Discover the top scenic river cruises for 2022 featuring routes along the Rhine, Mekong, and Danube. Each cruise offers unique cultural experiences with curated stops in renowned cities and sites. Prices and schedules vary, making it ideal for water adventure enthusiasts seeking personalized journeys amidst scenic landscapes. This guide helps travelers explore diverse waterways across Europe and Asia with comfort and safety in mind.
After a period of travel restrictions, 2022 brings exciting opportunities to discover picturesque waterways. Many cruise operators are adopting rigorous health measures and offering smaller group sizes for a more personalized experience. If a water adventure is on your wishlist, consider these three outstanding river cruises available in 2022.
Rhine River Expedition to Switzerland
This seven-night cruise aboard the four-star MS Arena, hosted by Arena Travel, departs from Cologne, Germany. The route takes travelers through the stunning Rhine Gorge, featuring the iconic Lorelei rock, heading towards Rüdesheim.
On day three, guests visit Speyer to explore its museums and cathedral. The journey continues through Strasbourg and Basel, with a stop in Lucerne, Switzerland. Other destinations include Breisach, Alsace, Mannheim, Heidelberg, and Mainz. Scheduled for June and July 2022, prices start from approximately $1500 per person.
Mekong River Expedition
This 16-night adventure with Smithsonian Journeys cruises through Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia. Highlights include exploring Angkor, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the largest archaeological sites globally.
Additional stops encompass Wat Hanchey in Cambodia, and Vietnamese towns like Sa Dec, Vinh Long, and Tien Loi Island. Departing from Ho Chi Minh City in March 2022, prices start around $8000 for double occupancy, excluding port charges.
Blue Danube Voyage
This seven-night cruise along the Danube River, operated by AmaWaterways, visits Austria, Germany, Hungary, and Slovakia. The journey begins in Budapest and includes stops at Bratislava, Vienna, Durnstein, Passau, Regensburg, and ends in Nuremberg.
Launching in April 2022, fares start near $3400 per traveler, offering a deep dive into Central Europe's culture and history.