These Unique Cruises Explore the World’s Most Spectacular Waterways

River cruises often elicit a lackluster response—conjuring images of slow-moving vessels brimming with family reunion T-shirts, cattle-call buffets, and cookie-cutter accommodations. But take a closer look, and you'll be surprised to find a slew of river cruise lines offering an unparalleled blend of luxury, adventure, and cultural immersion. And the food is pretty amazing, too. Ahead are six such journeys along the Mighty Mississippi, Amazon, Danube, and beyond, all offering solid (yet fluid) proof that river cruises offer some of the most bucket list-worthy voyages out there.

Viking River Cruises: America’s Heartland

This 12-day voyage spans from the Twin Cities to St. Louis and includes nine guided tours along the way. While the city ports are certainly highlights, expect to fall in love with under-the-radar gems like La Crosse, WI (and its cheese); Hannibal, MO (the port town where Mark Twain grew up); and Iowa's postcard-worthy agrarian haven of Quad Cities. 

Other recently launched routes on the Mighty Mississippi include America’s Great River, a 15-day voyage from St. Paul, MN, to New Orleans, and a supercharged, 22-day Grand Mississippi Voyage covering the same ground. Whichever you choose, your home away from home will be the newest and most modern ship on the Mississippi with rooms featuring private verandas, spacious public areas aplenty, and Viking’s signature Scandinavian design. Reserve early as most of these cruises are fully booked months in advance. 

Lindblad Expeditions: Upper Amazon Aboard the Delfin II

With year-round departures currently scheduled through December 2025, Lindblad steers river adventurers with 10 unforgettable days along the Amazon through Peru’s storied rainforests. Get up close and personal with nature as you skim along jungle waterways by skiff or kayak (keep your eyes peeled for wildlife), or savor a quiet moment as you gently glide past massive lily pads and gaze at towering ceiba trees during a lakeside sunset. Interact with the local ribereños (river people), whom the outfitter supports with their visit, and take comfort in the fact that you’re aboard a vessel that’s dedicated to conservation efforts. 

If you’re looking for a domestic river cruise, the company’s eight-day Columbia and Snake Rivers Journey is nothing short of epic—featuring the majestic peaks of Mt. Hood and Mt. Adams, local wine tasting, and touring rugged landscapes by foot, kayak, Zodiac (a heavy-duty inflatable vessel), and more. The insights and intel of naturalists, historians, and geologists who join the cruise are included.  

Aqua Expeditions: Ambon & Spice Islands

Aqua Expeditions stands out as a leader in the realm of luxury small-ship cruises. Its carefully curated itineraries, from three to 14 nights, whisk guests away to some of the world's most biodiverse and culturally significant destinations—all with a 1:1 crew-to-guest ratio and a maximum of 16-40 guests per ship. Aqua’s river cruises include luxury sailing on the Mekong River in Cambodia and Vietnam, and cruising the Peruvian Amazon.

Our top pick—technically not a river cruise but resembling one in Eastern Indonesia's island-studded Banda Sea—is a seven-night, floating expedition starting from the historic port city of Ambon and meandering through the seven major islands that constitute the archipelago. You’ll see well-preserved Dutch architecture, nutmeg plantations (hence: Spice Islands), and the tiny isle of Banda Run—which the Dutch traded to the British for Manhattan (formerly New Amsterdam) in 1667. Travelers can bask in the natural splendors of Molana and Palau Run's sandy beaches and engage in twice-daily underwater dives around coral-rich Banda Neira. This specific tour runs in October and November.

Ponant: Voyage Along the St. Lawrence

Are you the type who likes to read umpteen books on the places you're exploring? This 12-day Canadian adventure with Ponant along the St. Lawrence River covering Montreal, Québec, Nova Scotia, and more is perfectly tailored for you. On board, you’ll learn from two Smithsonian Journeys experts while the trip alternates among famed cosmopolitan hubs, sleepy villages, craggy coastlines, and various geological marvels. 

One standout stop is Cap-aux-Meules—a captivating Acadian bastion in the Magdalen Islands preserving the enduring legacy of 17th-century settlers who established roots here and safeguarded their autonomy in the face of both British and French forces. Setting sail on October 18, 2024, this luxury cruise (complete with onboard spa) will make you look at our affable northern neighbors in a whole new light.

Emerald Cruises/VBT Bicycling Vacations: Danube Bike & River Cruise—Prague to Budapest

Most Danube cruises limit themselves to the fabled river's lower region. This grand, 11-day, boat-and-bike exception from Emerald Cruises (in partnership with VBT Bicycling Vacations) does the entire length—including stops in four countries and three cultural capitals of Central Europe. Trip leaders will guide you along segments of the Danube Cycle Path as you pedal through historic villages and beside picturesque castles and other classic imagery, with guided tours of Schloss Hof, Passau, and Vienna. When night falls, you’ll return to the handsomely appointed Emerald cruise ship and dine on first-rate meals. Passengers can choose from cycling and walking tours throughout the trip. Either way, you won’t want to miss wonderful excursions, like a private concert featuring the works of Mozart and Strauss in Vienna.

Uniworld Boutique River Cruises: India's Golden Triangle and Sacred Ganges

Discover inner India's brilliance in comfort and style on the Ganges Voyager II—which averages just 120 passengers per ship with a staff to guest ratio of 1 to 2.4, and offers five-star dining. Along the way, you’ll learn all about India’s historical and religious significance, visit the Taj Mahal during both sunrise and sunset, and descend on small Ganges River villages that only a few outsiders visit. Uniworld's bespoke wellness program includes a dedicated professional yogi for one-on-one yoga and meditation classes. Flights are included between Jaipur and Kolkata on a 13-day cruise that also posts you up at several upscale hotels.