Which Is the Best River Cruise Line in Europe?

By Anna Duncan

If you’re planning a European vacation, a river cruise is an excellent way to see the continent’s iconic cities and landscapes. Europe has a lot of river cruise lines, each with its own unique style and itinerary.

Which one should you choose? In this article, we’ll take a closer look at some of the best river cruise lines in Europe and what makes them stand out.

1. Viking River Cruises

Viking River Cruises is one of the most popular river cruise lines in Europe and for a good reason.

The company offers luxurious ships that are designed to resemble Scandinavian longships with all the modern amenities you could need.

Viking offers an extensive range of itineraries that include stops in major European cities such as Paris, Amsterdam, Vienna, Budapest, and Prague. Their ships also visit smaller towns and villages along the way to provide a more authentic European experience.

If you’re looking for an all-inclusive experience with top-notch service and accommodations, Viking River Cruises is an excellent choice.

2. AmaWaterways

AmaWaterways is another popular river cruise line that offers excellent service, comfortable accommodations, and immersive itineraries.

Their ships are designed to be spacious with large staterooms featuring French balconies or full outdoor balconies. The line has won numerous awards for its food offerings as well as its wine program that features local wines from the regions visited during cruises.

AmaWaterways offers itineraries that range from 7 to 21 nights long and travel through France, Germany, Austria, Hungary, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland & The Netherlands.

3. Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection

If you’re looking for a more upscale experience with plenty of luxury touches, Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection is an excellent choice. Uniworld’s ships are beautifully designed and decorated with ornate furnishings and original artwork.

The line offers itineraries that visit some of Europe’s most beautiful cities and towns, including Paris, Vienna, Amsterdam, Budapest, and Venice. They also offer themed cruises that focus on food & wine, Christmas markets, and even a Jewish heritage cruise.

Uniworld also has an impressive culinary program led by a team of expert chefs who create dishes inspired by the regions visited during each cruise.

4. Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours

If you’re looking for an all-inclusive river cruise experience with plenty of luxury touches, Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours is a great option. Their ships feature spacious staterooms with balconies and all-inclusive amenities such as butler service and unlimited drinks.

The line offers itineraries that visit some of Europe’s most beautiful cities and towns while also exploring lesser-known destinations such as Bruges in Belgium or the Douro Valley in Portugal.

Scenic’s culinary program is also impressive, with expert chefs creating dishes inspired by the regions visited during each cruise.

Conclusion

Choosing the best river cruise line in Europe depends largely on your preferences and budget. Viking River Cruises is an excellent choice for those looking for an all-inclusive experience with top-notch service and accommodations while AmaWaterways offers immersive itineraries that focus on local cultures and cuisine. Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection is perfect for travelers looking for a more upscale experience with plenty of luxury touches while Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours provides a fantastic all-inclusive experience with plenty of luxury touches.

  • Viking River Cruises: All-inclusive experience with top-notch service and accommodations.
  • AmaWaterways: Immersive itineraries that focus on local cultures and cuisine.
  • Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection: Upscale experience with plenty of luxury touches.
  • Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours: All-inclusive experience with plenty of luxury touches.

No matter which river cruise line you choose, a European river cruise is an unforgettable experience that will leave you with memories that last a lifetime. Happy travels!