Your complete guide to Douro river cruises in Portugal. Learn about wine estates, port towns, AmaWaterways ships, Viking options, and the best times to sail the River of Gold.

Discover the best river cruises for seniors with tips on comfort, mobility, insurance, pacing, transfers, and senior-friendly cruise lines.

Explore Columbia and Snake River cruises with Gorge scenery, the best seasons to sail, and the cruise lines sailing the Pacific Northwest. Plan your trip with a river cruise expert.

Explore the best 2026 river cruises across the Rhine, Danube, Douro, Rhône, and Seine. Learn how to choose the right river and cruise line with guidance from a river cruise specialist.

Viking Grand European Tour vs AmaWaterways Magnificent Europe 2026 and 2027. Compare the Rhine, Main, Danube, balcony cabins, included drinks, dining value, pricing approach and advisor support.

Compare Avalon vs. AmaWaterways across excursions, dining, wellness, pricing, and itineraries to understand which river cruise line best fits your travel style.

Explore the best river cruises for first-time travelers in 2026 and 2027. Learn how to choose the right river, itinerary, and cruise line with guidance from a dedicated river cruise specialist.

Celebrate your anniversary, retirement, or bucket-list milestone with a river cruise. Compare AmaWaterways, Viking & U.S. options for once-in-a-lifetime celebrations.

So you’re curious about river cruising. Maybe you’ve seen the ads, heard friends rave, or stumbled across breathtaking photos of ships gliding past castles and vineyards. You’re wondering where to start, and maybe even feeling a little overwhelmed by all the choices. If that's you, you're in the right place.

If you’ve been dreaming of sipping mulled wine under twinkling lights, wandering through centuries-old town squares, or sailing past snow-dusted castles with hot chocolate in your hand, there’s no better time than Christmas. And in my opinion, there’s no better way to experience it all than with a river cruise.

Whether you’re dreaming of castles along the Rhine, temples along the Mekong, or waking up to the pyramids along the Nile, 2026 itineraries are open, promotions are launching, and availability is already moving fast. Some travelers are even holding space for 2027.

AmaWaterways and Smithsonian Journeys have created something truly special—a luxury river cruise experience unlike any other!