintessential European cruise, filled with fairytale castles and stunning wineries, look no further than the Loire Valley. Renowned for its magnificent chateaux, lush vineyards, and Renaissance architecture, a cruise through the Loire is like stepping into a storybook.

Explore France on: Ultimate Southern France

14. The Yangtze, China

China’s longest river offers up a grand voyage through lush mountains, ancient history and surreal landscapes. Cruise down the Yangtze River to see natural wonders like Three Gorges, the Wu Gorge, the Shennong Stream, and riverside towns like the shrines and temples Fengdu Ghost City. It’s an unforgettable journey.

15. The Dutch Waterways, the Netherlands

As a low-lying country, the Netherlands is almost built on water, with plenty of canals and rivers to explore. One of the best times to go is spring, when the gardens and tulips are in full bloom. Whether you glide down Amsterdam’s canals, or sail into the countryside to see the windmills and farmland, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to sail in the Netherlands.

 

Your frequently-asked questions about river cruising, answered:

 

What is the most beautiful river cruise in Europe?

There’s so many stunning river cruises in Europe, it’s impossible to say just one. Each river has its unique charm. The Danube has its enchanting cities like Vienna and Budapest while the Douro has its ancient wine-making traditions. The Loire is dotted with fairytale castles while the Rhine is home to the Rhine Gorge, a breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage Site. Whatever you choose, you won’t be disappointed.

Is a balcony worth it on a river cruise?

If you’re going on a river cruise with lots of scenic landscapes, a balcony is definitely worth it. You’ll be able to watch the scenery unfold from the comfort of your luxury room, and you’ll also have a private space to get some fresh air. There’s nothing like gazing out at the Wachau Valley along the Danube or the Rhine Gorge, all in your own cosy bubble.

What is the best time of year to go on a river cruise?

For European rivers like the Danube and Rhine, spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) offer mild weather and fewer crowds. For more tropical destinations like the Mekong or Amazon, it’s best to research the dry and wet seasons to decide what experience you prefer. While the dry season will have better weather (less rain), the wet season has greener scenery and high water levels that allow for more extensive exploration of smaller tributaries.

How far in advance should I book my river cruise for 2025?

It’s advisable to book at least 6 to 12 months in advance, especially for popular river cruises or during peak travel seasons. Early booking can also secure better deals and ensure you get your preferred cabin type.

Are river cruises suitable for families?

River cruises are traditionally popular with older adults, however many river cruise lines are now offering family-friendly itineraries and activities. It’s a great way for families to go on holiday, as you can unpack once and don’t need to hop around between destinations as frequently.

What are your favorite river cruises? Let us know in the comments below!

A captivating world of wildlife, communities and industry, with an amazing story to tell, the Mississippi Delta is one of the lesser-known treasures of the American South.

We had the pleasure to speak with Barbara Johnson, co-founder of Great Delta Tours to learn more about her love for the Delta. She talks us through the significance of these remarkable wetlands and gives a peek at what’s in store on your journey through New Orleans and this natural wonderland.

Experience this on: Southern Grace

Arriving in Louisiana aged 17 with her family, Barbara studied for a Masters in Urban and Regional Affairs in New Orleans, and fell deeply in love with its community. New Orleans has now been her home for over 30 years, and she founded Great Delta Tours six years ago with her colleague, Dr. Peter Yaukey, a local science professor and naturalist.

Originally working in Community and Economic Development, Barbara’s entire life has been about building up this community. She tells us that it was when working as a consultant with coastal communities after Deepwater Horizon (the BP oil spill) in 2010, that her ‘aha’ moment happened.

Founding Great Delta Tours

“New Orleans is known around the world for its distinctive culture and the richness of its food, music and architecture,” Barbara explains. “But we’re less celebrated for our natural environment – one of the most important river delta systems in the world.”

“With ecotourism fast-growing, I realized there was an opportunity to build on that sector of our travel and leisure economy; to tell the story of this amazing natural environment and to also build awareness of how we sustain ourselves as a coastal community.”

A fresh perspective

“This is what we celebrate on Great Delta Tours and what guests of Luxury Gold will experience,” says Barbara. “We offer a fresh and unforgettable perspective and understanding of New Orleans. And we reveal the beauty and importance of one of the largest river ecosystems in the world, through cultures, wildlife, fisheries and economic assets that are not found anywhere else.

“We are the river. Everything comes from the Mississippi that’s created this amazing tapestry of land and people and diverse cultures and wildlife.”

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A rainforest of North America

‘The Mississippi Delta’ refers to the bottom third of Louisiana and is a massive wetland system – a 200-mile-long swathe from Texas to Mississippi. “It’s sometimes referred to as a ‘Rainforest of North America’,” Barbara says, “because of its diversity of plant life, marine life and wildlife.”

“These wetlands are like giant nurseries of life and on this tour Luxury Gold guests will get to truly experience that bounty. We go beyond the flood walls and visit places most visitors don’t get to experience.”

Highlighting the importance of the Mississippi as a navigable waterway and one largest port systems in the world, she explains that the wetlands protect incredibly important economic resources. “We are one the largest producers of energy in the country,” says Barbara, “and this land protects all of that.”

Celebrate birds and conservation projects

Explaining that the Mississippi Delta is also one of the great bird flyways of the world, Barbara tells us “Right now, there are millions of birds moving from South America to North America on a great migration. The wetlands provide them food and habitat along their way, and we endeavor to seek out birdlife on our tours.

“On the tour we’ll celebrate some of conservation success stories that we’ve been able to achieve. Whether it’s saving the Brown Pelican, our state bird, that was on the verge of extinct extinction from the 60s to the 80s, or the alligators whose population is once again rising steadily. These animals are no longer threatened, and we have a very rich number of them here now. It’s a great success story for us.”

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A fortress we must protect

 

“The wetlands have a very important role to play in flood prevention,” Barbara explains. “They’re a crucial part of the fortress of levees and flood walls protecting the people of Louisiana.”

New Orleans is surrounded by water and is located in a depression between the Mississippi River and Gulf of Mexico that is up to five meters deep. This makes the city especially vulnerable to flooding from hurricanes, the river and heavy rainfall.

“The wetlands act like giant speed bumps and barriers, protecting around 1.5 million people from storms and hurricanes that come off the Gulf,” she says.

“For various reasons we’ve been losing these wetlands and the land is sinking, partly due to natural evolutionary processes and also as the result of human activity. So now in South Louisiana we have underway one of the largest climate adaptation projects in the world, working to restore what’s been lost since the 1930s.”

Louisiana is recognized as a global pioneer in taking action to mitigate the impact of the climate crisis to its communities. In place since 2007, a $50 billion, 50-year plan developed using the best available science and engineering, guides the state’s efforts to sustain its coastal ecosystem, safeguard coastal populations, and protect vital economic and cultural resources.

“Our future depends on ensuring that we have a flood protection system as well as restoring and conserving our wetlands here,” says Barbara, “and this is what guest will also see as we point out these projects on our tour.”

Discover fishes and fishermen

“One of my favorite parts of the tour is the Yscloskey fishing village, where we go to have lunch and meet with a fifth generation Isleños fishermen,” Barbara tells us. “It’s a very quaint, small village, you feel like you’re in in a fishing village in the South Pacific, with lodges up on stilts 20 feet high as is the requirement beyond the flood walls.

“It’s also a major commercial fishing community (Louisiana has the second largest fishery in America), that also defines who we are as a coastal community. Families have been here for generations, and they harvest and process blue crabs, shrimp, crawfish and oysters, everything we celebrate in our restaurants.

“Here you can just drink in the beautiful nature with birds and wildlife. You’ll see the fishermen coming in with their catch and have the chance to talk with a local. It’s like taking a step back in time.”

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Celebrate Spanish culture

 “While New Orleans is more often known for its French influence, we like to celebrate the city’s very distinctive Spanish culture,” Barbara says. “Architecturally the French Quarter and its surrounds is more Spanish in character than French.”

Defeated by the British in the French and Indian War, France gave up control of Louisiana to Spain from 1763 until 1801. The Spanish recruited militia and farmers from the Canary Islands, a Spanish colony, to defend New Orleans from British expansion. They were known as ‘Isleños’.

“3000 Isleños were recruited, and we share the whole story with guests in the Islenos Village Complex,” she says. “There is a museum and also several of the original homes that the Spanish built. It’s a fascinating culture that most people don’t know about, and we celebrate this at the Isleños village that is now St. Bernard Parish.”

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Fresh eyes on New Orleans

“Through the Mississippi Delta tour, we take guests on a deep dive into the history of New Orleans, to show how it emerged from a backwater settlement on the edge of a cypress swamp to one of the most prosperous cities in America by the mid 1800s,” Barbara explains. “You’ll see the colorful and beautiful historic architecture of neighborhoods that we travel through and understand the city’s development from living on the edge of the river, on the natural levees, to how we were able to expand into the surrounding areas.

“You’ll also see architectural hidden gems such as New Orleans Lakefront Airport, one of the finest examples of art deco in the country. When it was built in 1934 it was the largest and most modern airport in America. Renovation after Hurricane Katrina revealed eight priceless murals by the Spanish muralist Javier Gonzalez on the second floor. The building and grounds also include a beautiful bas relief façade and a sculpture fountain by Mexican born Louisiana artist Enrique Alvarez.”

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Working with the water, for the future

“We also celebrate nature in a special way at places like New Orleans City Park,” Barbara explains. Over 170 years old, one mile wide and three miles long comprising a total of 1,300 acres, New Orleans City Park is one of the largest urban Parks in the country. It is home to the largest grove of live oak trees in the world and one of the finest sculpture gardens in the country in the New Orleans Museum of Art.

“The museum shows in a special way how we are learning to live with, and celebrate, water as we learn from the Dutch for our future survival, and resilience post Katrina. We used to turn our backs to the water and try to pump it out as fast as we can. But now there’s a whole different way that we’re trying to capture water and celebrate it.”

This intimate look at the Mississippi Delta is one of the unforgettable moments that await on Southern Grace. Discover the best of the sublime American South with exquisite hotels, exceptional dining and exclusive experiences, curated for you.