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 became extremely popular in recent years, attracting more and more travelers experiencing it for the first time. And those who already sailed before are always 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!

With so many river cruise brands out there, it's always hard to make a choice. It's easy to mix them up and get overwhelmed trying to choose one.

Fear not, I'm here for you! These are my expert (and personal) comments on each one of the brands.

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, some with no frills. Some offer more inclusions, some fewer and 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 help you with all the pre and post travel arrangments, as well as share our suggestions for tours that will make your experience feel extra special).

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. Very well established line that a lot of people don't know about. 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 like the flexibility and the fact that their price reflects that... you usually pay less when booking, and then add the tours if you want (tours are well priced, and they have great options to choose from). Solid food, newer ships are beautiful! Beer and wine are included with lunch and dinner.

- AmaWaterways: To me, AmaWaterways has a bit more "heart". Something I can explain as an extra warm touch, a family gathering together to explore the rivers. The cruise directors are personable, warm, with a genuine hospitality. The vibe on the ship is camaraderie. Great food, they also have a Chef's table restaurant that you can dine in once during the sailing with excellent food prepared by the chef right there. Beer and wine are included with lunch and dinner.

- Avalon: similar to AmaWaterways, tends to price a bit better on similar itineraries. Its parent company is well established in the tourism market. They offer great itineraries with more opportunities to connect with the local culture. I also really like their Active excursions, which give guests (like me) the opportunity to explore more actively (think hike, bike, and such). Similar food to Ama (pretty great), and beer and wine 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 are likely to attract a slightly younger, more contemporary river cruising audience. They are aiming to bring the modern, sleek design of their Edge-class ocean ships to the European rivers. They will have more than one restaurant onboard, and include select wine, beer, and cocktails all day (similar to an open bar concept).

- Emerald: good option if you want comfortable rooms, great sailing, and solid food. I say it's a 4+ start boutique hotel. Great value, more informal, 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 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. They are big with UK guests but they are growing fast for Americans, offering 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 single sailing.

Starting in 2026, they will be offering an open bar concept.

- Scenic: 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 offer private access or unique experiences. The price matches the premium product. Beautiful cabins, gourmet dining, open bar. It's classy, 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, exceptional guides. A great combination of sailing and land. 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, 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! 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, 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, easy to agree with. Things work as they should. But personally, it lacks some character. Tends to attract an older crowd. Great fit for some clients who are 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.