The 10 Best River Cruise Lines

River cruises offer an enchanting and immersive way to travel, presenting a blend of luxury, comfort, and cultural exploration that is unmatched by other forms of tourism.

Unlike the vast oceans navigated by larger cruise ships, rivers flow through the heart of cities, towns, and countrysides, offering passengers an intimate view of the world’s most picturesque landscapes and historical sites.

These cruises are not just journeys across water; they are passages through time and culture, where each bend in the river reveals a new vista or a forgotten story from history.When selecting a river cruise, it’s important to consider the included amenities and destinations. Prices often do not include airfare, taxes, and other fees, so it’s advisable to check for hidden costs.

Booking well in advance is recommended, as river cruises are often planned early, though last-minute deals may be available. Travel insurance is also a wise investment for such trips.

The Best River Cruise Lines

Scenic Cruises in Bordeaux

This cruise is a dream for wine enthusiasts, offering a seven-day journey through the renowned Bordeaux region of France.

The cruise focuses on in-depth exploration of the area’s famous wine country, sailing along the Dordogne and Garonne rivers and the Gironde Estuary.

Guests can expect to visit iconic destinations like Margaux and Saint-Emilion, enjoying tastings at prestigious châteaux and vineyards.

The itinerary, which runs from late April to October, includes several Grand Cru Class estates and, if timed right, offers the chance to witness the annual grape harvest.

The cruise takes place on the Scenic Diamond, a luxury vessel accommodating 167 passengers, ensuring an intimate and high-quality experience​​.

Pandaw’s Mekong River CruiseX

Pandaw’s Mekong River cruise is an immersive 10-night adventure through the heart of Vietnam and Cambodia, exploring the rich cultures and complex histories of these countries.

The cruise offers a deep dive into the vibrant river life, with options for shorter itineraries or extended 21-night journeys for more thorough exploration. A highlight includes a visit to Siem Reap to see the ancient ruins of Angkor Wat.

This cruise is ideal for those looking to venture beyond the usual European rivers, offering a unique perspective on Southeast Asian life and culture​​.

Riviera River Cruises in Douro Valley and Salamanca

Riviera River Cruises provides an 8-day journey exploring the Douro Valley and Salamanca River in Portugal and Spain.

The itinerary, which sails round-trip from Porto, includes visits to the Old Town of Porto, the Quinta da Pacheca winery, and the historical city of Salamanca in Spain, complete with a traditional flamenco show.

The cruise is perfect for those seeking to explore the lush landscapes and rich wine regions of the Iberian Peninsula, offering a blend of cultural experiences and scenic beauty​​.

Aqua Expeditions in the Peruvian Amazon

For wildlife enthusiasts, Aqua Expeditions offers a luxurious and adventure-filled 3-day cruise on the Peruvian Amazon.

Sailing on the custom-built luxury vessel Aqua Nera, this cruise offers an intimate exploration of the Amazon’s wildlife-rich Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve.

Guests can expect a high level of service, with an equal number of crew members and passengers. Activities include kayaking, fishing, and guided nature tours, and the cruise is ideal for combining with a visit to Machu Picchu.

Uniworld’s Rivers of the World Cruise

This grandiose 55-night journey by Uniworld Boutique River Cruises is a remarkable venture spanning three continents. It starts in Peru and concludes in Cambodia, showcasing an extraordinary range of landscapes and cultures.

The itinerary is comprehensive, covering the Amazon in South America, central Europe’s Rhine and Danube rivers, and the Mekong River in Southeast Asia.

This cruise is a blend of river journeys and luxury hotel stays, with flights between destinations included.

It’s a dream experience for those seeking a truly expansive and diverse river cruising adventure, offering a unique opportunity to explore multiple continents and cultures in one extended trip.

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Viking River Cruises’ Romantic Danube

Viking River Cruises provides an 8-day “Romantic Danube” itinerary, ideal for those new to river cruising.

The journey traverses the Upper Danube, connecting Germany and Hungary, with stops in iconic cities like Budapest, Vienna, and the Bavarian city of Regensburg.

The cruise is rich in cultural and historical experiences, offering a mix of guided tours and independent exploration. Highlights include the picturesque Wachau Valley, known for its wine, and a visit to Salzburg, Austria.

The Viking longships are designed for comfort and elegance, ensuring a memorable and enjoyable experience.

AmaWaterways

AmaWaterways is recognized for catering to a diverse range of travelers, including North American and British passengers, as well as a growing number of millennial travelers.

The cruise line is particularly appealing to those interested in active shore excursions such as walking or cycling.

Their river cruises provide a mix of couples, families, and solo cruisers, with a variety of cabin options to suit different needs.

Travelers often praise AmaWaterways for exceeding expectations, especially noting its family-friendliness and active excursion options.

The cruise line’s modern amenities and diverse itineraries make it a popular choice among a variety of age groups.

Avalon Waterways

Known for its spacious Suite Ships, Avalon Waterways stands out in the river cruise industry for its large staterooms with wall-to-wall and floor-to-ceiling windows, offering panoramic views.

The cruise line sails along popular rivers such as the Danube, Rhone, Seine, Nile, and the Mekong. It attracts English-speaking cruisers typically in their 50s and 60s, with children ages 8 and older welcome on board.

Avalon offers a range of shore excursions to cater to different interests and physical abilities, including Classic, Active, or Discovery tours.

The cruise line is celebrated for its friendly, knowledgeable staff, and tasty food, contributing to its positive reputation among travelers.

American Queen Voyages

This cruise line offers a unique North American river cruising experience. It specializes in routes along rivers such as the Mississippi, Ohio, Tennessee, Cumberland, and the Columbia and Snake rivers.

American Queen Voyages operates authentic paddlewheelers, providing a traditional and nostalgic river cruising experience. Their all-inclusive sailings feature unlimited onboard Wi-Fi, beverages, guided tours, dining, and gratuities.

The cruises are known for their focus on local cuisine, varying by itinerary, and the vessels boast various amenities including a main dining room, entertainment hall, and sun deck.

The rooms are well-appointed, offering plush linens, coffee makers, minifridges, and private balconies in select accommodations.

The line mainly attracts travelers in their 50s and is particularly suitable for those who use wheelchairs due to its wide range of accessibility options. It’s popular among history buffs who appreciate the rich historical context and enrichment programs offered onboard.

Emerald Cruises

Previously known as Emerald Waterways, Emerald Cruises offers journeys across popular rivers in Europe and Asia, including the Danube, Rhine, Douro, and Mekong.

The cruise fare includes all meals, select beverages, daily shore excursions, Wi-Fi access, and gratuities. Emerald operates nine river vessels, boasting luxurious public spaces and accommodations with en suite bathrooms and flat-screen TVs.

Amenities include heated indoor pools, sun decks, spa and wellness facilities, various dining options, and onboard fitness classes.

The cruise line provides bicycles for guests to explore city centers and offers a range of onshore and onboard entertainment. 

The line attracts mostly retirement-age travelers from America and Britain, but also welcomes younger guests and families with older children.

Special attention is given to solo travelers with tailored room and dining options. Emerald Cruises is known for combining luxury with active exploration, including fitness classes and bicycles for onshore adventures​.

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Final Thoughts

The best river cruise lines of 2024 offer a diverse array of experiences, catering to different tastes and preferences. Each line provides a unique window into the worlds they traverse.

For those seeking luxury and comprehensive itineraries, Uniworld’s Rivers of the World and Viking River Cruises’ Romantic Danube are exemplary.

Lines like AmaWaterways and Avalon Waterways excel in combining comfort with adventure, while American Queen Voyages, Tauck, and Emerald Cruises offer distinct flavors of regional exploration, luxury, and modern amenities.

These cruise lines not only promise scenic beauty and cultural immersion but also ensure comfort, exceptional service, and memorable experiences, making them standout choices for river cruising.