The coolest river cruises in the world right now

Cruises don’t tend to have the best connotations.

Think of them, and you may think of vast, tacky ships where you’ll be surrounded by no one less than forty years your senior and you’ll be forced to do the conga around the buffet during bingo hour but this is where a new type of cruise comes in: the river cruise.

Smaller, nicher and more personal - they’re fast becoming an obvious holiday option for culture seekers and travellers looking for the next level of luxury.

From cruising in Champagne to experiencing a new kind of water safari, we count the coolest cruises to book in the world right now:

Discover a new side of Portugal

Portugal in recent years has become a serious travel hotspot with people flocking to Lisbon for a long weekend any chance they get but what about seeing the country a different way?

Cruising on one of the Iberian Peninsula’s major rivers: you’ll explore not only historic cities and the verdant countryside of Portugal but you’ll stop in the winegrowing districts to taste the local port, roam around 18th-century palaces and get lost in the winding lanes of Porto along the way.

Cruise the Amazon

One of the least touristy ways to see the gems of Peru, the Delfin III cruise allows you to explore Lima’s colonial landmarks, discover the ancient Inca Empire (including the ruins of Machu Picchu) and the Peruvian rainforest.

Travelling by river on an ultra luxe boat will give views of the lush landscape you can’t get any other way.

Wine taste in the lap of luxury

Wine lovers rejoice, there won’t be a dry glass on the Scenic Diamond (don’t worry - the name isn’t reflective of the boat’s decor).

On the cruise through Bordeaux, you’ll take in the scenery and celebrate the two thousand-year history of wine by visiting the famed Château Siaurac.

From balcony suites to royal suites, the interiors are tasteful with muted colour palettes and contemporary fixtures. You’ll stay in the lap of luxury in what will feel like a top-tier hotel.

Experience a new kind of safari

Only holding 16 guests, travellers set sail on the RV African Dream along the Chobe and Zambezi Rivers in search of the ‘Big Five’ followed by a three-night stay at the secluded Cascades Lodge.

No danger of getting cabin-fever, days are spent lounging on the rooftop terrace and restaurant that offer panoramic views of the African landscape and day trips include land safaris and visits to one of the natural wonders of the world, Victoria Falls.

Go super-luxe in Champagne

Renowned for their incredible hotels, Belmond’s five barges are pretty nice too.

Launching next year, you’ll be able to cruise through France’s Champagne region aboard the Belmond Pivoine. Small and personal, the boat only sleeps eight guests across four en-suite cabins and it works solely on a private charter basis.

Boasting a heated swimming pool on deck, butlers, marble bathrooms and only the finest Parisian bedding - luxury is at the forefront of this cruiser.