At Thompson Travel, we believe that some of the most magical travel moments come when you let the river carry you. Our River Cruises programme is designed for people who want to combine ease, beauty, culture and gentle adventure, exploring charming towns, gorgeous landscapes and hidden gems, all while relaxing on board a floating hotel.
Why River Cruises are the Perfect Getaway
River cruising isn’t just a holiday; it’s a way to see a lot without the fast-paced exhaustion. You wake up in a different town, instantly immersed in new scenery, local life, culture, and then in the evening, you return to your comfortable cabin. No changing hotels every night. No scrambling for transport. That relaxed rhythm is exactly what we specialise in.
Here’s what makes our river cruises special:
- Hand-picked routes & local flavour
Alongside worldwide destinations like Vietnam, Colombia, USA and more, we choose itineraries that showcase Europe’s rivers: the Rhine, Danube, Seine, Rhône, Moselle and more. Along the way you’ll visit towns & cities steeped in history, art, food culture and beautiful landscapes. Expect vineyards, castles, cathedrals, riverside cafés, local markets, places you might miss if travelling by land. - Comfort & convenience from Northern Ireland
Many of our clients are travelling from Northern Ireland. We take that seriously, flight logistics, transfers, timings are arranged so that you start your river cruise with calm, not chaos. Our goal is that from day one you feel you made the right choice. As a fully bonded travel operator, we also ensure high standards and peace of mind. - Intimate ships, full service, expert staff
River cruise ships tend to be smaller than ocean liners, which means fewer people, more space to unwind, better access to scenery, and more personal service. On board, meals are excellent, entertainment is balanced, not overwhelming. Guided excursions bring the stories and heritage of each place to life. - Variety & style to suit you
Fancy a Christmas Markets cruise along the Rhine? We’ve done those. Prefer a summer cruise on the Danube with longer daylight, wine tastings and riverside walks? That’s in our offering too. Whether you want sightseeing, gastronomy, cultural immersion, or simply moving slowly and enjoying the view, we can match you with the right cruise.
What to Expect on One of Our River Cruises
When you book a river cruise with us, you can expect:
- Flights or transport arranged (often from Belfast, Dublin or nearby airports)
- Transfers to the ship, all your luggage handled
- Comfortable cabins (often with river views or balconies)
- Full board dining: breakfasts, lunches, dinners, usually with included drinks on meals and sometimes complimentary soft drinks or local wine/beer
- Guided shore excursions in every port or stop, learn the history, culture, food of each place
- Free time built in so you can wander, relax, perhaps linger longer in a town you love
Who River Cruising Suits Best
River cruising is perfect if you:
- Love scenery, culture, architecture, food, history
- Prefer a more relaxed pace over a rushed itinerary
- Appreciate sightseeing by day and relaxing evenings onboard
- Are travelling solo, as a couple, or with friends, and enjoy meeting like-minded people
- Want high comfort but not necessarily enormous ships
Who We Sail With
We partner with the world’s leading river cruise lines, to provide a best-in-class service for our customers, here is a selection of who we work with:
- Riviera
- Ama Waterways
- Avalon Waterways
- Emerald
- Scenic
- Viking
Why Travel with Thompson Travel
We’ve been doing this long enough to know what makes a river cruise truly special. Our clients trust us because we take care of the details, from airline connections to ship quality, from choosing the excursions to ensuring you have a beautiful cabin. We also pride ourselves on customer service: when you call, you speak to someone who knows these cruises inside out.
If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to drift past castles, vineyards, old stone bridges and riverside villages, all without packing and unpacking every day, river cruising with us might be your next unforgettable journey. Contact us to view our upcoming itineraries, so you can find the river cruise that matches your idea of magic.
