Skip to main content

Set Sail on the High…Rivers? Three Surprisingly Adventurous River Cruises

River cruising is no longer just for aging retirees and well-heeled octogenarians. Legit adventure and expedition tour providers are now offering a new crop of adventurous cruises in some of the world’s wildest, most rugged destinations. Here are three adventurous river cruises and itineraries that should be on your bucket list.

Amazon River (G Adventures)

machu-picchu-and-amazon-riverboat
Image used with permission by copyright holder

For decades, G Adventures’ cruises have focused more on what’s off the ship than what’s onboard. Their aptly named Explore Machu Picchu & Amazon Riverboat tour says it all. On the 11-day land and sea expedition, travelers experience some of Peru’s most iconic highlights including hiking Machu Picchu, exploring historic Cusco, catching a train to ancient ruins, and cruising down the Amazon River in search of macaws, sloths, and monkeys. The mix of land and river touring is ideal for travelers who aren’t keen to spend their entire trip on the water. Back aboard the Amatista riverboat, the vibe is comfortable, but not stuffy. Rooms are well-appointed but not luxurious; a small lounge provides a bit of indoor space to relax with a book and a drink; and the open-air observation deck atop the ship is the perfect vantage point for nature watching.

Pricing: $3,499 USD per person

Recommended Videos

Vietnam (Austin Adventures)

Ha-Long-Jasmine-Cruise
Image used with permission by copyright holder

On this 14 day/13 night river cruise, Austin Adventures promises travelers the best of Vietnam. The tour is a deep-dive into the culture, the natural beauty, and some of the best adventure opportunities the country is famous for. Travelers cover a wide breadth of the country from Ho Chi Minh to Hanoi. Daily excursions include biking and hiking vast rice fields, dining with local families in the remote countryside, kayaking the iconic waters of beautiful Ha Long Bay, and exploring the Forbidden Purple City.

Pricing: $4,898 USD per person

Chobe River, Africa (AmaWaterways)

zambezi-queen-river-cruise-ship-2
a

AmaWaterways’ 28-passenger Zambezi Queen was purpose-built to cruise the rugged waters of Africa’s Chobe River. It’s a beautiful, modern ship that features some of the most luxurious creature comforts of any river-going vessel on the water today. The air-conditioned observation deck, 300-square-foot staterooms with balconies, gourmet restaurant, and open-air library and game room are among the most notable. But, it’s what’s available to travelers off the ship that caught our eye. The itinerary includes daily wildlife safaris, river exploration by Zodiac in search of Africa’s most dangerous game (including lions, hippos, and crocodiles), and hikes in Chobe National Park (home to the largest elephant population on the continent).

Pricing: starting at $8,899 USD per person

Mike Richard
Mike Richard has traveled the world since 2008. He's kayaked in Antarctica, tracked endangered African wild dogs in South…
Experience next-level dining at KOMO, the newest gem at Four Seasons Maui
Reservations are now open for this incredible restaurant
Four Seasons Maui

Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea is raising the bar on island dining with the unveiling of KOMO, a brand-new culinary destination that seamlessly blends masterful Japanese cuisine with the natural beauty of Maui. Set within the resort’s iconic lobby, this intimate 50-seat restaurant, featuring a sleek 14-seat interactive sushi bar, captures the island’s legendary glow while offering an elevated dining experience like no other.

Helmed by Tokyo-born Chef Kiyokuni "Kiyo" Ikeda, KOMO brings a unique vision to life, where every dish showcases the precision and artistry of traditional Japanese techniques combined with the flavors of the Hawaiian islands. 
An artfully crafted menu

Read more
Turkish Airlines opens expansive lounge in this Asian country
Turkish Airlines opens lounge in Tokyo, Japan
Turkish Airlines Narita Lounge

On February 5, Turkish Airlines opened its largest overseas lounge at Tokyo’s Narita International Airport (NRT). The new space marks the airline’s seventh overseas lounge, helping spread its hospitality and service worldwide. The lounge provides a luxurious, comfortable place before or after a flight, including a curated menu of international foods.
Turkish Airlines’ Tokyo lounge will cover than 16,000 square feet
Turkish Airlines Narita Lounge Turkish Airlines

The Turkish Airlines Lounge at Narita is located Terminal 1 South Wing, Satellite 4, Gate 47. The initial phase will make up 8,600 square feet, with room for 105 passengers. Upon completion of its second phase, the lounge will comprise over 16,000 square feet. Daily hours will be 7:30 a.m. to 9:45 p.m., and access will be open to Miles & Smiles Elite Plus and Elite cardholders, Miles & Smiles Elite Corporate cardholders, along with Star Alliance Gold members and Business Class (First Class) passengers flying with Star Alliance member airlines.

Read more
Here’s why a desert safari in Dubai should be on your travel bucket list
An experience unique to the Middle East
Dubai Safari

From luxurious shopping malls to modern architecture, Dubai has much to see and explore for travelers. Attracting over 16 million international tourists annually, Dubai is known worldwide as a hub for business, culture, and unmatched luxury. Yet, before the city we know today was built, Dubai was nothing more than miles and miles of desert sand. A simple online image search will show you dozens of before and after photos that will completely blow your mind.

Located just an hour from the city, the desert remains and is ready to be explored by visitors interested to see what the desert is really like. While most of your trip's itinerary will encompass city sightseeing, such as visiting the Burj Khalifa, visiting the desert is a refreshing and authentic experience you can't miss on a trip to Dubai. Here's why a desert safari in Dubai is worth adding to your travel bucket list.
Desert Safari Dubai ride

Read more