US Edition
The luxury paddle steamer is the future of river cruising
Combining the convenience of a river cruise with the charms of a paddle wheel boat, these are the finest ways to discover the next big thing
The river cruise has traditionally been the sedate cousin of big-sea cruising, especially welcome if the idea of mega multi-floored ocean ships doesn’t appeal.
Gliding up the Rhine or ticking off country after country along the Danube has a markedly different feel to trying out umpteen restaurants, watching West End-style shows and clocking up lengths in the onboard pool.
But how about a different kind of river cruise experience? One that combines the convenience of sailing right into the heart of a destination with more space: bigger staterooms with view-snatching balconies, more bars and al-fresco dining? Perhaps even a private plunge pool?
Drawing inspiration from the classic Mississippi paddle steamers, a new fleet of vessels is taking river cruising to new heights, opening up far-flung destinations such as the Zambezi, the Nile and the Amazon, and taking European river travel in an exciting new direction. Tempted? Here are some of the best on offer this year and next.
The Mississippi
There’s no better way to experience the nostalgia of paddle wheel ships than on the mighty Mississippi. American Cruise Lines has four classic ships (hosting between 110 to 180 passengers) plying both the Columbia and Mississippi rivers. They boast the largest staterooms in this river ship category, so expect generous balconies and extensive sun-decks, as well as rocking chairs, cosy reading nooks and roomy lounges.
Book it
American Cruise Lines (0800 988 3369) has the seven-night Lower Mississippi cruise on American Splendor from £5,899pp, including return UK flights, two nights’ accommodation in New Orleans, two nights’ accommodation at Graceland and VIP tickets to Graceland. Departs July 6 2026.
The Zambezi
From the spacious to the intimate, AmaWaterways’ Zambezi Queen accommodates 28 guests in suites designed to give unobstructed views of the Chobe river (a Zambezi tributary) and surrounding landscapes. Expect to be gently woken by the sight and sounds of elephants enjoying a morning splash. The eco-friendly Zambezi Queen uses water jet propulsion, low-emission power and solar heating, while its floor-to-ceiling windows maximise wildlife watching.
Book it
AmaWaterways (0800 520 2250) has the nine-night Discover Africa itinerary which includes three nights in Cape Town, a four-night cruise and two nights at Victoria Falls. Prices start at £10,946pp including return flights from London or Manchester. Departs November 20, 2026.
The Ganges
With elegant Indian colonial-style interiors, dark woods and traditional textiles, the Ganges Voyager is a grand option if the idea of being transported to a bygone era appeals. The boutique river ship accommodates 35 guests in roomy suites with panoramic balconies. Daily cocktails are included, while the teak-floored Maharaja suite also includes butler service.
Book it
APT Touring (0800 012 6683) has the 12-day Kolkata and Lower Ganges Cruise, featuring three nights in Kolkata and seven nights onboard the Ganges Voyager, from £5,795pp including home-to-airport transfers and return flights. Departs September 13 2025.
The Nile
The name of Tui’s Bahareya river cruise ship means “belongs to the river”, and with its modern Arabic-inspired interiors, French balconies and pristine white exterior, it certainly looks the part. Aesthetics aside, it’s also a fraction of the price of most other Nile river ships. Its Ancient Gods and Famous Pharaohs cruise includes excursions to the Temple of Horus in Edfu and the Kim Ombo Temple.
Book it
Tui (0203 451 2688) has the seven-night Ancient Gods and Famous Pharaohs round trip from Luxor on TUI Bahareya, from £1,530pp, including flights from Gatwick. Departs November 18, 2025.
The Loire
Until CroisiEurope came along, no river cruise ships were able to tackle the Loire’s shallow waters – enter modern paddle wheel ship the Loire Princesse, the shallow draft of which means it can handle the French river with ease. With fuchsia, pearly pink and copper-coloured interiors, it’s certainly unique; it even has a large fireplace in the middle of the main lounge. Pourquoi pas?
Book it
CroisiEurope (01756 691269) has the five-night Loire Valley cruise round trip from Nantes, from £2,029pp including return flights from London Gatwick. Departs October 1, 2025.
The Mekong
There can be few finer ways to glide along the Mekong in Laos than aboard the beautiful French Indochina-style river ship, Boheme. Accommodating 26 guests over three floors, its floor-to-ceiling windowed staterooms and open terraces offer splendid views of the Asian landscape, while its old world design and Laotian motifs mean you’ll feel truly immersed. Trips also include visits to the stunning Kuang Si Waterfalls, Saa paper village (Ban Xang Xhong) and an elephant conservation centre.
Book it
Mekong Kingdoms (0066 2365 9110) has the five-night Mekong cruise on Boheme from £2,675pp excluding flights. Various departure dates.
Halong Bay and the Red River
Cruise company Pandaw is known for its luxury sailings to remote and often hard-to-navigate rivers – amongst them the Red River system in Vietnam, which flows down the Tonkinese Alps to Hanoi and on to otherworldly Halong Bay. Modelled on a 1920s river steamer – with teak decks, brass accents and colonial-style cabins – the Angkor Pandaw is a thoroughly elegant way to traverse it.
Book it
Pandaw (0800 988 3369) has the ten-night Halong Bay and Red River cruise, which includes one night in Hanoi and all flights and transfers from £5,399pp. Departs April 11, 2026.
The Amazon
For many people, exploring the Amazon is the ultimate bucket-list adventure – so it follows that it should be done aboard a suitably unique boutique river boat. Relais and Châteaux’s ship Delfin 1 is just such a vessel, with only four cabins and an abundance of charm. It navigates the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve, the largest protected flooded forest in the world, and heads to the Amazon Natural Park, from where you can venture out to see pink river dolphins and kayak along the river.
Book it
Rainforest Cruises (001 888 215 3555) has the five-day Pacaya-Samiria cruise from £5,220pp, excluding international flights. Departs July 31, 2025.