Best river cruise lines in Europe (2026)

River cruising in Europe is unlike any other way of traveling. Instead of unpacking and repacking in each city, you sail along storied waterways like the Rhine, Danube, Douro, and Seine with some of the best river cruise lines in Europe.

Imagine sipping a glass of wine as castles, vineyards, and historic capitals drift past your balcony. This style of travel offers a slower pace, where charming towns and cultural landmarks are always within reach.

Of course, not all river cruise lines are created equal. Some emphasize all-inclusive luxury, while others focus on relaxed comfort and value. This guide to the best river cruise lines in Europe highlights what makes each one unique, from ultra-luxury ships with all-inclusive amenities to mid-range options that won’t break your budget.

1. Viking River Cruises

If you’ve heard of just one river cruise line, it’s probably Viking River Cruises. They’ve built a reputation as the most recognizable brand on Europe’s waterways, thanks to their sleek “longships” and consistent onboard experience. For first-time river cruisers, Viking is a safe bet because you know exactly what to expect — modern Scandinavian design, excellent service, and itineraries that hit the major highlights.

Viking sails on all the classic European rivers, including the Danube, Rhine, Seine, Douro, and more. Cabins are functional yet stylish, with plenty of storage and those signature floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors in most staterooms.

Why you should choose Viking River Cruises:

• Itineraries cover every major European river.
• Wine, beer, and soft drinks are included at lunch and dinner, so you don’t need to keep signing a bill.
• Daily shore excursions are included and led by knowledgeable local guides.
• Enrichment programs, like guest lectures and live music, help connect you with the destinations.

2. AmaWaterways

AmaWaterways is where river cruising meets gourmet travel. Their menus are inspired by the regions you sail through, and wine is a focal point — especially on their popular wine-themed cruises. On these special departures, winemakers sail onboard with guests, hosting tastings and pairing dinners that showcase local vintages.

But it’s not just about the food. AmaWaterways stands out for its variety of shore excursions. You might spend one morning cycling through the Wachau Valley vineyards, then join a guided walking tour in a medieval town that afternoon.

Why you should choose AmaWaterways:

• Multiple included excursions per port, giving you flexibility.
• Active options like hiking, biking, and even guided running tours.
• High-quality culinary program with locally sourced ingredients and regional wines.
• Ships are modern and spacious, with amenities like heated pools and swim-up bars.

3. Uniworld Boutique River Cruises

Sailing with Uniworld feels more like staying at a five-star boutique hotel than a cruise ship. Every vessel in their fleet is uniquely decorated, with antiques, fine art, and custom fabrics that reflect the region where the ship sails. No two ships look alike, and that’s intentional — it’s part of the brand’s charm.

Uniworld is also known for its all-inclusive approach. From the moment you step onboard, everything is taken care of: premium wines and spirits, gratuities, airport transfers, and even many pre- and post-cruise experiences. The crew-to-guest ratio is high, meaning service is attentive and personalized.

Why you should choose Uniworld:

• Fully all-inclusive with no hidden extras.
• Ships are design masterpieces with incredible attention to detail.
• Smaller guest counts mean more personal service.
• Partnerships with luxury brands like Bottega Veneta and Hermès add an extra layer of indulgence.

4. Avalon Waterways

Avalon takes a more casual approach to river cruising without sacrificing comfort. Their Panorama Suites are designed so your bed faces the view — a small detail that makes a big difference when you’re drifting past castle-topped hillsides.

Avalon also embraces flexibility. In each port, you’ll have a choice of “Classic” sightseeing tours, “Active” excursions (like kayaking or hiking), or “Discovery” experiences, which might include a cooking class or painting workshop. This makes them a great option for travelers who want variety without the rigid structure of some luxury lines.

Why you should choose Avalon Waterways:

• Comfortable ships with large cabins and thoughtful design.
• Multiple excursion styles to suit different interests.
• Relaxed, friendly atmosphere onboard.
• Often more affordable than luxury-focused competitors.

5. Emerald Cruises

Emerald is the sister brand to Scenic Luxury Cruises, offering a stylish product at a more accessible price point. While not quite as all-inclusive as Scenic, they still offer a strong selection of included tours, wine and beer with meals, and comfortable modern ships.

One of Emerald’s standout features is their indoor pool, which transforms into a cinema in the evenings. Their ships have a clean, contemporary design, and the vibe is welcoming without feeling stuffy.

Why you should choose Emerald Cruises:

• Good balance between price and inclusions.
• Modern ships with unique amenities like the pool-cinema.
• A mix of included and optional excursions lets you control your budget.

6. Scenic Luxury Cruises

Scenic promises “truly all-inclusive” river cruising, and they mean it. Once you’re onboard, you won’t pay extra for top-shelf drinks, laundry service, airport transfers, or excursions. Even their e-bikes are free to use in port.

What makes Scenic stand out is its emphasis on choice. Through their Scenic Freechoice program, you can pick from a variety of included tours that range from culinary experiences to historical explorations and active adventures. Plus, each cabin has a “Scenic Sun Lounge,” where your balcony converts to an enclosed glass sunroom at the push of a button.

Why you should choose Scenic Luxury Cruises:

• Everything is included, right down to room service and minibar.
• Luxury suites with innovative design features.
• GPS-enabled devices for self-guided touring in port.
• High service standards and attention to detail.

7. Tauck

Tauck is more than a cruise line. It’s a full-fledged travel company known for its guided tours, and that expertise carries over to its river cruises. Their ships are elegant but not flashy, with an emphasis on comfort and spacious public areas.

One major perk of Tauck is its guest count. They limit the number of passengers onboard, so even though their ships are the same size as competitors’, you’ll enjoy a more spacious and less crowded atmosphere. Most sailings include pre- or post-cruise hotel stays, plus special events like private concerts or after-hours museum tours.

• Nearly everything is included, from shore excursions to airport transfers.
• Lower passenger capacity for a more intimate experience.
• Experienced Tauck directors lead the journey from start to finish.
• Exclusive events you won’t find on other lines.

Overview: The best river cruise lines in Europe

Here’s a quick look at where each line falls in terms of pricing and luxury:

• Ultra-luxury: Uniworld, Scenic, Tauck
• Upper mid-range to luxury: AmaWaterways
• Upper mid-range: Viking
• Mid-range: Avalon Waterways
• Upper budget to mid-range: Emerald Cruises

No matter which you choose, Europe’s rivers offer a front-row seat to centuries of history, breathtaking landscapes, and charming towns. The right line will simply shape how you experience it all, whether that’s with champagne in hand on a sun deck or cycling through vineyard paths before lunch.