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World of Cruising, along with our sister publication Cruise Trade News, has one of the UK’s most experienced teams of cruise journalists and contributors. Our experts have racked up hundreds of nights at sea and sailed with most cruise lines. Most weeks, one of our writers will be at sea or on a river. We don’t just write about cruising, we experience it. This article draws on our knowledge and expertise to highlight the best Bordeaux river cruises.
At a glance
What to know
Most Bordeaux river cruises are round-trip sailings from Bordeaux, heading east towards the Dordogne and west through the Gironde estuary to the Atlantic coast. Ships are smaller than those on the Rhine or Danube, making for a more intimate onboard experience. The scenery is rural. Think rolling hills, vineyards and small villages punctuated by châteaux and riverside fortresses.
Three rivers make up the Bordeaux river cruise region: the Dordogne, the Garonne and the Gironde. The Dordogne and Garonne both flow into the Gironde estuary, which in turn leads out to the Atlantic Ocean.
Most river cruises navigate all three waterways, depending on tide and ship size, with Bordeaux sitting at the confluence of the Garonne and Gironde. Ships typically travel east along the Dordogne towards Libourne and Saint-Émilion, and west along the Gironde to Blaye and Pauillac, occasionally venturing further inland along the Garonne to towns like Cadillac.
As you’d expect from Bordeaux cruises, these voyages have a strong focus on wine, but this isn’t just a region for oenophiles: medieval towns, local markets, food tastings and French cooking classes all also often part of the adventure.
Does this sound like your type of cruise? Here are World of Cruising’s favourite voyages.
Best for longer cruises: Scenic – Beautiful Bordeaux
Scenic is always a strong choice for immersive, all-inclusive river cruising – and things are no different here. This 10-night itinerary adds extra depth to the usual seven-night Bordeaux circuit. Alongside calls at Blaye, Libourne and Saint-Émilion, this cruise includes extended stays in Fort-Médoc, Cadillac and Bourg, and extra nights in Bordeaux, with time to explore both independently and through guided excursions.
The range of included excursions on offer is second to none. Highlights include a visit to the medieval town of Cognac with a tour of the estate of Remy Martin, one of the region’s top producers, and attending an exclusive classical concert in Château d’Agassac.
The ship, Scenic Diamond, was custom-built for French waterways and has a boutique-hotel feel. There are five dining venues, a salt therapy lounge and a vitality pool. You can opt for a Standard Suite or a Balcony Suite that comes with Scenic’s signature Sun Lounge, a blend of balcony and lounge.
Prices start from around £3,995 per person, including return flights, transfers, excursions, drinks and gratuities.
View deals:Scenic
Best for wine lovers: Uniworld River Cruises – Wine Roads of France and Portugal
Uniworld, one of the most luxurious names on the rivers, has a 17-night sailing combining two great wine regions – Bordeaux and the Douro. Granted, this means this isn’t just a Bordeaux cruise, but if you love wine, this cruise ticks a lot of boxes.
Guests spend the first week exploring the Gironde, Dordogne and Garonne, followed by a transfer to the Douro for an in-depth tour of Portugal’s river valley.
The French leg covers Saint-Émilion, Cadillac and Libourne, with wine tastings, château visits, and guided vineyard walks. The Portuguese section includes Lamego, Vila Real and a full-day trip to Salamanca in Spain.
Uniworld’s ships are known for high-end service and lavish interiors with handcrafted furniture. Cuisine is a strong point too – each meal is paired with regional wines and ingredients.
This cruise is a clear winner for well-travelled wine fans looking to explore beyond Bordeaux and dive into two distinct winemaking cultures in one trip.
The French leg of the cruise is aboard SS Bon Voyage, while the Portuguese leg is on SS São Gabriel.
Prices start from around £6,200 per person, with flights, drinks, excursions, tips and transfers included.
View deals:Uniworld River Cruises
Best for affordability: Avalon – Bonjour Bordeaux
You might find the cruises on the Bordeaux rivers slightly less affordable than on other waterways; this is because fewer lines cover this area. And the ones that do tend to fit at the more luxurious end of the market.
Saying this, we think Avalon Waterways offers outstanding value for money, with a polished product at prices that undercut the competition. The line’s Bonjour Bordeaux itinerary offers a perfect introduction to the region. The route includes Libourne, Blaye, Pauillac and Cadillac, with optional excursions ranging from bike rides and tastings to market tours and cooking classes.
This cruise is on Avalon Artistry II. Avalon’s ships are sleek and contemporary, and their trademark Panorama Suites feature wall-to-wall windows that turn your entire room into a viewing lounge.
Excursions are curated but not overly prescriptive – you can choose more active experiences, like vineyard bike rides, or stick to classic guided tours and tastings. Dining offers a choice of locally inspired and classic dishes, with complimentary wine, beer or soft drinks with lunch and dinner.
Prices start at around £2,000 per person, including flights, some excursions, meals, drinks (with lunch and dinner) and gratuities.
View deals:Avalon Waterways
Best for festive sailings: AmaWaterways – Taste of Bordeaux (Festive Delights)
AmaWaterways runs festive sailings in the Bordeaux region, including this December departure that brings a seasonal twist to the line’s classic route. Guests visit the region’s vineyards, castles and river towns while enjoying festive meals and Christmas markets.
Saint-Émilion, Cadillac, Blaye and Bourg all feature, with a special focus on seasonal produce and winter traditions. There’s a chance to taste mulled wine, take part in festive activities and attend guided tours and walks.
AmaWaterways is known for strong culinary programming and detailed excursions. The ship, AmaDolce, is decked out in festive decorations and has a cosy, boutique-like vibe, ideal for winter.
This is a top way to see the region with fewer crowds, and the festive atmosphere, with traditions and flavours at its core, gives the cruise an extra layer of depth.
Prices start from around £3,500 per person, including flights, excursions, drinks and tips.
View deals:AmaWaterways
Best for regional UK departures: Viking – Châteaux, Rivers and Wine
With nearly three decades in the game, Viking is a leader in destination-focused river cruising. But another area where the luxury line shines is enabling travellers from around the UK to join its cruises easily.
For example, Viking’s Châteaux, Rivers and Wine voyage comes with departures from 11 UK cities: London, Aberdeen, Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, Edinburgh, Belfast, Glasgow, Manchester, Newcastle and Norwich. And these departures are available without supplements – a rarity in the travel industry.
The cruise itself takes in all the classics: Bordeaux, Libourne, Saint-Émilion, Bourg, Margaux, Cadillac and Blaye.
As ever with Viking, the focus is on cultural enrichment. Expect vineyard visits, tastings, walking tours and guided insights into Bordeaux’s wine culture and history. Onboard, there are talks, cooking demonstrations and regionally themed meals.
This cruise is aboard Viking Forseti. As with all Viking ships, expect a modern, Scandinavian style, with lots of glass, clean lines and natural light.
Prices start at around £2,595 per person, including flights from London, Aberdeen, Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, Edinburgh, Belfast, Glasgow, Manchester, Newcastle and Norwich, plus some excursions, drinks with meals and Wi-Fi.
View deals:Viking
Learn more about Bordeaux river cruises:
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