Blue Water Blog

Read the latest small ship, luxury and river news and features from the experts.

Agra, India
What to Expect on an Indian River Cruise

An Indian River Cruise is a world away from the familiar banks of the Rhine or the Danube, offering a sensory-rich journey through landscapes that feel both ancient and deeply spiritual. Read Blue Water Holidays guide to help you choose the right Brahmaputra or Ganges cruise for you.

Wed 06 May 2026

Bengal Tiger
Best Time to Take an India River Cruise

Timing is everything, especially when it comes to choosing when to cruise on India's great rivers. Read our guide for choosing the best seasons for travel covering everything from; when the temperatures are best for sightseeing, when to avoid the biggest crowds, and which months offer the best value for your journey.

Tue 07 Apr 2026

St Louis Gateway Arch
The 9 Best Things to See and Do on a Cruise on the Mississippi River

Whether you're a history lover, a music enthusiast, or someone who simply wants to soak up the beauty of the river’s banks, a cruise along the Mississippi River has it all.

Thu 05 Feb 2026

Eiffel Tower in the Spring
What is the Best Time to River Cruise in Europe?

Dreaming of exploring these dreamy waterways and wondering what the best time is to river cruise in Europe? In this blog, we share the best seasons for exploring this picturesque continent by water.

Thu 05 Feb 2026

Danube in the Wachau Valley
Top Tips for First-Time River Cruisers

Booking your first river cruise can feel a little like standing at the edge of a new adventure and wondering where to start. From planning and packing to life onboard and shore excursions, this guide pulls together our most helpful cruise tips for first-time river cruisers.

Tue 27 Jan 2026

Mississippi Bridge
Mississippi River Cruise Routes Explained: Upper vs Lower Mississippi

The Mississippi River is an iconic waterway winding through the heart of America and a fantastic place to go cruising. Along the way, you’ll pass through historic river towns, waterfront cities, and scenic, quiet rural landscapes.

Fri 23 Jan 2026

The Mississippi in the Fall
Choosing the Best Mississippi River Cruise to Suit Your Travel Style

For travellers seeking a blend of history, scenery, and comfort, a Mississippi riverboat cruise is one of the most rewarding ways to see the country. From sampling authentic Memphis barbecue to listening to live jazz performances in New Orleans and admiring intricate antebellum mansions, Mississippi river cruises showcase the rich and varied history of this vibrant southern region.

Fri 23 Jan 2026

Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Vietnam vs Cambodia Mekong Cruise: What’s Different and What to Expect

The Vietnam and Cambodia sections are especially known for their rich blend of culture, history, and scenic landscapes, and a river cruise is a brilliant way to explore them.

Mon 19 Jan 2026

Hungarian Parliament building at night - photo by Emmy at Blue Water Holidays
Christmas Markets Cruise Review

There’s something undeniably enchanting about European cities during the festive season. Follow Emmy's four day adventure on the Danube onboard TravelMarvel Vega.

Fri 05 Dec 2025

New Orleans at Night
What are the Best Cities on the Mississippi?

Cruising the Mississippi River is one of the best ways to experience America's rich and fascinating story. We've highlighted the 10 best cities along the Mississippi River, each offering its own snapshot of America's heritage, culture, and charm.

Thu 02 Oct 2025

Budapest at night
The 10 Best Rivers to Cruise in Europe

European river cruising is one of the most rewarding ways to explore the continent's heartlands. We've gathered the top 10 European river cruises, rivers that consistently offer the most spectacular routes, rich culture and unforgettable experiences

Fri 05 Sep 2025

Vicksburg Bridge
What Is the Best Time of Year to Go On a Mississippi River Cruise?

Whether you're dreaming of exploring historic antebellum mansions, discovering the birthplace of the blues, or simply watching bald eagles soar overhead, the when matters just as much as the where. Here’s our guide to the best time of year for a Mississippi River cruise so that you can feel confident in when to book your trip.

Fri 08 Aug 2025

Douro Valley
What to Do in the Douro Valley

Portugal's UNESCO-listed Douro Valley offers so much more than its world-famous port wine. In this article, we share eight of the best things to do in the Douro Valley to inspire you to visit this incredible region.

Mon 30 Jun 2025

River Ganges Sunset
4 Of The Best River Cruises in Asia

Asia has a lot to offer, from ancient cities to ornate pagodas and breathtaking natural wonders. There is so much to see but we've handpicked our top three sights along four fascinating rivers; the Mekong, Kwai, Brahmaputra and Ganges.

Wed 25 Jun 2025

Budapest
What to Pack for a Danube River Cruise

Danube river cruises are one of Europe’s most loved travel experiences. That’s why our experts have answered the all-important question of what to pack for a Danube River cruise.

Wed 02 Apr 2025

Danube River Cruise Tips: What to Expect On Your Next Holiday
Danube River Cruise Tips: What to Expect On Your Next Holiday

In this article, we will delve into what you can expect on your next Danube River cruise trip. From packing tips to must-visit destinations and the best onshore excursions, we’ll cover all the key details so that you can make the most of your Danube River cruise holiday.

Tue 18 Mar 2025

Parliament Buidling, Budapest
The 6 Best Cities on the Danube

Read our guide to the Danube River. The Danube is the gateway to some of Europe’s most iconic cities, each with rich histories, unique cultures, spectacular architecture, and delectable cuisine.

Mon 20 Jan 2025

Salamanca Cathedral
What is the Best Time to Cruise the Douro River?

In this article, we take a look at the different times of the year that you can cruise the Douro River and share our recommendations for the best time to book a trip.

Tue 24 Dec 2024

 

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