I will admit it: Before I had taken my first river cruise, I had my doubts. Would I enjoy it? Would I be bored? Would it be too laid back? Even though I have 25+ deep ocean cruises under my nautical belt, I still wondered about river cruising and whether it was right for me.

I shouldn’t have worried.

From start to finish, the entire experience left me spellbound. It was every bit as entertaining as the best deep-ocean cruise, and just as infectious. And the ability to visit some of the most beautiful and historic cities in Europe was just the icing on the cake.

If you’re reading this and you’re a seasoned river cruiser, you’ll know exactly what I’m talking about. But if you’re pouring over this site and are on the fence about river cruising in general, let us show you the way as we take you through Five Reasons to River Cruise in 2012:

1. New Ships

The beautiful new S.S Antoinette is the crown jewel of the Uniworld fleet. Photo courtesy of Uniworld.

We’ve touched on this here before: 2012 is poised to be an unparalleled year for river cruising, thanks to a number of new ships coming online. And more ships means more choices than ever before, both onboard and off. Gone are the days of river cruise ships with cramped staterooms and a lack of amenities; these new high-tech vessels are giving even the most brilliant deep-ocean cruise ships a run for their money.

2. New Itineraries

Ever wanted to sail through China? There's a river cruise for that. Photo courtesy of Wikipedia.

Have you ever wanted to Africa? How about Portugal’s Douro Valley? Or the mighty Mekong, which traverses Vietnam and Cambodia? River cruises are no longer offered only along the waterways of Europe; today, you can sail to all of the above destinations in addition to sailings that explore Russia, the Black Sea, Egypt, and even China. Looking for adventure? Look no further: Many of these sailings can be combined with pre-and-post cruise overland journeys. Our favorites for 2012: AmaWaterways‘ new adventures in Africa, and Viking River Cruises‘ stunning 16-day Roof of the World itinerary that includes an overland journey to historic Lhasa.

3. Convenience

River cruise ships typically dock within walking distance of most towns. Tauck's Swiss Jewel and AmaWaterways' AmaLyra are shown here in Passau, Germany. Photo © 2011 Aaron Saunders

The best reason to river cruise, in my opinion, is the same reason deep-ocean cruises are such an amazing vacation choice: You arrive, unpack once, and sleep in the same bed for seven days. There’s no changing hotels at 6am, or hopping onto or off of motorcoaches at inhumane hours. Instead, all you have to do is sit back, relax, and let the crew of your river cruise vessel do the work. Every day is like a new adventure as you wake up to “magically” find yourself somewhere else.

4. Europe is cooling

Because of the falling Euro, this €5 cocktail will take less from your wallet than before. Photo © 2011 Aaron Saunders

I’m not talking about temperature; the recent challenges within the European Union have seen the Euro drop to new record lows against the United States and Canadian dollars. Australians too are getting a bargain in Europe, and while that can spell trouble for the European Union, for the meantime it means river cruising through Europe – where onboard accounts are charged in Euros – has never been more accessible for non-Europeans.

5. Unprecedented Deals

Cruising during the off-summer months can save you money and hold some surprises, too - like Vienna decorated for Christmas! Photo © 2011 Aaron Saunders

We want you to river cruise because we believe it’s one of the absolute best ways to see Europe. River cruise lines want you to come to Europe for exactly the same reason – that, and they would like to fill their ships. With the additional capacity coming on-line this year, coupled with the falling Euro, expect to see some great deals on river cruises this year, particularly if you can participate in off-peak runs.

It’s been an exciting decade for river cruising, and 2012 is poised to be the year it all breaks wide open!

Although the waterways of Europe gave birth to modern river cruising, they are far from the only destination available to adventurous passengers.  River cruisers can choose to explore the mysteries of Egypt’s Nile, the history of Russia’s Volga, and the exotic beauty of Asia’s Mekong and Yangtze. For its part, AmaWaterways wants you to experience Asia like never before with a captivating journey on their Vietnam, Cambodia and the Riches of the Mekong itinerary.

AmaLotus heads up the Mekong River on her maiden voyage. Photo courtesy of AmaWaterways

Available as a week-long cruise or a 16-day Cruisetour, AmaWaterways’ popular AmaLotus and La Marguerite offer a variety of departure dates for 2012 and the remainder of 2011. With this kind of flexibility, there’s certain to be a departure date and length that works best for you.

The full itinerary on this fascinating river cruise:

Staterooms aboard AmaLotus will reflect the same modern yet traditional decor found on La Marguerite. Photo courtesy of AmaWaterways.

Like all AmaWaterways voyages, the ship is as much of a prize as the destination itself. With no staterooms smaller than 226 square feet, AmaLotus is ideally suited to providing guests with an experience that is as relaxing as it is luxurious. The onboard décor is Colonial in theme, accented with regional Khmer touches, and passenger staterooms and suites even include kimonos and slippers.

Dining can also be taken as you wish, with an immersive menu of Asian and North American specialties, ensuring there are culinary options available for those seeking more local fare, or meals more reminiscent of home. Complimentary wine and beer are offered during lunch and dinner hours, along with complimentary spirits and soft drinks.

But few things can rival the natural majesty of the Mekong River as seen from the expansive Sun Deck aboard AmaLotus. Guests can kick back and relax in a deck chair, amble up to the bar for a refreshing drink, or end the afternoon off with a final plunge in the onboard swimming pool.

La Marguerite, comfortably nestled along the Mekong. Photo courtesy of AmaWaterways

The line’s popular La Marguerite is no less well-appointed. In fact, Travel Weekly Magazine recently selected her as a recipient of its Gold Magellan, an award designed to recognize the very best the travel industry has to offer.

La Marguerite combines traditional colonial elegance with modern amenities and furnishings to create an onboard ambiance that is best described as “historically modern.” Like AmaLotus, her smallest stateroom is a roomy 226 square feet and features all the amenities of a fine European hotel. You’ll also never miss a minute of the Mekong, thanks to the glass-walled Panoramic Lounge, the multi-windowed Restaurant, and an expansive sun deck for taking in the warmth and natural beauty of the region.

With two exotic ships sailing the legendary Mekong River, all that’s left is to take the plunge and discover this remarkable region of the world for yourself.

For more information about AmaWaterways, La Marguerite and AmaLotus, check out our complete AmaWaterways company and fleet overview right here on River Cruise Advisor.

Uniworld Boutique River Cruises has announced an expansion of its Asian river cruises and tours for 2012, giving guests more opportunities to fully explore this fascinating region of the world in style and comfort.

Rendering of Uniworld's forthcoming vessel, River Saigon, due to launch in January 2012. Photo courtesy of Uniworld Boutique River Cruises

In January 2012, Uniworld will launch its newest vessel to sail the Mekong River, the aptly-named River Saigon.

Capable of carrying up to 60 guests, River Saigon will operate the line’s Timeless Wonders of Vietnam, Cambodia and the Mekong itinerary. Spanning 15 days, the journey takes guests between Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi. The river cruise includes stops at Sa Dec, Chau Doc, Phnom Penh, Kampong Chhnang, Chong Koh, Angkor Ban, Wat Hanchey, and Siem Reap, Cambodia.

River Saigon features 30 deluxe staterooms, each measuring 168 square feet, and a comfortable, intimate onboard atmosphere.  She features an expansive sun deck with topside bar, a boutique shop, a massage room, a full-service restaurant and a cozy lounge to end the evening with a nightcap. River Saigon also features lots of outdoor deck space.

Uniworld travelers to Asia can expect to receive VIP treatment throughout the course of their trip, along with a multitude of included benefits — from river view staterooms to deluxe hotels onshore; most meals, including special theme dinners and home-hosted lunches; fully escorted shore excursions, and regional entertainment.

For more information on Uniworld Boutique River Cruises, visit our detailed line and fleet overview pages, and be on the lookout for our forthcoming Ship Preview of River Saigon.