For travelers who are minding their wallets this summer or for those who simply want to wake up to a new view every day, Cruise website CruiseCritic.co.uk has come up with a list of the top 10 rivers for cruising in 2009.
Ranging from Australia's great outback to the pyramids of Ancient Egypt, the list is sure to have a cruise fit for every taste.
1. Danube
A great choice for first-timers, the Danube stretches from Germany to the Black Sea, passing Austria, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Romania and Bulgaria along the way. Cruise lines which operate on the Danube include AMAWATERAYS, Peter Deilmann Cruises, Viking River Cruises and Uniworld.
2. Duoro
The River Douro travels from Spain through the rural scenery of northern Portugal to the city of Porto, visiting restored palaces, places of pilgrimage, charming villages and vineyards. AMAWATERWAYS, Uniworld and CroisiEurope are among the cruise lines which operate on the River Duoro.
3. Yangtze
The Yangtze River is the longest river in Asia and passes through many of China’s great sites including the Three Gorges, the Great Wall, the Forbidden Palace and the site of the Terracotta Army. Viking River Cruises and Avalon Waterways are some of the operators which sail the Yangtze.
4. Rhine
Historically and even today the Rhine River been particularly significant for its navigable waterway and defensive features as it flows from the Alps into the North Sea, through Switzerland, Germany, France and Holland. It also links up with cruises on the Moselle and Danube rivers. Many cruise lines, including AMAWATERWAYS, Swan Hellenic River Cruises and Peter Deilmann River Cruises, offer Rhine cruises.
5. Rhone
To experience an area renowned for its fine wines and culinary delights, cruise along the River Rhone through Provence and the south of France. Options for Rhone trips include AMAWATERWAYS, Swan Hellenic River Cruises and French Country Waterways.
6. Nile
Visit the sights of ancient Egypt, such as the Pyramids and Sphinx, Valley of the Kings and Temples of Ramses, while cruising along the longest river in the world. Nile cruise operators include Discover Egypt and Blue Water Holidays.
7. Murray
Explore Australia's outback on the “Mighty Murray”, and see million-year-old gorges, golden sandstone cliffs towering over blue-green lagoons and majestic, red-gum forests under endless blue skies. Cruise operators include Blue Water Holidays and Captain Cook Cruises.
8. Volga
Europe’s largest river flows through Russia's two old imperial capitals, Moscow and St. Petersburg. Cruise lines operating along the Volga include AMAWATERWAYS, All Russia Cruises and Uniworld.
9. Mekong River
An exotic cruise through Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand takes in some of Southeast Asia's ancient cities, temples and natural wonders. Cruise lines in this region include AMAWATERWAYS and Pandaw River Cruises.
10. St. Lawrence Seaway
Connecting the Great Lakes with the Atlantic Ocean, the St. Lawrence River and Ottawa River pass through incredible scenery and take in two of Canada's most fascinating cities -- Montreal and Ottawa. Options include cruises from Titan HiTours.