River-specific Cruises offer a leisurely pace. The traditionally slow pace of river travel provides you with an opportunity to relax and take in the scenery,which passes by — not as the blur train passengers perceive — but as intimately and invitingly as it would on a casual walk in the countryside.These are small, but well-appointed ships, with many amenities commonly found on larger vessels, including private baths, bars, lounges, etc.Interesting and culturally important river ports offer fascinating shore excursions, and even shopping opportunities. These cruises can range from informal to formal, casual to luxurious, affording a variety of style and price choices.  Companies offering river-specific cruises include Amadeus Waterways, Uniworld, Viking River Cruises, and Peter Deilmann Europamerica Cruises.

Paddlewheelers/Steamboatsare authentic replicas of old-time paddlewheelers and steamboats. They offer a nostalgic look back at river travel on North American waterways.These boats are “time machines” to a river’s past.  Amenities aboard paddlewheelers and steamships are comparable to those of river cruises, offering comfort and convenience while exploring important and historical sites mostly along the Mississippi River.