Travel agents are used to getting calls from travelers interested in luxury travel vacations who want to travel on a budget. While some more experienced travelers may roll their eyes, there is one big secret for travelers who are looking for a five star experience on a three star budget. It is called river cruising.

These river cruises have all the benefits that large cruise ships have. River cruising ships and itineraries are specifically set up to meet the highest standards of luxury, comfort, and convenience, similar to that of a luxury world cruise. You only unpack your bags once, dining is included in the price, and you can visit several different locations. Unlike big sea cruise vessels, river cruise boats are much smaller, with a maximum passenger number of about 150. There are no large crowds onboard during dining times and at on board activities. You will come to know your fellow travelers very well, and are likely to form bonds to last a lifetime. Thanks to the small and intimate number of travelers, the attention paid to each traveler on a river cruise ship is truly the height of luxury.

With river cruises, you get more included in your fare than large sea cruises, making it a luxury travel vacation full of added value. River cruises usually include a half-day land excursion for each day of the cruise. Many river cruise boats do not have interior cabins, meaning you will have more views of the countryside. While most sea cruise ships are forced to only experience the charm of port cities, river cruises give travelers access to inland areas of countries. A lot of your sight seeing can be done from your boat. Imagine sailing along some of the most famous rivers and waterways of the world, rather than the country's infamously congested highways. River cruises often stop to experience sights that are more quaint, such as intimate villages, towns and vineyards, which would most likely be missed or overrun by a sea cruise ship.

River cruises start at about $1,300 per person. That amount may seem like a lot when big sea cruise ships are offering interior cabins at about $500 per person; but on a river cruise, you are staying in a cabin with a guaranteed ocean view. On big ships, excursions are almost always an extra price, whereas on river cruises, they are included. With river cruises, all the food is gourmet, and is included. River ships are smaller, more intimate and are built to provide the highest level of customer service and satisfaction. If you want to take a luxury travel vacation and want the most bang for your buck, consider the values in a luxury river cruise.