River Cruise Lines: Compare the Best River Cruise Companies

River Cruising: How It Works, What to Expect & River Cruise Lines to Consider

River cruising offers a very different way to see the world.

Instead of traveling across open oceans between large ports, river ships travel inland waterways that pass directly through cities, historic towns, wine regions and countryside. In Europe, you might wake up docked within walking distance of a centuries-old town. On the Nile, your day could revolve around temples and ancient Egyptian history. Along the Mississippi, the focus may shift to American history, music and Southern culture.

The ships are smaller. The pace is different. And in most cases, the destination receives far more attention than the ship itself.

That is what makes river cruising so appealing to many travelers.

It is also why choosing a river cruise should begin with more than simply asking, “Which cruise line is best?”

The better questions are:

Where do you want to go? What do you want to experience? And how do you like to travel?

Explore River Cruise Lines

Already have a cruise line in mind? Explore our individual river cruise line guides for information about each company's history, destinations, ships, typical pricing, onboard experience and the type of traveler each line may suit best.

What Is a River Cruise?

A river cruise is a voyage aboard a relatively small passenger ship designed to navigate inland rivers and waterways.

Unlike ocean cruises, which may spend entire days traveling at sea, river cruises usually move relatively short distances between destinations.

Ships frequently travel during the evening or overnight, allowing passengers to wake up in a new destination the following morning.

On other days, the ship may cruise during daylight hours through particularly scenic areas.

Because rivers pass directly through cities and towns, river ships can often dock close to the places passengers have come to see.

That creates one of river cruising's greatest advantages:

You spend less time getting from the ship to the destination and more time experiencing it.

What Is a River Cruise Really Like?

A typical river cruise day might begin with breakfast aboard the ship followed by a guided walking tour of a historic town.

Afterward, you might have free time to explore independently before returning to the ship for lunch.

The afternoon could include another excursion, a winery visit, a bicycle ride, a museum or simply time aboard the ship as it cruises past castles, vineyards and villages.

After dinner, there may be live music, a local cultural performance, a lecture or an opportunity to walk back into town.

River cruises are generally destination intensive.

The ship provides your accommodations, meals, transportation and many of your activities, but the places outside the ship are usually the main attraction.

Where Can You Take a River Cruise?

Europe has the world's largest concentration of traditional river cruises, but river cruising extends far beyond Europe.

Popular river cruise destinations include:

Europe

The Danube, Rhine, Main, Moselle, Rhône, Saône, Seine, Douro, Elbe, Garonne and Dordogne, along with the waterways of the Bordeaux region.

These cruises can explore countries including France, Germany, Austria, Hungary, Portugal, the Netherlands, Switzerland, the Czech Republic and numerous destinations throughout Central and Eastern Europe.

North America

The Mississippi, Ohio, Tennessee, Cumberland, Columbia and Snake Rivers provide opportunities to explore the United States by river.

American river cruises can focus on history, music, food, culture, national landscapes and small towns that are difficult to experience on a traditional ocean cruise.

Africa

The Nile River provides one of the world's most historically significant river cruise experiences, connecting travelers with ancient temples, tombs and archaeological sites throughout Egypt.

Some cruise and expedition companies also operate on other African waterways.

Asia

River cruising in Asia includes the Mekong, Ganges, Brahmaputra, Irrawaddy and other waterways.

These trips can be considerably more adventurous and culturally immersive than a traditional European river cruise.

South America

The Amazon River and its tributaries offer an entirely different style of river cruising.

Many Amazon vessels are closer to luxury expedition ships or small exploration vessels than traditional European river ships.

The focus is wildlife, rainforest, ecology and remote environments rather than castles and historic European cities.

[Explore the World's River Cruise Destinations]

River Cruise vs. Ocean Cruise: What's the Difference?

Neither is inherently better.

They are simply very different vacations.

	River Cruise	Ocean Cruise
Ship Size	Usually small	Small to enormous
Passengers	Often 80–200 in Europe	Hundreds to 7,000+
Primary Focus	Destinations	Ship and destinations
Days at Sea	Rare	Common
Docking	Often in or near towns	Usually major cruise ports
Excursions	Frequently included	Usually additional
Entertainment	Limited and low-key	Can be extensive
Casinos	Generally no	Common on many lines
Dining Choices	Fewer venues	Often many
Pools	Small or none	Often multiple
Children's Programs	Limited or unavailable	Common on family lines
Dress	Usually casual	Depends on cruise line
Scenery While Sailing	Constantly changing and close	Primarily open water
Typical Pace	Destination intensive	Varies considerably

River Ships Are Much Smaller

Size is one of the most obvious differences.

A European river ship commonly carries somewhere around 100 to 200 passengers.

Compare that with a modern ocean cruise ship carrying 3,000, 4,000 or even more than 6,000 passengers.

The difference changes almost everything about the experience.

There are fewer restaurants, fewer entertainment venues and fewer onboard activities.

But there are also fewer passengers.

You begin recognizing fellow travelers quickly, getting around the ship takes minutes, and boarding or leaving the vessel is usually much simpler.

On a River Cruise, the Destination Is the Entertainment

Modern ocean ships can be destinations themselves.

They may contain Broadway-style theaters, water parks, casinos, dozens of restaurants, shopping districts, climbing walls, surf simulators and elaborate entertainment.

River ships generally do not.

Instead, the entertainment is outside your window.

You may spend an afternoon cruising through Germany's Rhine Gorge while castles appear above the river.

You could sail past Portugal's steep Douro Valley vineyards or watch small towns and countryside pass your balcony along the Danube.

The smaller ship is not a compromise.

It is what allows the ship to take you into these places.

River Cruises Often Include More Shore Excursions

One important consideration when comparing river and ocean cruises is what is included in the fare.

Many river cruise companies include at least one excursion in most ports.

Some premium and luxury companies include multiple excursion choices or specialty experiences.

That means the advertised river cruise price can initially appear higher than an ocean cruise, but the comparison isn't always equal.

An ocean cruise passenger may later add hundreds or thousands of dollars in shore excursions, specialty dining, beverages, Wi-Fi and other expenses.

When comparing cruises, look at the total expected vacation cost, not simply the lowest advertised fare.

River Cruising Can Be Surprisingly Active

Do not assume that a small ship means a slow vacation.

River cruises can be very active.

Many itineraries visit a destination almost every day, and some days include both morning and afternoon sightseeing.

Walking tours may involve cobblestone streets, hills, stairs and historic buildings without elevators.

Some river cruise lines also offer hiking and bicycling excursions.

If mobility is a concern, choosing the right cruise line, itinerary and excursions becomes particularly important.

What Happens When the Ship Is Sailing?

One of the pleasures of river cruising is that travel time can become part of the vacation.

Rather than seeing nothing but open ocean, passengers may watch villages, vineyards, castles, farms and cities pass just beyond the ship.

Scenic stretches of river are often deliberately scheduled during daylight hours.

Passengers gather on the sun deck, in lounges, on balconies or beside panoramic windows to watch the landscape.

This is one reason your choice of river can be every bit as important as your choice of cruise line.

What Are River Cruise Cabins Like?

River cruise cabins tend to be smaller than hotel rooms, and their design is influenced by the physical limitations of the rivers and locks the ships must navigate.

Accommodations vary considerably by cruise line.

Options may include:

Fixed-window staterooms
French balconies
Full exterior balconies
Panorama-style windows
Suites
Larger luxury suites

Inside cabins are uncommon on modern river ships.

When comparing cabins, don't focus only on square footage.

Consider how the room is designed, the view, storage, bathroom size, balcony arrangement and how much time you actually expect to spend there.

French Balcony vs. Full Balcony

This is one of the first new terms many river cruisers encounter.

A French balcony generally consists of floor-to-ceiling glass doors or windows that open, but there is no exterior space large enough to walk onto.

A full balcony or veranda provides an actual outdoor area where you can stand or sit.

Which is better depends on the traveler.

Because river cruises involve extensive sightseeing, some passengers spend relatively little time in their cabin during daylight hours and prefer putting the money saved toward another part of the vacation.

Others love having private outdoor space while cruising through beautiful scenery.

What Is the Food Like on a River Cruise?

Dining varies by cruise line, but meals frequently reflect the destinations being visited.

A cruise through France may incorporate French cuisine and regional wines. A Danube cruise may feature Austrian, German or Hungarian dishes. An Asian river cruise may incorporate Vietnamese, Cambodian or Indian cuisine.

Because river ships are smaller, they generally have fewer separate restaurants than ocean ships.

Luxury river cruise companies may offer additional dining venues and more elaborate culinary programs.

This is an area where comparing cruise lines can make a significant difference.

Is River Cruising Formal?

Generally, no.

Most river cruises are relatively casual.

Comfortable clothing and walking shoes are important during the day because passengers spend considerable time sightseeing.

Evening dress usually ranges from casual to smart casual.

Some travelers dress more nicely for dinner or special events, but tuxedos and formal gowns are generally unnecessary.

Exact expectations vary by cruise line.

Are River Cruises Only for Older Travelers?

No, although river cruises generally attract an adult demographic.

The destination-intensive nature of the vacation particularly appeals to travelers interested in history, food, wine, culture and sightseeing.

Some cruise lines have increasingly developed active programs featuring biking, hiking and other activities that appeal to a wider age range.

Family policies also vary considerably.

Viking, for example, requires guests to be at least 18, while some other river cruise companies accommodate children and offer specific family departures.

Who Is River Cruising Best For?

River cruising may be an excellent fit if you:

Enjoy history and culture
Want to visit several destinations without repeatedly changing hotels
Like guided sightseeing
Enjoy food and wine
Prefer smaller ships
Want fewer passengers
Like watching scenery while traveling
Prefer destinations over onboard attractions
Enjoy meeting other travelers
Want a more relaxed onboard atmosphere
Are interested in European cities and smaller towns
Want an organized vacation without having every minute scheduled

Who Might Prefer an Ocean Cruise?

An ocean cruise may be a better choice if your priorities include:

Extensive nightlife
Broadway-style entertainment
Casinos
Large swimming pools
Water parks
Children's clubs
Dozens of restaurants
Resort-style amenities
Lots of activities aboard the ship
Days relaxing at sea

Many travelers enjoy both river and ocean cruising because they provide completely different experiences.

How Do You Choose a River Cruise?

There are hundreds of possible combinations of rivers, cruise lines, ships and itineraries.

We suggest making the decision in this order.

1. Choose the destination or river.

Start with where you want to go.

Don't choose Viking simply because you have heard of Viking and then decide where Viking will take you.

Ask yourself whether you dream about the castles of the Rhine, Vienna and Budapest on the Danube, vineyards along the Douro, ancient Egypt on the Nile or American history along the Mississippi.

2. Choose the experience you want.

Do you want luxury?

Active excursions?

Food and wine?

History?

Christmas markets?

Wildlife?

Small towns?

Major cities?

The answer can quickly narrow your options.

3. Compare river cruise lines.

Cruise lines differ in price, inclusions, ship design, dining, excursions, activity level, service and overall atmosphere.

This is where choosing the right company becomes important.

4. Compare itineraries.

Two cruise companies can sail the same river but visit different places or spend different amounts of time in port.

Look beyond the river's name.

5. Choose the ship and stateroom.

Once the first four decisions have been made, compare the ships and accommodations available on your preferred departures.

River Cruise Lines

There is no single “best river cruise line.”

The best choice depends on what you value most.

Some companies emphasize luxury. Others specialize in active excursions, American waterways, boutique ships, cultural immersion or value.

Here are the river cruise lines we recommend considering.

Viking River Cruises

Viking is perhaps the best-known river cruise company among American travelers.

Its large European fleet is particularly known for the standardized Viking Longships, Scandinavian design and destination-focused approach.

Viking also operates on the Nile, Mekong and Mississippi and is expanding to India's Brahmaputra.

Consider Viking if: you want an adults-only, culturally focused experience with a large selection of itineraries and a relatively consistent product from ship to ship.

[Explore Viking River Cruises]

AmaWaterways

AmaWaterways is a family-owned river cruise company with an extensive European program along with more unusual destinations including Africa, Egypt, Colombia and Southeast Asia.

The company is particularly known for offering multiple excursion choices and active options such as biking and hiking on many itineraries.

Consider AmaWaterways if: you enjoy food and wine, want more active excursion choices or like having several ways to experience a destination.

[Explore AmaWaterways]

American Cruise Lines

American Cruise Lines specializes in small-ship cruising within the United States.

Its river and coastal programs include the Mississippi, Columbia & Snake Rivers and numerous other American waterways.

The company's fleet includes traditional riverboats as well as newer contemporary American river ships.

Consider American Cruise Lines if: you want to explore the United States by river and prefer not to travel internationally.

[Explore American Cruise Lines]

Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours

Scenic operates at the luxury end of the river cruise market and is particularly known for its highly inclusive approach.

Its Space-Ships sail many of Europe's major rivers, and the company also operates in Southeast Asia.

Consider Scenic if: luxury, inclusions and minimizing additional onboard expenses are particularly important to you.

[Explore Scenic River Cruises]

Avalon Waterways

Avalon is a major European river cruise operator particularly known for its Panorama Suites.

Beds in these accommodations face the wall of floor-to-ceiling windows, allowing passengers to wake up looking directly at the river scenery.

Avalon also offers Active & Discovery itineraries for travelers wanting alternatives to traditional sightseeing.

Consider Avalon if: cabin design, views and flexibility in how you explore destinations are priorities.

[Explore Avalon Waterways]

Uniworld Boutique River Cruises

Uniworld takes a very different design approach from Viking.

Its ships are individually decorated and designed to feel more like floating boutique hotels than standardized vessels.

The company operates at the luxury end of the market and sails in Europe as well as destinations including Egypt, India and Southeast Asia.

Consider Uniworld if: you appreciate luxury service, distinctive interiors and individually styled ships.

[Explore Uniworld Boutique River Cruises]

Tauck River Cruises

Tauck brings its long history of guided land travel to river cruising.

Its river journeys combine upscale ships with extensive touring and a relatively inclusive approach to excursions and travel experiences.

Consider Tauck if: guided experiences, service, inclusions and a luxury land-and-river experience matter more than finding the lowest initial fare.

[Explore Tauck River Cruises]

Emerald Cruises

Emerald Cruises is the sister brand to Scenic but occupies a different position in the market.

It offers contemporary ships and a premium river cruise experience while generally pricing below Scenic's luxury product.

Some Emerald Star-Ships are particularly recognizable for their indoor pool area that can transform into an evening cinema.

Consider Emerald if: you want a contemporary premium experience and are comparing value against Viking, Avalon and AmaWaterways.

[Explore Emerald Cruises]

Riverside Luxury Cruises

Riverside is a newer name in luxury river cruising, operating former Crystal river ships that were widely regarded for their spacious accommodations and high-end design.

The company focuses on European luxury river cruising.

Consider Riverside if: spacious ships, suites, dining and luxury service are major priorities.

[Explore Riverside Luxury Cruises]

CroisiEurope

CroisiEurope is a French family-owned company with decades of river cruising experience.

Its extensive fleet allows it to operate on waterways and itineraries not always offered by the major American-marketed river cruise brands.

Consider CroisiEurope if: destination variety, unusual European waterways and value are more important than choosing a familiar American cruise brand.

[Explore CroisiEurope]

Amadeus River Cruises

Amadeus is a long-established European river cruise company operated by the Austrian Lüftner family.

Its ships sail many of Europe's major waterways and combine contemporary vessels with a European approach to river cruising.

Consider Amadeus if: you want to compare a European-operated alternative with Viking, AmaWaterways and Avalon.

[Explore Amadeus River Cruises]

Riviera Travel

Riviera has a long history in European escorted travel and has developed a substantial river cruise program.

The company has been expanding its presence in the North American market.

Consider Riviera if: value and destination-focused European cruising are priorities.

[Explore Riviera Travel River Cruises]

A-ROSA

A-ROSA is a European river cruise company with a particularly strong presence on rivers such as the Rhine, Danube, Rhône, Seine and Douro.

Its onboard atmosphere can differ from the more traditional American-market river cruise experience.

Consider A-ROSA if: you want a more European-style river cruise experience or are traveling as a family.

[Explore A-ROSA River Cruises]

Pandaw

Pandaw specializes in river expeditions in Southeast Asia.

Its distinctive small ships and itineraries emphasize exploration and access to destinations far removed from traditional European river cruising.

Consider Pandaw if: Southeast Asia, cultural immersion and expedition-style river travel appeal to you.

[Explore Pandaw River Expeditions]

Aqua Expeditions

Aqua Expeditions operates small luxury expedition vessels in remote destinations including the Amazon.

The experience is quite different from a traditional European river cruise, with greater emphasis on wildlife, nature, exploration and highly personalized service.

Consider Aqua Expeditions if: you are looking for luxury combined with expedition-style exploration, particularly in the Amazon.

[Explore Aqua Expeditions]

Lindblad Expeditions

Lindblad Expeditions is best known for expedition travel rather than traditional river cruising.

Its programs can include river and inland-waterway exploration as part of larger nature-focused journeys.

Consider Lindblad if: wildlife, photography, natural history and expedition-style travel are more important than a traditional river cruise experience.

[Explore Lindblad Expeditions]

Which River Cruise Line Is Best?

This may be the most common question about river cruising—and it doesn't have one answer.

A traveler looking for an active European vacation may reach a different conclusion than someone seeking an ultra-luxury experience.

A couple wanting to explore the Mississippi may choose differently from someone dreaming of the Rhine.

And someone fascinated by the Amazon needs a completely different type of ship than someone visiting Europe's Christmas markets.

Instead of asking:

“What is the best river cruise line?”

Ask:

“What is the best river cruise line for the experience I want?”

That is the question that ultimately matters.

Let Us Help You Find the Right River Cruise

Choosing a river cruise involves much more than comparing advertised prices.

The river, destination, cruise line, itinerary, ship, stateroom, excursions, inclusions and time of year can all have a significant impact on your experience.

All About Travel can help you compare those choices.

We can look at what you want from the vacation and help narrow hundreds of possibilities into the river cruises that make the most sense for you.

Because our goal isn't simply to help you book a river cruise.

It's to help you choose the right river cruise.

Oklahoma City's Best Cruise Travel Agency