It’s Cruise Month! This annual celebration of all things cruisey comes from Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) promises plenty of travel inspiration, special promotions and – most importantly – exclusive deals you won’t find during the rest of the year.
Each week of Cruise Month is dedicated to a specific type of cruising and next week, starting from October 12, is all about river cruise. Now is the time to speak with your travel agent or visit the websites of your favourite cruise lines to score a bargain on your next voyage.
Unlike ocean cruising, which runs all year round, river cruising is dictated by the seasons. Water levels need to be just right – too low and you won’t be moving, too high and bridges become impassable. Icy winters, thundering monsoons and scorching summer temperatures can all leave you waiting on the dock. Then there’s the price; peak season comes with peak fares.
So, with that in mind – where should you go? And when? These are the best times to cruise on the rivers of the world. Start planning your upcoming river cruise calendar.
Europe
The world’s most popular river cruise destination, Europe’s season has expanded considerably over the past decade. You can now depart in almost every month of the year, experiencing the frosty landscapes of winter, vibrant blooms of spring, balmy days of summer and rich colours of autumn. Then there are the ever-popular festive season cruises, taking you to atmospheric Christmas markets and medieval squares decked out in twinkling lights.
The most popular time for a European river cruise is still the traditional season of May to October, when the most famous rivers across the continent will be sparkling. Cruise the Rhine, Danube, Main and Moselle across Central Europe; explore the Seine, Rhône, Garonne, Saône and waterways of Bordeaux in France; chase the sun along the Douro in Portugal; or sail through a kaleidoscope of colour in Holland and Belgium.
Best time to: beat the crowds
The shoulder months of April and October and noticeably quieter, though the weather is still good and the waters at the right levels. Most American tourists tend to travel to Europe during their summer school holidays, from June to August, so you’ll be avoiding those significant crowds.
Best time to: get a deal
While river cruising used to stop completely after the festive season, a handful of cruise lines are now cruising in the ‘early season’ months of February and March. Winter and early spring in Europe can be magical, with minimal crowds and great value fares. It’s also the best time to get a table at a popular restaurant, enjoy major tourist sites without the long lines and explore cities when only the locals are around.
Best time to: find perfect weather
September is the sweet spot for many of Europe’s rivers. You won’t experience the high temperatures of summer, but days will still be long and sunny. It’s also the middle of the grape harvest season along the Rhine and Douro rivers and throughout France.
Southeast Asia
The Mekong River undergoes dramatic changes throughout the year, with the wet and dry seasons impacting the water levels, river flow and flooding. The millions of people who live along its banks are perfectly attuned to the rise and fall of the waters, from agricultural harvest and fish migration to transport between villages. Water levels can vary as much as 10 metres between the seasons, meaning itineraries will change and new destinations can be discovered at different times.
You can cruise the Lower Mekong all year-round, with itineraries running between Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam and Phnom Penh or Siem Reap in Cambodia. Each season has its own charms. In the dry months of November to May, you’ll experience minimal rainfall and glorious weather. However, lower water levels may mean you need to incorporate some overland travel.
The wet season is also known as the ‘green season’, thanks to its abundance of lush foliage and vibrant fields. There will be more rain, though it is generally limited to short bursts, and this is the only time you can cross Tonle Sap Lake and visit its floating villages. The Upper Mekong in Laos can also be cruised year-round, though more ships operate during the dry season.
Best time to: beat the crowds
The wet or green season is always quieter along the Mekong. Many people avoid it because they are concerned about excessive rain, but the short intense downpours of an afternoon can be refreshing and a welcome break from the tropical heat. Nature is at its most beautiful, the river is tranquil and tourist number at major sites are lower.
Best time to: get a deal
Once again, the wet season is where you’ll find the best deal. September and October tend to have the highest rainfall, so you can secure a great price or access special offers like no single supplement.
Best time to: find perfect weather
November to January is the prime time for sunny days, minimal humidity and comfortable temperatures.
Egypt
Another year-round cruise destination, there’s never a bad time to explore Egypt’s Nile River. Sailing between Luxor and Aswan, you’ll discover some of the world’s most ancient wonders like the Valley of the Kings, Luxor Temple and the Temple of Isis at Philae. The only real question is – how much heat can you handle? In the summer months of June to August, expect temperatures to regularly soar over 40 degrees. However, your experienced guides will vary the itinerary so you can be sightseeing in the cooler hours of morning or late afternoon, then relaxing poolside or in your air-conditioned suite during the heat of the day. Winter is the Nile’s peak season, particularly the months of December and January, and the cooler temperatures also come with bigger crowds and higher prices.
Best time to: beat the crowds
November and March offer an enticing combination of good weather and smaller crowds. They are outside of the peak winter season but also avoid the heat of summer. Expect a quieter experience at many of Egypt’s iconic temples and a relaxed journey along the river.
Best time to: get a deal
If you can stand the heat, expect big savings on a summer Nile cruise. June, July and August are the hottest months of the year and many people won’t even consider travelling then. Do your research, decide if you can manage in 40 degrees and get an absolute bargain.
Best time to: find perfect weather
October to April brings picture perfect weather to the Nile. Temperatures stay around the mid to high 20s, there’s no rain and the sun sparkles off the sand. It’s ideal for outdoor excursions, like walks and hikes, or just relaxing by the pool on your ship. December and January are the busiest months of the year, so book outside these for better deals and smaller crowds.
South America
South America is the next big thing in river cruising, with lines announcing new ships and new rivers every season. You can cruise along the mighty Amazon, winding through Brazil, Peru and Ecuador. The small, expedition-style ships that operate here will take you deep into the heart of the world’s largest rainforest, discovering fascinating wildlife and tiny villages cut off from the outside world. The wet season, from December to May, brings higher water levels that allow you to go further along its many tributaries. Expect lush greenery, humid temperatures and the gentle buzz of mosquitoes. From June to November, the dry season opens up the forest for hikes, animal spotting and incredible photography. Temperatures remain similar across the year, but you can expect a huge difference in rainfall and humidity.
AmaWaterways has recently become the first line to sail Colombia’s Magdalena River, which runs through the centre of the country. Travelling between Baranquilla and Cartagena, it’s a unique celebration of the colour and culture of the ‘land of a thousand rhythms’. Departures run year round, though the drier months of December to March and July to August are the most popular.
Best time to: beat the crowds
The Amazon is still a remote destination (and the Magdalena River even more so), so you won’t ever experience big crowds. The wet season from December to May does tend to be quieter, though whenever you cruise you will be able to enjoy this unspoilt wilderness in peace.
Best time to: get a deal
Wet season is also the best time to find a good deal on an Amazon River cruise. However, given that the ships that cruise here tend to be small you may find that they continue to hold their pricing throughout the year.
Best time to: find perfect weather
The Amazon experiences high rainfall all year-round, so you’re never guaranteed clear skies on a river cruise. July to December tends to be the driest time of the year, with lower humidity and less potential for mosquitoes. It also brings lower water levels that leave more of the forest above ground for hiking expeditions.
United States of America
Discover the charms of the American South on a river cruise. The second-longest river in the USA (behind only the Missouri) stretches for more than 3,700 kilometres through 10 states. Cruises connect famous cities like New Orleans, Nashville, Memphis, Louisville and St Paul, giving you a taste of the Southern way of life from its grand plantations and Civil War sites to modern day music icons. In summer (June-August), brave the heat and humidity to experience the river at its busiest, bursting with life in every port. Spring offers pleasant weather and big name festivals like the New Orleans Mardi Gras and Memphis Jazz Festival. For vibrant autumn foliage, set sail from late October.
Best time to: beat the crowds
Things move slowly on the Mississippi River in the winter months from December to February, with fewer crowds and just a handful of passenger boats on the water. This quiet time gives you more chances for authentic experiences in the cities you visit, meeting the locals, and discovering the region’s rich history. You may be restricted to the Lower Mississippi in winter as the weather stays warmer in Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee and Missouri.
Best time to: get a deal
The shoulder seasons of early spring (March to May and late autumn (September to mid-November) are the cheapest time to cruise the Mississippi River. Though winter is officially low season, fewer ships may be operating so prices can stay higher.
Best time to: find perfect weather
The weather in spring and autumn is reliably glorious. You’ll avoid the intense heat and humidity of summer, yet still get to enjoy the long sunny days and crisp evenings. This is particularly true in the Lower Mississippi, which can get extremely hot in summer. Expect temps to be a little cooler in the Upper Miss.
