European river cruise lines offer an unparalleled way to experience the continent, with scenic views, charming towns, and rich history just outside your stateroom window. But with so many river cruise lines to choose from, how do you know which one will offer the best experience for your style of travel?
Most people in the U.S. have heard of Viking River Cruises and not much else. This is because Viking spends a tremendous amount of money marketing on public television and through direct mail to anyone and everyone over 50. They are a very good line and have a lot to offer, but you are missing out if you start and stop your river cruise search with Viking. Let’s compare the top European river cruise lines to help you decide which one fits your travel preferences, budget, and sense of adventure.
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Reinhold Möller, CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Viking River Cruises: The Classic Choice
Viking River Cruises is one of the most well-known names in river cruising. It’s a fantastic choice for first-time cruisers or those looking for a refined, yet accessible, cruising experience. Viking ships are designed for comfort, with modern amenities, and a relaxed ambiance. If you enjoy rich cultural experiences, Viking offers immersive shore excursions, often included in the price.
Cultural Immersion: Viking excels at offering insightful excursions, ranging from walking tours to museum visits and wine tastings.
Elegant Ships: The ships are sleek and modern, offering a Scandinavian-inspired design.
All-Inclusive: Most Viking cruises include shore excursions, meals, and drinks (with a few exceptions).
Itinerary Options: Viking covers all the major European rivers, from the Rhine to the Danube and beyond, with a variety of thematic cruises such as history or wine-themed itineraries.
Best For: Travelers who appreciate a cultural experience, elegant accommodations, and value for money.
Rolf Heinrich, Köln, CC BY 3.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Avalon Waterways: The Innovative Experience
Avalon Waterways stands out for its innovative ship designs and flexible approach to cruising. Known for its spacious cabins, many of which feature floor-to-ceiling windows that open up to create a true open-air experience. Avalon makes river cruising feel more like a boutique hotel on the water. If you’re looking for a more intimate cruise with modern touches, Avalon delivers.
Panoramic Suites: Avalon’s “Panoramic Suites” offer larger, open spaces with sliding glass doors, so you can truly feel the breeze while taking in the scenery.
Choice and Flexibility: Avalon gives guests more options for excursions, including a range of active or culinary-focused tours.
Delicious Dining: The culinary experience aboard Avalon is top-notch, offering a range of international and local flavors.
Relaxed Atmosphere: Avalon is ideal for those who want a relaxed atmosphere with an emphasis on leisurely enjoyment over formality.
Best For: Those looking for a modern, flexible cruise with an emphasis on comfort and spectacular views.
Artvill, CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Uniworld Boutique River Cruises: Luxury at Its Finest
Uniworld is the gold standard in luxury river cruising, offering a truly all-inclusive experience with exceptional service, exquisite ship designs, and fine dining. Uniworld’s ships resemble floating boutique hotels, with individually designed rooms that feel like works of art. If you’re seeking a lavish, all-encompassing river cruise experience, Uniworld is an excellent choice.
Lavish Interiors: Uniworld ships feature unique, luxurious designs with rich fabrics, high-end furniture, and opulent touches like chandeliers and marble bathrooms.
Gourmet Dining: Uniworld’s dining experience is world-class, with exquisite meals crafted by top chefs, paired with fine wines.
Inclusive Perks: The line is known for offering exceptional inclusivity, such as unlimited beverages, gratuities, and airport transfers.
Exclusive Excursions: Many excursions are exclusive to Uniworld guests, adding a level of intimacy and personalization to each stop.
Best For: Travelers seeking a lavish, five-star experience with all the bells and whistles included.
High Contrast, CC BY 3.0 DE https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/de/deed.en, via Wikimedia Commons
AmaWaterways: For the Foodie & Fitness Enthusiast
AmaWaterways is perfect for travelers who want a mix of luxury, gourmet dining, and activity options. If you’re a foodie, Ama’s onboard dining experience, with menus inspired by regional cuisine and top-quality wines, will delight you. It also offers one of the most comprehensive fitness and wellness programs among river cruise lines, making it a great choice for those who want to stay active while cruising.
Award-Winning Dining: AmaWaterways’ exceptional dining experience is enhanced by local, seasonal dishes and a wide selection of wines.
River Cruises for Food Lovers: The line offers dedicated food and wine-themed cruises, allowing you to explore Europe’s culinary delights in-depth.
Small Group Tours: Ama focuses on small, personalized excursions that allow you to explore each port in more depth.
Best For: Active travelers, food and wine enthusiasts, and those who enjoy a good balance of luxury and fitness.
Rolf Heinrich, Köln, CC BY 3.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours: All-Inclusive Luxury
Scenic provides one of the most all-inclusive experiences in the river cruising world, combining luxury with the convenience of everything being included, from excursions to all meals and drinks. Scenic’s “Space Ships” feature state-of-the-art amenities.
Truly All-Inclusive: Scenic includes nearly everything in the cruise fare, including excursions, meals, beverages, tips, and even airport transfers.
Exceptional Excursions: Scenic offers both included and exclusive excursions, including private, behind-the-scenes experiences and VIP access to landmarks.
Luxury on the Water: Scenic ships feature large suites, innovative balconies, and panoramic windows, offering an upscale, luxury experience.
Butler Service: Some suites come with the added luxury of a personal butler to enhance the experience.
Best For: Those looking for an all-inclusive luxury experience with a high level of personalization and exclusivity.
J. Wayne Higgs, CC BY-SA 2.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Emerald Waterways: Stylish & Affordable Luxury
Emerald Waterways offers a stylish, modern cruising experience with a focus on luxury at an affordable price point. Its ships feature sleek, contemporary designs with spacious cabins and panoramic windows. Emerald is a great choice for those who want high-quality service and experiences without the price tag of some of the ultra-luxury cruise lines.
Contemporary Style: Emerald ships boast sleek, stylish interiors with modern décor and large windows.
Value for Money: The line provides a premium cruising experience at an affordable price, making it ideal for those seeking luxury without breaking the bank.
The Emerald Active Program: Emerald offers active excursions, such as cycling and hiking, for those who want to stay active while exploring Europe.
All-Inclusive Elements: The cruise includes meals, excursions, and beverages, offering great value for money.
Best For: Travelers who want luxury cruising with a modern touch, without the high cost of ultra-luxury lines.
What About Ship Size?
It is important to note that most European river cruise ships are roughly the same size. Ship size is limited by the height and width of bridges, as well as the curvature of the river. The newer the ship, the more likely it is to max out those dimensions. But unlike with ocean cruise vessels, size really doesn’t matter as much as design.
What does matter is the number of guests a river cruise line sails with on any given voyage. As this is directly related to square footage per guest and how much “breathing room” one might have. Note – there is plenty of breathing room on the top observation deck for all! But here is the run-down.
| Cruise Line | Average # of Passengers |
| Viking River Cruises | 190, up to 256 on some routes |
| Emerald Cruises | 100-180 |
| Scenic | 126-169 |
| Avalon Waterways | 128-166 |
| AmaWaterways | 140-160 |
| Uniworld | 110-120, up to 152 on some routes |
Now What About Cost?
River cruise vacations are a bit pricier than land trips. They include so much in the fare (meals, drinks, excursions, etc.) that the initial price can be a bit shocking. But once you consider the value you will gain for your dollar, then you will see that they are a smart choice. Especially if you want to visit multiple locations without the hassle of changing hotels every day.
Before I give you a ranking on cost, I want to add a little context. These rankings are based on an average rate. You will find some pricing varies by itinerary. You will also find that overall pricing can fluctuate considerably when you add any pre- or post-nights to the booking. For instance, I recently quoted a client the exact same itinerary for Viking and Avalon. Viking came out a little less for the cruise itself. But, once I added a pre and post night at each end, Avalon came out the winner. Especially when you considered the increased size of the stateroom and value of the excursions and friendlier deposit terms. Each case is different and you have to consider the package as a whole.
Also, keep in mind that this is based on average pricing at the time of the analysis. So yes, things change dependent upon promotions, specials, etc. OK, so here it is:
| Cruise Line | Lowest to Highest Average Price Per Sailing |
| Emerald Cruises | Lowest |
| Viking | 2 |
| Avalon Waterways | 3 |
| Uniworld | 4 |
| Scenic | 5 |
| AmaWaterways | Highest |
Final Thoughts: Which River Cruise Line Is Right for You?
Ultimately, the best European river cruise line for you depends on what you’re looking for. If you want a top-tier luxury experience with everything included, Uniworld and Scenic are excellent choices. If you’re more into modern design, flexibility, and culturally immersive experiences, Avalon Waterways might be the perfect fit. For foodies or active travelers, AmaWaterways stands out with its amazing dining and wellness programs. If you are looking for the lowest cost option, the Emerald Cruises might be your go-to.
All of the river cruise lines brings something unique to the table, So take your time to choose one that matches your preferences, and get ready for an unforgettable European river cruise!
Plan Your European River Cruise
Don’t have a trip scheduled yet? Plan your trip! Shoot me an email, give me a ring, or schedule a time for us to chat to start planning your next cruise vacation. As a certified River Cruising Specialist, I am able to help you book the perfect cruise on any of the major lines. Plan to book online? Give me a try. I promise it won’t cost you a penny extra and it may even save you a bit! Plus you will have the added value of a trained specialist helping you plan and navigate your vacation.
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Bon voyage!
