Best river cruises to sail in Europe - Which one should you choose?

Not a fan of cruises? THINK AGAIN! This is not your ordinary gazillion people doing a belly flop contest in the pool. This is river cruising: small, boutique, authentic, full of character, and with a deep cultural connection.

River cruises have become extremely popular in recent years. They attract more and more travelers experiencing them for the first time. And guess what? Those who have sailed before always come back (yes, it is that good)! 🚢✨

River cruises are like a floating hotel. Completely different from an ocean cruise experience.

River cruising is an excellent way to explore beautiful small towns without the packing/unpacking. You get to explore a new village every day and still get to relax!

Choosing the Right River Cruise

With so many river cruise brands out there, it can be tough to make a choice. It's easy to mix them up and feel overwhelmed. But fear not! I'm here for you! 🎉 These are my expert (and personal) comments on each brand.

As a rule of thumb, my first recommendation is: choose the one with the itinerary and dates that work best for you. Truly, they are all pretty good in what they offer, and you can't go very wrong with either. Now, different brands may offer different things. Some are more luxurious, while others are more budget-friendly. Some offer more inclusions, while others have fewer. The best cruise line is the one that matches... well... you!!

(A "little" note: We are river cruise experts, and we would love to help you choose your cruise. We don't charge any fees, and we will assist you with all the pre and post-travel arrangements. Plus, we’ll share our suggestions for tours that will make your experience feel extra special!).

My Quick Guide to the Best River Cruises in Europe

Here is my quick guide for the best river cruises to sail in Europe! I will give you an overview of the different brands and the type of experience you can expect when sailing with them (in alphabetical order).

Amadeus

I call them the underdogs. This well-established line is known by many but not all. It's excellent for more independent travelers. Their price doesn't include a shore excursion in each port, but you can add it a la carte, or you can choose to do your own thing. I love the flexibility! Their pricing reflects this, so you usually pay less when booking and then add the tours if you want (tours are well-priced, and they have great options). Solid food, and their newer ships are beautiful! Beer and wine are included with lunch and dinner.

AmaWaterways

To me, AmaWaterways has a bit more "heart." It feels like a family gathering together to explore the rivers. The cruise directors are personable and warm, offering genuine hospitality. The vibe on the ship is all about camaraderie. Great food awaits you! They even have a Chef's Table restaurant where you can dine once during the sailing, enjoying excellent food prepared right there by the chef. Beer and wine are included with lunch and dinner.

Avalon

Similar to AmaWaterways, Avalon tends to price a bit better on similar itineraries. Their parent company is well-established in the tourism market. They offer great itineraries with more opportunities to connect with local culture. I also really like their Active excursions, which give guests (like me) the chance to explore more actively (think hikes, bike rides, and more). Their food is pretty great, and beer and wine are included with lunch and dinner.

Celebrity

One of the new kids on the block! Yes, they are known for their ocean cruises, but they are entering the river cruise market in 2027 and are currently building several ships. They aim to attract a slightly younger, more contemporary river cruising audience. Expect modern, sleek designs similar to their Edge-class ocean ships. They will have more than one restaurant onboard and include select wine, beer, and cocktails all day (similar to an open bar concept).

Emerald

A good option if you want comfortable rooms, great sailing, and solid food. I’d say it’s a 4+ star boutique hotel. Great value, more informal, and less stiff (clean lines, minimalist). Also great for active travelers (they offer bike tours, hikes, and onboard yoga classes) and tend to attract a slightly younger demographic. Beer and wine are included with lunch and dinner.

Riviera

Never heard of them? Well, you are not alone! They are the "best-kept secret" of European river cruising. They are very traditional to the European market but new to the US market. They offer beautiful, more traditional ships and are popular with UK guests. They are growing fast among Americans, providing a high-end experience at a more accessible price point than many competitors. The best line for solo travelers! They offer a selection of cabins with no single supplement on every sailing. Starting in 2026, they will be offering an open bar concept.

Scenic

An all-inclusive luxury approach, offering a high-end experience from start to finish. It’s your 5-star boutique hotel in every sense. They have butlers and premium furnishings. Their excursions often provide private access or unique experiences. The price matches the premium product. Beautiful cabins, gourmet dining, and an open bar. It’s classy and chic without being pretentious. I think it’s called "quiet luxury" :)

Tauck

A category of its own! It’s about being luxurious while offering the most amazing experiences. Smaller groups and exceptional guides make this a great combination of sailing and land experiences. The price also matches the premium product. If you have the budget for it, just do it. You won’t regret it! Amazing food, amazing tours, amazing vibe, and an open bar. I rest my case.

Trafalgar

The other new kid on the block! Trafalgar is an extremely well-known brand for land tours, which is entering the river cruise space. The main draw is that they will bring their land-tour expertise and high points to the river. So expect a very well-planned itinerary with cultural immersions. TBD on the food.

Uniworld

Luxury brand alert! It’s all about that grand, old-world feel with butler service and rich, beautiful décor (think the most different and full of character wallpapers and room feel). It's stylish! Perfect if you’re looking to lean into a really high-end, classic luxury experience. Great food, high-end service, and an open bar.

Viking

The most well-known river cruise line in the US, thanks to all the millions of dollars spent on TV commercials (ha!). It’s a solid line, but think of it like a "vanilla" flavor: great, tasty, and easy to agree with. Things work as they should. But personally, it lacks some character. It tends to attract an older crowd. Great fit for clients looking for a simple, elegant, and reliable cruise line.

CLICK HERE to submit your quote request so we can help you with the best river cruises to sail in Europe! We will go over the itineraries, prices, dates, and all the details to make it easy (and fun) to plan it. 🎉

River cruises are great for couples, adult friends, and solo travelers. Each brand may offer something different; it's important to have the right match, so you have an incredible experience.

The rivers are calling - and you won't regret answering! 🌊✨

Safe travels,

Marilia Candeloro

Owner at Happy Hour Travel

CLICK HERE to submit your quote request so we can help you with the best river cruises to sail in Europe! We will go over the itineraries, prices, dates, and all the details to make it easy (and fun) to plan it.