Compare & book River cruises(2,970)
What is river cruising?
It’s a style of cruising that takes you inland, on rivers and waterways ranging from the Rhine and the canals of the Netherlands to the Mekong and the Amazon. Its popularity has seen a dramatic rise in recent years and shows no signs of slowing down.
The reasons for its immense appeal are manifold, from the chance to see landscapes reveal themselves mile by mile to opportunities to visit bucket-list destinations, like the lavender fields of Provence or the temples of Luxor.
A major perk is seeing multiple destinations without the burden of logistical hassle. While land-based travel often means rushing for trains and packing and repacking, river cruising means a seamless journey where you can sip wine on a sundeck as you glide from one port to the next.
What are the best river cruise lines?
There are dozens of river cruise operators to choose from, each with its own distinct approach to this style of sailing. Riviera Travel, for instance, is a strong contender for solo travellers, as well as would-be cruisers looking for culinary adventures. Viking offers culturally rich, adults-only itineraries, while Saga is tailored to those aged 50 and over, though companions aged 40 and above are welcome.
CroisiEurope and A-ROSA are among the more family-friendly (and wallet-friendly) options, and TUI River Cruises also offers competitive value. Uniworld Boutique River Cruises and Scenic, meanwhile, sit firmly in the ultra-luxury category, with amenities and price tags to match.
There are also regional specialists, such as American Cruise Lines, which focuses on rivers like the mighty Mississippi, and Pandaw, which exclusively sails on Asian rivers such as the Mekong and Ganges.
What are the best river cruise destinations?
There are rivers and waterways worth cruising all over the world, but European rivers are particularly popular. The Danube, which flows through 10 countries, is an excellent way to see central and eastern Europe, while the Douro, Moselle and Bordeaux rivers are prized by wine lovers.
The Rhône and Seine are also held in high regard, as they carry travellers through the South of France and Normandy, respectively. The Dutch and Belgian waterways are in demand, too, particularly during tulip season in spring.
The Nile also captures travellers’ imaginations, due to its millennia of history, while the Amazon offers expedition-style river cruising, perfect for wildlife-lovers. The Mekong and Ganges, meanwhile, are top choices for cruisers seeking adventures in Asia.
FAQs
How is river cruising different from ocean cruising?
There are significant differences between river cruises and classic ocean cruises. Here are five you should know:
1. Smaller ships: River ships tend to be far smaller than ocean ones, typically hosting between 50 and 200 guests. Compare that to ocean ships, where anything under 1,000 passengers is generally considered small. The disparity in size is a matter of practicality. River ships frequently need to navigate shallow, narrow waterways and tackle locks and bridges.
2. Fewer facilities: If you come aboard a river ship expecting waterparks, climbing walls and surf simulators, chances are you’ll be sorely disappointed. That said, what they lack in flash, they often make up for in style and substance. Many are akin to four- or five-star boutique hotels.
3. Access: River ships take you to places that ocean cruises could never reach, sailing through inland regions and landlocked countries (think Austria and Hungary). They also tend to dock near the city or town centre, while ports that can accommodate ocean-going vessels are farther out.
4. Entertainment: On ocean ships, evenings often involve Broadway- or West End-style productions. On river ships, you’re more likely to encounter understated, culturally enriching entertainment, such as talks by historians or concerts by classical musicians.
5. No sea sickness: Unlike ocean cruises, sea sickness is rarely an issue. That’s because you don’t get rollicking waves, and the pace of sailing is slow and steady. Plus, land is always in sight, meaning you can fix your eyes on a stable point.
What’s included on a river cruise?
At a minimum, your fare typically covers your stateroom, basic toiletries, towels, bathrobes, use of onboard facilities and full board, excluding alcoholic drinks. Beyond that, inclusions can vary significantly between lines.
Some work on a more à la carte basis and have different pricing brackets. For example, A-ROSA has basic full board and premium all-inclusive tiers, and add-ons like shore excursions incur additional fees.
Other operators take an all-inclusive approach, though how they interpret that also varies widely. For Saga, for instance, inclusions extend to a complimentary nationwide chauffeur service and travel insurance, while Avalon Waterways prides itself on offering an extensive programme of included excursions, so you can have your pick of the bunch.
Often, what makes for the best value option depends on your specific travel style.
How expensive are river cruises?
This depends on your cruise line, your choice of destination and the time of year. Value or mid-market lines offer mini cruises from under £500, with lower fares available during shoulder season or through early-booking promos and last-minute deals.
At the top end, ultra-luxury all-inclusive options can be significantly more expensive, especially if you factor in longer multi-river or rail-and-sail itineraries, top-tier suites, peak-season departures and far-flung destinations. Some reach up to £20,000. Needless to say, there’s plenty of room along the spectrum.
All told, river cruises may cost more than fly-and-flop or hostel-hopping holidays, but many offer surprisingly competitive value. After all, you’re getting a multi-destination holiday on what is effectively a four- or five-star floating hotel, without the headache of handling logistics independently.
Who are river cruises for?
Anyone who enjoys beautiful scenery, cultural landmarks and culinary exploration should add a river cruise to their bucket list. That applies to travellers who have never taken a cruise before as well as seasoned ocean cruisers who want to try something new.
It’s also a strong contender for solo travellers, offering itineraries with time to unwind on your own and small, intimate ships where it’s easy to meet like-minded fellow passengers. Riviera Travel has even launched the world’s first solo-exclusive river cruise ship.
That said, a river cruise might not be everyone’s dream holiday. If you’re looking for a fast-paced, action-packed trip with lots of boisterous nightlife and little to no downtime, this probably isn’t the right choice for you. On most river cruises, the focus is on savouring beautiful vistas, enjoying good wine and food and taking shore excursions at your own pace.
Plus, note that some river cruise lines are adults-only, and even on itineraries that do allow children, some simply aren’t well-suited to them. Many sailings on the Moselle, Douro and Rhône put a lot of emphasis on viticulture. Others might delight history buffs and art lovers, who can’t get enough of stained-glass windows, baroque architecture and Renaissance art, but leave an eight-year-old bored to tears.
That’s not to put families off entirely; it’s just a matter of choosing the right cruise line. For example, A-ROSA have family cabins and a kids’ club (a rarity on river ships), and kids cruise free on select CroisiEurope sailings.
When is the best time to go on a river cruise?
It depends on your destination, but there are good options year-round.
Spring: This is an appealing time to cruise a variety of rivers across Europe. The Dutch Waterways come into their own during tulip season, while many are drawn to the Danube by the promise of shoulder-season deals and fewer crowds in cities like Budapest.
Summer: This is peak season across much of Europe, with high temperatures, long days and a bustling atmosphere. In July, the Rhône flows through landscapes of lavender, while sailing the Seine means seeing Paris when it sizzles.
Autumn: This is a great time for a European river cruise because it coincides with harvest season. The Douro is particularly beguiling, with terraced vineyards teeming with activity as the vindima (grape harvest) unfolds. Wine lovers might also opt for Bordeaux or Moselle river cruises.
Winter: The snow-dusted Christmas markets of Europe are a major draw, especially on rivers like the Rhine, Main and Danube. It’s also an ideal season to cruise the Nile, Mekong and Ganges, thanks to more favourable weather conditions.
How long are river cruises?
The slightly annoying – but honest – answer is it depends. There are mini cruises that last just three or four days, as well as multi-river itineraries that are well over a month.
What is the dress code on a river cruise?
This varies from one cruise line to the next, but in most cases, you can leave your ballgown or tuxedo at home. Unlike ocean cruise lines like Cunard, which feature gala evenings with a black-tie dress code, river cruises tend to be more relaxed and informal.
Typically, if you’d feel comfortable wearing it at a boutique hotel, it will be appropriate for your river cruise. Instead, focus on what’s well-suited to your destination, whether that’s sturdy walking shoes for cobbled streets or a pashmina for visiting religious sites.
