Best river cruise lines in the world for 2021 from Viking to Crystal

River cruises are hugely popular but, with so many cruise lines to choose from, it can be tricky to work out which company is best for you.

Luckily, new awards have made the job easy and highlighted the crème de la crème of the river cruising industry.

Top 10 River Cruise Lines have been unveiled by Travel & Lesiure.

The number one cruise line proved a stand-out success among the magazine's readers who voted this year.

Uniworld Boutique River Cruises was named the best river cruise line for 2021.

The company has 19 ships and sails European rivers as well as those in Cambodia, Egypt, India, Peru and Vietnam.

Uniworld was praised for its impeccable service, creative itineraries, impressive design and excellent food.

"My experience exceeded all expectations... Staff consistently went above and beyond to ensure a pampered vacation," said one traveller.

"The best experience I have ever had on any ship," another added.

Tauck came in second place - up two places from the last awards.

The line is a super-premium brand offering small, intimate, all-inclusive sailings on the waterways of Europe on the likes of the Danube, Rhine and Rhone.

- READ MORE: Six of the best Rhine cruises for spring and summer 2022 -

Viking Cruises was awarded third-best river cruise line.

Viking is the largest river cruise line operator in the world, with a fleet of 76 ships running sailings across four continents.

The line offers facilities such as sundeck swimming pools, relaxing Aquavit terraces and well-stocked libraries.

Aqua Expeditions was in fourth position in the top 10 awards.

The luxury small-ship brand sails the Peruvian Amazon, Mekong, and the seas of East Indonesia.

- READ MORE: Why should you choose a river cruise over an ocean cruise? -

In fifth place was American Queen Steamboat Company. The US line sails on the Mississippi, Ohio, Tennessee, Illinois Columbia and Snake rivers.

The remaining top 10 river cruise lines were Belmond, Avalon Waterways, Scenic Cruises, AmaWaterways and Crystal Cruises.

Top 10 River Cruise Lines

1. Uniworld Boutique River Cruises

2. Tauck

3. Viking Cruises

4. Aqua Expeditions

5. American Queen Steamboat Company

6. Belmond

7. Avalon Waterways

8. Scenic Cruises

9. AmaWaterways

10. Crystal Cruises

- READ MORE: Best Christmas-themed river cruises for 2021 -