At a glance
- The most popular cruises are seven-night journeys from Amsterdam to Basel or vice versa.
- Most river ships on the Rhine hold between 130 and 200 passengers. However, A-Rosa Cruises’ A-Rosa Sena can accommodate 280 passengers over four decks.
- There is no bad time to cruise the Rhine, as each season offers unique experiences and attractions.
- Planning a Rhine river cruise can feel overwhelming, this guide will help you find out which line is best for you.
What to know before you book
‘Old Father Rhine’ flows through six countries – Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Austria, Germany, France, and the Netherlands – and features more castles than any other waterway (there are 40 in the Unesco-listed Upper Middle Rhine Valley alone). Factor in the fabled 400 ft-high Lorelei rock – named after a lovely young maiden whose beauty was so bewitching that she caused sailors to wreck their ships – rugged cliffs, and vineyard-covered hills, and it’s little wonder that the Rhine has become such a popular river cruise destination.
The cruising season on the Rhine River typically runs from early April through to late December, with each season offering travellers something different. Spring (April and May) is a great time to set sail if you’re after favourable weather but also fewer crowds. Summer (June to August) is warm, and when festivals and open-air concerts are in full swing, while Autumn (September to early October) affords the chance to watch the foliage along the river banks turn a golden hue.
Lastly, while winter on the Rhine can be cold, it’s also, in the run up to Christmas, a magical time to cruise: expect to see wooden stalls selling warming mulled wine and handcrafted traditional gifts, while the smell of gingerbread and cinnamon fills the air.
What makes a cruise 'the best'?
At World of Cruising, our travel experts curate our 'best for...' guides by focusing on what makes a cruise the right fit for different types of travellers. Make no mistake: there’s a river cruise line for everyone, from families and multigenerational groups to foodies, solo travellers, the time poor, luxury lovers, the health-conscious, Brits, and those on a budget. And the good news for you, dear reader, is that we’ve done the hard work for you: here’s our pick of the best Rhine river cruise lines.
Best for luxury: Uniworld
Why this cruise line?
Every vessel in Unworld’s fleet is an individual with its own bespoke details, custom fabrics, colour palettes, and personally selected artwork – for the line doesn’t believe in operating cookie-cutter ships. Suites feature handcrafted Savoir beds whose high-profile past fans include the late King Hassan II of Morocco, who famously ordered 24 for his palace. The in-suite bathrooms are vast, covered in marble, and generously stocked with Molton Brown toiletries.
Onboard, everything – from drinks and meals to crew tips, wi-fi, airport transfers, entertainment and carefully curated excursions – is included. Itineraries encompass seven-night sailings between Amsterdam and Basel – the classic Rhine cruise – as well as a 14-night Brussels to Basel cruise that also takes in the Moselle.
What are the standout excursions?
At least two excursions are included at each port, and they’re a far cry from the drab, dreary coach tours long synonymous with river cruising. Visit a vineyard estate for an exclusive tour, tasting and cooking class, or hop on your custom Uniworld bicycle and follow your guide along 12.5 miles of scenic paths in Koblenz – one of the oldest cities in Germany.
How much does it cost?
At the time of writing, fares for a week-long Rhine cruise start at approximately £2,399 per person, including return flights.
Browse offers:Uniworld
Best for families: A-Rosa
Why this cruise line?
German-owned A-ROSA is renowned for its relaxed take on river cruising and, since adding A-Rosa Sena to its fleet in June 2022, for welcoming families. Spanning four decks instead of the usual three, A-Rosa Sena – which means ‘beauty’ in Arabic – is Europe’s first family-friendly river cruise ship. Expect 12 family cabins that sleep up to five people; a kids’ club that spans the width of the vessel and has a slide, a climbing wall and a large play area; and separate swimming pools for adults and youngsters.
While little ones learn to swim (A-Rosa is the only river cruise line to offer children's swimming lessons), adults can pamper themselves in the superb spa, which features a sauna, ice room, relaxation area, two treatment rooms, and a large gym.
What are the standout excursions?
The eco-conscious cruise line (A-Rosa Sena is the first river ship in Europe to use hybrid-powered engines that run off diesel and electricity) offers both short and long Rhine cruises from Cologne, Dusseldorf, Frankfurt and Strasbourg. Family-friendly excursions include the sobering Anne Frank House in Amsterdam, cycling and canal tours, Antwerp Zoo, and street art and sculptures in edgy Rotterdam.
How much does it cost?
At the time of writing, fares begin at approximately £1,400 per person (excluding flights) for a seven-night sailing.
Browse offers:A-Rosa
Best for solo travellers: Riviera Travel
Why this cruise line?
Riviera Travel is one of a growing number of river cruise lines that have realised that more and more people are choosing to travel solo. To this end, the line, which last year celebrated its 40th birthday, offers sailings exclusively for those travelling alone. With no supplements on any cabin, you can splash out and book the suite of your choice without worrying about punitive single supplements. On other sailings, you'll find two or three dedicated solo cabins on each ship and, again, they are often sold with no supplement.
What’s more, Riviera Travel hosts meet-and-greet gatherings where you can mix and mingle with like-minded travellers throughout the sailing. All told, you might embark on a Rhine river cruise with Riviera Travel as a single traveller, but you certainly won’t end up alone. And if, for whatever reason, you aren’t happy by day two of your holiday, the line will bring you home and refund your entire trip as part of its ‘happiness guarantee’.
What are the standout excursions?
There won’t be any nasty surprises at the end of your cruise as shore excursions are included in the fare. Chocolate lovers will want to visit the Lindt chocolate museum in Cologne, while oenophiles can experience a wine tasting in the underground vaults of the Koblenz wine museum. There’s also the chance to visit under-the-radar towns such as medieval Colmar in Alsace.
How much does it cost?
At the time of writing, fares for a seven-night Rhine cruise start at approximately £2,449 based on solo occupancy and including flights.
Browse offers:Riviera Travel
Best for couples: Viking
Why this cruise line?
Viking’s entire river cruise fleet is adults-only, so instead of waterslides and colossal kids’ clubs, you’ll find fine dining indoor and alfresco restaurants, charming sun decks with herb gardens, and floor-to-ceiling windows from which to savour the constantly changing scenery with your other half.
Activities include expert talks and lectures on the history and culture of each destination, while local musicians are invited onboard to play on some evenings. On shore days, hop off your Viking longship and explore: a complimentary excursion is included for you and your amore at every port of call. What’s more, when you set sail with Viking, you won’t have to worry about forking out extra for food, flights, drinks, tips and Wi-Fi as they are all included in your fare, leaving you free to focus on couple time.
What are the standout excursions?
Don’t miss excursions include exploring the iconic Cologne Cathedral, visiting the charming windmills of Kinderdijk and indulging in wine tastings in the Rüdesheim wine-growing region. There’s also the chance to tour both Marksburg Castle, perched above scenic Braubac, and the ruins of Heidelberg Castle – all while only unpacking once.
How much does it cost?
At the time of writing, fares for a seven-night Rhine cruise start at approximately £2,195 per person, including return flights.
Browse offers:Viking
Best for value: TUI River Cruises
Why this cruise line?
River cruises are the newest venture for travel giant TUI, and the enterprise has proved so successful that TUI River Cruises is set to launch yet another new river ship later this year. Little wonder, given that the adults-only line is refreshingly affordable. Everything from meals, drinks, gratuities, unlimited internet access, entertainment and even return flights are included in the (very competitive) cost of your Rhine river cruise.
All you’ll need to put your hand in your pocket for are select shore excursions, spa treatments, and shop purchases, making the line a great option for those of us who don’t boast the budget of a footballer’s wife.
Three TUI ships – step forward, TUI Isa, Skyla, and Maya – sail the Rhine and all have Brits in mind: kettles and Twinings tea bags adorn every cabin.
What are the standout excursions?
Fancy soaring high above the city of Koblenz on a scenic cable car ride with wow-worthy views at every turn? That’s just one of the excursions on offer on a Rhine sailing with TUI River Cruises.
Alternatively, take a guided tour through the Netherlands' tulip garden at Keukenhof, famously known as the Garden of Europe, and fill your Insta feed with vibrant tulips, fragrant hyacinths and dazzling daffodils. Other highlights include a four-hour tour of the fairytale city of Colmar in France, and the opportunity to sip the famous red wines of Breisach in the small German town.
How much does it cost?
At the time of writing, a seven-night Rhine cruise costs around £1,089 per person including flights.
Browse offers: TUI River Cruises
Best for foodies: AmaWaterways
Why this cruise line?
An AmaWaterways’ Rhine cruise is worth working up an appetite for. The luxury line is a member of the esteemed international culinary organisation La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs – the only river cruise line to be invited to do so. This exclusive membership ensures that menus feature locally inspired cuisine and dishes such as German spargel (white asparagus) and salmon trout with pumpkin mash, Swiss chard and Riesling wine sauce. AmaWaterways also offers the Chef’s Table – a small speciality restaurant included in your fare – where you can watch the chef prepare exquisite meals in a glass-walled kitchen.
An oenophile? If simply sailing past the Rhine’s vine-lined valleys isn't enough, opt for one of AmaWaterways’ wine-themed cruises. Hosted by a wine expert, you’ll enjoy wine pairings and on-board tastings, as well as excursions to wineries, cellars, and even a private wine festival in Zell.
What are the standout excursions?
Expect a menu of shore excursions at different paces (gentle, regular, and active) in every port of call. If you’re worried about all those extra calories you’re consuming, sign up for a guided bike tour of Cologne, with its gothic cathedral, or, in historic Heidelberg, hike up the Philosopher’s Path. The icing on the cake? All excursions are included in your cruise fare.
How much does it cost?
At the time of writing, a seven-night Rhine cruise with AmaWaterways hovers around the £3,000 per person mark, including flights.
Browse offers:AmaWaterways
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