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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Travel
Chris Wilson and Marc Shoffman

The best river cruises around the world for 2026 including sailing the Danube and the Nile

The Danube is a popular route for a river cruise - (Getty/iStock)

The ocean isn’t the only way to experience a cruise holiday. Many guests opt for river sailing as a more relaxed way to visit new destinations in one trip.

From travelling deep into the Amazon rainforest to exploring some of Europe’s finest cities, the river cruise experience is one that allows tourists to get to grips with the history, culture and tradition of a destination in a slow, immersive fashion.

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