Learn more about river cruising in Europe & beyond

Freiburg, Germany - Christmas Market River Cruise

River cruising is such a different experience from ocean cruises. The longboat ships are much smaller and offer the opportunities to see inside countries and not just the ocean and sea ports. River cruises are expanding past Europe. You can now explore Africa, Southeast Asia, Egypt's Nile River and South America in luxury aboard a small ship and all the amenities you'd expect.

Are you ready to try one? Here's a quick rundown on six of the best-known river cruise lines.

• AmaWaterways is celebrated for its intimate ships, gourmet dining options, and personalized service. They offer river cruises on the Danube, Rhine, Douro, Mekong, and other rivers, with ships designed to provide spacious accommodations and panoramic views. AmaWaterways also focuses on wellness with onboard amenities like fitness centers and spa treatments. Golfers will love the golf packages on the AmaMagna which offers the chance to play golf in 4-5 countries along the Danube river.
  
  
• Avalon Waterways is renowned for its innovative "Suite Ships" that feature spacious staterooms with panoramic windows, allowing guests to enjoy stunning views of the river landscapes. They offer a range of European river cruises along the Rhine, Danube, Seine, and other picturesque waterways.
  
  
• Scenic Cruises is known for its luxurious river cruises featuring all-inclusive amenities, including butler service, fine dining, and exclusive Scenic Enrich experiences. Their ships are equipped with spacious suites and innovative features such as a glass-enclosed Solarium and electric-assist bikes for shore exploration. 
  
  
• Tauck River Cruises provides premium river cruise experiences with all-inclusive pricing that covers accommodations, meals, excursions, and gratuities. Their ships are elegantly appointed, offering enriching cultural experiences along the rivers of Europe. Tauck emphasizes small-group excursions led by knowledgeable guides.
  
  
• Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection stands out for its luxurious, all-inclusive river cruises that combine elegant accommodations with personalized service. Each ship in their fleet is uniquely designed to reflect the destinations they visit, offering gourmet dining, shore excursions, and enrichment programs.
  
  
• Viking River Cruises is one of the largest and most well-known river cruise lines, offering a wide selection of cruises across Europe, Russia, Asia, and Egypt. Their ships are designed for comfort and feature Scandinavian-inspired interiors. Viking emphasizes cultural enrichment through curated shore excursions and onboard activities.
  
  Each of these river cruise lines offers unique itineraries and experiences tailored to different interests and preferences, whether you're looking for cultural immersion, gourmet dining, or relaxation in scenic surroundings.
  
  Once you've decided which river and what countries you'd like to visit, the rest is easy! We can help you narrow down the possibilities.