top of page

River Cruises: Increasingly Popular and More Sustainable




River cruises have become increasingly popular in recent years, offering travelers a unique and immersive way to explore the world's most iconic waterways. Unlike traditional ocean cruises, river cruises take passengers on intimate journeys through picturesque rivers and canals, often in smaller, more sustainable ships. In this blog post, SafetravelRX will explore the reasons behind the popularity of these cruises and why they are more environmentally friendly than their larger counterparts.


One of the main reasons for river cruises' popularity is the opportunity to discover some of the world's most beautiful and historic destinations, often inaccessible by land. From the Danube River in Europe to the Amazon River in South America, river cruises offer a front-row seat to breathtaking natural landscapes and cultural attractions. Additionally, river cruises provide a more intimate and personalized experience, allowing travelers to truly immerse themselves in local customs and traditions.


Another reason for the rise in popularity of river cruises is their smaller and more sustainable ships. Unlike the large, mega cruise ships that dominate the ocean, river cruise vessels are typically smaller and more environmentally friendly. They have a shallower draft, which allows them to easily navigate rivers and channels, and often have hybrid engines that reduce their emissions. And river cruise ships are designed to have a smaller environmental footprint. They use less water than larger cruise ships and often incorporate sustainable features such as solar panels and energy-efficient lighting. They also produce less waste, with many vessels using advanced water treatment systems to mitigate their environmental impact.


River cruises also tend to have fewer passengers, which means that the impact of their activities on the environment is reduced. The smaller ships mean that travelers are not contributing to the overcrowding of popular ports and attractions, which can have a negative impact on local ecosystems and communities. Moreover, the smaller size of river cruise ships means they can dock in smaller towns and villages, boosting local economies and encouraging sustainable tourism.


In addition, there are options to go to fascinating and remote cultural destinations. SafetravelRX has listed a few ideas below:


  1. The Mekong River Cruise takes you on a journey through Southeast Asia along the Mekong River. You will view stunning landscapes, explore local villages, and visit important historical sites, such as Cambodia's Angkor Wat temple complex.

  2. The Nile River Cruise takes you through Egypt along the Nile River, where you will view the country's iconic landmarks, such as the Pyramids of Giza and the Valley of the Kings, as well as lesser-known sites and villages.

  3. The Amazon River Cruise explores the heart of the Amazon rainforest along the world's largest river. You will have exposure to a diverse range of flora and fauna, visit indigenous communities, and explore the region's unique ecosystem.

  4. The Douro River Cruise travels through Portugal and Spain, along the Douro River, with access to stunning vineyards, wine tastings, medieval castles, and historic towns.

  5. The Irrawaddy River Cruise: Journeying through Myanmar along the Irrawaddy River, you will explore ancient temples, bustling markets, and traditional villages and experience the country's rich culture and history.


Any when in these remote locations, your safetravelRX app can help you deal with any security or immigration concerns.


In conclusion, river cruises are becoming increasingly popular due to their unique, immersive experiences and smaller, more sustainable ships. As travelers become more conscious of the impact of their activities on the environment, river cruises offer a more responsible and eco-friendly option for those who want to explore by water.


For more information about how the features in the safetravelRX can keep you safe and informed while traveling in remote destinations, click here.


The safetravelRX app is available to download on your mobile at the Apple Store and Google Play.

To read more safetravelRX blogs, click here



bottom of page