River cruises have recently seen an increase in popularity, and a few cruise companies have responded by offering more interesting river cruises, including some on more off-the-radar bodies of water.
Orient-Express Trains & Cruises is adding a second ship to river itineraries in Myanmar.
"Our decision to introduce our newest river cruise, Orcaella, in July 2013 is evidence of our commitment to Myanmar, one of the few places yet to be discovered," Gary Franklin, the managing director, told CNN. "So we wish to use our experience to delve farther off the beaten track."
Micato Safaris has seen an increase in demand for river cruises in India's southern state of Kerala.
"Cruising Kerala's backwaters provides a wonderful contrast to the hustle and bustle of India's cities," Dennis Pinto, the managing director said. "A sail through reveals a serene and peaceful world, where one can observe the quieter lifestyles of the villagers who make their living in these resource-rich backwaters."
Some other suggestions for off-the-beaten path rivers cruises:
The Amazon River, in Peru, which has many tributaries, does three-, four, and seven-night cruises that tour the Maranon, Ucayali and Yanallpa rivers. The cruises offer piranha fishing and walks through the rainforest where you may spot some monkeys. The rooftop deck also has views where you may see birds and rare pink dolphins.
The Chobe River, in Namibia and Botswana, offer river safaris where you can view the African grasslands and its hippos, as well as the river itself, where you may see crocodiles swimming by. There are also traditional mokoro canoe rides, and the possibility of observing elephants, leopards, lions and buffalo along the riverbank.
The Danube River travels through the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Austria and Germany. Cruise passengers can view the cityscape of Budapest and Vienna, as well as seeing the Wachau Valley, which is strewn with vineyards. The cruise also travels through Salzburg, the birthplace of Mozart and Passau, home of the world's largest church organ. Cruises end by traveling through the forested gorges to Regensburg.
The Gota Canal in Sweden has cruises that take travelers on period ships between Gothenburg and Stockholm, through the Baltic and North seas along three canals, across eight lakes and through 66 locks.
The Mekong River in Vietnam and Cambodia has cruises on colonial cruisers and traditional sampan skiffs. They travel through floating villages and rustic catfish farms, where villagers prepare coconut candies and rice cookies.
Any of these cruises will give you more interesting stories from your travels than lounging by the pool on the top deck on your cruise ship.
This article is copyrighted by Travelers Today, the travel news leader
