When contemplating a honeymoon, anniversary or a destination wedding, some of the most popular river cruise itineraries might seem like obvious choices: sailings on iconic European rivers such as the Danube, Rhine, Main and Moselle.
As lines look to expand their reach and play up the romance angle of the intimate cruising style, they are creating more themed packages and marketing themselves more to honeymooners and couples looking to tie the knot.
And while those rivers often offer the beautiful views, culinary encounters and striking cities that could easily fit the bill for a romantic getaway, some of river cruising's lesser-known gems should not be overlooked for a special occasion.
In Europe, the south of France, France's Bordeaux region and Portugal's Douro River are all slightly off-the-beaten-path options that offer beautiful scenery and excellent food and wine -- especially wine, as all three river cruise destinations are well-known wine regions.
From the Provence region's lovely lavender fields to Bordeaux's famous chateaux to the Unesco World Heritage site of the Douro Valley, all three of these sailings have often struck me as ideal for those wanting to celebrate their love to the backdrop of spectacular views and experiences.
Beyond Europe, there is something particularly romantic about some of the world's more exotic rivers. Southeast Asia's Mekong River in particular hits all the right notes: colorful cultural encounters, exceptional local cuisine and days spent on quiet and remote stretches of river that offer couples the time and solitude needed to relax and reflect.
The Mekong, in fact, would be one of my top picks for a honeymoon destination, offering the opportunity to explore Vietnam and Cambodia while enjoying the creature comforts of a well-appointed river cruise vessel and the organizational prowess of a river cruise operator.