What makes a cruise ‘the best’?

At World of Cruising, our team of experts curate ‘best for…’ guides rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach. We look at what cruise lines stand out for each destination we review and each type of traveller. We look for those subtle, if-you-know-you-know details so we can tailor our recommendations.

At a glance:
The Rhône Valley is one of the top river cruises destinations, meaning lots of options, prices and sailings suitable for most travellers
Most cruise lines include at least some inclusions in their base fares, although some don’t
All cruises follow a similar itinerary, but excursions can differ – so it’s worth knowing what you’d like to see away from the ship before choosing an operator

Best for solo travellers: Riviera Travel

A suite onboard MS Lord Byron, one of the Riviera Travel ships sailing the Rhône | Credit: Riviera Travel

Riviera Travel is one of the best river cruise lines, but in recent years it has carved out a niche for solo travellers, offering dedicated sailings with no single supplements, including some on the Rhône.

These cruises attract a sociable crowd of like-minded travellers, many of whom are exploring the joys of river cruising for the first time. Riviera’s approach strikes a balance between quality and value, with thoughtfully curated itineraries that delve into both the headline sights and lesser-known gems of the region. The onboard atmosphere is relaxed and not overly formal.

Excursion highlights

Guided tour of Lyon
Visit to a vineyard near Tain-l’Hermitage for a wine tasting
Tour of the Ardèche Gorges with visit to the Lavender Museum
Visit to the Pont du Gard
Guided tour of the Palace of the Popes in Avignon

Prices

A week-long Rhône and Saône cruise for solo travellers with Riviera typically starts from around £2,399, including flights.

What’s included

Flights and transfers
Meals
Drinks packages
A selection of excursions
Wi-Fi

See offer:Riviera Travel

Best for all-inclusive: Scenic

Scenic Sapphire in Avignon | Credit: Scenic

Scenic’s all-inclusive approach covers nearly everything at the upfront price, from fine dining and premium drinks to excursions, tips and transfers. The result is a no-fuss experience that delivers on comfort, service and attention to detail.

Scenic’s Rhône cruises take place aboard the Scenic Sapphire, a modern ship designed specifically for French waterways. Expect contemporary styling, spacious suites (many with balconies) and a choice of dining venues. Scenic also offers a range of ‘Scenic Freechoice’ and ‘Scenic Enrich’ excursions, giving you freedom to tailor your trip with cultural experiences, food and wine tastings, and active tours.

Excursion highlights

Classical concert and dinner in Avignon’s Palais des Papes
Acapella choir performance at Trinity Chapel in Lyon
Hiking through the vineyards in Tournon
Wine tasting in Chateauneuf du Pape
Kayaking at Pont du Gard

Prices

A 7-night South of France itinerary with Scenic typically starts from around £3,195.

What’s included

Flights and transfers
Meals
Premium drinks
Mini-bar restocked daily
Daily excursions
Gratuities
Wi-Fi
Cooking demonstrations and lessons
Use of e-bikes

See offers:Scenic

Best for affordability: CroisiEurope

MS Rhône Princess | Credit: CroisiEurope

For a Rhône river cruise without the premium price tag, CroisiEurope offers excellent value. This family-run French cruise line operates some of the most competitively priced itineraries on the market, without compromising too much on comfort or experience. Its Rhône sailings attract a mix of European guests, creating a more continental atmosphere onboard, and the overall vibe is informal and friendly.

CroisiEurope’s ships on the Rhône are smaller and more traditional in style than those of the higher-end lines, but they’re well maintained and functional. Dining focuses on French cuisine, often with regional influences, and there’s a strong emphasis on locally themed excursions. English-speaking guests are well looked after, with multilingual staff and commentary on tours.

Excursion highlights

Visit to Les Baux-de-Provence, one of France’s most beautiful villages
Tour of Arles and its Roman sites
Visit to the Vercors Plateau and its hanging houses
Visit to the Camargue area

Prices

A 7-night cruise from Lyon to Arles with CroisiEurope typically starts from around £1,144, excluding flights.

What’s included

All meals onboard
Drinks with meals and at the bar
Daily excursions
Port fees and taxes
Wi-Fi
Onboard activities

See offers:CroisiEurope

Best for families: A-ROSA

A-Rosa will offer swimming lessons to children | Credit: A-Rosa

A-ROSA stands out as one of the few river cruise lines that actively welcomes families. It offers a more relaxed and flexible approach than many of its peers.

On the Rhône, A-ROSA’s sleek, contemporary ships combine spacious cabins (some with sofa beds or connecting doors) with an informal atmosphere that suits multi-generational travel. Kids under 15 cruise for free when sharing a cabin with their parents, making this one of the best-value options for families.

There is a splash pool on deck, a spa for grown-ups, and plenty of flexibility when it comes to dining. Meals are buffet-style, and there is no formal dress code. And the ships have a kids’ club.

While river cruising still tends to appeal more to adults, A-ROSA does a solid job of creating space for families to enjoy the journey together without compromising the experience for other guests.

Prices are competitive, but excursions are not included, and costs can quickly add up.

Excursion highlights

Avignon tour with mini-train to the Palace of the Popes
Tour of the Camargue in a Jeep
Kayak adventure from Viviers
Excursion to Lyon Zoo

Prices

A 7-night Rhône sailing with A-ROSA starts from around €998 per adult, with children under 15 travelling free.

What’s included

Meals
Drinks
Family cabins and free kids’ places
Use of the onboard spa and fitness area
Bicycles and walking tours
Wi-Fi
Port fees and taxes

See offers:A-Rosa

Best for first-time river cruisers: Emerald Cruises

Emerald Liberté is designed to sail the waterways of France | Credit: Emerald Waterways

Emerald Cruises takes the stress out of trying something new. Its Rhône itineraries include almost everything – from flights and transfers to guided excursions, drinks with meals, Wi-Fi and even gratuities. That’s ideal for first-time cruisers who don’t want to be hit with extra charges once on board. There's no need to bring formal wear as the dress code is smart casual throughout.

Emerald offers excellent value for money. It’s not the cheapest option, but it sits in the sweet spot between affordability and comfort, which makes it an attractive choice if you're trying river cruising for the first time and don’t want to spend a fortune. The ships are modern and stylish, and the atmosphere is relaxed and informal – a good fit for people who wouldn’t normally think of themselves as cruise travellers.

Excursion highlights