Best river cruise lines in the world for 2021 from Viking to Crystal
The best cruise lines in the world for 2021 have been unveiled - perfect for holidaymakers working out who to sail with. These are the top river cruise lines.
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 -
River Duchess
S.S. La Venezia
S.S. São Gabriel
S.S. Maria Theresa
S.S. Elisabeth
Aria Amazon
River Tosca
S.S. Beatrice
S.S. Sphinx
S.S. Joie de Vivre
River Empress
Ganges Voyager II
S.S. Bon Voyage
River Victoria
S.S. Catherine
S.S. Victoria
River Queen
Mekong Jewel
S.S. Antoinette
Sanctuary Yangzi Explorer
River Princess
MS Inspire
Isabella II
MS Joy
MS Swiss Jewel
MS Emerald
MS Esprit
MS Andorinha
MS Savor
Oberoi Philae
Tauck Santa Cruz II
MS Treasures
Oberoi Zahra
MS Sapphire
MS Grace
Isabela II
Viking Eistla
Viking Baldur
Viking Saigon
Viking Idun
Viking Ullur
Viking Helgi
Viking Gefjon
Viking Truvor
Viking Osfrid
Viking Jarl
Viking Gymir
Viking Osiris
Viking Mississippi
Viking Tor
Viking Herja
Viking Rurik
Viking Sobek
Viking Gullveig
Viking Magni
Viking Skirnir
Viking Bragi
Viking Helgrim
Viking Ve
Viking Sigyn
Viking Freya
Viking Skaga
Viking Alsvin
Viking Sineus
Viking Prestige
Viking Kari
Viking Einar
Viking Kvasir
Viking Hermod
MS Antares
Viking Vidar
Viking Hild
Viking Hervor
Viking Egil
Viking Aton
Viking Aegir
Viking Fjorgyn
Viking Buri
Viking Atla
Viking Gersemi
Viking Tir
Viking Delling
Viking Alruna
Viking Rolf
Viking Torgil
Viking Skadi
Viking Ingvi
Viking Vali
Viking Eir
Viking Mekong
Viking Vili
Viking Hemming
Viking Emerald
Viking Tialfi
Viking Lofn
Viking Mani
Viking Akun
Viking Astrild
Viking Mimir
Viking Hlin
Viking Heimdal
Viking Idi
Viking Lif
Viking Egdir
Viking Vilhjalm
Viking Kara
Viking Modi
Viking Hathor
Viking Tonle
Viking Ingvar
Viking Ra
Viking Rinda
Viking Var
Viking Radgrid
Viking Njord
Viking Forseti
Viking Legend
Viking Beyla
Viking Kadlin
Viking Sigrun
Viking Embla
Viking Odin
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