Small boats. Big adventures.
“River cruising? Like on one of those massive 200-passenger cruise ships?” No, not like that at all. The brand-new G Adventures river cruising program opens up the interior of some of the world’s greatest places via inventive itineraries down fabled waterways on small boats made for small groups.
Watch G Adventures’ “Smaller is better” web ad
Save 30% on River Cruising, plus select National Geographic Journeys that feature river boats* – Plus, get an additional 5% off when you book air with us!*
History of G Adventures
G Adventures was founded in Toronto, Canada in 1990 by Bruce Poon Tip, who wanted to create a company that focused on small-group adventure travel that was both responsible and sustainable. Once offering only overland journeys, G Adventures has grown to the point where it offers adventures around the globe, including active adventures, National Geographic Journeys, family trips, rail journeys, marine expeditions and, yes, river cruises.
River cruise ships don’t exactly carry a lot of people, but G Adventures keeps the cap at 30 guests, maximum, on its river cruise adventures. The company likes to say that “good things happen in small groups”, and so expect a level of casual intimacy and friendliness beyond what occurs on most 100 to 200-guest river cruise vessels.
Unlike some river cruise lines, G Adventures doesn’t actually own its ships; instead, it relies on knowledgeable, local partners to handle the technical and marine operations of the ship, while G Adventures concentrates on the touring aspect. This frees up the company to do what it does best, while allowing it to offer river cruises in regions of the world that would otherwise be too costly or bureaucratically prohibitive to operate company-owned ships in.
Currently, G Adventures offers river cruise journeys to the Amazon (Peru), Burgundy (France), the Ganges (India), and the Mekong River (Cambodia & Vietnam).
Why Cruise With G Adventures?
Float down the Amazon, the Ganges, the Mekong, and the canals that feed France’s wine country aboard small, intimate riverboats and barges, and disembark to explore the riverside towns and remote villages on foot or by bike.
- Small boats, small groups. With room for 30 passengers tops, you’re on a first-name basis with your shipmates from Day One to the final night. Good things happen in small groups.
- Active opportunities. Small boats get to the action quicker than big ones. Step off the boat and explore your surroundings on foot, or take one of our complimentary bikes for a spin.
- Freedom & flexibility. Some meals and activities are built right into the itinerary, others are left open for you to fill up yourself. Structure when you want it, freedom when you don’t.
- Do some good. Every G Adventures tour puts good back into the world by helping you keep your travel dollars where they belong: with the local businesses that earn them.
- Real connections. Get on a first-name basis with your destination by stepping off the boat and meeting the historians, naturalists, storytellers, and regular folk who live there.
Watch the video below to learn more about the whats and whys of the G Adventures river cruising program with Jeff Russill, Vice President of Product and Innovation.
Beyond-the-highway access. A relaxed pace. Profound connections. Amazing views that change every day. That’s river cruising with G Adventures.
The G Adventures Fleet
The G Adventures river cruise fleet currently consists of four ships, one for each of the rivers upon which the line cruises.
Amatista (Peruvian Amazon)
Sailing the famous Amazon River, the Amatista has a guest capacity of 30 and a crew of 15, plus two naturalist guides.
The ship features an indoor dining room, an indoor lounge, covered and uncovered outdoor seating, and an observation platform overlooking the bow of the ship. Complimentary tea and coffee are served throughout the day, while water, juice and snacks are available for purchase.
Staterooms are small, but attractively appointed. Gorgeous wood panelling and arched doorways complement the stateroom layout that includes hotel-style beds (either in twin or double configuration), a small desk, and private bathroom facilities.
Amatista also carries her own skiff to allow for explorations ashore in even more remote locations that the ship might not ordinarily be able to reach.
Daniele (France / Burgundy)
Sailing through France’s Burgundy region, G Adventures charters CroisiEurope’s brand-new barge, Daniele. With 12 contemporary cabins that can accommodate 24 people, she continues to offer the intimate – and successful – style of modern barging that CroisiEurope is known for, while delivering the quality small-group tour experience that is G Adventures’ mandate.
Guests sailing aboard Daniele will find modern, European décor that is bright, welcoming, and distinctly French. The Daniele also features a spacious lounge with bar for cocktails and socializing; a separate dining area, sun deck with loungers and shaded umbrellas, a Jacuzzi tub, Wi-fi internet access, and complimentary bicycles available for guest use ashore.
Toum Tiou 2 (Mekong)
Rugged yet nimble, the 28-guest Toum Tiou 2 operates G Adventures’ sailings cruises along the Mekong River. With six staterooms on the ship’s upper deck and a further eight on the lower deck, the Toum Tiou 2 does a good job of spreading her few dozen guests out for maximum space.
Staterooms are basic but functional, with en-suite bathrooms and colonial motifs scattered throughout. Each stateroom opens up to a large shared exterior promenade, making the sights and sounds of the Mekong easily reachable at all times.
The ship features a dining room attractively positioned at the stern of the ship, along with an enclosed lounge, covered and uncovered sun deck areas, and an open observation platform at the bow.
Varuna (Ganges)
Holding just 24 guests, the Varuna features 12 similarly-sized staterooms, all of which are located on the Main Deck. The Lower Deck features a dining room that can seat all guests in a single sitting; and a small Spa. The Upper Deck is home to the ship’s observation deck, complete with lounges from which to admire the passing sights of India.
At 130 feet in length, she is neither cramped nor crowded. She features wood panelling and other colonial touches throughout to create a warm onboard atmosphere.
G Adventures Links
- Website: http://www.gadventures.com/
- Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/gadventures
- Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/gadventures
- Instagram: http://instagram.com/gadventures