Floating quietly down river, whether by barge or riverboat, is a wonderfully relaxing way to spend a holiday. A leisurely cruise provides the opportunity to enjoy a variety of sites without ever having to repack! Wined and dined, with the freedom to explore local sites with a guide or just bike their way to the next stop, travelers on a river cruise have the chance to personalize their vacation itineraries to the ultimate degree.

The two most common types of river cruises are barging and riverboats. Barges are much more intimate, usually carrying  six to 20 passengers (although some carry as many as 50). Barges primarily journey along small rivers and canals throughout Europe. Their unhurried pace allows onboard travelers ample time to relax and enjoy the scenery. Many barges can be chartered for families or theme cruises. The truly adventurous can even hire a self-piloted boat and be in complete control.

Riverboats operate on major waterways, carrying 60 to 250 passengers, and have more amenities than barges. Lavishly appointed public rooms and large windows characterize these floating hotels. While both types of vessel offer the pleasures of a relaxed holiday, the larger boats travel farther and faster, allowing for journeys that can transverse the entire length of a country or even a continent.  These larger boats can be found throughout the world (this month’s featured hosts operate on five continents!).

Europe is the mecca for barging holidays. The many canals of France and the Low Countries offer travelers a plethora of selections. January’s Pick of the Month is B and V Associates. Representing a number of reputable cruise companies in 16 countries, B and V offers vessels ranging from deluxe accommodations to moderately priced packages. For the ultimate in pampering and gourmet dining, B and V’s Best Barges Collection will make your mouth water. Read "Floating Country Inns" (click on the link at the top of this page) for a taste of what a canal cruise has to offer.

For those of you who want to discover the joys of piloting your own boat, Premier Selections is the company to call. It offers self-piloted motor yachts in six of Europe’s main barging regions. Premier also offers a wide array of chartered river and canal cruises, including trips in England, Scotland and Ireland. It is also one of the few companies I have found that offers trips in Asia. Premier’s trip in Burma offers a glimpse into the ancient life of the Burmese as your head along the watery road to Mandalay.

Another stunning Asian waterway, China’s Yangtze River, winds its way past some of the world’s most ancient settlements. Three-thousand-foot cliffs rise up over the river as you sail through the famous Three Gorges. As spectacular as the Grand Canyon, Three Gorges is a treasure not to be missed – in 2008, the Yangtze will slowly begin backing up behind a $28 billion dam that is the greatest construction project ever undertaken by the human race. Uniworld offers an array of Chinese river trips that include cruises through this magnificent scenery. Visit soon before it is altered forever.

Due to the varying standards of accommodations and difficulty in moving around, a river cruise offers a delightful incentive to view less developed countries. Cruise Marketing insures western standards by managing the ships that offer their two Russian itineraries. Complete with language lessons, cooking classes, a guest lecturer on cultural history, and one crewmember for every 2.5 passengers, these cruises are one way to really experience the best Russia has to offer.

If nature is more to your liking, consider an Amazon cruise. The earth’s largest river provides unlimited opportunities to explore the virtually inaccessible expanse of this magnificent rainforest. International Expeditions offers two separate itineraries on four different sized riverboats. Enjoy the splendor of this fantastic river, teeming with life, from the comfort of your floating hotel. Visit small tributaries, marshes and local villages while you experience the world’s largest and most ecologically diverse wilderness.

You might be amazed to learn of all the river cruises offered in our own backyard. With eight regular itineraries, as well as its Rare on the River special excursions, RiverBarge Excursion Lines offers travelers a different approach to see America. Travel along the same historical river routes as those once taken by pirate Jean Lafitte or the Spanish “First Explorers.” Dock at the French Quarter for a delightfully different view of New Orleans' Mardi Gras, taken in from the comfort of your own float.

My limited experience with river cruising, on the Nile in Egypt, was an absolute delight. When I wasn’t relaxing as we floated past centuries-old settlements, I was enjoying excursions to pharaonic tombs and archaeological sites. After researching this article I am dying to take another trip into previously uncharted waters.

Relax, enjoy and bon voyage!

Sheri Leigh