"Not all those who wander are lost"
- JRR Tolkien
River Cruising
River cruising is one of the most beautiful ways to explore a country. While ocean cruising sails you to countries, river cruising sails you through countries. There are many different river cruise lines, each with its own strengths and features.
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Listed here are the main river cruise lines that sail European rivers. While this is an extensive list, it is not exhaustive, and many other rivers worldwide feature cruising. Let Evening Star Travel guide you through the different options, and make sure you are traveling in a way that suits your needs, wants, and budget.
Amadeus River Cruises
Amadeus is an elegant cruise line that gives you a la carte options for your in port adventures. Hospitality is a tradition and a passion. Amadeus does have several special event cruises, such as the "Rhine in Flame" cruise, Golf Package cruises, Mozart cruises, and Winter cruises. Because of the a la carte nature of some of the offerings on board, Amadeus is often more affordable than other cruise lines.
Founded
Over 30 years ago
Bikes
Yes
Drinks
Wine and Beer included with Lunch and Supper
Excursions
Available at an additional cost.
Pool
Some of their ships have pools.
AMAWaterways
AMAWaterways is the quintessential river cruise line. Ama means love, and they love what they do. They are family owned and operated, and treat you like family onboard. AMAWaterways is almost completely inclusive in their pricing so you don't have to worry about additional charges while onboard. They do have several specialty cruises such as Wine cruises, Christmas cruises, and there are some cruises where you can add on Golf packages. For more details specific to AMAWaterways click here: AMAWaterways
Founded In
2002
Bikes
Yes
Drinks
Wine and Beer included with Lunch and Supper and Sip and Sail Happy Hour.
Excursions
2-3 included excursions per port.
Pool
Yes, on almost all ships. Those that don't have a whirlpool.
Avalon Waterways
Avalon gives you high class service in a casual atmosphere. With their trademark Panorama balcony suites (where the bed faces the panoramic window), they arguably have one of the best designed stateroom on the rivers. Avalon is part of the Globus family of brands so guests are able to easily customize pre- and post- cruise adventures. Avalon also has many different specialty cruises such as Active Discovery cruises, Photography cruises, Wine cruises, Culinary cruises, Beer cruises, History cruises, Jewish Culture cruises, Gardening and Nature cruises, and Christmas cruises.
Founded In
2004 but Globus was founded in 1928
Bikes
Yes
Drinks
Wine and Beer included with Lunch and Supper.
Excursions
One included in every port, with optional excursions available at an additional cost.
Pool
No, but some of their ships have whirlpools.
CroisiEurope Cruises
CroisiEurope is a uniquely French owned river cruise company. They offer a wide variety of small ship sailing, with river boats, barges, and sea cruises. These cruises offer an exceptional value on the water, with almost everything you need included in your price. The food onboard is typically French cuisine, European inspired.
Founded In
1976
Bikes
Available on select routes.
Drinks
Unlimited on most sailings (premium brands for an upcharge).
Excursions
At least two options included per port.
Pool
No
Emerald Waterways
Emerald Waterways is an Australian owned company, and is a sister company to Scenic. Emerald Waterways often prices out as the best value on the rivers, giving lots of inclusions you typically only see on other more expensive lines. One of the most unique features of their ships is the adjustable floor pool, which converts to a theater most evenings.
Founded In
2013, though parent company Scenic was founded in 1987
Bikes
Yes
Drinks
Wine and Beer included with Lunch and Supper.
Excursions
One to two excursions per port, with some at an additional cost.
Pool
Yes in most ships.
European Waterways
European Waterways offers luxury barge cruising through some of the most beautiful canals and rivers of Europe. This style of travel would be ideal for chartering the entire barge for your cohort, where they are able to customize your trip to your wants. Most barges have a max guest capacity between 8-12. European Waterways has some of the most unique theme cruises of all of the different lines including but not limited to Whisky cruises, World War One cruises, Walking cruises, Biking cruises, and Antique cruises.
Founded In
1974
Bikes
Yes
Drinks
Open bar including wine, beer, Champagne and spirits
Excursions
At least one excursion per port, often customizable.
Pool
No, but some barges have whirlpools.
Riviera River Cruises
Riviera River Cruises is a relative newcomer to the North American market. This British owned river cruise is generally more affordable as they provide a la carte options, giving you the flexibility to pick and chose your inclusions. They have great deals for solo travelers, and also have Christmas and New Years themed cruises. One unique offering they also have is yacht cruises in Croatia.
Founded In
1984
Bikes
Yes
Drinks
Coffee, tea, and water included. Wine and beer drink package available.
Excursions
One included in every port.
Pool
Small splash pool available on most ships.
Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours
Scenic River Cruises is an Australian owned company that provides a luxurious vacation at a reasonable price. With butler service, multiple dining options, and various excursion options, every aspect of your experience is heightened. Scenic has partnered up with National Geographic to provide hosted river cruises with exclusive excursions, photographers, and experts.
Founded In
2008 but Scenic tours was founded in 1987.
Bikes
Yes
Drinks
Unlimited drinks from a full drink menu all day.
Excursions
Two to three included options at every port.
Pool
Yes, on most ships.
Tauck River Cruises
Tauck is a historic name in the travel industry, and with so much experience and connections, they are able to provide an experience like no other. Tauck has wonderful land offerings as well so it's easy to combine tours for a full enriched experience. One of the best river cruises for multi-generational cruises, they provide a great variety to younger guests. Tauck also has some wonderful themed cruises, such as holiday cruises, Oktoberfest, and musical appreciation cruises.
Founded In
1992 but Tauck itself was founded in 1925
Bikes
Yes
Drinks
Unlimited drinks from a full drink menu all day. Some premium drinks at an additional cost.
Excursions
Two to four included options for every port.
Pool
Yes, on some ships.
Uniworld River Cruises
Uniworld river cruises are in a class all their own. Luxurious and unique stateroom appointments are one of the most unique features of this floating boutique experiences. Uniworld also offers U by Uniworld active cruising, multi-generational cruising, rail extensions, holiday season cruising, culinary cruises, Jewish heritage cruises, and much more.
Founded In
1976
Bikes
Yes
Drinks
Unlimited premium wine, beer and spirits. Some premium drinks at an additional charge.
Excursions
One to three included excursions per port.
Pool
Yes, on some ships.
Viking River Cruises
Viking river cruises is certainly the most well known and successful river cruise lines in Europe. It introduced river cruising to the world in an amazing way. Viking believes that ports of call are to be explored and immersed in, while giving you a beautiful escape when the day is done. Viking also has many specialty cruises such as holiday and tulip time cruises. For more details specific to Viking click here: Viking River Cruises
Founded In
1997
Bikes
No - but they have chartered bikes in most ports to use.
Drinks
Wine and beer at lunch and dinner.
Excursions
One included excursion at every port, with others at an additional cost.
Pool
No.