More Australians than ever are jumping on the river cruise bandwagon.
According to the latest figures from the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), the popularity of river cruising grew more than 60% in 2014.
In line with this, APT has provided a summary of five new river cruises for Australians seeking new rivers to cruise and destinations to explore in 2016.
1. Chobe River, Botswana
This three-night river cruise safari offers travellers a close encounter with hippos, elephants, buffalo, lions and leopards that congregate along the banks of the Chobe River.
Book: APT’s ‘15-day African Journey’ is priced from $9,995 per person twin share
Photo: APT
2. Lower Ganges, India
This round trip from Kolkata to Murshidabad on rivers less travelled by Australian cruise-goers offers an authentic cultural experience of India’s lower Ganges.
Visit Mother Theresa’s house; experience the local Hari Krishna community’s culture; tour the thousand-door Hazarduara Palace in Murshidabad with its collection of European painting, china and weapons; and shop at shore side bazaars.
Book: APT’s ‘15 Day Spirit of India’ is priced from $13,695 per person twin share
Photo: APT
3. Irrawaddy River, Myanmar (Burma)
Still relatively insulated from Western culture, Burma is a mysterious but beautiful country that is full of traditional charm.
In 2016, the Irrawaddy River is an emerging river cruise destination that offers the perfect way to discover this beautiful nation.
Book: APT’s ’15 Day Hidden Wonders of Burma’ is priced from $7,195 per person twin share
4. Garonne and Dordogne Rivers, Bordeaux
French river cruising is a gourmet experience – it’s all about food, wine, history and unforgettable scenery.
With five itineraries covering the Garonne and Dordogne Rivers, cruise passengers can visit destinations such as Bordeaux, Cadillac, Pauillac, Blaye, Libourne, Saint Émilion and Libourne.
Book: with APT’s early payment discount, the ’11-Day Grand Bordeaux’ river cruise is priced from $4,995 per person twin share
5. Amazon River, Peru
The Amazon is one of the world’s most fascinating and majestic rivers.
Cruise-goers will wake up to a symphony of tropical bird song, and be lulled to sleep by the river’s gentle sounds in a place that’s home to one third of the world’s recorded plant and animal species.
Cruise passengers will swim with the pink river dolphins, hike through lush rainforest, go on a night safari, fish for piranhas, try their hand at canoeing, skiff over hard-to-reach tributaries and visit a local, riverside community.
Book: APT’s ‘24-day South America with Amazon Cruise’ is priced from $18,495 per person twin share
