Q Magazine - Winter 2018/19

22 W hilst Europe’s waterways are the most popular of the world’s rivers, luring a kingsize portion of river cruisers form the UK, there are plenty of far- flung alternatives if you’re looking for something more exotic than the Rhine, Danube, Rhône, Douro or Po. Youmight cruise the upper reaches of the Amazon, embark on a cruise-safari in Africa or discover history and culture on the Mekong in Cambodia and Vietnam, the Irrawaddy in Burma and the Mississippi in the USA. Or how about a less-travelled alternative like the Brahmaputra in the northwest of India or the Kerala Backwaters to the far south, where you can cruise on a kettuvallam, a traditional houseboat made from planks of jack wood held together with coir rope. With Siem Reap in Cambodia at one end of the Mekong and Ho Chi Minh City at the other, a cruise on the lower stretches of this natural highway offers a unique platform fromwhich to absorb the rich culture and appreciate the everyday importance of the great river. Travel in style aboard a luxury river cruiser like Uniworld’s Mekong Navigator . The East-Asia Highway Discover the pulse of life along the mighty Mekong in South East Asia River of Dreams Charting a course down exotic waterways Moving along the banks of the great Chobe River that separates Namibia from Botswana, Zambezi Queen is a 5-star, 42-metre long floating hotel offering unparalleled sophistication in one of the most remote locations on the planet. Best of all, as a guest on the vessel, youcanenjoyatrulyuniqueandadventurousriversafariholidaywhile still being surrounded by complete comfort and elegance. The Magic of Africa Taking in the wildlife sights along the river bank There is no better way to explore the landscape, history, heritage and culture of the Mississippi than a voyage aboard a genuine paddle- wheel steamboat like the American Queen . Follow in the footsteps of the classic ‘Show Boat’ on a nine-day journey fromMemphis to New Orleans, calling at the likes of Vicksburg, Natchez and Baton Rouge along the way. Ol’ Man River Ride the largest paddle-wheel steamboat ever built