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River cruise is a voyage up and and a river/rivers touching at a series of ports.

River Cruising in St. Petersburg region, Russia

River cruise ships in Bolghar, Tatarstan.

River cruising is a form of traveling in the inlands waterways of the world. Unlike large ocean cruise liners, river cruise ships are usually smaller vessels, generally accommodating between 100 and 200 passengers (though there are river cruising vessels that take only 5-6 passengers or 1,000+ passengers). Due to their smaller size and low draft, river vessels sometimes can go where no other transportation can, taking passengers to the heartlands of countries where rivers are the only way to reach many attractions (Russia, China, etc.).

During river cruises the panorama of countryside is always in view, so river cruises are very popular among those who prefer to get to know the soul of the "mainland country" relaxing in a stress-free environment and enjoying the reassuring nearness of the firm land. River cruises usually last from 7 to 15 days.

Some river ships are small, other closely resemble five stars hotels offering their passengers sun decks, dining rooms, lounges, fitness facilities, swimming pools, casinos and many other kinds of entertainment facilities. Accommodation, meals onboard, entertainment programs and special events (holidays, festivals, contests, concerts, etc.) are usually included in the cruise price while bar expenses, sauna, massage, laundry and cleaning services, and telephone calls are charged to a passenger's shipboard account.

Most cruises offer a variety of onboard the offboard activities. The latter include guided tours to historic and cultural sites of the region, sightseeing, visiting local attractions, museums and galleries, and various points of interests. Guides also give a running commentary on regions of particular interest while sailing past them.

The most popular river cruises include cruising Nile, Mississippi, Yangtze, Mekong, the Danube, Rhine, Seine, Volga, etc. There are several dozens of specialized cruise companies in the world, and they employ from 1-2 to 15-20 passenger ships. The most travel companies that offer cruises are members of Cruise Line International Association.

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