Choosing the perfect river cruise can feel overwhelming with so many options out there. Yet, the secret to an unforgettable journey lies in selecting luxury river cruise lines that offer more than just a trip – they provide an experience.
This article shines a light on elite river cruises that redefine luxury travel, promising not just destinations but also unrivaled comfort and elegance.
With years of travel writing under our belt and countless rivers crossed, we’ve seen firsthand what sets apart the good from the truly exceptional in river cruising. From the serene beauty of Europe’s grand rivers to remote corners of Asia, get ready for adventure!
Top Luxury River Cruise Lines
The best river cruising companies set the benchmark for luxury and customer service. These cruise lines transform every trip into a journey of cultural enrichment. They are listed in no particular order, just numbered for your ease of reference.
1. Viking River Cruises
Viking River Cruises blends modern Scandinavian design with traditional river cruising elements for a comfortable yet refined adventure across various destinations.
With its fleet of Nordic-inspired “Longships,” Viking sails along iconic rivers such as the Danube, Rhine, Seine, Elbe, Rhône, and Portugal’s Douro.
The cruise line stands out for its emphasis on destination-based entertainment over traditional shipboard activities.
This approach has earned them recognition as one of the top river and ocean line cruises and a premier choice for travelers seeking unique and well-curated experiences.
2. Riverside Luxury Cruises
Riverside Luxury Cruises deliver an exceptional level of elegance on its vessels, acquired from Crystal Cruises. They are renowned for their crew to guest ratio and butler service. Each suite boasts a king-size bed.
The line prioritizes personalized experiences along Europe’s most scenic rivers such as the Danube, the Rhine and the Mosel. Their itineraries can be combined and extended in a variety of different ways.
Aiming to redefine river cruising and set itself apart from other river cruise lines, Crystal River Cruises delivers exceptional experiences that go beyond impeccable service and exceptional cuisine to its guests.
Unlike most other river cruise lines, they have open dining times and many tables for two. There are five dining options on board.
3. Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours
Going strong for 38 years, Scenic Luxury Cruises are known for their all-inclusive offerings that leave nothing to chance. From butler service for every suite to complimentary beverages and included gratuities, it’s a five-star luxury experience.
Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours operates a contemporary fleet of river vessels and luxury ocean ships such as the Eclipse and Crystal.
Their state-of-the-art river cruise ships provide guests with technology-enhanced rooms and expansive viewing decks for breathtaking vistas.
Scenic’s ultra-luxury river cruises focus on the waterways of Europe and South-East Asia.
4. Amadeus River Cruises
This family-owned Austrian company has over 40 years of experience in river cruising. Also known as Lüftner Cruises, they sail along the Danube, Rhine, Main, Moselle, Elbe, and Seine rivers in Europe.
Amadeus offer gourmet dining in multiple venues and free flowing wines from the finest wine regions. There’s a gym open 24/7 and complimentary use of onboard bicycles.
Their river ships feature spacious, comfortable staterooms and suites, many with floor-to-ceiling windows and private balconies.
5. Heritage Line
Heritage Line is an award-winning luxury river cruise company that operates vessels along some of Asia’s most scenic and culturally-rich waterways. Their fleet of boutique river cruise ships provides an intimate and high-end experience for travelers.
Some of Heritage Line’s most popular destinations include:
- The Mekong River, spanning Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos
- The Irrawaddy River in Myanmar (Burma)
- Halong Bay in Vietnam
Heritage Line’s ships are designed with elegant, locally-inspired decor that captures the cultural essence of each region. Cabins are spacious and outfitted with private balconies, allowing guests to take in the stunning riverside landscapes.
Onboard, Heritage Line offers exceptional cuisine featuring fresh, regional ingredients. There are also spa facilities, a jacuzzi pool, and other upscale amenities for guests to enjoy. Experienced guides lead shore excursions that provide immersive cultural experiences.
6. AmaWaterways
AmaWaterways is celebrated for its award-winning dining, wellness activities, and innovative ship designs, such as twin-balcony staterooms. This family-owned company has more than two decades of experience of river cruising.
AmaWaterways provides a high-end, all-inclusive river cruise experience. Fares typically cover accommodations, dining, beverages, sightseeing activities, and other amenities. Guests on board AmaMagna have access to a full-sized pickleball court.
They offer complimentary bikes, The Chef’s Table and high-speed WiFi. This makes them an attractive option for travelers seeking a hassle-free, upscale river journey.
7. Les Bateaux Belmond
Les Bateaux Belmond is the river cruise division of the prestigious Belmond luxury travel brand. Their fleet of 7 floating villas operates in French regions like Burgundy, the Camargue, Champagne and Provence.
Belmond’s highly curated and exclusive itineraries focus on exclusive experiences, culinary delights, and scenic landscapes. Some of their barges have heated pools, and one has a grand piano.
You can also charter one of their luxury barges and enjoy a custom-made itinerary.
8. Uniworld Boutique River Cruises
Uniworld is recognized as one of the most luxurious and distinctive river cruise lines. They appeal to discerning travelers seeking an elevated, boutique-style experience on the rivers of the world.
They offer river cruises in Europe, Africa, Asia, and South America. Uniworld’s luxurious fleet boasts original artworks and antiques together with the latest technological innovations.
Their spacious suites feature marble bathrooms, Asprey toiletries, Savoir Beds of England and a fully stocked bar. Your butler will deliver fresh cookies and fruit daily.
Uniworld are known for their all-inclusive luxury travel experience. Guests enjoy unlimited premium wines and spirits, farm to table cuisine, wellness classes, WiFi, all gratuities onboard, shore excursions and airport transfers.
9. Adventures by Disney
Adventures by Disney is the family-focused river cruise brand operated in partnership with AmaWaterways.
Launched in 2016, Adventures by Disney river cruises sail along major European waterways like the Danube, Rhine and Seine rivers.
These cruises are designed to provide an engaging, hands-on travel experience for families, with activities, excursions, and programming specifically tailored for both adults and children.
Onboard, guests enjoy the services of two Disney-trained Adventure Guides who lead the family-oriented activities, excursions, and entertainment. There are onboard Disney sweet treats and fun activities such as Disney-themed karaoke and trivia.
10. Tauck River Cruises
Tauck River Cruises earns its reputation through meticulously planned tours that cater to travelers looking for depth in their journey.
This American cruise operator stands out for its spacious ships that offer the highest space per guest on European waterways.
Guests enjoy a blend of casual elegance and all-inclusive amenities, which cover a wide range of shore excursions and drinks with meals.
Exploring destinations along iconic rivers such as the Danube, Rhine, Rhône, Douro, and Seine allows travelers to immerse themselves in rich history and culture. Tauck have an interesting collection of themed river cruises, such as Christmas Market River Cruises and Musical Magic Along the Blue Danube.
11. Aqua Expeditions
Aqua Expeditions was founded in 2007 and operates small expedition-style river cruise ships that sail on the Amazon River in Peru, as well as the Mekong River in Southeast Asia.
The cruise line is known for its sustainability efforts, supporting local communities and utilizing eco-friendly practices.
Aqua Expeditions’ Amazon river cruises explore the remote Peruvian Amazon, with itineraries that allow deep immersion in the rainforest environment and local indigenous cultures.
On the Mekong River, Aqua Expeditions offers cruises that visit destinations in Vietnam and Cambodia, showcasing the river’s natural landscapes, historical sites, and vibrant local communities.
12. Croisi-Europe
CroisiEurope is a French river cruise line that operates cruises in Europe, Africa and Asia. It operates a fleet of 50 river cruise ships that sail on rivers like the Rhine, Danube, Seine, Rhône, and Douro in Europe, the Mekong river in Asia and Lake Kariba in Africa.
The company’s ships carry between 16-200 passengers. CroisiEurope owns its own shipyard and vessels, allowing them to customize ships for the shallow rivers of Europe. Each cabin has an exterior view.
Known for their French cuisine and hospitality onboard, CroisiEurope excels at multi-generational all-inclusive cruising. Their themed cruises such as hiking and music are particularly popular.
13. American Cruise Lines
American Cruise Lines is a U.S.-based cruise company that specializes in small ship and riverboat cruises, primarily along the rivers and waterways of the United States.
The company operates a fleet of modern riverboats and small cruise ships that sail on rivers such as the Mississippi, Ohio, Columbia, Snake, and the Intracoastal Waterway.
Compared to large ocean cruise ships, American Cruise Lines’ vessels carry a relatively small number of passengers, typically between 100-190 guests.
Itineraries range from 5 to 15 nights and cover a variety of themes, including music and culture, Civil War history, nature and wildlife, and more.
14. Emerald River Cruises
Emerald Waterways is a river cruise line operated by Scenic Group and launched in 2014. They offer river cruises on major European waterways including the Danube, Rhine, Main, Moselle, and Douro rivers.
Emerald’s fleet consists of over 15 custom-built “Star-Ships” that feature contemporary, innovative design with features like indoor balconies and pool areas.
The ships accommodate around 180-220 passengers, providing a mid-size, more intimate river cruise experience compared to some larger lines.
15. Avalon Waterways
Established in 2004, Avalon Waterways is a river cruise company that operates river cruise ships along various waterways in Europe, Asia, and South America.
Avalon is known for its focus on providing innovative ship design, all-inclusive pricing, and flexible cruise packages that appeal to both experienced and first-time river cruisers.
Their fleet consists of over 30 modern river cruise ships, including Suite Ships which feature spacious suites with wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling windows.
Avalon’s cruise itineraries range from 8 to 24 days and include shore excursions, onboard entertainment and fine dining.
16. TUI River Cruises
TUI River Cruises is a relatively new river cruise brand that launched in 2019. It’s a subsidiary of the TUI Group, one of the world’s largest travel companies.
The cruise line operates a fleet of modern, custom-built river cruise ships that sail on popular European waterways like the Danube, Rhine, Main, and Moselle rivers.
TUI’s ships accommodate around 155-190 passengers, providing a more intimate cruising experience compared to some larger river cruise lines.
Shore excursions range from walking tours and bike rides to more active adventures like hiking and kayaking, allowing guests to explore the destinations in depth.
17. A-ROSA Cruises
A-ROSA is a German river cruise line that operates primarily on the rivers of Europe like the Danube, Rhine, Seine, Douro, and Rhône.
They have a relatively modern fleet of around 15 ships with ship capacities ranging from around 100-300 passengers.
Their cabins tend to be larger than average for a river ship, with most having French balconies or step-out balconies.
A-ROSA attracts an international audience but caters especially well to English and German speakers.
18. Saga River Cruises
Saga River Cruises is a British river cruise line that is part of the Saga Group, a company known for providing travel and insurance products for older adults. The cruise line caters specifically to the 50+ demographic, with an average passenger age of 65-75 years old.
Saga’s river cruise ships accommodate around 190-250 passengers, providing a mid-sized, intimate cruising experience. The ships feature modern, contemporary design with amenities like balcony suites, wellness facilities, and spacious public areas.
This river cruise line is known for its all-inclusive pricing, which covers gratuities, select drinks, and door-to-door chauffeur service to the departure point.
19. Antara Cruises
Specializing in all-suite river journeys in India, Antara Cruises guarantee a memorable trip. As well as river ships, they have catamarans – exclusive 2-suite vessels built specifically for the river in Bhitarkanika National Park.
What’s more, Antara offer a complete buyout of their ships for charters ranging from 2-7 nights, for a maximum of 56 guests.
Antara River Cruises boast a number of key inclusions such as farm to table cuisine, a complimentary signature event during each trip, butler service and free WiFi.
Final Thoughts on the Best Luxury River Cruise Lines
Luxury river cruising has evolved from sparse accommodations in the early 1990s to beautifully decorated ships inspired by the destinations they cruise through.
River cruising provides amazing experiences in iconic major cities, unique local culture, and panoramic views of natural beauty. Many luxury river cruise lines boast award-winning dining options featuring local and international cuisines.
River cruise ships are often referred to as boutique hotels on water, offering “hotel style” amenities and all-inclusive experiences.
There are several all-inclusive river cruise lines offering inclusions such as airport transfers, tour experiences, meals, beverages, in-suite bar, shore excursions, gratuities, bike rentals, and butler service.
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