Small luxury river cruises offer vacationers and tourists a unique way to experience a nation or culture. Usually, small luxury river cruises are slow pace cruises, which allow cruisers to relax and take in the scenery. Staterooms have private balconies that offer a magnificent view in some small luxury river cruises, . They are well-appointed ships although small, furnishing cruisers with many of the amenities that are generally found on larger luxury cruises. These amenities include lounges, private baths, bars, and more. Culturally fascinating and interesting shore excursions generally included in cruise packages.

Many small luxury river cruises also have historians, naturalists, and other experts onboard to educate and entertain cruisers. They offer informal lectures,answer questions and lead expeditions. Generally completely narrated excursions and sightseeing are a part of the price of the cruise. Luxury cabins of the cruise feature luxurious appointments and historic decor, thus offering comfort and convenience to those cruisers who wish to travel around important and historical sites. Many of the small luxury river cruises have nightly entertainment in elegant showrooms and single-seating dining.