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THE BEST Columbus Boat Rides & Cruises
Boat rides & cruises in columbus.
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1. Whitewater Express
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The 10 Best River Cruise Lines
The best river cruises blend refined onboard accommodations with exciting itineraries along some of the world’s most memorable waterways.
Note: If you’re looking for our most recent recommendations, check out the 2023 list of our favorite river cruise lines.
After pandemic-related challenges at the beginning of last year, river ships got back to what they do best: exploring inland waterways in Europe, the United States, and select other destinations around the world. Travel + Leisure readers enthusiastically returned, setting out on voyages both classic and new.
Every year for our World's Best Awards survey, T+L asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe — to share their opinions on the top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. Readers rated individual cruise ships on their cabins and facilities, food, service, itineraries and destinations, excursions and activities, and value. Those assessments were combined to generate results for the cruise lines in six categories, including river cruising.
The top three in the river cruise lines were very close in their scores. Viking, the world's largest river cruise company, moved up two spots into the lead position. Tauck, the well-known tour and river-ship operator, retained its No. 2 spot. "The itinerary was thoughtful as well as instructive," wrote one reader who traveled on the Joy . In the No. 3 spot is Uniworld Boutique River Cruises, with praise that included this rave from one voter who sailed on the Maria Theresa : "This was an exceptional cruise. The staff was excellent. I can't say enough about this cruise line and this ship."
Aqua Expeditions, with journeys on the Peruvian Amazon, ranked No. 4, thanks in part to the sophisticated onboard dining. "Its cuisine is rich in local products and designed by one of the most renowned chefs in Peru," noted one reader. Closer to home, No. 5 American Queen Voyages (formerly American Queen Steamboat Company) earned praise — especially from older adults — for its leisurely cruises on the Columbia, the Mississippi, the Ohio, and other U.S. waterways.
Top-ranked Viking does all the major riverways of Europe, with ships also on the Nile and the Mekong, and, new in 2022, on the Mississippi. Readers praised the line's value proposition and shore experiences that go beyond the norm. The "Thinking Man's vacation" is the way one reader who sailed on a Viking ship on the Rhine river put it.
Find the full list of the best river cruise lines — and more on what sets Viking apart — below.
With its fleet of more than 50 contemporary "longships" on rivers such as the Rhine, the Danube, and the Seine, plus additional ships in Europe, Egypt, and Vietnam, T+L's top-ranked river cruise line for 2022 is often praised for its steadiness. "Having traveled on seven Viking longships that are virtually indistinguishable from one another, I believe it's the consistency that makes Viking one of our favorite ways to travel," said one reader. The longships are light-filled floating boutique hotels with a Scandinavian-design aesthetic, indoor and outdoor dining, and herb gardens up on top. Viking's carefully crafted itineraries and "good value" also received praise from readers. "Met wonderful new friends. Absolutely outstanding service and terrific food," said one fan.
WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Score: 96.77
More information: viking.com
WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Score: 96.60
More information: tauck.com
3. Uniworld Boutique River Cruises
WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Score: 96.31
More information: uniworld.com
4. Aqua Expeditions
Score: 93.27
More information: aquaexpeditions.com
5. American Queen Voyages (formerly American Queen Steamboat Company and Victory Cruise Lines)
Score: 92.82
More information: aqvoyages.com
6. Grand Circle Cruise Line
Score: 90.64
More information: gct.com
7. AmaWaterways
Score: 90.12
More information: amawaterways.com
8. Avalon Waterways
Score: 89.88
More information: avalonwaterways.com
9. Vantage Deluxe World Travel
Score: 84.71
More information: vantagetravel.com
10. American Cruise Lines
Score: 81.17
More information: americancruiselines.com
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Guaranteed Lowest Prices. The Georgia Queen. Join us Aboard the Grandest Entertainment Ship! Learn More. Savannah Riverboat Cruises' Ultimate Experience. Cruises. Riverboat Brochure. Weddings. Packages. Group & Cruise Events. Gift Cards. Tour Our Boats. Tour the two Queens of the Savannah River!
Visit Website. Location. 9 E. River St. Savannah GA 31401. Get Directions. Phone. (912) 232-6404. Rates. Gospel Adult Cruise: $51.95. Moon light Child (except Saturday & Holiday-$26.95: $24.95. Moon light Adult (except Saturday & Holiday-$36.95 : $34.95. Adult Luncheon Cruise: $51.95. Child Luncheon Cruise: $33.95.
Things to Do in Georgia Coast. Boat Rides & Cruises in Georgia Coast. THE 10 BEST Georgia Coast Boat Rides & Cruises. Boat Rides & Cruises in Georgia Coast. Enter dates. Attractions. Filters. Sort. & up. Historic River Street. Talmadge Memorial Bridge. Savannah Riverboat Cruises. Savannah Harbor Cruises.
Our cruises in this region focus heavily on southern history and culture, where even the most self-proclaimed history buffs will learn something new. Enjoy the Best East Coast Cruises. See Savannah, Baltimore, Charleston, Norfolk, the Intracoastal Waterway and more. Cruise on Award-Winning Riverboat Ships!
America's Most Awarded River Cruise Line. American Cruise Lines offers 50+ US River Cruises along the Mississippi, Columbia & Snake Rivers, New England & Alaska Waterways on luxurious Small Cruise Ships.
Set sail on your destination's top-rated boat tours and cruises. Whether it's an entertaining and informative boat tour or a relaxing sunset dinner cruise, these are the best Columbus cruises around. Looking for something more adventurous? Check out our list of must-do water activities in Columbus.
American Riverboat ™ Cruise Ships. Our series of modern American Riverboats has introduced the sophistication of a fine hotel to America's rivers. Accommodating just 180 guests, each ship ensures a personalized experience on board with our dedicated crew and onshore led by our expert guides.
Cruises From Georgia; Riverboat Cruises in Savannah, Georgia; Historical Attractions in Georgia; Things to Do Around Juliette, Georgia
1. Viking. Courtesy of Viking. With its fleet of more than 50 contemporary "longships" on rivers such as the Rhine, the Danube, and the Seine, plus additional ships in Europe, Egypt, and Vietnam,...
This post was last updated and reviewed for accuracy on January 13, 2024 by Christine Sarkis. When you think of river cruises, you’re probably imagining the enormously popular river cruises in Europe. But there are U.S. river cruises too, and they’re just as spectacular as their overseas counterparts.