best european river cruise ships

The 10 best places to go on a river cruise in Europe 

Jun 7, 2024 • 8 min read

Appreciate the beautiful architecture of Budapest from the Danube © Sanga Park / Shutterstock

Cruising down a quiet, traffic-free river, surrounded by scenic riverfront views is an ideal way to see Europe . You can sip your wine while watching picture-perfect scenery breeze past – taking in castles, medieval villages and fields of flowers. 

By necessity, European riverboats are small and passenger numbers are often fewer than 200, making these cruises a far more social and intimate experience. There’s also plenty to do and see onshore, and with more frequent stops you can enjoy more onshore activities. Cruise lines are now also offering more immersive learning experiences such as cooking classes and home visits, or activities like bicycle trips and long hikes.

The hardest part is choosing where to go — which is why we've rounded up the 10 best places to go on a European river cruise. 

1. Northern Rhine (Germany)

From gorgeous river meanders and noble German cities

The northern section of the Rhine features dramatic landscapes and a host of interesting towns. Cologne (Köln), Germany ’s fourth-largest city, offers numerous attractions starting with its famous cathedral, while Koblenz, at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle Rivers, is a park- and flower-filled delight. Heading south, the Rhine meanders between hillside castles and steep fields of wine-producing grapes. Idyllic villages appear around each bend, their half-timbered houses and Gothic steeples seemingly plucked from a fairy tale. Scarcely damaged during WWII, handsome Speyer is crowned by a magnificent Romanesque cathedral. 

2. Southern Rhine (France, Germany & Switzerland)

Explore intriguing towns in this border land

The Southern Rhine forms the border between Germany and France before becoming Switzerland ’s northern frontier. Strasbourg is the perfect overture to all that is idiosyncratic about Alsace – walking a fine tightrope between France and Germany, between a medieval past and a progressive future. Further south, the Black Forest spills into Alsace in the German town of Breisach. Unsurprisingly, given its geographical and cultural proximity to France, the locals here have a passion for a good bottle of wine. Basel, at the juncture of the French, German and Swiss borders, is perhaps where Switzerland’s Franco-Germanic roots are most evident.

3. Rhône (France)

Indulge in gourmet experiences cruising the south of France

Commanding a strategic spot at the confluence of the Rhône and Saône Rivers, grand old Lyon is France’s gastronomic capital. Downstream, the Rhône forges past Vienne’s Roman ruins and the centuries-old Côtes du Rhône vineyards, opening to sunny vistas of fruit orchards, lavender fields and the distant Alps as it continues south. During the 14th century, the Provençal town of Avignon was the center of the Roman Catholic world. Its impressive legacy of ecclesiastical architecture most notably includes the soaring, World Heritage-listed Palais des Papes .

4. Western Danube (Austria & Germany)

Romantic landscapes in the heart of Europe

The baroque streetscapes and imperial palaces set the stage for Vienna ’s artistic and musical masterpieces alongside its coffee-house culture and vibrant epicurean and design scenes. Moving into Germany, the Danube gently winds its way to the Italianate city of Passau . Top billing in eastern Bavaria goes to Regensburg, a former capital and one of Germany’s prettiest and liveliest cities. Nuremberg (Nürnberg), Bavaria’s second-largest city and the unofficial capital of Franconia, is an energetic place with a history that ranges from undeclared capital of the Holy Roman Empire to the trials that judged Nazi war crimes.

5. Eastern Danube (Hungary & Serbia)

Travel a cross-section of Europe’s less-touristed east

The two great cities of this stretch of the Danube are the capitals of Hungary and Serbia respectively. Budapest has something for everyone – from dramatic history and flamboyant architecture to healing thermal waters. Outspoken, adventurous, proud and audacious: Belgrade ("White City") has a gritty exuberance and eclectic architecture making it one of Europe’s most happening cities today. While it hurtles towards a brighter future, its past unfolds before your eyes: socialist blocks are squeezed between art nouveau masterpieces and remnants of the Habsburg legacy contrast with Ottoman relics.

6. Douro (Portugal)

See spectacular terraced vineyards, the home of port wine

The Douro region, home to port wine, is simply one of the most glorious spots on earth. The Douro Valley showcases steep terraced vineyards carved into mountains, granite bluffs, whitewashed quintas (estates) and 18th-century wine cellars that draw visitors from around the world. Humble-yet-opulent Porto entices with its higgledy-piggledy medieval center, divine food and wine, and charismatic locals. Its charms are as subtle as the nuances of an aged tawny port, best savored slowly.

7. Elbe (Czech Republic & Germany)

A little-cruised but picturesque stretch of Central Europe

Covering the Czech Republic and a thick slice of eastern Germany, Elbe cruises are under-the-radar options. Prague , not on the Elbe but usually included on river cruises, contends with cities like Budapest and Paris in terms of beauty. Its maze of cobbled lanes and hidden courtyards is perfect for the aimless wanderer. The classic view of Dresden from the Elbe’s northern bank takes in spires, towers and domes belonging to palaces, churches and stately buildings: hard to believe that the city was all but wiped off the map by Allied bombings in 1945. While the city of Wittenberg is first and foremost about Martin Luther, the monk who triggered the German Reformation in 1517.

8. Seine (France)

Cruise out of Paris through northern France

Paris has a timeless familiarity, with instantly recognizable architectural icons, memorable cuisine and chic boutiques. Dining is a quintessential part of the Parisian experience, and its art repository is one of the best, showcasing priceless treasures in palatial museums. Don't miss Rouen is one of Normandy’s most engaging and historically rich destinations, with its soaring Gothic cathedral, beautifully restored medieval quarter, excellent museums and vibrant cultural life. At the mouth of the Seine, Le Havre is a love letter to modernism, evoking France’s postwar energy and optimism.

9. Main (Germany)

A seductive German river connecting to the Rhine and Danube

Rising in Franconia and joining the Rhine near Mainz, the Main (pronounced "mine") is the longest German-only river. From Bamberg to its confluence, it travels some 400km through locks and picturesque scenery, dotted with historic towns. Frankfurt ’s skyscrapers are quite a contrast to the picturesque towns that follow, though it too has a rather traditional and charming old town. Scenic Würzburg is renowned for its art, architecture and delicate wines. A disarmingly beautiful architectural masterpiece, Bamberg’s entire Altstadt is a UNESCO World Heritage site. 

10. Moselle (Germany)

An intimate stretch of the wine-producing German region

Having traversed France and Luxembourg , the Moselle heads through Germany to meet its destiny with the Rhine at Koblenz. It’s a very pretty stretch of river flanked by vineyards, and makes for great leisurely cruising and exploration. With an astounding nine UNESCO World Heritage sites, gorgeous Trier shelters Germany’s finest ensemble of Roman monuments, and is enlivened by a characterful medieval center and large student population. Bernkastel-Kues are lovely twin settlements in the heart of wine country, while Cochem’s castle and pretty buildings make it a visual highlight of the Moselle .

How do I choose a route for a European river cruise?

The two major rivers for European cruises are the Rhine and the Danube. Together, they were once the northern boundary of the Roman Empire. Rhine cruises often run from Amsterdam to Basel, following the course of the river through Germany. Danube cruises start in southern Germany, wend their way through Bratislava, Slovakia; Linz and Vienna, Austria; and Belgrade, Serbia; then skirt the Bulgarian and Romanian border to reach the Black Sea.

While many first-time European river cruisers stick to these two rivers, there are many other options available. In Western Europe, you can cruise through the French countryside on the Rhône and Seine, or check out the vineyards of Portugal on the Douro. 

Even on the same river, distinct routes can be offered. One company might zip up the Rhine, allowing you to see the highlights in a few days; another might take longer, exploring smaller places along the way and offering more time for onshore experiences. You'll need to decide whether you’d like to get a look at more destinations, or more of a feel for fewer places.

When is the best time to go on a European river cruise?

Cruises on European rivers tend to begin in the spring, around March, and go through to October. Some cruises, operating in areas where Christmas markets are a feature, run right through December but inclement weather or river flooding could put a dampener on plans. Winter cruises tend to focus on places where Christmas experiences are on offer. Shorter daylight hours mean you’ll see less scenery, but the charm of the festive season has its own appeal. 

Choosing your season is very much a matter of personal preference, and there are pros and cons for each season. Summer cruises offer the most spectacular scenery, the longest daylight hours and the best weather, but the towns you visit will be far busier and you won’t be alone in port; in some smaller places, you may have to scramble across the decks of other boats to reach the shore.

Spring and autumn mean less time around the pool on the top deck, but quieter times ashore. Expect rains in spring, but also blooming flowers. Autumn is a great time to cruise the Douro, with grapes being picked and clement temperatures.

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9 best river cruises in Europe

River cruising in Europe is one of those delightfully slow and easy modes of travel. You're in a small floating hotel, exploring calm inland waters, gliding past castles and vineyards and scenery that changes by the hour.

Daily escorted walking tours and other excursions provided by the river line take you to key UNESCO World Heritage Sites and other city and village attractions you've come to see. Or you can choose to explore on your own, which is easy since your ship often will dock right in town.

Lazy afternoons on the ship afford the time to sit in a lounge chair and watch the world go by — kids swimming from the riverbanks, farmers tending their crops, river birds flapping their wings — as you glide to your next destination.

Which European river should you explore? The choices are broader than you might expect.

For more cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

The main rivers in Europe are the Danube and the Rhine and their tributaries. They are, by far, the most popular, doable either on one-week segments or longer itineraries that combine areas and sometimes combine rivers. Even if your cruise is only a week, don't underestimate the allure of relaxing for seven days on a river in France or on the dreamy Douro in Portugal.

Here are the best river cruises in Europe.

Upper Danube

When it comes to Europe river cruises, a perfect seven-night starter sailing is the Upper Danube, which takes you through centuries of history as you explore Germany, Austria, Slovakia and Hungary.

Ships visit such cultural hubs as Vienna, with its opera and art museums and elaborate royal palaces, and Budapest, Hungary, with its magnificent architecture and modern vibe. If your ship passes the Hungarian Parliament building at night, you're in for a treat; magnificently lit, it's one of the most photographed sights on the river.

Along the route, between Melk and Krems in Austria, you cruise through the Wachau Valley, a key wine-growing region producing rieslings and gruner veltliners, with sipping opportunities available. It's also a great place to bike, which is why it's nice to sail with lines, such as AmaWaterways , that carry bikes on board for passengers to use.

You might also have the option of a side trip to Salzburg, Austria, the birthplace of Mozart — and also where several scenes for the movie "Sound of Music" were filmed. A surprise for many is Old Town Bratislava, Slovakia, which might not have been on your must-do list but which charms with its beer culture and castles.

Related: Booking your first river cruise? Here's what you need to know.

Lower Danube

For a deep dive into Eastern Europe's past and present, the fascinating Lower Danube route between Budapest and Bucharest, Romania, explores history from the medieval times and Victorian era of Dracula to the rise of communism and the Bosnian War.

The seven-night river cruise takes you through Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria and Romania. The most beautiful stretch of the river is a 62-mile passage through a gorge between the Balkan and Carpathian Mountains. It's also one of the deepest stretches of river in the world.

Other sights accessed on shore excursions via bus include Bulgaria's Belogradchik Rocks, which are naturally carved towering red rock pinnacles that appear to take forms such as "Madonna with child," and Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria's stunning medieval capital.

When it comes to top cruising rivers in Europe, the Rhine wins for natural beauty and fairytale landscapes. A cruise on the river between Amsterdam in The Netherlands, and Basel, Switzerland — a typical one-week route — takes you past expanses of slope-side vineyards, forests and mountains, historic cities and medieval half-timbered villages.

That's even before you get to the Upper Middle Rhine Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This 40-mile stretch of river, between Rudesheim and Koblenz, Germany, has castles galore — you might imagine Rapunzel letting down her hair — and Lorelei Rock, the legendary cliff said to distract sailors with the mesmerizing song of a maiden.

The French city of Strasbourg, with its famous Gothic cathedral and robust Alsatian culinary scene, is often a favorite stop on Rhine itineraries, with other highlights including Heidelberg, Germany, and its imposing castle.

Related: Christmas market river cruises: What to expect on a holiday sailing

Sure, you can catch sight of the Eiffel Tower when boarding a river ship in Paris, but you can do that while staying in a hotel, too. The real attractions of a Seine River cruise are sailing on the river outside the city toward the English Channel and a visit to the beaches in Normandy for a perspective on World War II.

Your visit there and to the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial, as well as other memorials and monuments to the fallen, is a poignant experience (one that requires a two-hour bus ride from your ship, however). Avalon Waterways brings a World War II expert on board to add insight on select sailings.

Other treasures exist along the Seine, not the least of which is Giverny, the home and gardens of impressionist artist Claude Monet. If you are a fan of his art, much of the property might seem familiar.

In historic Rouen, where Joan of Arc was martyred in the Middle Ages, stop by the Rouen Cathedral (another subject of Monet) before losing yourself on cobblestone streets with wonderful cafes.

Related: River cruise packing list: What to pack when traveling by riverboat

Bordeaux river cruises are different from other water routes because you explore two short waterways — the Dordogne and Garonne Rivers — and the Gironde Estuary in Southwest France.

You'll spend more time ashore than floating down the river on this itinerary, with your ship docked for two nights in the city of Bordeaux, a mini-Paris with grand 18th-century buildings. Who cares when you are in the epicenter of French culture, in one of the most celebrated wine regions in the world?

Bordeaux serves up the opportunity to sip Medoc, Margaux, Saint-Emilion, Pomerol and Sauternes wines as you expand your wine education. You'll visit vineyards and gorgeous chateaus. Your cruise line might even host a dinner at a wine estate one evening. If you plan your cruise for September or October, you'll be able to admire the grape harvest.

Related: The 5 best cruise lines for solo travelers

Rhone and Saone

Another must for wine-lovers is exploring the interior of France, sipping Cotes du Rhone in such famous winemaking regions as Hermitage and Chateauneuf-du-Pape in Provence and Beaune in Burgundy.

Rhone and Saone River cruises typically sail between Lyon and Arles or Avignon, and they're top-loaded with such non-wine attractions as the Roman aqueduct Pont du Gard and the Roman Arles Amphitheater, as well as the massive Palais des Papes (Papal Palace) in Avignon. You'll also be able to take in the lavender fields, haystacks and other scenes that inspired painters like Paul Cezanne and Vincent Van Gogh.

For a lazy, dreamy, wonderful river cruise experience, nothing quite beats exploring the wine regions of Portugal on the Douro, one of the major rivers through the Iberian Peninsula. The home base for these river cruises is Porto, Portugal, with its historic city center, spectacular bridges and port houses.

On one-week cruises, you'll follow the river 130 miles past green hillside vineyards in the Douro River Valley, a UNESCO-recognized destination, before turning around at the Spanish border. The river cruises typically include a visit to the university town of Salamanca in northern Spain. Viticulture is very much the lesson en route, as you learn about port production on the "River of Gold."

Related: 5 cruise lines to try if you just can't stand being around kids on vacation

Due to fluctuating water levels and narrow passages, the Elbe is a challenging river that runs 680 miles between the Czech Republic and Germany. Historically, it formed part of the border between East Germany and West Germany.

River cruising here is a rare experience. Viking River Cruises is one of the few lines that visits (another is the French line CroisiEurope), offering 10-day itineraries that combine hotel stays in the cities of Berlin and Prague with a stretch of river between Prague and Wittenburg, Germany.

The cruises are on ships built specifically for the Elbe route. They stop in places such as resurgent Dresden, heavily bombed during World War II but expertly rebuilt; the Saxon Switzerland region of Germany with its striking sandstone rock formations; and the spa town of Bad Schandau.

The Po River in northern Italy is tidal, making it another challenging waterway. However, it affords the opportunity to combine a visit to Venice with a river cruise. Uniworld Boutique River Cruises does the Po in high style with its 126-passenger S.S. La Venizia, completely decked out with a sense of place, from Fortuny fabrics and Murano glass to its gilded accents.

The one-week route doesn't take you far but does include the walled city of Padua, the charming fishing village of Chioggia, and the culinary mecca of Bologna.

For those looking for a longer experience, Uniworld cleverly combines a Po cruise with luxury rail journeys to places like Istanbul, Switzerland and beyond.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

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• A beginner's guide to picking a cruise line
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
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11 Best River Cruises in Europe For Your Bucket List

If you haven’t yet been on a European river cruise, what are you waiting for? Compared to ocean cruises, river cruises offer smaller ships, fewer people, and intimate walking tours of the places visited.

We took our first river cruise in Europe in 2016 on the Elbe River . Sure, it’s a less popular river than the Danube or Rhine, but it changed how we thought of Europe as a travel destination.

Our week-long cruise was a discovery on how to get off the beaten track, spread the tourism wealth outside of the large iconic cities, and see a side of Europe that is harder to access if you’re traveling in other ways.

Since that first sailing, we’ve taken five cruises on six different rivers across Europe .

Below we’ve compiled a list of the best river cruises in Europe. Our list includes Europe’s best-loved rivers, some lesser-known rivers, and our favorites.

11 Best River Cruises in Europe

Table of Contents

1. Upper Danube River

Cruising the Upper Danube offers a journey through the heart of Europe. Starting in Germany and flowing through Austria, Slovakia, and Hungary, this river takes you to some of Europe’s most stunning cities like Vienna and Budapest .

The best time to cruise is late spring to early fall. Highlights include the Wachau Valley’s vineyards, Melk Abbey, and Bratislava’s charming old town. Expect beautiful landscapes, impressive architecture, and rich cultural experiences.

Why we love the Upper Danube River: This is your classic European river cruising experience and it offers a nice balance of big cities and small villages. Our favorite time to cruise the Upper Danube is December, during the Christmas Market season.

2. Lower Danube River

The Lower Danube is less traveled but equally enchanting, winding from Hungary to the Black Sea through Eastern Europe. This stretch passes through Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria, and Romania. Highlights include Belgrade’s fortress, the Iron Gates Gorge, and the Danube Delta’s wildlife.

The best season for cruising is spring or fall, avoiding the high summer heat. This route is perfect for those seeking a blend of nature and history, with fewer crowds than the Upper Danube.

Why we love the Lower Danube River: It is more off the beaten path, offering a different type of Europe to explore. It is appealing to us due to fewer crowds and more unknown stops versus the popularity of the Upper Danube.  

3. Rhine River

The Rhine River cruise is a classic, known for its fairy-tale castles, ancient sites, and picturesque towns. Flowing from Switzerland through Germany to the Netherlands , the Rhine offers stops at Cologne, Strasbourg, and the Lorelei Rock. It is arguably the best European river cruise.

The best time to cruise is spring to fall, with summer offering the most vibrant scenery. You’ll experience medieval architecture, lush vineyards, and local culture along the way.

Why we love the Rhine River: We refer to the Rhine as the castle highway of Western Europe. There is no other stretch of river in Europe that compares. Like the Danube, it is also a fantastic option in December for German Christmas Markets . It must be said, however, that in any season it will be a busy experience due to its popularity.  We cruised the Rhine in peak summer and it was very crowded.

4. Elbe River

Cruising the Elbe River is a journey through the heart of Central Europe, from the Czech Republic to Eastern Germany. Key stops include Prague , Dresden , and Wittenburg. Highlights include Prague’s old town, Dresden’s art collections, and the scenic Saxon Switzerland National Park.

Spring and fall are the best times to cruise, offering mild weather and fewer tourists. The Elbe offers a mix of urban and natural beauty, ideal for history and nature lovers.

Why we love the Elbe River: The very first time we took a river cruise in Europe was on the Elbe River . We like to do things in a more divergent way. Although we went to popular places like Prague and Dresden, we couldn’t believe how quiet Europe could be in the summer.

5. Main River

The Main River, a tributary of the Rhine, offers a unique blend of big cities and quieter villages. Starting in Bamberg and ending in Mainz, the cruise includes stops in Würzburg, Frankfurt, and Miltenberg.

The best time to cruise is late spring to early fall. Expect to see baroque architecture, modern cityscapes, and classic medieval towns. The Main-Danube Canal also connects this river to the Danube, making for an extended adventure.

Why we love the Main River: This is the perfect cruise if you’re looking for a Germany deep dive and want to get out of the larger cities.

6. Moselle River

The Moselle River is renowned for its meandering path through one of Germany’s top wine regions. Starting in France and joining the Rhine in Germany, key highlights include Luxembourg , the wine towns of Bernkastel-Kues, Trier’s Roman ruins, and Cochem’s Reichsburg Castle.

This river is best cruised in late spring to early fall and offers a relaxing journey through scenic vineyards, wine tastings, and historic towns, perfect for wine enthusiasts.

Why we love the Moselle River: The wine is incredible on this route. It’s also very off the beaten path, and, as a result, the villages along the way are not too crowded. We cruised in peak summer and were surprised at how quiet it was along the way. The Moselle River is a true gem among Europe river cruises.

7. Seine River

From Paris to Normandy, a Seine River cruise in Northern France immerses you in French culture and history. Highlights include Paris’s iconic landmarks, Monet’s gardens in Giverny, and the historic Omaha Beach in Normandy.

The best season to cruise is spring or fall, avoiding the summer crowds. Expect a mix of historic cities and serene countryside, with plenty of opportunities to explore French art, cuisine, and history.

Why we love the Seine River: We were not expecting to love the Seine, but we did! This river offered so many unexpected stops, stories, and history that weren’t on our radar. It offers an incredible balance of ancient and modern history, from Viking stories to the Normandy D-Day beaches, and truly everything in between.

8. Rhone River

The Rhone River flows through the heart of Provence, from Lyon to the Mediterranean Sea. Highlights include Lyon’s culinary scene, Avignon’s Papal Palace, and Arles’s Roman ruins.

Best cruised in spring or fall, this river takes you through vineyards, lavender fields, and historic local villages. The Rhone offers a delightful mix of natural beauty, gourmet experiences, and rich history.

Why we love the Rhone River: A true deep dive into the heart of France, there’s many reasons why this is one of the most popular rivers in France. The food and wine are spectacular right alongside the scenery.

9. Dordogne & Garonne Rivers

Cruising the Dordogne and Garonne rivers in southwestern France provides a journey through Bordeaux’s wine country. Highlights include Bordeaux’s historic center, Saint-Émilion’s vineyards, and the medieval town of Libourne.

The best time to cruise is from late spring to early fall. Expect to savor world-class wines, picturesque landscapes, and small towns, all while exploring the rich heritage of this region.

Why we love the Dordogne & Garonne Rivers: These two rivers are another gem that is often left off first-time river cruiser’s lists. We actually prefer the lesser-known rivers, so don’t be afraid to book these routes! You get the amazing food and wine of France, without the crowds.

10. Douro River

The Douro River in Portugal is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that offers a scenic cruise through the country’s wine-producing region, from Porto to the Spanish border. Highlights include the terraced vineyards of the Douro Valley, the historic city of Porto, and the picturesque town of Pinhão.

The best season to cruise is late spring to early fall. Douro river cruises promise stunning landscapes, delicious wines, and a deep dive into Portuguese culture.

Why we love the Douro River: It’s a way to dive into Portugal that is different from the ever-popular road trip. There’s fantastic wine and food alongside beautiful architecture that is unique to Europe.

11. Shannon River

The Shannon River cruise in Ireland is a serene journey through lush landscapes and historic sites. Key stops include the monastic site of Clonmacnoise, the lively town of Athlone, and the scenic Lough Derg.

The best time to cruise is late spring to early fall. Expect to experience Ireland’s natural beauty, rich history, and friendly hospitality, with plenty of opportunities for fishing, hiking, and exploring quaint villages.

Why we love the Shannon River: Simply because it’s so different from the other cruising experiences you can have across Europe. You won’t be cruising on a longship like the other rivers in Europe. Instead, you’ll be on a purpose-built barge, which in and of itself is a unique experience.

12. Volga River (BONUS)

Cruising the Volga River from St. Petersburg to Moscow offers a fascinating glimpse into Russia’s rich history and culture. Highlights of this journey include the opulent palaces and museums of St. Petersburg , the medieval architecture of Uglich, and the historic charm of Yaroslavl. As you approach Moscow , you’ll witness the grandeur of the Kremlin and Red Square.

This section of the river is best cruised from late spring to early fall when the weather is pleasant. Expect to experience a mix of busy urban centers and serene countryside, with plenty of opportunities to delve into Russian traditions, cuisine, and history.

Why we love the Volga River: If you’re looking for something completely off the beaten path, cruising the Volga River in Russia is a fantastic option. The trip takes two weeks and shows you a side of the country you wouldn’t see on any other available tour. We cruised this route in 2016, and highly recommend this route once it is safe to do so again.

Europe River Cruising Tips & Advice

If you’re new to European river cruising, you may be overwhelmed by the options. Here is some advice on how to choose:

• We’ve cruised with Viking River Cruises and Avalon Waterways. They are among the best river cruise lines in Europe offering hand-selected inclusions, shore excursions, exclusive access, and an occasional overnight stay on their routes.
• The right river cruise looks different for everyone. Decide what you’re interested in, and what countries you want to see to get started.
• Not all river cruise ships are the same. Some of the lines are more luxurious than others. Do some research and choose the company that best suits your budget.
• If you’re open to the destination, don’t be afraid to choose a different river from the most popular journeys.

Protect Your Trip to Europe

Lastly, taking a vacation of any kind is an investment of your hard-earned money and the last thing you want is to risk a disruption or cancellation that ends with you losing that investment. This is one of the reasons  we never leave home without travel insurance.

There are a lot of options out there for insurance, but we use and stand by  Allianz Travel Insurance . Full disclosure, we receive financial compensation as ambassadors for their company.

That said, we’ve been purchasing plans through them for the past 7 years and they have never let us down. Canceled flights, delayed flights, lost luggage, rental car damage, and a global pandemic, they’ve been there for us.

We always renew their  AllTrips Premier  annual plan that covers all our trips over 12 months. For single trips, we recommend looking at their  OneTrip Prime  or  OneTrip Premier  plans.

This article is sponsored by Allianz Travel Insurance. As ambassadors we receive financial compensation. However, all opinions, stories, advice, and insane love for the river cruising in Europe are 100% ours, as always.

You might also like:

• Ultimate Europe Travel Guide
• When is the Best Time to Visit Europe?
• Train Travel in Europe: Ultimate Eurail Pass Guide
• The Only Europe Packing List You Need (For Any Season!)
• 10 Cheapest Places to Travel in Europe

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Lina is an award-winning photographer and writer that has been exploring the world since 2001. She has traveled to 100 countries on all 7 continents. Member: SATW, NATJA, ATTA, ITWA

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European River Cruise Lines

Considering that river cruising came into its own in Europe , it won't come as a surprise that it continues to be one of the most popular destinations for this travel style. Leading cruise lines such as AmaWaterways , Viking and Uniworld  continue to create new markets and itineraries to showcase the best of Europe's flowing rivers. On this page, you'll find more information about river cruises.   

6195 reviews on

Best European river cruise operators with reviews

• A-ROSA , 54 river cruises
• APT , 48 river cruises with 2 reviews and average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars
• AmaWaterways , 87 river cruises with 39 reviews and average rating of 5 out of 5 stars
• Avalon Waterways , 250 river cruises with 1,255 reviews and average rating of 5 out of 5 stars
• Back-Roads Touring , 2 river cruises
• Blue-Roads Toursing , 2 river cruises
• CIE Tours , 3 river cruises
• Collette , 13 river cruises
• CroisiEurope River Cruises , 144 river cruises with 151 reviews and average rating of 4 out of 5 stars
• Crucemundo , 23 river cruises with 52 reviews and average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars
• Emerald Waterways , 124 river cruises with 11 reviews and average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars
• Evergreen Tours , 102 river cruises with 8 reviews and average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars
• G Adventures , 1 river cruise with 16 reviews and average rating of 5 out of 5 stars
• Imperial River Cruises , 15 river cruises
• Lueftner Cruises , 27 river cruise with 51 reviews and average rating of 5 out of 5 stars
• Nexus Holidays Group , 1 river cruise
• Nicko Cruises , 27 river cruises with 27 reviews and average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars
• Portugal Travel Center , 4 river cruises with 7 reviews and average rating of 5 out of 5 stars
• Regina River Cruises , 37 river cruises with 13 reviews and average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars
• Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours , 167 river cruises with 19 reviews and average rating of 5 out of 5 stars
• Teeming River Cruises , 12 river cruises
• Travel Marvel , 17 river cruises
• U River Cruises , 12 river cruises with 13 reviews and average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars
• Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection , 74 river cruises with 52 reviews and average rating of 5 stars
• Viking Cruises , 30 river cruises
• Vodohod , 13 river cruises

Most popular rivers in Europe

• Luxury river cruises
• Best river cruise companies worldwide
• Tours for seniors

Popular Viking River Cruises

Rhine Getaway Basel to Amsterdam

Rhine Getaway Amsterdam to Basel

Grand European Tour Budapest to Amsterdam

Grand European Tour Amsterdam to Budapest

Danube Waltz Budapest to Passau

Popular avalon river cruises.

Romantic Rhine (Southbound) 2024

Romantic Rhine (Northbound) 2024

Paris to Normandy 2024

Fascinating Vietnam, Cambodia & the Mekong River with Hanoi, Ha Long Bay & Bangkok (Northbound) 2024

Mekong Discovery (Southbound) 2024

Popular uniworld river cruises.

Brilliant Bordeaux (2024) (Bordeaux to Bordeaux, 2024)

Portugal, Spain & the Douro River Valley (2024) (Porto to Lisbon, 2024)

Paris & Normandy (2024) (Paris to Paris, 2024)

Douro River Valley (2024) (Porto to Porto, 2024)

Enchanting Danube (2024) (Budapest to Passau, 2024)

Popular river cruises along the danube.

The beautiful blue Danube (port-to-port cruise)

Danube Serenade: Romantic Journey from Bucharest (Turnu Magurele) to Vienna, MS Fidelio

Blue Danube cruise, Vienna-Vienna, MS Fidelio

The beautiful blue Danube (port-to-port cruise) (from Passau to Budapest)

Danube Classics Vienna 2024 (8 destinations)

How to compare river cruise lines.

• Price-wise, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is! If you want to snag a deal, you can look in the off-season, but keep in mind that depending on where you go, the weather and availability of popular attractions can change dramatically. 
• Certain companies are more reputable than others. Keep this in mind when booking a river cruise and always read reviews on TourRadar beforehand. 
• Some cruise ships will also offer travellers an all-inclusive package – these include off-shore excursions and alcoholic drinks onboard. Not all river cruise lines have this option, so ask ahead of time. And while it may increase the price at the time of booking, you'll very likely be saving money in the long run.
• Another thing to consider when comparing cruise lines is the kind of views offered onboard. Choose your cruise provider carefully and select your room even more thoughtfully as many options include varying qualities of views.

More destinations for river cruising

• Western Europe (1739)
• Europe (1300)
• Central Europe (1056)
• Germany (518)
• France (427)
• France and Germany (424)
• Austria and Germany (407)
• Middle East (339)
• North Africa (304)
• Egypt (303)
• Germany and Switzerland (258)
• Africa (240)
• Austria (130)
• Belgium and Netherlands (128)
• Far East (126)
• Mediterranean (120)
• Indochina (109)
• South East Asia (109)
• Netherlands (89)
• Cambodia and Vietnam (88)
• Balkans (77)
• Portugal (53)
• Eastern Europe (50)
• Germany and Hungary (48)
• Portugal and Spain (41)
• South America (40)
• Austria, Germany and Switzerland (36)
• England and France (34)
• Egypt, Jordan and Israel (29)
• Czech Republic and Germany (23)
• Egypt and Jordan (22)
• Latin America (18)
• Egypt and Israel (16)
• Austria and Czech Republic (16)
• Cambodia (15)
• Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam (14)
• Vietnam (14)
• Ecuador and Peru (12)
• Southern Africa (10)
• Croatia (8)
• Germany and Poland (7)
• Australia (6)

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How to Choose the Right European River Cruise for You

By Janice Wald Henderson

Planning your first European river cruise ? Picking a waterway, dates, and budget seem easy enough. Then you find there's an overwhelming choice of boats out there, and with seemingly similar appearances, routes, amenities—even cost. What to do? Read on for our river cruising guide, which will help you learn the distinct personalities and perks of the major river cruise lines , to find the right one for you.

AmaWaterways

Vibe : With 144-to-196 passengers, these European ships resemble well-decorated homes-away-from home . Cruises emphasize health and wellness, balanced by fine food and wine. The new AmaMagna , a double-wide boat with a Danube debut in May, offers more amenities and space—including a novel watersports platform (for riverboats). Fellow Passengers : Energetic social Americans, often wine buffs, ranging from 40-plus to Baby Boomers and beyond. Younger cruisers often book themed wine sails. Average Eight-Day Fare : $2,699 per person. Notable Inclusions : All meals, beer, and wine with onboard lunch and dinner; shore excursions; guided hiking and biking tours; bicycles; one-hour daily happy hour with beer, wine, and spirits pre-dinner; and Wi-Fi. Rivers : Danube, Rhine, Moselle, Main, Rhone, Seine, Garonne, Dordogne, Douro; and Dutch and Belgian waterways and canals. Cabins : Residential-ish staterooms typically run between 155 to 502 square feet. Most cabins sport Ama’s signature twin balconies, featuring both a French and outside veranda. Flat-screen TVs double as computers, and baths sport multi-jet showerheads. Eat and Drink : Count on seasonal, destination-driven menus with healthful bents, fine regional wines—even recipes on pillows at turndown. All cruisers enjoy one complimentary, six-course dinner with wine pairings at the haute Chef’s Table, prepared before passengers. Staying Fit : Devotees like the well-equipped gym, walking track, heated pool, and hydration station with infused detox and gemstone waters. A Wellness Host provides complimentary daily classes, like core strengthening and circuit training, as well as personal training for a fee. Shore Excursions : An Ama specialty: The line partners with Backroads, bringing biking, walking, and hiking tours to more than 120 sails this year and in 2020.

Crystal River Cruises

Vibe : Expect plush, all-suite accommodations serviced by attentive butlers, stellar cuisine, and abundant perks. Riverboats beautifully duplicate Crystal Ocean’s modern luxury style . Fellow Passengers : Consider the mostly American over-50 crowd friendly, well-heeled, travel-savvy, and stylish. Average Eight-Day Fare : $6,333 per person. Notable Inclusions: : All meals, alcohol, and shore excursions (other than über-exclusive); electric bikes (e-bikes); 24-hour room service; self-service laundry (rare to riverboats); Wi-Fi; gratuities onboard and ashore; airport transfers. Rivers : Rhine, Main, Danube, and Moselle. (Note: Crystal riverboats don’t sail in France.) Cabins : Even the smallest suites (188 square feet on the quadruplets; 219 square feet on Mozart), feel swanky. Revel in king—not the typical riverboat queen—beds. Most feature walk-in closets and dual-vanity bathrooms. Modern tech accents include a bedside iPad with room controls. ETRO Italian toiletries, especially the body lotion, are swipe-worthy. Eat and Drink : Think Michelin star-style cuisine, particularly at on-site restaurant Waterside. The Bistro showcases morning specialty coffees and house-baked pastries, midday charcuterie, and later, wine and tapas. A Vintage Room extravaganza (a rare extra cost), paired with legendary wines, is extraordinary. Staying Fit : At the well-outfitted fitness center, personal training’s available. Take comp morning classes like yoga, plunge into the heated indoor pool. Off ship, go kayaking and canoeing, ride an e-bike. Later, unwind in the full-service spa. Shore Excursions : Outings are designed to avoid tourist hordes. Tour groups are limited to an unusually intimate 15 guests, and Crystal’s plush customized coaches deliver leg room, power outlets at every seat, and complimentary Wi-Fi.

Emerald Waterways

Vibe : Emerald’s 112-to-182 passenger European riverboats resemble attractive mid-priced modern hotels, awash in glass, chrome, and contemporary art, with buzzy lounges. Most boats have spas and salons. The pool converts to a movie theater on all ships except Emerald Radiance . Fellow Passengers : A fun-loving, energetic group, mostly 45 years old and up, although the line increasingly skews younger. Cruisers are from the U.K., Australia, and North America, and like independent exploration, such as bicycling ashore. Average Eight-Day Fare : $2,600 per person. Notable Inclusions : All meals, beer, and wine with onboard lunch and dinner; most excursions; wifi; gratuities onboard and ashore; and airport transfers. Rivers : Danube, Maine, Rhine, Moselle, Douro, Rhône, Saône. Cabins : Solo cabins—great for friends traveling together—run 117 square feet. Most guests book 180-square-foot Balcony Suites. The fanciest, at 315 square feet, include an iPad, Nespresso machine, and some laundry service. Eat and Drink : Reflections Restaurant provides daytime buffets, and four-course contemporary European evening dining with regional wines. Passengers keep the poolside bar lively. Weather permitting, Emerald hosts a popular once-a-week sundeck lunch barbecue. Staying Fit : The large indoor heated pool has a retractable roof, top deck walking/running track, and wellness center with a small gym. Shore Excursions : Many diversified options, including the popular EmeraldACTIVE, featuring guided bike tours and vigorous hikes.

By CNT Editors

By Caitlin Gunther

By Melissa Liebling-Goldberg

Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours

Vibe : Scenic —Emerald Waterways’ older, pricier sibling—also leans modern chic, with marble, glass, wood, and steel. Ships host between 44 and 163 guests, who enjoy butlers (service level depends on cabin category), and venues like a gym, salon, and spa. Fellow Passengers : Social, sophisticated passengers, usually 55-plus, who relish food and wine and independent exploration. A whopping 45 percent are fun-loving Aussies, with the rest divided between the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada. Passengers mix well and many make new international friends. Average Eight-Day Fare : $4,500 per person. Notable Inclusions : All meals and most alcohol; 24-hour room service; gratuities onboard and ashore; excursions and events; Wi-Fi; airport transfers. Rivers : Danube, Main, Rhine, Moselle, Douro, Rhône, Saône. Cabins : Accommodations are dubbed suites, yet the smallest (160 square feet) are considered a cabin by most. All provide Egyptian cotton sheets, down pillows, and L’Occitane toiletries. Butlers stock complimentary mini-fridges, filled with guests’ preferred beverages. Eat and Drink : Scenic offers singular advantages: Six dining choices—like sundeck teppanyaki—and enough dinner tables for two. Tuck into lavish five-course meals in specialty restaurants, perhaps French or Italian. Guests booked in costly suites enjoy one complimentary six-course degustation menu, sommelier-paired with wine, in the haute Table La Rive. Staying Fit : Use the outdoor heated pool, wellness center with workout equipment, running/walking track, and e-bikes. Scenic partners with Trek for 10 sailings per year, melding daily cycling trips into a river cruise itinerary. Shore Excursions : Scenic partners with National Geographic, featuring a Nat Geo photographer and lecturer, on some sails. Most memorable: Every cruise offers a Scenic Enrich event, such as a private ballet performance in a St. Petersburg palace.

Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection

Vibe : Admirers of opulent European hotels adore Uniworld’s boats, averaging 130 guests. Think bespoke furnishings, intense hues, antiques, crystal, and marble. No ships are alike; one evokes the Art Deco era, another resembles a baronial estate. Six Super Ships, the line’s crème de la crème, prove particularly posh. Fellow Passengers : Chic, discerning passengers who are mostly North American, with some Brits and Europeans, age 50 and up. Average Eight-Day Fare : $4,000 per person. Notable Inclusions : All meals and alcohol; 24-hour room service; shore excursions; wellness programs; gratuities onboard and ashore; Wi-Fi; airport transfers. Rivers : Danube, Moselle, Rhine, Main, Bordeaux, Dordogne, Garonne, Seine, Saône, Rhône, Douro, Po, Moselle. Cabins : Enthusiasts overlook the small cabins (some just 151 square feet) for luxe appointments, like handcrafted beds from legendary Savoir Beds of England, thick towels on heated bars, and Asprey and Hermés toiletries. Butlers pamper suite guests, including unpacking luggage and drawing bubble baths. Eat and Drink : Chefs excel at classic and contemporary European cuisine showcasing local ingredients. Vegetarians, vegans, and the diet-minded dine well. Bartenders craft cool destination-inspired cocktails. Adventurous guests book Uniworld’s intimate dinners in local host homes. Staying Fit : Work off indulgence in the well-equipped gym; certified wellness instructors offer TRX® Suspension Training on select sails. Exhale with a spa facial or massage. Shore Excursions : Enthusiastic guides, speaking excellent English, lead activities such as walks, hikes, kayaking, and bicycling. Particularly noteworthy: Exclusive excursions, like golfing on France’s most prestigious courses, are complimentary.

Viking River Cruises

Vibe : Virtually identical, the company's 190-passenger Longships possess a contemporary Scandinavian design, emphasizing natural wood, neutral hues, and windows. Enthusiasts praise the alikeness , preferring the same onboard experience wherever they go. With such uniformity, Viking cruises purr along like Bentleys. Fellow Passengers : A primarily American over-50 crowd, well-traveled but sometimes budget-minded, passionate about history, culture, and the arts. Average Eight-Day Fare : $3,748 per person. Notable Inclusions: : All meals, beer and wine with onboard lunch and dinner; one complimentary shore excursion per port; Wi-Fi; ground transfers with Viking Air purchase. Rivers : Rhine, Main, Danube, Seine, Rhône, Douro, Moselle, Elbe, Dordogne, Garonne, and Gironde. Cabins : Viking’s bathrooms, with glass-enclosed showers, heated floors, and anti-fog mirrors, are knockout. Standard Staterooms are small (150 square feet) but functional; comfort comes in 205-square-foot Veranda Staterooms. Splurge on a 275-square-foot Veranda Suite, or 445-square-foot Explorer Suite. Eat and Drink : Viking dishes up familiar American and modern European cuisine. The casual indoor-outdoor Aquavit Terrace delivers pleasing daytime buffets. Most passengers happily dine in The Restaurant on three-course meals at night. Staying Fit : No workout facilities, except for a small walking track (and two putting greens). Concierges can arrange visits to local spas and gyms. Shore Excursions : Widely praised for immersive local experiences, Viking standouts include intimate tea and conversation in local residents’ homes, and a fabulous outing to Downtown Abbey’s Highclere Castle.

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The 9 top river cruise lines for 2024.

Sail through Europe, Asia, the U.S. and more on one of these exquisite river cruise lines.

The Top River Cruise Lines

Courtesy of Viking River Cruises

Not one for the high seas? Explore the world along its rivers instead.

If you'd like to take a cruise but aren't interested in the hustle and bustle of a massive ocean liner, consider a river cruise. River cruises offer the chance to visit lesser-known ports around the world, thanks to the small size and maneuverability of the vessels. These sailings are known to provide exceptional, personalized service, as most welcome fewer than 200 guests at a time. On top of that, you'll spend the majority of your trip exploring a different port each day, as most destinations along the waterways are fairly close together.

Read on to discover the best river cruise lines around the world, with details about where they sail, the number of passengers you can expect onboard, a snapshot of amenities and experiences, and sentiment from recent travelers.

Viking River Cruises

Uniworld boutique river cruises, american cruise lines, amawaterways, avalon waterways, emerald cruises.

• Scenic Luxury Cruises and Tours

CroisiEurope Cruises

Number of passengers: 75 to 250 Sails to:  Europe, Asia, Africa, U.S.

Viking's 60-plus ships – known as longships – traverse major rivers across Europe, including the Danube , the Rhine, the Douro and more. Other popular routes sail Egypt's Nile River as well as the Mississippi River , and newer options include a series of Great Lakes itineraries.

What to expect: Travelers may be familiar with Viking Ocean Cruises , which operates larger ocean voyages with an emphasis on opulent accommodations and diverse enrichment activities. Viking's river cruises follow a similar road map, with meals, daily walking tours and Wi-Fi access (where applicable) included in the base fare. Other amenities and activities span guest lectures, cooking demonstrations, musical performances, libraries, outdoor decks and more. Select Viking riverboats are also equipped with swimming pools, while cabins feature minibars, premium toiletries, purified water and TVs.

On board, you can expect to find mostly English-speaking passengers. Viking's price point generally attracts older crowds in the 55-plus age group, and travelers must be at least 18 years old to cruise on the line.

What travelers say: Recent cruisers thoroughly enjoyed their experience with Viking, praising the scenic shore excursions, top-notch service and comfortable rooms. Some, however, expressed disappointment with the service as well as the food.

Book a Viking River Cruise on GoToSea, a service of U.S. News.

Courtesy of Uniworld Boutique River Cruises

Number of passengers: 32 to 159 Sails to:  Europe, Asia, Africa, South America

Uniworld offers luxurious sailings in historic cities across central Europe, France , Italy , Portugal , India, Egypt and Peru.

What to expect: Its 17 ships aim to create the feel of a boutique hotel with stylish decor, antique artwork and specialty restaurants. The ships hold an average capacity of 120 cruisers, and the company boasts one of the highest staff-to-guest ratios in the industry: about one crew member for every two travelers.

Stateroom amenities vary by vessel but may include marble bathrooms, Egyptian cotton linens, French balconies, iPod docking stations, Nespresso coffee machines, rainfall showers and more. The line's all-inclusive rates cover meals, alcoholic beverages, select excursions, gratuities, onboard fitness classes and Wi-Fi access, on top of entertainment and enrichment classes. Uniworld prides itself on its top-notch cuisine, which is made with local ingredients sourced from the ports on your itinerary and also includes vegetarian and vegan options.

Uniworld's typical clientele tend to be in their 50s or 60s and reside in North America, the U.K. and Australia . The river cruise line has select itineraries aimed at families, LGBTQ cruisers and solo travelers.

What travelers say: Recent cruisers offered abundant praise for Uniworld's voyages, complimenting the stylish accommodations, attentive staff and fascinating excursions. Though complaints were few and far between, a handful of past travelers felt the experience was not worth the high price point.

Compare Uniworld Boutique River Cruises on GoToSea.

Courtesy of American Cruise Lines

Number of passengers: 90 to 180 Sails to:  U.S.

As the name suggests, American Cruise Lines sails exclusively on the rivers and coastlines of the United States. Popular cruises visit destinations along the Mississippi River, on the Hudson River, throughout New England , and lining the Columbia and Snake rivers in the Pacific Northwest. The line also tours Alaska , the Southeast coast including Florida , and the Puget Sound between Washington state and the Canadian border.

What to expect: American Cruise Lines operates 19 relatively new small ships and river vessels (the average ship is about 5 years old), ranging from modern riverboats to small coastal ships to authentic paddlewheelers. Comfortable cabins can accommodate up to three people per room, and all ships offer single staterooms designed exclusively for solo travelers . Each room boasts picture windows, a spacious bathroom and – in some cases – a private balcony. In the ships' public spaces, cruisers can enjoy daily onboard entertainment like jazz and blues performances, as well as presentations by historians and area experts.

The line promises an all-American experience. As such, you can expect to find American staff aboard the American-built ships as well as food that pays homage to the destinations you will visit, from New Orleans -style andouille sausage gumbo to New England-inspired seafood boils. Complimentary cocktails and hors d'oeuvres are served every night prior to dinner; all meals, snacks, and wine and beer are included in the base fare. Shore excursions are not typically included in the rate.

Passengers on American Cruise Lines tend to lean North American and are typically mature retired travelers.

What travelers say: Recent cruisers enjoyed their experience, particularly on the line's themed cruises.

Read:  Cruise Packing List: Essentials for Your Next Cruise

Courtesy of AmaWaterways

Number of passengers: 28 to 196 Sails to:  Europe, Asia, Africa, South America  

Consider a river cruise with AmaWaterways, whether you're looking to sail through the heart of Europe or seeking a once-in-a-lifetime adventure touring destinations like Vietnam, Egypt, South Africa or (beginning in 2024) Colombia. A family-owned business founded in 2002, AmaWaterways operates 29 river cruise boats that welcome 150 passengers on average.

The cruise line aims to provide excursion-rich experiences and offers unique themed sailings for passengers with certain interests. Wine-themed voyages are perfect for oenophiles wishing to explore some of Europe's most popular wine regions, while a concierge golf program will transport passengers from one famous golf course to the next. Or, opt for a holiday river cruise to visit magical Christmas markets around Europe. In 2024, AmaWaterways will offer three new Black history-themed itineraries.

What to expect: On board, guests can expect cabins suitable for couples or single travelers, as well as a set amount of connectible rooms designed for multigenerational families. Staterooms are spacious, with perks like bathrobes, slippers and plush bedding. Cabins can feature up to two balconies with AmaWaterways' twin balcony design, which allows for a full, step-out balcony alongside a French balcony with sliding glass doors. In-room Wi-Fi is complimentary, and guests will have access to movies and music on demand.

Outside of their cabins, passengers can enjoy amenities spanning small pools, sun decks, fitness equipment, a hair salon, massage services and more.

AmaWaterways primarily attracts North American travelers in their 50s who enjoy taking part in active shore excursions that involve walking or cycling. Passengers from the U.K. and Australia sail on this river cruise line as well. You can expect to find a mix of couples, families and solo cruisers – including a growing number of millennial travelers – on your vessel, thanks to AmaWaterways' diverse cabin offerings. Adventures by Disney charters AmaWaterways ships for select sailings each year as well.

What travelers say: Recent travelers say AmaWaterways exceeded their expectations, with many noting it was especially enjoyable for families. Still, some were disappointed, particularly with the food.

Find AmaWaterways cruises on GoToSea.

Courtesy of Avalon Waterways

Number of passengers: 16 to 166 Sails to:  Europe, Asia, Africa, South America

Avalon Waterways sails 19 riverboats along popular thoroughfares like the Danube, the Rhone, the Seine, the Nile, the Rhine, the Moselle, the Mekong, the Ganges and more. In 2024, it will also sail the Douro River in Portugal.

What to expect: Launched in 2004, Avalon stands out for its spacious vessels – known as Suite Ships – which feature some of the largest rooms in the river cruise industry and beds that face wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling windows, providing panoramic views. Additional stateroom perks include complimentary breakfast in bed, L'Occitane toiletries, sitting areas, ample storage space and mattress toppers.

Across the ship, passengers can enjoy amenities like a sun deck with lounge chairs, whirlpools and a game area, in addition to numerous restaurants and bars and a 24-hour self-serve coffee station. You will also have your pick of Classic, Active or Discovery shore excursions – ranging from standard tours with a local guide to hiking outings along a hilltop castle – depending on your interests and physical abilities.

Avalon Waterways attracts English-speaking cruisers from a variety of countries, typically in their 50s and 60s. However, children ages 8 and older are welcome on board (though there are no designated kids clubs), and some voyages draw younger or older passengers.

What travelers say: Most recent reviews are positive, with travelers highlighting the friendly, knowledgeable staff and tasty food.

Explore Avalon Waterways cruise deals on GoToSea.

Courtesy of Tauck

Number of passengers: 84 to 130 Sails to:  Europe

Travel company Tauck wears multiple hats: It operates small-ship voyages around the world, land tours across seven continents, small group journeys for an average of 24 travelers at a time, family tours and – finally – European river cruises. Six new river itineraries in Europe are on the docket for 2024. Take your pick from nine river vessels to explore popular waterways like the Douro, the Moselle, the Rhine, the Danube and the Rhone.

What to expect: All-inclusive fares cover shore excursions, onboard activities and entertainment, gratuities, beverages and more. Plus, Tauck offers exclusive access to unforgettable experiences like wine tastings at private vineyards and gala dinners in historic castles.

More than 80% of the staterooms feature French balconies and floor-to-ceiling windows, allowing for excellent views. Other in-room amenities may include adjustable climate controls, satin linens, pillow-top mattresses, terry cloth robes and more. Outside of your cabin, you'll find perks such as a sun deck, a putting green, enrichment programs like cooking demonstrations, a fitness center and complimentary bikes for onshore exploring.

Tauck caters to affluent, English-speaking cruisers – primarily Americans in the 55-and-older age group – though you may also find families with adult children on board. The line appeals most to travelers who prefer all the details of their trip to be taken care of for them, versus those who like to plan activities independent of the cruise line.

What travelers say: Recent passengers generally speak highly of their Tauck river cruise experiences, pointing to the exceptional level of organization and spacious, luxurious accommodations. Others said they were underwhelmed for the price.

Getty Images

Number of passengers: 84 to 180 Sails to:  Europe, Asia

Previously known as Emerald Waterways, Emerald Cruises transports travelers across some of the most popular rivers in Europe and Asia, including the Danube, the Rhine, the Douro and the Mekong.

What to expect: The cruise fare covers all meals, beverages with lunch and dinner, daily shore excursions − which include more physically rigorous options called EmeraldACTIVE – Wi-Fi access and gratuities.

Emerald operates nine river vessels, all of which boast luxurious public spaces and accommodations with en suite bathrooms and flat-screen TVs. Common-area amenities span heated indoor pools, sun decks, spa and wellness facilities, and a variety of eateries. Onboard fitness classes are available, as are other forms of entertainment. On shore, cruisers can borrow bicycles to explore historic city centers.

Typical clientele aboard Emerald Cruises' voyages includes American and British passengers around retirement age, though some younger travelers may make an appearance as well. Children 12 and older are permitted on board and on tours, but there are no kids clubs or designated activities for younger cruisers. Special rooms and dinner reservations are available for solo travelers.

What travelers say: Cruisers on recent sailings – especially first-time sailors – enjoyed their experiences on Emerald Cruises. High points included the attentive crew members and the stress-free booking and planning process. However, some felt that customer service and communication were subpar.

Gillies Zaiser | Courtesy of Scenic Luxury Cruises and Tours

Number of passengers: 68 to 163 Sails to: Europe, Asia

From the Danube to the Mekong, Australian travel company Scenic Luxury Cruises and Tours offers lavish, all-inclusive river sailings with an emphasis on customization. The more upscale sister brand of Emerald Cruises, Scenic affords travelers the opportunity to do as much or as little as they want while on board and ashore.

What to expect: Enrichment activities are hand-picked by the line's "Journey Designers," and vessels provide a top-notch level of service thanks to their high crew-to-passenger ratios. In fact, each passenger receives a designated butler who can complete nightly turndowns and make laundry arrangements, among other tasks.

Spacious suites on board are larger than those on most other riverboats (ranging from 160 to 510 square feet). High-tech balcony controls allow lodgers to let in as much air as they'd like with the touch of a button. Cruisers will also enjoy special in-room touches like pillow menus, slippers and robes.

When it comes to dining, Scenic sources local ingredients and culinary inspiration from the ports visited on the itinerary to provide an authentic experience. All meals are included in the base cruise fare, along with beverages, gratuities, Wi-Fi access, shore excursions and electric bicycle usage in select destinations.

What travelers say: Recent cruisers were pleased with their experiences aboard Scenic's vessels, praising the spacious cabins, pampering butler service, and knowledgeable crew members and tour guides. However, some travelers were particularly disappointed with the food.

Helwin Goetzinger | Courtesy of CroisiEurope

Number of passengers: 22 to 200 Sails to:  Europe, Asia, Africa

CroisiEurope is a family-run French cruise line that has been in business since 1976. This line has more than 50 ships and barges that sail to countries around the world, including Egypt, Cambodia and Spain . Unusual in river cruising, the line operates two custom-built ships that sail on Lake Kariba in southern Africa. Additionally, CroisiEurope has a division that sells barge cruises throughout France on six different canals, such as Burgundy or Provence.

What to expect: CroisiEurope is known for its wide range of destinations and is one of the only river cruise lines that operates custom-built ships on Germany 's Elbe river, the Guadalquivir and Guadiana rivers in Spain and Portugal, and Venice 's canals. Onboard accommodations are relatively basic, which keeps the cruise fare to a budget-friendly minimum. The cruise line aims to provide the best value for money in the cruise industry. Cuisine is focused on French food with some local flair in the main dining room, which is included in the cruise fare.

The passenger mix on a CroisiEurope cruise is relatively international, featuring large contingencies from France, Germany, the U.K. and North America. Announcements are typically given in both French and English. The cruise line sees a mix of older couples and groups as well as younger families, depending on the itinerary and time of year.

What travelers say: Several cruisers echoed that some of CroisiEurope's river ships are due for a refurbishment and that internet connectivity leaves a lot to be desired, while others maintain that the experience was superb.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Size: River cruise ships are smaller in size and the number of passengers they can accommodate, with one lounge and one main dining room being a typical setup.
• Atmosphere: The overall vibe on a river cruise is more relaxed and far less busy than that of an ocean liner.
• Onboard entertainment: River cruising is notoriously sleepy at night, with a focus instead on local enrichment like cooking demonstrations or liqueur tastings. Due to the busy schedule of port calls and excursions, most passengers are tired after a long day of sightseeing and don't mind a lack of nightlife.
• Excursions: Most of your time on a river cruise is spent out exploring the destinations, which can sometimes be two stops in a single day. Passengers can choose from a variety of activities in port – including biking, kayaking and hiking – or explore the destination at a leisurely pace.
• Cuisine: Cuisine tends to be focused on local specialties but is prepared to accommodate predominantly American tastes. Not every river cruise line offers unlimited drinks, but the majority include beer and wine at lunch and dinner, often showcasing regional varieties.
• Price: River cruising typically comes at a much higher price point than ocean-based itineraries.
• American Queen

Note that inclusions can vary by cruise line. For example, Viking rates – while not fully all-inclusive – cover beer and wine at meals and one tour per day, while gratuities and other drink packages are left to the discretion of the guest.

Avalon Waterways, on the other hand, offers a number of included tours in every port on select itineraries that range from cultural or culinary-focused to active.

In terms of inclusions and service ratios (the number of crew on board to guests), the following river cruise lines are considered the most luxurious:

You might also be interested in:

• The Top Cruises on Small Ships
• The Top Adults-Only Cruises
• The Best Cruise Insurance Plans
• The Best Annual Travel Insurance Plans
• The Best Travel Insurance for Seniors and Retirees

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Choosing The Best European River Cruise For You

Savvy travelers know that European River Cruises aren't just for seniors. On board every Tauck riverboat, you'll find couples young and young at heart… groups of friends and groups who share common interests or alma maters… solo travelers and families… all having the best time of their lives. No matter which waterway you want to journey along in Europe, who you're traveling with and what you hope to take away from the experience, you'll find the best European river cruise for you with Tauck, voted to Travel + Leisure's "World's Best Awards" list for 25 consecutive years.

Best Danube River Cruises

Waltzing its way from Germany's storied Black Forest and through ten countries in Europe before spilling into the Black Sea, the Danube River has inspired countless artists, writers and composers with its stunning power and beauty. Discover the best Danube River Cruises for you from the always-popular Blue Danube to the ever-sophisticated Royal Danube, Berlin & Krakow.

Best Rhine River Cruises

Noted for dramatic folklore, a renowned wine growing region and UNESCO World Heritage sites dotting its banks, Rhine River Cruises flow through six European nations. Once thought by Ancient Romans to be the outermost border of civilization, the Rhine is now home to working windmills, medieval towns, storybook forests and a river cruise that's just right for you.

Best Rhône River Cruises

From high in the Swiss Alps, the Rhône carves a scenic path to Lake Geneva and through France on its more than 500-mile journey to the Mediterranean Sea. Over the centuries, cathedral towns have sprouted up along its banks. And today, the Rhône is one of the world's most revered wine growing regions. You're certain to find Rhone River Cruises that will inspire you to raise a glass.

Best Seine River Cruises

Shining like a beacon along its banks, Paris…the one-and-only City of Light…is just one of the numerous wonders you can experience on multi-day Seine River Cruises brought to you by one of the top river cruise companies in the world. Whether you want to stir your inner artist or pay your respects at the beaches of Normandy, there's a perfect cruise for you.

Best Douro River Cruises

Sharing the water with traditional, flat-bottomed Rabelo boats, you'll peacefully glide along aboard the ms Andorinha , Tauck's newest riverboat purpose-built for the Douro. Explore the historic villages towering above the river's banks from coastal Porto to the Spanish border and drink in the quintas that produce the region's venerable Port wine on the Douro River Cruise that speaks to you.

Best French River Cruises

Traveling aboard a riverboat provides a fresh new perspective on France. Whether you cruise the Seine to immerse yourself in Parisian culture and World War II history or ride the Rhône to explore the French Riviera or Provençal countryside, you'll find the right fit with one of Tauck's thoughtfully curated French River Cruises , receiving rave reviews, sailing-after-sailing.

Best Family River Cruises

The best part about experiencing Europe's sophisticated cities, rich history and iconic sites is the pure joy of sharing every moment of it together. That's why we've custom-crafted several itineraries specifically for families to highlight hands-on adventures, on board fun and all-ages accessibility. Now everyone can find the best European Family River Cruises for their family!

Best Christmas Markets River Cruises

If you look forward to the holiday season all year long, December is the best month to board a Tauck Christmas Markets River Cruise  on the Danube or Rhine Rivers. Delivering equal parts old-world charm and a festive holiday mood, these itineraries include guided visits to Europe's traditional Christmas markets as well as on board celebrations to make your spirits bright.

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This River Cruise Line Is One of the Best-Kept Secrets on Europe’s Rivers

Some of the most luxurious river cruise sailings in europe are also some of the most affordable..

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Riverside Luxury Cruises has resurrected the formal Crystal Cruises river cruise ships, some of the most luxurious vessels plying Europe’s inland waterways.

Per Karehed/Riverside Luxury Cruises

When Riverside Luxury Cruises entered the crowded and highly competitive river cruise market last year, it had the advantage of starting with one of the newest, most luxurious fleets of ships on Europe’s inland waterways.

But anyone who travels regularly knows that luxury is about so much more than just the physical aspects of a ship or resort. It’s also about the people, food, amenities and, of course, the service.

By all appearances, Riverside is committed to not just competing, but excelling across all aspects of luxury river cruising. After a week of sailing the Rhine and Main Rivers aboard the 110-passenger Riverside DeBussy , the most recently launched Riverside ship, I had to agree with a fellow traveler and frequent river and ocean cruiser who said the food was the best she has ever had on a ship. And she has sailed with a lot of luxury cruise lines.

And while there were a few minor service quirks in the dining room—as one would expect on any ship’s first season—it was clear that this new player in the luxury river cruise space has the service-oriented chops and the luxury-hospitality background needed to maintain the high standards set by the ships’ previous owners, the now-defunct Crystal Cruises .

Even more important, the cruise was fun. I knew it would be when, on our first afternoon of sailing, at the beginning of a cocktail-making demonstration, Miroslav, the bartender, asked us for the definition of mixology. When no one had an answer, he replied, “The art of getting hammered.” The next hour flew by as we laughed our way through demonstrations and samples.

Among the unique onboard amenities: a swimming pool

Ian Schemper/Riverside Luxury Cruises

Riverside DeBussy is one of five ships that German luxury hotel company Seaside Collection acquired during Crystal Cruises’ bankruptcy process. Because the ships sailed just a season or two prior to the COVID-19 pandemic and Crystal’s ultimate demise, they are like new and feature the original elegant yet simple and contemporary decor (like a classy boutique hotel, with lush velvet fabrics and nods to sleek art deco design, that’s not overdone). Top-of-the-line amenities include heated bathroom floors and incredibly comfortable true king-size beds in the staterooms and suites.

One of the biggest luxuries on board is the luxury of space. The Riverside ships have larger-than-average cabins ranging from 194 to 706 square feet, with walk-in closets and double vanities in the bathrooms. The public areas are also generous in size. And with a maximum of just 110 guests, the ships have the highest staff-to-guest ratio of any river cruise line, with one crew member for every two guests. There are also lots of indulgent extras, such as butlers for every stateroom, 24-hour room service, high-end Natura Bissé products from Barcelona in the spa and the cabins, an indoor pool, a small but well-equipped fitness center, and a self-serve guest laundry (in addition to laundry and dry-cleaning services.)

An elaborate six-course tasting-menu dinner takes place in the intimate Vintage Room.

Courtesy of Riverside Luxury Cruises

From homemade cookies to a special eight-course tasting-menu and wine-pairing dinner, Riverside’s locally sourced culinary offerings are where the cruise line really excels. I am not easily impressed when it comes to food. But I didn’t have a single dish I didn’t enjoy during my seven days on board, whether it was eggs Benedict for breakfast, homemade soups at lunch, or the fine-dining options each evening.

The crème de la crème, of course, was the seven-course tasting menu, offered for an additional 295 euros per guest (around US$317 based on current conversion rates), in the ship’s Vintage Room, a private 10-person venue off the main dining area with sweeping views of the passing scenery from its floor-to-ceiling windows. The night I dined there, the dinner menu included roasted yellow capsicum soup with a fresh anchovy, coriander, and a paprika chip; surf and turf of beef sirloin and seared scallop; and tender pink spring veal cooked with pistachios. Just as good as the dinner were the exceptional wine selections from France, Germany, Switzerland, and Hungary. Among my favorites: Donatsch Completer Malanserrebe, a white wine from the rare and ancient grapes native to the Graubünden region of Switzerland.

Elaborate meals, cooking demonstrations, tastings, and pairings, are all an integral part of the Riverside experience.

“CHRISTOPHER WARREN 561714427O”

The itinerary and excursions

I sailed on the DeBussy between Amsterdam and Basel, Switzerland. The seven-day cruise (with an option to sail another seven days and end in Budapest ) started with an overnight that included a nighttime canal cruise in Amsterdam. After a morning walking tour in central Amsterdam that included a stop at Café Luxembourg, where we tasted local Dutch Bols gin and apple pie. Then we learned about cheese making and tasted some samples (of course) at the family-owned Henri Willig before setting sail. The next morning we cruised through the famed castle-lined Rhine Gorge. From there it was on to Dusseldorf, known for its art and architecture, before we split off from the Rhine onto the Main River and its lesser-visited, well-preserved medieval towns and villages of Miltenberg, Wurzburg, and Bamberg. In keeping with the culinary theme, the excursions (all are included) offered demonstrations and tastings of local Bavarian beers and wines. Rainy weather canceled our bike and art tours in Dusseldorf, but otherwise there were three to four activities to choose from every day. In Miltenberg, I chose the witch-hunt–themed excursion, where we learned about the history of witchcraft and how deadly epidemics, bad harvests, and storms fueled an era of witch hunts that landed some in prison while others were killed and burned. We also visited the last remaining witch’s cottage, which is hidden in the garden of a private residence. Active travelers can take advantage of Riverside’s hike and bike tours, and guests can also check out bikes to ride on their own.

The lounge is where the majority of the evening entertainment takes place on Riverside Debussy .

Onboard activities

While every day offered a choice of off-ship activities, I would have also been happy to spend most of my time on board, sipping mimosas on the sun deck or getting spa treatments from the experienced masseuse and aesthetician. As we sailed, the fun-loving crew kept us well entertained with the aforementioned mixology classes, a pastry demonstration, and bingo, which offered spa treatments as prizes. Evening entertainment varied, from the onboard pianist to a Bavarian brass band and an amusing parlor game put on by the crew called “Liar’s Club,” during which some of the crew stood at the front of the lounge to answer questions, and we had to figure out who was and wasn’t telling the truth.

As a startup, Riverside may be the best-kept secret on Europe’s rivers. That means good deals and lots of choices for travelers as the company works to build its brand recognition internationally. Riverside Debussy sails 3- to 22-night itineraries on the Rhine, Moselle, Main, and Danube Rivers. All-inclusive (including gratuities, transfers, wine, beer, and spirits) rates start at $2,413 per person for a three-day cruise, based on double occupancy.

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The Best River Cruises To Try Right Now

If you thought all cruises were the same, you haven’t taken a river cruise. While the basics are comparable to an ocean cruise—you pay once and get lodging, meals, and activities bundled together—these ships are designed with the width of the river and the height of the bridges in mind. As a result, passengers will see smaller vessels and passenger counts: usually just under 200 guests. Less space means you won’t likely find onboard rock climbing walls or zip lines (think: the 6,780-guest Harmony of the Seas , from Royal Caribbean) though you’ll find the experience is more intimae and inclusive. River cruisers often enjoy complimentary, guided walking tours of ports, free Wi-Fi, and wine with lunch and dinner. Because you won’t find hot nightlife or sprawling, floating casinos, the appeal of a river cruise is simple: You unpack once, and get to see an immense swathe of countryside without having to navigate train schedules or rent a car. In addition, most river cruises (save for select holiday and summer sailings) are adults-only. River-sailing ships tend to attract a more sophisticated—and yes, older—crowd, though young travelers shouldn’t be deterred if they’re more concerned with destinations than with onboard parties. Most travelers associate Europe with river cruising (dozens of new cruise ships recently launched in this region), with barges navigating every imaginable waterway, from the Danube to the Moselle). But there are rivers all over the world, like the Chobe in Africa and the famed Nile , that can be explored by boat, on vessels designed to reflect the style of the region. Take a trip on one of the best river cruises in the world to see the charming, riverfront villages you’d otherwise miss. No matter where you go, we promise you’ll find it impossible not to unwind and relax.

Crystal Mozart

While Crystal has six custom-built river ships on order, the line just christened the Crystal Mozart in July. This rehabbed ship (the largest on the rivers it sails) debuted in 1987 and previously belonged to the Peter Deilmann fleet. With gorgeous public spaces and chic staterooms, it’s easily the most elegant choice in the region.

Where You Can Go: The ship sails the Danube, and will remain there, as the other rivers in Europe are too narrow for its passage.

Most Notable: The roof deck includes a retractable (and quite literal) pop-up bar that can be lowered when the ship passes beneath bridges.

ZQ Collection Zambezi Queen

The 28-passenger Zambezi Queen is akin to a floating houseboat. The ship docks daily, allowing passengers to explore Botswana’s Chobe National Park, safari-style. Passengers are led on tours by guides in search of the Big Five Game: lions, elephants, buffalo, leopards, and rhinos.

Where You Can Go: This ship only sails on the Chobe River in Africa

Most Notable: Africa-inspired décor like leopard-spotted pillows and zebra-striped wall prints. There’s also a gorgeous white whirlpool tub on the bow — the perfect spot to watch for animals on the shoreline.

Tauck MS Joy

The 130-passenger MS Joy was christened in June, and while she’s the smallest of the company’s vessels, she’s the same length as the line's larger 135-meter ships. On deck, you’ll find a putting green and a plunge pool, but it’s the cabins that stand out: The ship has nearly two dozen, 300-square-foot suites: the most suites of this size on any ship in Europe.

Where You Can Go: This vessel sails the Danube, offering special Christmas market cruises at the holidays.

Most Notable: We suspect the beds may be the most comfortable on these rivers, with goose down pillows, 400-thread-count sheets, and pillow-top mattresses.

Nour El Nil’s Meroe

Tours of Egypt’s iconic pyramids, temples, and tombs are highlights for passengers on the elegant 20-passenger river ship. Staterooms boast floor-to-ceiling windows with panoramic views from every bed and chair, and the brightly colored textiles evoke regional handicrafts.

Where You Can Go: This vessel only sails the Nile in Egypt, but passengers get the opportunity to swim in the river: something you can’t do on most river cruises in other parts of the world.

Most Notable: On deck, there’s a couch against almost every balcony, offering more than enough space for every single passenger to stretch out, sunbathe, and admire the scenery.

Uniworld’s S.S. Antoinette

The 154-passenger S.S. Antoinette was Uniworld’s first big upgrade. Inside you’ll find Brazilian marble floors, a 19th-century Venetian glass mirror, and a 10-foot sapphire-studded Strauss Baccarat chandelier that once hung in New York City's Tavern on the Green. Even the cabins (which have 100 percent Egyptian cotton sheets and European-style feather-filled duvets) are lined with French toile fabric.

Where You Can Go: Look for the “Castles Along the Rhine” itinerary, which features the otherwise difficult-to-access homesteads of European royalty.

Most Notable: This is the rare river ship to offer an onboard, indoor movie theater—a blessing on rainy days.

Avalon Luminary

Beds on this 138-passenger ship face the massive cabin windows, giving you views of Eastern Europe’s wineries and lush green hillsides from the moment you wake up in the morning.

Where You Can Go: The nine-day itineraries sail back and forth from Linz to Budapest.

Most Notable: While some cruises may feel too sedentary for active travelers, this river option is the best of both worlds. Guests can bike, hike, and canoe along the Danube, or check out ice caves and underground salt mines, or mountain climb.

Belmond Pivoline

Launching in spring 2017, this new eight-passenger barge will focus on the Champagne region of France. Onboard, the French country details, from timber wood furnishings to marble bathrooms, Parisian duvet covers, and wrought ironwork, reflect the distinct charm of the region.

Where You Can Go: The vessel sails between Meaux and Chalons-en-Champagne, stopping at small wine towns for tours of museums and gothic cathedrals along the way. Guests also enjoy countless tastings of locally produced bubbly.

Most Notable: Watch the vineyards pass by from the heated swimming pool during the day, and enjoy jazz performances after dark.

Aqua Expeditions’ Aqua Mekong

The 40-passenger Aqua Mekong was designed specifically for the Mekong River in Southeast Asia, and the décor and cuisine reflect the region. Guests enjoy mango salads, chili-crusted prawns, sautéed catfish with plenty of ginger, curries rich with coconut milk, and savory rice noodle dishes onboard.

Where You Can Go: Each cruise focuses on Vietnamese and Cambodian temples and markets, with notable visits to Buddhist monasteries.

Most Notable: Aqua Expeditions asks passengers to bring school supplies for local children, so they have something to hand out in small villages during the trip.

AmaWaterways Viola

Designed in partnership with Adventures Disney, AmaWaterways’ 158-passenger ship hosts family-friendly tours with designated Disney-hired guides and special kid-friendly activities several times a year.

Where You Can Go: This ship sails the Danube, with opportunities for bike trips along the banks and castle tours for the whole gang.

Most Notable: While cocktail lounges are usually a quiet, social spot for grown-ups, kids take over on these special sailings. During the day, there are classes in strudel making for children and Sound of Music - themed tours of Salzburg.

Scenic Aura

The 44-passenger Aura was designed with Myanmar in mind, and the Asian décor onboard is simple and modern, with spare gray guestrooms brightened with elegant touches: live orchids, floor-to-ceiling windows, and Thai silk pillows.

Where You Can Go: The ship sails Myanmar’s Irrwaddy River from Yangon to Pagan, visiting temples in Mandalay, the monasteries of Sagaing, and the floating temples of Inle Lake along the way.

Most Notable: While this ship has a small passenger count, it also has more amenities and services than most large vessels, including a pool, complimentary laundry, 24-hour room service, and an open-air movie theater.

Viking Longship Forseti

All of the Viking Longships are identical, and they all use modern Scandinavian design to provide a clean aesthetic. Best of all, cabins have thoughtful (and modern) conveniences like bedside USB ports and heated bathroom floors.

Where You Can Go: The ship sails eight-day cruises in France’s Bordeaux region, traveling the Dordogne, Gironde, and Garonne rivers. Passengers have the opportunity to tour the chateaux and participate in wine, cognac, and oyster tastings.

Most Notable: The ship’s sun deck has solar panels, an herb garden, and a putting green, too.

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The Best European River Cruises For Every Type Of Traveler

Every traveler knows the best type of travel itinerary allows you to explore the nature, culture, food, and history of a new destination in an authentic and unhurried manner while taking in all the sights. However, when it comes to traversing the multitude of stunning cities, towns, and villages of Europe, river cruises offer the perfect blend of activities and leisure.  Whether you are an avid cruiser or a novice traveler finding the best European river cruise to meet your particular style of travel, budget, and interests is paramount to ensuring a successful trip. But be forewarned, your first time experiencing Europe by river may make you a lifelong customer. 

Why River Cruising?

So what is it that makes river cruises so appealing to a wide variety of travelers? Unlike most other travel itineraries and group excursions that are restrictive based on demographics, physical abilities, or budgets, river cruises can appeal to pretty much everyone. So, whether you’re planning to travel with colleagues, friends, or families, there is a river cruise that is right for you. The key is finding the best itinerary, cruise line, ship, and cabin to fit your style of travel. 

River cruises are a naturally immersive and enriching travel experience. Stopping in different cities and towns along a particular region each day provides ample opportunities for exploration. And unlike their ocean counterparts, travelers averse to crowds enjoy the small boat ambiance and personalized service. 

What makes river cruises vastly appealing is visiting many destinations without ever feeling rushed or hurried. Typical land itineraries require multiple modes of transportation to get you from one destination to the next. Trains, planes, automobiles, and motorcoaches can leave even the most seasoned traveler exhausted. 

River cruises eliminate the need for endless packing and unpacking. Furthermore, travelers don’t waste precious travel time in transit at the mercy of airlines and trains. In addition, many ports offer a variety of excursions, from discovering art, learning about history, exploring a city by walking tours, cycling through the countryside, tasting local food and wine, and more. 

Where Do River Cruises Typically Go?

The first step in planning a river cruise in Europe is deciding which river you should sail on. Each of Europe’s majestic rivers traverses different destinations and has its unique feel and ambiance.

Danube River Cruise

The Danube river is arguably one of the most popular and famous rivers in the world. It is the second-largest river in Europe. The Danube borders ten European countries (Ukraine, Serbia, Croatia, Germany, Austria, Bulgaria, Hungary, Slovakia, Moldova, and Romania). Cruising along the Danube allows travelers to explore many of Europe’s most enchanting cities and towns. Itineraries on the Upper Danube commonly stop in Budapest, Prague, and Vienna. In comparison, Lower Danube trips visit Germany or Romania. This means that the Danube river cruise is one of the only European river cruises that take you through multiple cities and countries in a single itinerary. 

Taking a river cruise through the Danube feels a bit like stepping back in time. Imagine yourself admiring ancient cities, centuries-old architecture, and romantic vistas as you float along the dreamy shores. Glimpsing into Europe’s storied past will turn even the most skeptical traveler into a historical connoisseur. 

Rhine River Cruise

The Rhine River is the longest in Germany. Cruising along the Rhine takes you on a magical adventure. Rhine river cruises are popular as they typically begin in the lovely city of Amsterdam and travel through the Netherlands to Germany. 

Fan’s of John Green’s  The Fault in Our Stars  will enjoy visiting locations mentioned in the book and filmed for the big screen. Additionally, since the Rhine river winds along West Germany, the gothic architecture, medieval towns, and enchanting villages will leave you feeling like a character straight out of a Brothers Grimm story.

And that’s not all! The Rhine river cruise takes you on a journey of romantic towns with visible Roman influences, award-winning vineyards, fairy-tale castles, and heart-stoppingly beautiful settings.

Rhone River Cruise

As similar as it sounds to the Rhine, the Rhone river flows down from the Alps and moves through France and Switzerland until it joins the Mediterranean Sea. Rhone River cruises typically explore various picturesque villages of France. River cruises along the Rhone are especially appealing to honeymooners and romantics. Few places in the world envoke sentiments of love and longing like France’s iconic cities and towns. 

But France isn’t just for lovers. The city of Lyon is home to many of the best restaurants in Europe. It is widely considered the unofficial gastronomic capital of France. Cruises along the Rhone river also explore Burgundy and Beaujolais, known for their wines. Most luxury river cruise lines offer extraordinary wine and food tours for a variety of styles and budgets. Whether you are a wine connoisseur or simply want to partake in fun tasting experiences, there are a plethora of vineyards to choose from. Rhone should be at the top of your wish list if you, quite literally, fancy a taste of France. 

And, of course, a river cruise in Europe would not be complete without story-book towns and villages replete with priceless artwork and masterful architecture. So make sure to explore cities like Avignon and Arles.

Douro River Cruise

The Douro is a major river in Europe and flows through Spain and Portugal. This river is the highest in the Iberian Peninsula, giving way to the impressive city of Porto. If you are planning a cruise along the Douro River, consider extending your trip and spending a few days exploring Porto. It is the second-largest city in the country, and one of the most beautiful.

While Porto is blessed with a stunning waterfront location, the town is most famous for its wines. Porto makes some of the world’s best wine. Therefore, many tourist attractions center around tasting rooms and other port wine experiences. Take the opportunity to taste the world-famous port wine, enjoy the mild climate, and partake in some of the open-air activities. In addition, the Douro river cruise introduces travelers to beautiful off-the-beaten-path villages and rolling hillsides. Therefore, exploring the region on a bike can be a fun and memorable experience for active travelers.

River Cruises-Which River Cruises to Take?

While all river cruises have a lot to offer, you want to choose the itinerary, ship, and cruise line that is right for you. Here are the best European river cruises for all types of travelers, and what you can expect on each:

Picture Courtesy of Uniworld River Cruise

Uniworld River Cruises

Best for: cultured travelers and art lovers.

Uniworld river cruises are one of the world’s most renowned and respectable luxury cruise lines. If you are a traveler who truly loves art and history, then Uniworld river cruises may be your best choice. Designed to suit the particular needs of cultured travelers, Uniworld river cruises offer an excellent staff-to-guest ratio, small ships, and unparalleled service.

To display their commitment to supporting the arts, the ships are decorated with original artwork. In addition, the team at Uniworld works tirelessly to craft truly immersive and authentic shore excursions for guests. Their all-inclusive amenities provide guests with gourmet food, unlimited premium spirits and wines, and thoughtfully curated shore excursions. At the same time, the warm staff and beautifully appointed rooms will make you feel right at home.

Picture Courtesy of Crystal River Cruises

Crystal River Cruises

Best for: luxury travelers, epicures, and wine connoisseurs .

Wish to avoid crowds and prefer to travel with a consistently vetted crew? Then Crystal River Cruises will be the best European river cruise for you. The Crystal brand is world-famous for delivering incredible and ultra-luxury travel experiences for discerning guests. Best for luxury travelers and wine connoisseurs, this is a luxury cruise company designed to serve its travelers with the highest level of service. Crystal riverboats offer open-seating dining and serve Michelin-inspired cuisine.

It only takes one look at the gorgeous interior, spacious rooms, and panoramic windows opening to picturesque balconies to convince you that when it comes to luxury, Crystal reigns supreme. In addition, crystal river itineraries offer multiple overnight stays allowing travelers to explore destinations at a more leisurely pace.

Picture Courtesy of Amawaterways

AmaWaterways

Best for: families and active travelers .

Love to see the best in everything and live your life to the fullest? AmaWaterways tailor their cruises to take you on a grand adventure through Europe’s most famous destinations! Although many river cruises cater to a mature clientele, AmaWaterways invites children as young as four to join in the fun.

The cruise line has partnered with Adventures By Disney to create incredibly immersive and engaging itineraries for families and children. Perfect for a multi-generational trip or even a family-friendly company retreat. Children can enjoy falconry shows, explore magical castles, bike through ancient towns, and hike through enchanting forests. And if you’re hoping for a little exercise, you can rely on AmaMagna’s complimentary kid-friendly bicycles on board.

In addition, many AmaWaterways European river cruises offer evening city tours making it a good choice for active travelers and those wishing to explore longer. Finally, music lovers will love the magical Mozart concert in Vienna. 

Picture Courtesy of Avalon Waterways

Avalon Waterways

Best for: travelers who enjoy the flexibility and onboard entertainment.

If you’re looking for an immersive river cruise and love onboard entertainment, then Avalon Waterways could be the best European river cruise for you. Offering a flexible schedule that presents various programs from the Avalon Choice program and built with large staterooms and suites with open-air balconies, one step on board of an Avalon Waterways cruise, and you won’t want to get off.

In addition, travelers fascinated by European culture and history will enjoy Avalon’s historical and cultural immersion through lectures, special interest sailings, and tour guides.

Picture Courtesy of Tauck River Cruises

Tauck River Cruises

Best for: well-heeled travelers and multi-generational groups .

Tauck River Cruises are perfect for a myriad of seasoned luxury travelers. Their itineraries appease everyone from families traveling with children, to cultural attachés, to wine connoisseurs and history professors. Designed to appeal to travelers of all ages, Tauck is renowned for its incredible service, cultural immersion, and creativity. 

Tauck’s European river cruises offer exclusive VIP access, unique cultural programs, and gourmet dining experience explicitly curated for their guests. 

At the same time, Tauck Bridges offer multi-generational river cruise itineraries specially designed for families. So whether it’s discovering kid-friendly attractions or planning activities like scavenger hunts and games in the Louvre, arranging cooking demonstrations to attract eager youngsters, or planning outdoor exploration for active teens, Tauck Bridges designers have every detail covered. 

Picture Courtesy of Scenic River Cruises

Scenic River Cruises

Best for: first-time river cruisers .

Scenic River Cruises might be the best option to wet your European river appetite if you are new to river cruising and wondering whether you will enjoy it. The cruise line offers guests a five-star, all-inclusive experience. However, what makes Scenic River Cruises the best for many travelers are their well-designed programs.

Scenic trains their staff to ensure travelers access information, superior service, and flexible and knowledgeable guides. Whether it’s arranging GPS e-bikes, providing airport transfers, arranging laundry and gratuities, or giving you a guided tour of the port, Scenic River Cruises proudly does it all!

Picture Courtesy of Viking River Cruises

Viking River Cruises

Best for: retirees and adult only vacations.

Last but not least, Viking River Cruises are arguably one of the most renowned and famous brands in the industry when looking for the best European river cruise. Moreover, Viking appeals particularly well to retirees and active adults. So if you’re looking to finally stretch those legs after years of hard work and enjoy an adult-focused and relaxing European river cruise, Viking may be the answer. 

Viking’s European river itineraries will take you along on a ride that’s quiet, immersive, enriching, and thoroughly entertaining. Although Viking ships have a reputation for maintaining a quiet and peaceful onboard atmosphere, they are superb at bringing their A-game to enrichment programs and shore activities.

For more insight on the beauty of cruises, check out our previous blog The Art of Cruising.

Nervous about motion sickness onboard check out our blog how to cure motion sickness while traveling for amazing tips..

Boutique Travel Advisors is a full-service, luxury travel agency . We specialize in creating  bespoke itineraries  for discerning clients around the world. Please visit our   website   or call 480-787-1477 to speak with a dedicated travel expert. 

Are you planning an international or domestic trip? Check out our other articles to help you come prepared!

We highly recommend the purchase of travel insurance to protect your financial investment and health while traveling internationally. To purchase a policy with our preferred travel insurance company Arch RoamRight  click here.

If you would like assistance purchasing a travel insurance policy, please get in touch with a BTA advisor .

About the Author: JANET SEMENOVA

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A Danube River cruise unveils Europe’s rich and dramatic history. Glittering cultural capitals, lush vineyards, magnificent monasteries and endless scenic splendor line the river’s banks. Here are some sample highlights you will see with Viking:

• Enchanting Passau, set where three rivers meet
• Lush vineyards of the Wachau Valley
• The baroque splendor of Melk Abbey
• Vienna’s elegant architecture
• The splendid Benedictine Abbey of Göttweig
• Scenic beauty of the picturesque Danube Bend
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• Soaring cliffs of the scenic Iron Gate
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TIMELESS BEAUTY OF THE PAST

European cruises.

Jump on a satisfying study in contrasts, from the black Baltic to the azure Aegean, and from medieval castles to modern skyscrapers with a cruise to Europe.

As you Cruise to Europe, peer over the side of your ship as it approaches the weathered spires of old-town Copenhagen, the sun-bleached houses of Santorini, the colourful cliffs of the Mediterranean or the Celtic cliffs of the British Isles. Dive into Croatia's waterfalls and France's famous rivers and let the eclecticism of Europe delight you again and again. Culinary excellence also awaits, from familiar favourites like Italian pasta and Spanish tapas, to lesser-known cuisines from Amsterdam to Zagreb. Discover the magic with a Europe cruise.

Save Big With These European Cruise Deals

Explore more while spending less with Europe cruise deals onboard our best cruise ships

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SUN, SPICE AND SEA BREEZES

It's no coincidence that many of the best European cruises call in the most beautiful ports in the world. Eat your way through the cobbled streets of Italy, contrast the timeless beauty of Greece's ruins with the modern chic that's come to define its islands or hike through forlorn caverns and up lush waterfalls in captivating Croatia.

DISCOVER LA DOLCE VITA

From the storied streets of Rome to the charming canals of Venice, Italy is a country that needs no introduction. Whether you pose with Michelangelo's David in Florence or indulge in to-die-for Pizza in Naples, it's no wonder why so many cruises to Europe visit la bella Italia.

FROM THE ACROPOLIS TO THE AEGEAN

Greece is remarkable, from the ancient Acropolis of Athens to the blue-roofed houses of Santorini. Whether you trek through the limestone hills in the north or swim through the cobalt waters around the Cyclades, it's easy to see why this is one of the best places to visit in Europe.

"GAMES OF THRONES" Lives On

The hit TV show might be finished, but "Game of Thrones" fans will recognize dozens of locations in the walled city of Dubrovnik , the jewel of Croatia's Adriatic coast. Farther afield, explore the countless waterfalls of Plitvice Lakes National Park or pair European cruises with tastings at underrated wineries.

SCENES THAT INSPIRED 1,000 PAINTINGS

Endless possibilities are what the coasts of France, Spain and Portugal have always been about. Generations of painting greats from Van Gogh to Picasso have found inspiration from the crystalline coasts of the French Riviera, to the craggy mountaintops of the Canary Islands. Of course, the best European cruises also dock in timeless cities like Barcelona, Cherbourg, Lisbon and beyond.  

CITY OF LOVE, CÔTE D'AZUR

The only thing better than strolling into Paris as the Eiffel Tower lights up at night? Sitting down for a meal of fresh-caught seafood as the sun sets into the harbor of aptly-named Nice. France has got something for every traveler, which is why so many cruises to Europe dock here.

SAY "SALUD" TO SPAIN

Sitting down for Spanish tapas is one of the most satisfying food experiences in the world, especially when you wash it down with fruity sangria. Plus, the Jurassic topography of the Canary Islands and the storied streets of Barcelona are just a few of the best places to visit in Europe you'll find here.

KING OF DISCOVERY

Portugal is where many of the first expeditions to the New World start, but most people on European cruises bound for Lisbon wonder why anyone would leave. Explore the mysterious Quinta de Regaleira castle in Sintra, pour port wine in Porto or practice your surfing skills in the Algarve.

Best European Cruises

A cruise to Europe is filled with exciting destinations, each with its own style and vibe. Discover Europe onboard the Best Royal Caribbean Cruise Ships.

SPAIN, PORTUGAL & THE CANARY ISLANDS

EXPLORE MORE

BALTIC SEA & SCANDINAVIA

BRITISH ISLES & SOUTHAMPTON

MEDITERRANEAN ITALY & GREEK ISLES

WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO European Cruises Insider

There’s no vacation like a summer cruise in Europe. Meander through cobblestoned streets lined with cafes and shops. Go from exploring the awe-inspiring at the Colosseum in Rome to wandering along the Acropolis in Athens. Admire the architectural splendor of marvels like Barcelona’s Sagrada Familia and the blue-domed churches of Santorini. And eat your way through the Mediterranean and beyond — like pasta in Italy, tapas in Spain, fresh seafood in Norway and grilled meats in Greece. Pack a lifetime of adventure into one legendary Europe vacation next summer.

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OLD-WORLD WARMTH ALONG BREEZY COAST

You can feel warmth in your heart no matter the temperature outside, and the northwestern reaches of Europe illustrate this beautifully. Join the best European cruises through the British Isles and along the coast of the Netherlands, where enchanted country charm and royal, old-world cities offer endless possibilities for memories that will last a lifetime.  

THE JOY OF GOING DUTCH

The Dutch have managed to keep the sea at bay for hundreds of years, but many of the best European cruises still make their way into Amsterdam . If you tire of the tranquility you find amid tulip fields and beneath towering windmills, make your way to the hipster capital of Rotterdam.

ETERNAL LANDSCAPES ON THE EMERALd ISLE

Life is but a dream in Ireland , whether you down a pint of Guinness and trace tales told by James Joyce in Dublin, or careen along the Cliffs of Moher along the west coast. Many cruises to Europe also stop in Northern Ireland's Belfast, a city that's a testament to rebirth and reconciliation.

STEP INTO A SCOTTISH FAIRYTALE

When you visit Scotland, it can be difficult to discern legend from real life. Strolling down Edinburgh's Royal Mile to Edinburgh Castle might feel like a dream, while the fabled and mythical Loch Ness may surprise you with its charm and stunning scenery. Scotland's one of the best places to visit in Europe, period.

WINTER SKIES, SUMMER SUN

Scandinavia  is dark for much of the year, but light is what defines its polar nations, from the Midnight Sun that rises high above Demark in mid-summer, to the skies above Norway and Iceland amid winter's deepest freeze. Find endless possibilities and the best European cruises along the Baltic, from the savory seafood eateries of Oslo, to the cold cityscape of Reykjavik.  

SCANDINAVIA'S UNSUNG SISTER

Many of the best European cruises dock in Denmark, and it's no wonder why. From colorful Nyhavn harbor in Copenhagen to storied castles like Amalienborg and Frederiksborg, Denmark more than makes up for the fact that its more famous neighbors often eclipse it.

LAND OF FIRE AND ICE

It's easy to be intrigued by Iceland , whether you walk through Reykjavik's riveting Hallgrimskirkja church, or visit “the Wash Road”, the hippest shopping district in the city. There are few better ways to cap off cruises to Europe than a dip in the aptly-named Blue Lagoon.

PRICELESS PANORAMAS, FABULOUS FJORDs

Norway is a country in beautiful balance. Had enough of the orderliness of Oslo? Head west to beautiful Bergen, where finger-shaped fjords jut into and out of thousands of miles of coastline. Or contrast a fresh fish dinner at sea level with the view from towering Trolltunga cliff.

Europe is beautiful in every season, but the peak of comfortable weather (especially in the north) is between May and September.

You should always be prepared for rain and colder weather when you travel to Europe, especially in the North. Dress in light layers for your vacation.

Europeans speak more English the farther north you go. Your phone's translation app (or, at minimum, learning how to say "Hello" and "Thank You" in local languages) will aid you along the Mediterranean.

RELATED PORTS

Learn more about Baltic ports like Klaipeda, Lithuania and Tallinn, Estonia, or read up on Bergen, the gateway to Norway's stunning fjords. The Mediterranean provides many options but start by exploring Malaga on Spain's Costa del Sol or the exciting Monte Carlo, Monaco. The most popular ports in the British Isles are Edinburgh in Scotland and the cities of Belfast and Dublin in Ireland. No matter what you like, you will find your favourite European cruise.

Rotterdam, Netherlands

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy

Barcelona, Spain

Copenhagen, Denmark

Venice, Italy

Argostoli, Greece

Dubrovnik, Croatia

Mykonos, Greece

Santorini, Greece

Bologna (Ravenna), Italy

Zadar, Croatia

Bergen, Norway

Aarhus, Denmark

Ajaccio, Corsica

Alesund, Norway

Amalfi Coast (Salerno), Italy

Arctic Circle (Cruising), Norway

Belfast, Northern Ireland

Berlin (Rostock), Germany

Berlin (Warnemunde), Germany

Bilbao, Spain

Brest, France

Bruges/Zeebruge (Brussels), Belgium

Cannes, France

Chania (Souda), Crete

Cork (Cobh), Ireland

Flam, Norway

Fredericia, Denmark

Geiranger, Norway

Gibraltar, United Kingdom

Gijon, Spain

Hamburg, Germany

Holyhead, Wales

Honningsvag, Norway

Olympia (Katakolon), Greece

Klaipeda, Lithuania

Lisbon, Portugal

Reykjavik, Iceland

Sardinia (Cagliari), Italy

Agadir, Morocco

Alicante, Spain

Athens (Piraeus), Greece

Cartagena, Spain

Cherbourg, France

Dover, England

Dublin, Ireland

Edinburgh (S. Queensferry), Scotland

Ephesus (Kusadasi), Turkey

Gdansk (Gdynia), Poland

Glasgow (Greenock), Scotland

Gran Canaria, Canary Islands

Helsinki, Finland

Ibiza, Spain

Inverness / Loch Ness, Scotland

Kotor, Montenegro

Kristiansand, Norway

La Palma, Canary Islands

Lerwick / Shetland, Scotland

Madeira (Funchal), Portugal

Molde, Norway

Nice, France

Olden, Norway

Oslo, Norway

Paris (Le Havre), France

Rhodes, Greece

Riga, Latvia

Sete, France

Sicily (Messina), Italy

Sicily (Catania), Italy

Edinburgh (Newhaven), Scotland

Genoa, Italy

La Coruna, Spain

Lanzarote, Canary Islands

Ponta Delgada, Azores

Sicily (Palermo), Italy

Skjolden, Norway

St. Peter Port, Guernsey

Southampton, England

Stockholm, Sweden

Tallinn, Estonia

Tenerife, Canary Islands

Valletta, Malta

Vigo, Spain

Palma De Mallorca, Spain

Provence (Marseille), France

Skagen, Denmark

Tromso, Norway

Visby, Sweden

Waterford (Dunmore East), Ireland

Stavanger, Norway

Málaga, Spain

Ravenna (Venice), Italy

Provence (Toulon), France

Valencia, Spain

Florence / Pisa (La Spezia), Italy

Florence / Pisa (Livorno), Italy

Naples / Capri, Italy

Bremerhaven, Germany

Split, Croatia

Corfu, Greece

Limassol, Cyprus

Porto (Leixoes), Portugal

Monte Carlo, Monaco

Portofino, Italy

Koper, Slovenia

Cadiz, Spain

Liverpool, England

Bordeaux (La Rochelle), France

Istanbul, Turkey

Florence / Pisa (Carrara), Italy

Zakynthos, Greece

Thessaloniki, Greece

Portland, Dorset, England

Skiathos, Greece

Bristol, England

Maloy, Norway

Haugesund, Norway

Seville (Cadiz), Spain

Kotka, Finland

Kiel, Germany

Bodrum, Turkey

Burgas, Bulgaria

Casablanca, Morocco

Chios, Greece

Santa Margherita, Italy

Bay of Kotor (Cruising), Montenegro

Constanta, Romania

Sinop, Turkey

Varna, Bulgaria

Trieste, Italy

Trabzon, Turkey

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The 5 best destinations you can visit on a Viking cruise ship

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Fast-growing Viking has one of the most diverse arrays of itineraries of any cruise line.

Not only does the California-based company offer ocean cruises in almost every corner of the world, it also offers river cruises on many of the world’s major rivers.

That’s notably different from most cruise lines. Typically, cruise lines operate either ocean cruises or river cruises but not both. That gives them a smaller range of itineraries.

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Viking has a particularly large footprint when it comes to European river itineraries, with a wide range of sailings on nearly every European river of any note, from the Douro in Portugal to (until recently) the Volga in Russia.

The company also operates river trips on the Nile in Egypt and the Mekong in Southeast Asia, and it just began river trips on the Mississippi River .

There are 80 river ships in Viking’s fleet — an astounding number. None of its main competitors among river lines catering to North Americans, which include Avalon Waterways, Uniworld and AmaWaterways , have anywhere near that number of vessels.

Related: First look at Viking’s stylish new Nile River ship

Among ocean cruise destinations, Viking has a major presence in Scandinavia and Northern Europe, which it considers its home turf. (The company was founded by a Norwegian family.) However, you’ll find Viking’s nine traditional ocean ships everywhere from North America to Asia and Australia.

Last year, the line began cruising to Antarctica with its first expedition ship — a type of vessel built specifically for travel to remote, hard-to-reach places. Viking now has two such vessels.

Among the line’s voyages, there’s everything from eight-day cruises in the Mediterranean to 138-day around-the-world voyages.

Overwhelmed with choices? Here are the five best Viking cruise destinations where the line can truly offer you a memorable vacation.

Scandinavia and Northern Europe

Some of Viking’s most interesting itineraries are around Scandinavia and the Baltic Sea, with many beginning or ending in Norway — the homeland of the company’s founder and chairman, Torstein Hagen.

As Hagen once told me, Scandinavia and the Baltic Sea are what the company considers “Viking country” — a region where it wants to dominate.

During summers, in particular, Viking devotes an unusually large number of its ships to itineraries around Scandinavia, the Baltic Sea and other Northern Europe destinations such as Iceland. Many, notably, use the relatively small but famously scenic Norwegian city of Bergen (population 286,000) as a gateway, something no other line is doing. That allows for unusual variations on the typical Baltic Sea or Norwegian fjords cruise.

The line’s most popular route in the region, “Viking Homelands,” is a two-week-long, one-way trip between Bergen and Stockholm that combines several days of exploring the fjord region of Norway’s west coast with more-typical Baltic cruise destinations such as St. Petersburg, Russia, and Helsinki.

Related: The ultimate guide to Viking ships and itineraries

Note that, in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Viking has pulled the St. Petersburg stop, as well as stops in Finland and Estonia from the Viking Homelands itinerary; the trips instead feature extra stops in Norway and Denmark. It’s unlikely St. Petersburg will return to the itinerary until the war in Ukraine is resolved.

Viking also offers a 14-night itinerary that includes several stops in the northernmost part of the country above the Arctic Circle. Dubbed “Into the Midnight Sun,” the one-way route between Bergen and London is unique because it combines calls in far-north Honningsvag and Tromso, Norway, with visits to Scotland’s remote Shetland Islands and the Orkney Islands. Though part of the United Kingdom, these archipelagos have ties to Norwegian and Viking history.

Itineraries that will take you from Bergen to Iceland or even as far away as France, Portugal and Spain also are available.

Viking’s Scandinavia and Northern Europe trips range widely in length from just seven nights to a whopping 28 nights.

Among the longest sailings that Viking offers that include calls in Northern Europe are one-way, 28-night voyages between Bergen and New York City. The trips include stops in Norway, Iceland, Greenland and Canada.

In Northern Europe, Viking ships mostly sail out of Bergen, Amsterdam, Stockholm, Copenhagen and London as well as Reykjavik.

The Mediterranean

Viking has grown into a major player in Mediterranean sailings, with more than 30 distinct itineraries that include stops in the region.

The trips include voyages focused specifically on the Western Mediterranean or Eastern Mediterranean and some that include stops across both areas.

Typical of the latter is the line’s 14-night “Mediterranean Antiquities” routing, a one-way trip between Athens and Barcelona that stops in Greece, Turkey, Italy, Monaco, France and Spain.

More-focused Mediterranean itineraries include the line’s nine-night “Empires of the Mediterranean” voyages between Venice and Athens, which mostly concentrate on stops along the eastern side of the Adriatic Sea in Slovenia, Croatia and Montenegro.

In the Mediterranean, the line’s main hubs are Barcelona; Civitavecchia (the port for Rome) and Venice, Italy; Piraeus (the port for Athens), Greece; and Istanbul.

Related: The complete guide to Viking cabins and suites  

Europe riverways

Viking is, quite simply, the giant of river cruising in Europe — at least among lines that cater to English speakers. The company operates around 70 river ships on a broad swath of the continent’s rivers — far more than any other river line catering to North Americans.

In all, the line accounts for about half of all river cruises taken by North Americans in the region. The next biggest player in Europe river cruises for North Americans, AmaWaterways, is less than half the size.

Among the rivers in Europe where Viking has a major presence are the Rhine, Main and Danube in Central Europe; the Seine, Rhone, Dordogne, Garonne and Gironde in France; the Douro in Portugal; and the Moselle and Elbe in Germany. Until recently, Viking also offered cruises on the Dnieper River in Ukraine. The voyages have been suspended since Russia invaded the country in early 2022.

On nearly all of the rivers, the line offers multiple itineraries with lengths ranging from seven nights to as many as 22 nights.

Among 10 different itineraries on the Rhine River alone, offerings range from a seven-night “Rhine Getaway” from Amsterdam to Basel, Switzerland, to a 22-night “European Sojourn” from Amsterdam to Bucharest, Romania. The latter adds travel on the Main and Danube rivers to days on the Rhine.

Viking offers some of the most intimate and elegant cruises on the Nile, with three ships including the recently unveiled, 82-passenger Viking Osiris — one of our favorite vessels on the river.

All three of Viking’s Nile ships operate the same seven-night Nile cruise itinerary that Viking pairs with a four-night stay at a hotel in Cairo (three nights before the cruise and one night after) to create an 11-night “Pharaohs and Pyramids” tour of Egypt.

Related: The ultimate guide to Viking’s loyalty program

The cruise portion of the tour includes visits to the historic temples of Luxor, Karnak, Esna, Dendera and Abu Simbel as well as a visit to the iconic Valley of the Kings. The stay in Cairo brings a visit to the pyramids of Giza, the Egyptian Museum and other sites.

Viking Osiris is the first of four sister ships that Viking plans to launch on the Nile by 2025 as it doubles its footprint in Egypt. The vessels offer a clean-lined, Scandinavian-influenced design that mimics the look of Viking’s Europe-based vessels.

Notably, the ship features an entire deck of sprawling suites that rival anything else found on the Nile for luxury and comfort. Each comes with two full-size rooms — a large living room with a residential feel and an adjacent bedroom with a walk-in closet and bathroom. Each suite also has an outdoor balcony with seating for two — something you don’t always see on Nile ships.

Viking is a newcomer to cruises to Antarctica, but the destination is a big growth area for the line. Viking recently added two new, 378-passenger expedition cruise vessels specifically built to travel to the White Continent.

Dubbed Viking Octantis, the first of these vessels began sailings to Antarctica in February 2022. The second ship in the series, Viking Polaris, has just joined its sister in Antarctica this year. Together, the two ships are already making waves in the market for Antarctica cruises, in part because they have several new and unusual features.

Most notable is The Hangar, an enclosed marina that allows passengers to transfer to two of each ship’s exploratory vessels while still in the protected interior of the ship. A first for an expedition ship, it’s something that is significantly improving the experience for passengers heading out on Antarctica exploration.

Related: The 3 types of Viking ships, explained

In another first for polar expedition cruise vessels, every cabin on both Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris has floor-to-ceiling glass walls that slide partially open from the top to create a balcony-like feel.

Viking offers several Antarctic itineraries, with the typical trip starting with a night at a hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina, before a flight to Ushuaia, Argentina, to board one of the two expedition ships for an 11-night cruise to Antarctica and back. A longer version of the trip features 13 nights on board one of the ships and extra days in Antarctica.

Viking also offers Antarctica sailings that combine a visit to the White Continent with stops in the Falkland Islands, Uruguay and Brazil.

Viking Octantis, notably, also operated Viking’s first sailings around the Great Lakes this year. In 2023, both Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris will spend their summers in the Great Lakes.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• 15 ways cruisers waste money
• 15 best cruise ships for people who never want to grow up
• What to pack for your first cruise

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Editorial Disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airlines or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.